South Lake Tahoe: Expedia’s Top Travel Destination for 2027
Paris and Tokyo step aside! South Lake Tahoe, California now wears the crown as Expedia’s 2027 Destination of the Year. This revelation comes from the recently released Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel™ report, a collaborative effort by Expedia Group, Hotels.com, and VRBO.
The Sierra Nevada alpine resort town witnessed an impressive 195% surge in flight and accommodation searches, compared to the same period in 2025. This is the highest growth of any destination on the global list. With its year-round appeal, from world-class ski resorts in winter to kayaking and paddleboarding in summer, South Lake Tahoe is a compelling attraction for a diverse range of travelers.
Completing the top three are Hyogo, Japan (up 95%), renowned for its coastlines, mountain scenery, and castles, and Punta del Este, Uruguay (up 65%), a chic coastal retreat with golden beaches. The list of fast-rising destinations also includes:
- Sedona, Arizona (+55%)
- Busan, South Korea (+50%)
- Holbox, Mexico (+45%)
- Perugia, Italy (+35%)
The full list of 10 destinations spans six continents, with only two European entries making the cut.
The report, based on real search data tracked between September 2025 and July 2026, also sheds light on emerging travel behaviors. These include short “trip snacking” getaways, film-inspired “set-jetting,” and a growing demand for nostalgia-driven travel experiences.
Source: Business Wire – Expedia Unpack ’27 Report