Is a relaxing beach holiday the ideal getaway for you? Or is a packed itinerary filled with outdoor activities and sightseeing more your style?
Whatever you travel preferences may be, it seems that more people are looking to switch things up — with 80 per cent of Singapore travellers expressing interest in choosing a vacation specifically to do something out of character, according to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2027 survey released on Wednesday (Oct 28).
But why?
For some, the appeal apparently lies in the reaction of others, with 39 per cent of respondents stating that they actively wanted to surprise their friends and family with their travel choices.
Meanwhile, 27 per cent admitted to having deleted or avoided posting about a vacation because it felt “too predictable or ordinary”.
Apart from the interest in out-of-character holiday experiences, the survey also shed light on other travel preferences, from how Singapore travellers choose their destinations to who they prefer to travel with.
Vibes over destinations
For some, deciding on where to go next is dependent mostly on how they feel.
According to the survey, 88 per cent of Singapore travellers would choose a travel destination primarily based on how they want to feel, instead of where they want to go.
86 per cent would also use search tools that would recommend destinations based on their mood or emotional state.
Younger travellers also appear more willing to share personal information for a customised travel experience — with 84 per cent of Gen Zs willing to share information such as wearable data, phone metrics and their emotional state with travel providers for a more catered trip.
On the other hand, only 52 per cent of baby boomers would be willing to do the same.
Money matters
Your travel budget apparently decides more than just your travel destination — as more than six in 10 (63 per cent) Singapore travellers said they have reconsidered who to invite on a trip because of differences in spending.
58 per cent have also experienced tension or disagreements during a trip because there were different expectations around money in a group.
Meanwhile, 45 per cent admitted having removed people from a travel group entirely as a solution to financial differences.
Kids aren’t safe from being cut either — with more than half (69 per cent) of parents keen on travelling child-free so they can prioritise themselves on spending.
Rise of mysterious travel
The survey also found that a number of travellers are seeking an alternative type of travel — beyond the usual fun in the sun and relaxation by the sea.
More than half (57 per cent) of Singapore travellers have expressed interest in paranormal experiences.
An equal proportion are also curious to partake in activities surrounding the afterlife, death and spirituality, while 55 per cent said they would seek an experience in hopes of speaking to someone on the “other side”.
“Away from everyday life, travel creates a rare openness — a chance to reflect, remember, and for some, feel closer to those they have lost,” said Booking.com.
More personalised packages
All-inclusive trips are falling out of favour too.
They no longer want to pay for what isn’t useful to them — with 71 per cent finding it appealing when a package lets them remove services they do not expect to use, such as a buffet they’re not going to or an open bar they’re skipping.
Additionally, 65 per cent of travellers said at least one health, body or lifestyle change has influenced their choice of travel destination or activities in recent years.
Furthermore, 62 per cent would let their diet influence the accommodation or destination.
This shows that the destination now needs to fit the lifestyle of travellers, said Booking.com.
Letting AI do the job
For some travellers, switching off from work entirely while on holiday is easier said than done.
Findings showed that 69 per cent of travellers found the last day of vacation less enjoyable as they’re already thinking about returning to work, with 38 per cent even admitting to bringing their laptop on holiday to keep up with their inboxes.
However, AI could potentially offer a solution — as nearly half (41 per cent) said they would be comfortable with allowing AI to manage their emails and administrative work while they’re away.
71 per cent are also interested in having AI cover their work while on holiday, while 48 per cent would ask AI to catch them up on work.
Wellness in the skies
For many, the holiday also begins even before arriving at the destination — as findings showed 89 per cent of travellers are keen on taking a long-haul journey if they are able to arrive rested and refreshed.
Among the features travellers would like to see on flights are food and drink menus or caffeine timing guidance to support sleep (35 per cent), lighting designed to reduce jet lag (20 per cent) and skincare kits (22 per cent).
24 per cent of travellers would also go as far as to select a designated child-free quiet zone area on board.
Making friends through fitness
Solo travel may also provide opportunities for travellers to forge new friendships.
According to the survey, 73 per cent of Singapore travellers who have travelled alone said participating in a shared physical activity or challenge has led to lasting connection or friendship.
Meanwhile, 65 per cent said they would be interested in joining a community of like-minded athletes or people while travelling.
Another 58 per cent of solo travellers also expressed interest in travelling to attend a fitness or sporting event next year to make new friends.
Working through relationship problems
Some couples may also take going on holiday as an opportunity to approach tough topics — with more than half (52 per cent) saying they would consider a trip to resolve conflicts or arguments.
Meanwhile, 84 per cent said at least one holiday activity helps them have honest or difficult conversations.
Among the activities considered most effective is hiking or walking together at 26 per cent.
Speaking on the findings, Anthony Lu, regional director of Southeast Asia and Greater China at Booking.com, said Singapore travellers are increasingly making more deliberate and personal decisions about their holidays — from how they want to feel to who they travel with, and how technology can play a part in shaping the experience.
“For 2027, travel is becoming less about following a set formula and more about creating something that reflects individual priorities and preferences,” he observed.
The survey findings are based on Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2027 survey, conducted among adults who plan to travel in the next 12 to 24 months, alongside employee insights on how people search for and book travel.
It was carried out between July and August this year with a pool of 28,230 global respondents across 32 countries and territories, including 508 from Singapore.
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carol.ong@asiaone.com
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