According to Vrbo data, in 2027 travelers may be trading beach trips for "heartland hideouts" -- college towns, burgeoning foodie cities and lakeside escapes where the local culture makes up for the lack of ocean views.
The trend is highlighted in Unpack '27, the annual travel trends report from Vrbo, and is based on vacation rental searches on Vrbo from Sept. 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. The data reveals that landlocked destinations are seeing a spike in searches, attracting visitors with their food and arts scenes, natural scenery and affordable rates.
From Bentonville, Arkansas, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, these are the 13 inland North American escapes forecasted to be breakout destinations in 2027.
1. Bentonville, Arkansas, US
Bentonville is becoming a bigger draw for Southern tourism, as evidenced by a 140% leap in year-over-year search interest. Known by some as "the mountain biking capital of the world," Bentonville boasts hundreds of miles of trails winding through the Ozarks. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's collection and architecture have helped make Bentonville a cultural hub.
2. Deadwood, South Dakota, US
Walking through Deadwood feels...
Source: NewsChannel 3-12