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Booking.com’s 11th Annual Travel Predictions reveals a growing shift in Kiwi’s expectations as they plan their 2027 trips – from seeking more locally rooted experiences and restorative offerings, to the need for more financially inclusive ways to travel with others. The findings point to clear opportunities for the industry to make relevant choices easier to discover, understand and book.
Under half of Kiwis (43%) say they have reconsidered who to invite on a trip because of differences in budget or spending expectations, while 45% have experienced tension or disagreement during a trip for the same reason. In fact, almost half (47%) have chosen to travel with someone specifically because they were good at finding deals, affordable places to eat or value-for-money experiences.
This friction creates a broader opportunity around financial flexibility and inclusivity. For accommodation providers, clear per-person pricing, clearly visible inclusions, flexible room and activity choices can make it easier to plan and commit to a booking. Solutions that give travellers greater flexibility and financial freedom, such as splitting costs, managing budgets or choosing when to pay, are tipped to become a meaningful differentiator in helping more people travel together.
Personal wellbeing goals are shaping travel decisions: Just over half (51%) of Kiwi travellers say a health, body or lifestyle change has influenced their travel choices, including 22% who say improving physical health or wellbeing influenced their destination or activity choices. Dietary preferences are also influencing where people stay, with 44% saying they would consider them when choosing accommodation or a destination.
Here lies the potential for industry operators to offer more flexible, personalised choices. The majority of Kiwi travellers (69%) say at least one healthier or more nutritionally balanced hotel food option would be important, while 31% value high-protein meals and 24% the ability to personalise meals to their dietary needs. With 52% saying a hotel with mindful eating options is appealing, accommodations can support dietary freedom with clear dietary information, flexible meal options and convenient on-site choices.
With so much to do and so little time, 80% of respondents say they have returned from a vacation feeling more tired than when they left. Over-packed itineraries, arduous travel, and the burden of decision-making can all work against the desire for a restorative break. Enter an era of recoverymaxxing.
For the industry, seamless guest experiences will be more important than ever. With the help of AI-powered tools that remove friction from the search and trip management phase, travellers can free up headspace typically spent planning and navigating any changes or unforeseen challenges, allowing for more time to recharge. Post check-in, a further opportunity lies in enabling recovery by highlighting peaceful amenities, convenient transit options, local restorative offerings and services that reduce decision-making during the trip.
Travellers are increasingly seeking opportunities to connect with local culture and traditions. Just under three quarters of Kiwis (71%) say they would be interested in food and culinary experiences such as learning regional cooking techniques, while 65% are interested in traditional crafts and skills, including pottery, textile-making and wood carving.
For the industry, the opportunity is to make existing experiences easier to discover and book – from local guides and independent businesses to workshops and culinary experiences – contributing to community development and cultural preservation. These experiences can help elevate guest experiences beyond a standardised itinerary, while creating more meaningful connections between travellers and the places they visit.
For more information about Booking.com’s 2027 Travel Predictions, please visit the link here.
