81% of Spanish travelers plan to take in 2027 vacations that are completely out of the ordinary, while 85% will choose their destination based on how they want to feel and 64% are drawn to paranormal experiences, according to the eleventh edition of Booking.com’s Travel Predictions.
The report is based on a survey of more than 28,000 travelers from 32 countries and territories, along with analysis by the company’s specialists in tourism and technology, and identifies nine major trends that will influence travel in 2027, with greater weight given to tailor-made experiences and those away from traditional trips.
Among these trends, the desire to live unexpected experiences stands out: 81% want to do something out of the ordinary. In addition, 28% of Spaniards seek to surprise friends and family with the trips they organize. At the same time, 25% admit they have avoided sharing their vacations on social media at some point because they considered them too typical or not very original.
The budget determines who you travel with
According to Booking.com, 48% of Spaniards have reconsidered who to invite on a trip due to differences in purchasing power, and 49% have experienced financial tensions during their vacations. In turn, 37% acknowledge having excluded someone from a trip precisely for money reasons.
The choice of destination will be increasingly linked to emotions: 85% of those surveyed say they would decide where to travel mainly based on how they want to feel, and 76% would use a tool that recommends destinations according to their mood.
The classic concept of all-inclusive vacations will also be transformed. 61% of Spaniards would prefer to book flexible packages that would allow them to eliminate services they do not plan to use, such as unlimited drinks or a free buffet. Likewise, 54% would take their diet into account when choosing accommodation or a vacation location.
Artificial intelligence takes the stage
61% of Spanish travelers would look favorably on the idea that artificial intelligence would take on part of their work during vacations, and 37% would feel comfortable delegating to this technology the management of emails and administrative tasks.
In addition, 38% would use artificial intelligence to catch up when they get back from the trip and thus be able to enjoy an extra day of rest.
In the field of air travel, 91% of those surveyed would be willing to take a long-distance trip if they were guaranteed to arrive rested and with a sense of renewal. Among the solutions that arouse the most interest are menus and recommendations about caffeine consumption to promote sleep (30%), lighting designed to minimize jet lag (20%), and skin care kits (13%). In addition, 24% would choose a specific area of the plane without children and quiet.
Sport, bonds and paranormal experiences
61% of Spaniards who have traveled alone say that they have forged a lasting connection or friendship by sharing physical activity or a sporting challenge with other people. Looking toward 2027, 46% are interested in joining communities of athletes or travelers with similar interests during their vacations.
At the same time, proposals linked to the paranormal gain weight among the preferences detected in the study. 64% of Spanish travelers show interest in this type of activity and 45% would look for an experience in the hope of communicating with someone from beyond. In addition, 48% feel curiosity about initiatives related to death, spirituality, or the beyond.
44% of Spaniards would consider organizing a trip to resolve conflicts or arguments with their partner, and 81% say that some activity during their vacation helps them address sincere or complicated conversations. Walking or going hiking together is among the most indicated options, with 35%.
The person in charge of Booking.com for Spain and Portugal, Pilar Crespo, has emphasized that travelers are questioning traditional rules about how, why, and with whom to travel. As she has indicated, the company is betting on combining artificial intelligence and personalization to adjust each phase of the trip to the intentions and emotions of each person.