Travellers are increasingly turning away from familiar "checklist" itineraries in favour of those where not only the destination matters, but also genuine interaction with people and nature. According to Explore Worldwide, in 2027 it is precisely this shift that will shape the face of adventure tourism.
The company analysed bookings, search queries and customer behaviour and identified five key trends. The first is that positive impact is becoming an integral part of the adventure. More than 50 Positive Impact Experiences programmes already allow travellers to take part in projects supporting local communities, traditional crafts and nature conservation. The second direction is the human factor in the age of AI. A study showed that 80 % of respondents prefer to plan trips with the involvement of real people: 75 % trust local residents, 74 % trust experts who have personally visited the place.
The third trend is "rain tourism". Travellers are increasingly choosing the "green season" in Costa Rica and Borneo. Views of tours to Borneo rose by 189 %, and bookings by 70 %. The wet period offers not only lush vegetation and active ecosystem life, but also fewer tourists, which reduces the burden on nature and supports the local economy outside peak season.
The fourth trend is the redrawing of the adventure map. Interest is growing in North Africa (Egypt +52 %), Central Asia (Kazakhstan +63 %, Uzbekistan +110 %), the Balkans and South America. These destinations offer a sense of genuine discovery, where the journey itself becomes the reward. The fifth is that solo travel is becoming bolder while retaining comfort. Demand for solo trips to Algeria grew by 133 %, while in Italy, Spain and Portugal it remains consistently high.
According to Explore Worldwide managing director Michael Edwards, the future of tourism lies in combining technology and human experience. Telephone bookings in 2026 reached 61 % — the highest since 2023. This confirms that even with AI available, most travellers are looking not for an algorithm but for living advice and a personal connection.
Ultimately, 2027 promises to be a time when travel ceases to be mere movement and becomes a conscious choice — in favour of people, nature and new, as yet unspoiled routes.
