Gen Z is changing the way people plan holidays, choose destinations and experience new cultures. From travelling for music and fitness to seeking better currency exchange rates and exploring places rooted in history, younger travellers are moving beyond traditional sightseeing.
Here are seven travel trends expected to influence the way people explore in 2027.
1. Sound Bound: Travelling for Music and Unique Experiences
Music is increasingly influencing travel decisions, with travellers choosing destinations that offer memorable musical experiences alongside sightseeing.
According to the report, 43% of Indian travellers choose carnival experiences, while 38% prefer unusual venues, such as volcanoes, pyramids and caves, for music-related activities during their holidays.
This trend reflects a growing interest in combining travel with live performances, festivals and distinctive settings. Instead of simply visiting popular attractions, travellers want experiences that make their holidays more memorable.
2. Gymcation: Combining Fitness With Holidays
For many travellers, vacations are no longer just about relaxing, enjoying local food and stepping away from everyday responsibilities. Health and fitness are becoming important parts of holiday planning.
The report indicates that 91% of Indian travellers are likely to book a hotel offering breakfast options designed around nutrition and performance, while 53% actively look for fitness facilities.
This trend, known as a gymcation, brings together travel, exercise and healthier lifestyle choices. Hotels with gyms, nutritious meals and opportunities for outdoor activities may appeal particularly to travellers who want to maintain their routines while exploring new destinations.
3. Sten Do Surge: Pre-Wedding Trips Become More Popular
Pre-wedding travel is evolving as couples look for different ways to celebrate with their closest friends and family members.
Stag and hen trips, traditionally organised separately for the bride or groom, are increasingly making room for joint celebrations and shared travel experiences.
According to the report, 73% of Indian travellers prefer either a joint celebration or a combination of shared and separate celebrations.
These trips allow couples and their friends to spend quality time together before the wedding. The growing interest also reflects a preference for experiences that feel more personal and may offer better value than elaborate traditional celebrations.
4. Signal Severance: Taking a Break From Digital Life
Constant notifications, social media and online communication can make it difficult to disconnect from everyday responsibilities. As a result, digital detox holidays are gaining attention among travellers who want to slow down and reconnect with nature.
The report reveals that 43% of Indian travellers need some time to clear their minds and stop checking their phones, while only 23% disconnect immediately at the beginning of a trip.
Meanwhile, 75% want to feel more connected to nature, and 73% want to reconnect with themselves without their phones.
Destinations such as Pokhara, Agatti and Phu Quoc are attracting interest from travellers seeking quieter surroundings and a break from digital distractions. This trend highlights the growing appeal of holidays focused on relaxation, natural beauty and mental refreshment.
5. Pilgra-Merch: Travelling to Buy Something Special
Shopping is becoming a travel motivation in its own right, particularly for younger generations who want to purchase exclusive products that may not be available at home.
The report states that 84% of Gen Z travellers and 82% of Millennials are particularly likely to have travelled to buy an exclusive item. Nearly half of the respondents, or 49%, would consider flying for three to six hours to purchase something they cannot find elsewhere.
This trend, described as Pilgra-Merch, reflects the appeal of destination-specific products, limited-edition merchandise and distinctive shopping experiences.
For some travellers, the purchase becomes more than a shopping activity. It becomes a reason to discover a new city, explore local markets and experience a destination’s culture.
6. Grand Odysseys: Exploring Destinations Through History and Mythology
History, classical literature and mythology are inspiring travellers to look beyond conventional tourist attractions and explore places with deeper cultural significance.
According to the report, 89% of Indian travellers have had their travel plans influenced by a historical event, a classical story or myth, or a combination of these factors.
Historical figures influence the choices of 61% of respondents, while architectural wonders inspire 57% and mythological legends influence 52%.
The Grand Odysseys trend reflects a desire to experience the stories behind historic monuments, ancient cities and architectural landmarks. For these travellers, visiting a destination becomes an opportunity to understand its past and discover the stories that have shaped its identity.
7. Currency Chasers: Choosing Destinations for Better Value
Travel budgets are playing an increasingly important role in destination selection, particularly as travellers compare the cost of accommodation, food, shopping and activities across countries.
The Currency Chasers trend describes travellers who consider exchange rates and currency strength when deciding where to go on holiday.
The report states that 69% of Indian travellers always or often consider a destination’s currency strength when booking a holiday, while 67% have changed their destination because another option offered better value.
Among Gen Z travellers, the figure rises to 77% when including those who have changed or considered changing their destination for currency-related reasons.
This approach allows travellers to assess how far their money might go in different destinations. However, exchange rates are only one factor; airfare, accommodation costs and local expenses also determine whether a holiday offers good value.
What These Travel Trends Mean for 2027
For the travel industry, these changing preferences create opportunities to offer more personalised experiences and destinations that cater to specific interests.
For travellers, the message is simple: exploring the world in 2027 may be less about following conventional tourist routes and more about finding experiences that offer personal meaning, memorable moments and better value for money.
