If you’re already thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s travel in 2027, you’re not alone.
Americans continue to prioritize travel, and the outlook for the U.S. travel industry remains positive. According to the U.S. Travel Association’s latest forecast, U.S. travel spending is expected to reach $1.42 trillion in 2027, with total travel spending projected to grow 3.4% that year. Domestic travel remains the backbone of the industry, accounting for 87% of all travel spending.
For travelers planning a holiday getaway, that continued demand comes with an important piece of advice: start planning early.
At Unwind Luxury Vacations, most guests book their stays at least 60 days in advance. As we look toward the 2027 holiday season, that lead time is especially important for travelers who want the best selection of luxury vacation rentals in popular domestic destinations.
Here are some of the biggest trends likely to shape holiday travel in 2027—and what they mean for your next getaway.
1. Domestic Travel Continues to Lead the Way
International travel may sound exciting, but domestic travel remains the foundation of the American travel industry.
The U.S. Travel Association projects continued domestic-led growth through 2027, with domestic leisure travel already exceeding pre-pandemic spending levels in real terms.
That creates a strong outlook for destinations across the United States, particularly places that offer easy access, memorable experiences, and accommodations suitable for families and groups.
For holiday travelers, domestic destinations can offer another major advantage: convenience.
A family doesn’t necessarily need to deal with international flights or complicated itineraries to have an unforgettable vacation. A beautiful mountain cabin, a Gulf Coast beach house, or a luxury home in a vibrant Southern city can provide everything needed for a memorable holiday.
That’s one reason destinations such as the Smoky Mountains, 30A, Orange Beach, Nashville, Austin, Houston, Blue Ridge, and Broken Bow remain attractive choices for holiday travel.
2. Travelers Are Looking for More Meaningful Experiences
One of the most interesting themes emerging for 2027 isn’t simply where people travel, but how they want to experience their vacations.
SmartFlyer’s 2027 Travel Trends Report points toward a growing desire for experiences that feel more personal, intentional, and less dictated by algorithms or social media. The report highlights trends including a return to “analogue” experiences, fewer distractions, and a growing appreciation for human expertise and personal taste.
That trend translates particularly well to holiday travel.
Instead of trying to squeeze as many activities as possible into a few days, travelers may increasingly value simply having time together.
That could mean:
- Cooking a holiday meal together
- Sitting around a fire after a day of hiking
- Playing games with the family
- Exploring a walkable downtown
- Spending an afternoon at the beach
- Enjoying a long dinner without rushing
- Putting the phones away for a few hours
In other words, the vacation itself becomes the experience.
And a great vacation home can play an important role in making that happen.
3. Luxury Is Becoming More About Time and Less About Excess
Luxury travel has traditionally been associated with more: bigger accommodations, more amenities, more activities, and more choices.
But SmartFlyer’s 2027 trends report suggests that luxury is evolving. Travelers are increasingly looking for simplicity, presence, personalization, and the ability to escape the constant stimulation of everyday life.
For a vacation rental, that might mean a spacious home where a family can actually relax together rather than simply using the property as a place to sleep.
A private hot tub after a day in the mountains. A large kitchen for preparing breakfast together. A comfortable living room for a movie night. A pool where the kids can spend an afternoon.
These aren’t necessarily flashy experiences.
They’re simply good experiences.
And in 2027, that may be exactly what travelers are looking for.
4. Travelers Will Put a Premium on Convenience
Another important 2027 travel trend is the continued importance of convenience.
SmartFlyer’s report points to the influence of new airline routes, noting that longer nonstop flights have gained share over more complicated itineraries. New air routes can essentially redraw the travel map by making previously difficult destinations easier to reach.
The same principle applies to domestic vacations.
Travelers want to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying their destination.
That makes accessible domestic destinations particularly appealing for holiday trips. Depending on where you live, a road trip or relatively short flight can get you to the mountains, the beach, or a major Southern city without turning your vacation into a logistical marathon.
For families traveling during the holidays, that convenience can make a major difference.
5. Larger Groups Will Continue to See the Value of Vacation Rentals
Holiday travel often means traveling with more people.
Parents. Children. Grandparents. Siblings. Friends.
And that’s where vacation rentals have a significant advantage over traditional hotel accommodations.
Rather than splitting a group across multiple hotel rooms, a vacation home allows everyone to stay under one roof while still having private bedrooms and plenty of common space.
For Thanksgiving and Christmas especially, having a kitchen, dining area, living room, outdoor space, and multiple bedrooms can transform the experience.
The vacation rental becomes more than a place to stay.
It becomes the gathering place.
That makes larger luxury vacation homes particularly attractive for holiday travel.
6. The 60-Day Booking Window Matters
If you’re planning a 2027 holiday vacation, this may be the most important trend to remember.
Most Unwind Luxury Vacations guests book at least 60 days in advance.
That means travelers who wait until the last few weeks before Thanksgiving or Christmas may find that their options are significantly more limited.
This is especially important if you have specific requirements.
Maybe you need five bedrooms.
Maybe you want a private pool.
Maybe you want to be within walking distance of downtown.
Maybe your family wants a mountain view.
Maybe you need a property that can comfortably accommodate an extended family.
The more specific your needs are, the more valuable early planning becomes.
Why book 60+ days ahead?
Booking your holiday vacation rental early can give you:
- More property choices
- Better availability for popular dates
- More options for larger groups
- A better selection of premium amenities
- Greater flexibility with locations
- More time to plan activities and restaurants
- Less stress as the holidays approach
And there’s another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked:
You get to look forward to your vacation.
7. Travel Forecasts Point Toward Continued Demand
The broader economic outlook also supports the idea that travel will remain a major priority for Americans.
The U.S. Travel Association forecasts travel spending of $1.42 trillion in 2027, up from an expected $1.37 trillion in 2026. The organization describes the outlook as steady, domestic-led growth, even amid continued concerns about inflation, energy prices, consumer confidence, and geopolitical uncertainty.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office projects international visitation to the United States will continue increasing, reaching 74.1 million visitors in 2027.
While the NTTO forecast focuses on international visitors coming to the United States rather than domestic travelers, it reinforces a broader point: the United States remains a highly active travel destination.
For travelers planning domestic holiday vacations, that means popular destinations are likely to remain competitive.
8. 2027 Could Be the Year to Choose Quality Over Quantity
The biggest theme running through the 2027 travel outlook is a shift away from doing more.
SmartFlyer’s report describes a movement toward analogue experiences, fewer distractions, greater personal connection, and more intentional travel. It also argues that luxury is increasingly about discernment—knowing what is genuinely worth your time rather than simply choosing from an endless list of options.
That philosophy fits perfectly with a holiday vacation.
You don’t need to visit every attraction.
You don’t need a packed itinerary.
You don’t need to travel halfway around the world.
Sometimes the best vacation is simply finding a beautiful place, bringing the people you love, and giving yourselves permission to slow down.
Start Planning Your 2027 Holiday Vacation Now
The outlook for 2027 domestic travel is strong, and the holiday season will likely continue to be one of the busiest times of year for families and groups to get away.
For travelers considering a luxury vacation rental, the message is simple:
Don’t wait until the holidays are right around the corner.
Most Unwind Luxury Vacations guests book at least 60 days in advance, and planning early gives you the best opportunity to find the property, destination, amenities, and dates that fit your group.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Christmas surrounded by the mountains, a Thanksgiving escape to the beach, a New Year’s celebration in Nashville, or a relaxing holiday getaway in Texas, the right vacation rental can turn a trip into something much more meaningful.
Because in 2027, luxury travel may be less about doing more—and more about having the time, space, and freedom to enjoy what matters most.
Ready to start planning your 2027 holiday getaway? Explore Unwind Luxury Vacations and find your next destination.
Sources
SmartFlyer — 2027 Travel Trends Report
U.S. Department of Commerce — Travel and Tourism Forecasts
U.S. Travel Association — U.S. Travel Forecast Points to Steady Growth Ahead
