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The holiday destinations set to surge in 2027, from Northern Lights to Red Sea resorts

The holiday destinations set to surge in 2027, from Northern Lights to Red Sea resorts

Forget the usual holiday hotspots - discover a futuristic Asian megacity, a crowd-free Italian coastal gem and a Greek island escape before the crowds arrive.

Every year, a handful of destinations begin to capture travellers’ imaginations, transforming from under-the-radar spots into the next big thing in travel.

Now, Skyscanner has revealed its top trending destinations for 2027, based on the places that have seen the biggest year-on-year increases in flight searches.

From an underrated Italian coastal town and a Finnish Arctic escape to a little-known Central Asian capital, the list offers plenty of inspiration for your next getaway – whether you’re after a bargain city break, a sun-soaked beach escape or an adventure off the beaten track.

‘Travel is entering a new era,’ says Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner. ‘As people become more intentional about how they spend their time and money, they’re making different choices about where they go, how they book and what creates lasting value.

‘They’re prioritising meaningful experiences over material possessions, seeking confidence in every booking decision and, in some cases, using AI during the planning process.’

So, if you’re looking to get ahead of the travel trends, here are the 10 destinations to put on your radar for 2027.

In the winning spot is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan which has seen a 501 per cent increase in flight searches

With a 501 per cent increase in flight searches, the capital of Kyrgyzstan featured on the BBC’s Race Across the World, contributing to its growing fame.

Who is it best for? Travellers seeking mountain landscapes, hiking trails and a less polished tourist experience will be happiest here.

Hurghada offers a long stretch of coastline and plenty to explore – from independent, local restaurants to water sports.

'Swim with colourful Red Sea marine life, then soak up Egypt’s rich culture at sunset,' Skyscanner says, adding: 'Hurghada is made for adventures above and below the water.'

If you're keen to visit, the region is popular thanks to its all-inclusive resorts, and flights start from £93 return in January.

In third place is the Swedish city of Malmö, perfect for those seeking to soak up the effortlessly cool Scandi style and creative vibes the country is well known for.

You can even combine it with a trip to Copenhagen, as the two are linked by a 40-minute train ride, which crosses Øresund Bridge.

Once in Malmö, explore the sleek city, museums, lively shopping streets and quirky stops including liquorice boutiques.

Explains Skyscanner: 'Bobbing fishing boats, shimmering salt flats and authentic Sicilian streets make Trapani the perfect crowd-free Italian city break.'

It’s a peaceful port with a beach, good seafood restaurants and a clutch of boutique hotels.

Visitors to Samos have the option of exploring two UNESCO monuments, the ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient Temple of Hera.

Away from beaches, the island is known for its lush greenery and visitors can hike to the peak of Mount Kerkis for views from 1,400m/4,593ft.

'Chongqing feels a bit like tomorrow built on yesterday,' Skyscanner says – and with neon lights, dramatic skyscrapers and an ancient foundation, it's easy to understand why.

The 'cyberpunk' megacity in China is the world's largest by population – yet it remains relatively unknown to many outside of Asia.

Chongqing is built on elevated, hilly terrain, resulting in a unique vertical layering of buildings, where entrances can be found on different floors of properties, while roadways and pedestrian walkways overlap one another across various heights.

The city's skyline, meanwhile, with its neon lights and futuristic architecture, is often compared to sci-fi concepts.

One highlight is the French Village (Làng Pháp) at Ba Na Hills, a resort area nestled high up in the mountains with an amusement park and cobbled streets to explore.

Cape Verde has seen a significant rise in online search interest this year, thanks in part to the country's team's first-ever performance in the World Cup this summer.

Sal is firmly established as the archipelago's number one destination for international holidaymakers.

For those now tempted to travel to the African nation, flight prices to Cape Verde from London Gatwick are currently available from £250 return with easyJet.

Direct winter flights from London lead to Kittilä in the Arctic Circle – here, Skyscanner says: 'Fresh powder crunches underfoot and the Northern Lights dance above.'

The destination is known for recording the lowest temperature in Finnish history (−51.5 °C (−60.7 °F)) and is home to winter delights such as skiing, reindeer safaris and Northern Lights tours.

'Guatemala City mixes a fascinating history with colourful markets, museums and easy escapes to volcanoes, colonial towns and ancient Mayan sites,' the ranking says.

With a 63 per cent increase in flight searches, the country's capital is set to lure in more tourists next year.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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October 16, 2026NewsRSS