There’s a particular kind of magic in discovering a place before the rest of the world does—that sweet spot where a destination still feels like your own secret, even as the first whispers of its name start to spread. Expedia’s 2027 Destination of the Year list, unveiled in the company’s latest “Unpack ’27” trends report, taps directly into that feeling. The crown this year went to South Lake Tahoe in California, a place that has seen an extraordinary 195% surge in travel searches compared to 2025. That number isn’t just a statistic; it’s a signal. It tells us that travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer more than a single postcard-perfect moment. They want places that can satisfy a craving for both adventure and peace, places that change with the seasons and invite you to return again and again. South Lake Tahoe fits that brief beautifully. As North America’s largest alpine lake, it offers snow-dusted ski slopes in the winter and sparkling water for kayaking and paddleboarding once summer arrives. But beyond the activities, there’s something timeless about the Sierra Nevada landscape, the crisp mountain air, and the sense of scale that comes from standing at the edge of such a vast, glassy body of water. Expedia’s list spans ten destinations across North America, South America, Asia, and Australasia—with only two European entries, a telling shift in where travelers are setting their sights. It’s not just a collection of pretty places; it’s a reflection of how we want to travel now: more thoughtfully, more boldly, and with a hunger for experiences that stay with us long after we unpack.
To understand why South Lake Tahoe captured the top spot, you have to imagine it in your mind’s eye. In winter, the mountains around the lake transform into a playground of powdery snow, with skiers carving through the trees and families gathering around firesides in cozy lodges. The air smells of pine and woodsmoke, and the lake itself sits like a frozen mirror under a pale winter sun. As the snow melts and spring creeps in, the landscape softens. By summer, the shores come alive with colorful kayaks and paddleboards, their paddles dipping rhythmically into water so clear you can see the rocks beneath. There’s a relaxed, almost joyful energy to the place—people biking along scenic paths, picnicking on granite boulders, and watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of amber and rose. It’s this versatility that makes Tahoe so appealing. Unlike destinations that have one main season, Tahoe offers a constant invitation to step outside and engage with the natural world. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie chasing fresh powder or someone who simply wants to float on calm water with a good book in hand, the lake welcomes you on your own terms. There’s also a sense of community here, a genuine warmth among the locals who have long loved this place and are proud to share it—carefully, sustainably, and with a desire to preserve the very beauty that draws people in. It’s no wonder Expedia chose it as the ultimate year-round escape. In a world where travel often feels hurried and crowded, Tahoe offers a rare combination of grandeur and intimacy, a place where you can lose yourself in nature without ever feeling lost. And with that 195% jump in searches, it’s clear that travelers around the world have started to take notice—eager to make their own memories on those shores before the secret gets out completely.
Taking second place is Hyogo, Japan, with searches up 95%. To call Hyogo underrated would be an understatement. This prefecture, nestled in the Kansai region, is one of Japan’s most unsung treasures, offering a remarkable mix of coastline, mountains, and historic castles—all within one compact, easily accessible stretch of land. It’s a place where you can spend the morning exploring a fortress that has stood for centuries and the afternoon hiking through lush, forested hills, with the sea never far from view. Expedia also singled out Hyogo for its Smart Travel Health Check, a designation introduced last year that identifies destinations managing tourism responsibly while offering rich, meaningful experiences. That’s a powerful endorsement, especially in an era when overtourism has become a growing concern. It means Hyogo is not only beautiful but also thoughtful—a destination that welcomes visitors without sacrificing the authenticity of local life. Third place went to Punta del Este in Uruguay, a glamorous coastal city that saw a 65% surge in searches. Known for its golden beaches, sleek architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Punta del Este has long been a playground for the South American jet set, but it’s now drawing international attention as a place where sophistication meets laid-back seaside charm. The fourth spot belongs to Sedona, Arizona, a destination that has become almost synonymous with spiritual renewal. With its striking red rock formations, Sedona is a haven for yoga retreats, hiking trails that feel almost meditative, and world-class spas that blur the line between relaxation and transcendence. There’s a peculiar energy to Sedona—many say the landscape itself has a healing quality—and it’s easy to see why travelers are flocking there in search of balance and clarity. Rounding out the top five is Busan, South Korea’s bustling port city on the southeast coast. Busan is best known for its beautiful beaches, its international film festival, and, in popular culture, the zombie apocalypse of the hit movie “Train to Busan.” But beyond the thrill of cinema, it offers a rich tapestry of seafood markets, cliffside temples, and a unique coastal energy that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
The rest of the list is just as intriguing, offering a mix of hidden gems and familiar names viewed through a new lens. Sixth place went to Holbox, Mexico, an island destination off the Yucatán Peninsula that has long been treasured by those seeking a more bohemian, off-the-grid experience. With its car-free sandy streets, colorful wooden houses, and waters that light up with bioluminescent plankton at night, Holbox feels like a dream that happens to be real. Seventh place went to Perugia, Italy, the beautiful capital of the Umbria region, where searches have risen 35% compared to last year. Perugia is a city that captivates visitors year-round with its 14th-century hilltop center, a maze of stone alleys, Etruscan remnants, and sweeping views over the Umbrian countryside. But what truly sets it apart are the festivals—the annual jazz festival that brings musicians and music lovers from around the globe, and the famous chocolate festival that fills the air with the rich, comforting scent of cocoa. Perugia is Italy at its most authentic, a place where history and passion blend seamlessly. The eighth spot was claimed by The Tweed in New South Wales, Australia, a lush, subtropical region known for its rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, and easygoing creative spirit. It’s a place where you can surf in the morning, wander through a rainforest in the afternoon, and end the day at a farm-to-table restaurant savoring local produce. Ninth place went to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada, a charming town at the mouth of the Niagara River that feels like something out of a storybook. With its Victorian-era architecture, meticulously maintained gardens, world-renowned wineries, and the celebrated Shaw Festival, it offers a serene escape that’s both elegant and welcoming. And finally, the only other European destination to make the cut was Chichester in the UK, with searches up 30%. Located on the West Sussex coast, Chichester is a city steeped in history, famous for its Roman ruins and a city walls trail that loops around the historic center. From there, you can wander through the rolling landscapes of South Downs National Park, feel the sand between your toes at West Wittering Beach, or take a short trip to the breathtaking Arundel Castle. It’s quintessential English charm, but with a depth and variety that surprises visitors.
Behind all these choices lies a deeper story about the way we travel in this moment. The destinations on this year’s list are not the usual headliners. Apart from a few well-known names, they’re mostly places waiting to be discovered—places that offer authentic experiences without overwhelming crowds. The significant search increases, ranging from 30% to nearly 200%, highlight a collective shift toward meaningful travel. People are no longer satisfied with simply checking off landmarks; they want to feel a place’s rhythm, taste its food, understand its history, and connect with its people. They’re also planning further ahead, looking toward 2027 with intention and curiosity, perhaps booking trips that align with their values. The inclusion of only two European destinations is particularly telling. For years, Europe has dominated travel wish lists, and while it remains beloved, travelers are increasingly venturing to Asia, the Americas, and Australasia in search of fresh perspectives and untold stories. This is also a generation of travelers who care about sustainability and responsible tourism. Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check, which flagged Hyogo as a standout, signals that destinations managing tourism well—protecting natural beauty, supporting local communities, and avoiding overdevelopment—are becoming more attractive to conscientious travelers. We all know the feeling of arriving somewhere only to find it overcrowded, commercialized, or worse, damaged by the very tourism it relies on. The new list suggests that the travelers of tomorrow are more aware, more thoughtful, and more willing to venture off the beaten path. They’re seeking places where tourism benefits everyone, where the local culture remains vibrant, and where the landscape is preserved for future generations. In that sense, this list isn’t just a collection of beautiful places; it’s a roadmap for a more mindful way of exploring the world.
Ultimately, Expedia’s 2027 Destination of the Year list is an invitation—not just to book a trip, but to dream a little. It asks us to look beyond the obvious, to consider places that might not have been on our radar, and to trust that the best travel experiences often come from the unexpected. South Lake Tahoe’s victory reminds us that we don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to find wonder; sometimes, the most extraordinary landscapes are right in our own backyard, waiting to be appreciated. At the same time, the far-flung destinations on the list encourage us to expand our horizons, to follow our curiosity to places like Hyogo’s misty mountains, Busan’s windswept beaches, or Holbox’s glowing waters. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of Perugia, the natural beauty of The Tweed, or the quiet elegance of Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. And perhaps that’s the real takeaway: the world is vast, varied, and full of places that can change us if we let them. Travel, at its best, is about more than just seeing new sights. It’s about slowing down, noticing the small details, and opening ourselves to joy and connection. It’s about the warmth of a stranger, the taste of a local dish, the quiet moment when a landscape takes our breath away. As 2027 approaches, these ten destinations offer us a glimpse of what travel can be—a chance to rediscover our sense of wonder, to explore responsibly, and to make memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. So whether you’re already planning ahead or simply dreaming of your next escape, let this list inspire you. The world is calling, and it’s more beautiful, more diverse, and more inviting than ever. All we have to do is go.
