Skyscanner Reveals Seven Travel Trends Shaping Malaysian Holidays in 2027
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 October 2026 — Malaysian travellers are prioritising meaningful experiences, smarter spending and more purposeful getaways as they plan their holidays for 2027, according to Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends 2027 report.
The report found that 88% of Malaysian travellers intend to travel as much as, or more than, they did previously, despite rising living costs. Rather than cutting back on trips, many are prioritising tours and activities (47%), authentic local experiences (42%) and access to popular tourist attractions (38%).
Released on 29 October, the report identifies seven emerging travel trends reflecting how travellers are choosing destinations and spending their holiday budgets. These include digital detoxes, location-exclusive shopping, music-led journeys, currency-conscious planning, multiple honeymoon trips, history-inspired exploration and fitness-focused holidays.
Seven travel trends shaping 2027
1. Signal Severance
Travellers are increasingly seeking breaks from constant connectivity to reconnect with themselves, nature and loved ones. According to the report, 71% of Malaysians believe they would connect more with nature if they deliberately went off-grid, while 70% expect to feel more connected to loved ones. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Dili, Timor-Leste, are emerging as destinations for digital detox escapes, with search interest rising 190% and 177%, respectively, year on year.
2. Pilgra-merch
Shopping is becoming a reason to travel, with holidaymakers planning itineraries around unique souvenirs and location-exclusive products. The report found that 72% of Malaysian travellers had visited a specific destination or store in the previous year solely to purchase an item available only there, while 35% had done so more than once.
3. Sound Bound
Music is influencing destination choices beyond major stadium concerts. Among Malaysian travellers, carnival experiences (41%) and traditional concert venues (39%) rank among the most sought-after settings for music-focused holidays. Music genre is the leading consideration when booking these trips, cited by 34% of respondents.
4. Currency Chasers
Travellers are increasingly considering exchange rates when deciding where to go. The report found that 66% of Malaysian travellers always or often consider a destination’s currency strength when booking a trip, while 63% have changed destinations because a more favourable exchange rate made another option cheaper. This rises to 68% among millennials.
5. Multi-Mooning
Rather than celebrating their marriage with a single honeymoon, some couples are spreading their romantic getaways across several trips. While 40% of Malaysian travellers prefer one honeymoon, 36% would rather enjoy multiple mini-moons. Cebu in the Philippines and Batam in Indonesia are among the destinations gaining interest for these escapes.
6. Grand Odysseys
History and mythology are inspiring travellers to explore ancient ruins, architectural landmarks and places associated with legendary figures. The report found that 79% of Malaysian travellers had been influenced by a classical myth, historical event or both when planning their trips. Architectural landmarks such as Pompeii, the Parthenon and the Colosseum were among the leading attractions.
7. Gym-cation
Fitness and wellbeing are becoming part of holiday planning, with travellers looking for destinations and accommodation that support healthy routines. Some 86% of Malaysian travellers said they would likely book a hotel offering a nutritionally focused performance breakfast, while 38% actively seek on-site fitness facilities and would choose one hotel over another based on its fitness offering.
Palembang leads trending destinations, while Okinawa offers value
Beyond travel behaviour, Skyscanner identified the destinations gaining the most search interest among Malaysian travellers and those offering better value through lower flight and accommodation prices.
Palembang, Indonesia, topped the trending destinations list, recording a 437% year-on-year increase in return-flight searches. Other destinations in the top 10 include Udon Thani in Thailand, Semarang in Indonesia, Cebu in the Philippines and Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
For travellers seeking more affordable holidays, Okinawa, Japan, ranked first among the best-value destinations, with economy-class return flight prices down 38% year on year and accommodation prices falling 20%. Cebu followed, with return flight prices down 32%, while Taipei recorded a 16% decrease.
AI increasingly supports travel planning
The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in helping Malaysians plan their holidays. Some 78% of Malaysian travellers said they felt confident using AI to help plan and book travel, with destination research (61%), travel inspiration (53%) and itinerary building (51%) among the anticipated uses.
Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destination expert, said AI tools could help travellers turn inspiration into practical trip ideas, while flexible travel dates, destination comparisons and value-conscious decisions could further improve their planning.
The research was conducted by OnePoll from 18 to 24 June 2026 among 1,000 Malaysian adults planning to take a holiday in 2027.
For the full report, visit Skyscanner.
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