Expedia’s top travel destination for 2027 is this stunning California mountain escape

If you're looking for travel inspo for a getaway next year, Expedia has the scoop: The company's annual Unpack ’27 report offers a look at the destinations gaining traction, plus the travel trends expected to shape the year ahead. Based on real search data, the list highlights 10 global destinations that balance broad appeal with rising curiosity, and one stunning escape in California tops the list.

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Claiming the number-one spot globally is South Lake Tahoe, where traveler searches soared by an astounding 195% year-over-year. Straddling the California-Nevada border, South Lake Tahoe has attracted outdoor adventure enthusiasts for generations. The region is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, majestic snow-peaked mountains and lush alpine forests.

As North America’s largest alpine lake, South Lake Tahoe delivers world-class, year-round recreation. Winter visitors can hit the slopes at iconic resorts like Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe. In the warmer months, kayaking, paddleboarding and pedal boat rides across the lake are highlights. Swimming the turquoise waters of Sand Harbor, trekking the scenic Eagle Falls Trail and scaling Mount Tallac are unparalleled, only-in-Tahoe experiences. To top it all off, South Lake Tahoe’s hotel scene is rooted in cozy luxury, pampering, fine dining and seamless access to both the beach and the ski lifts.

Sedona, AZ also made the list, the only other U.S. destination included. The other destinations range from Holbox, Mexico to Hyogo, Japan and Chichester in the U.K.

Expedia’s report also illuminates key cultural shifts influencing how people plan trips. Travelers are embracing "Un-Adulting" (chasing carefree, childlike fun), seeking out hidden gems beyond coastal hubs (such as Bentonville, Arkansas and Deadwood, South Dakota), and pursuing "Set-Jetting" trips inspired by filming locations. Find the full report here, and start planning your next trip.

The top 10 travel destinations of 2027, according to Expedia:

1. South Lake Tahoe, California
2. Hyogo, Japan
3. Punta del Este, Uruguay
4. Sedona, Arizona
5. Busan, South Korea
6. Holbox, Mexico
7. Perugia, Italy
8. The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
10. Chichester, United Kingdom