Dupe destinations - try somewhere different this year

The emergence of 'Destination dupes' — more affordable alternatives to popular tourist destinations — is reshaping the travel preferences of travellers.

The trend, influenced by Tiktok trends and the desire for unique experiences, is leading more holidaymakers to swap Alicante for Albania and Benidorm for Bosnia. These lesser-known locations offer similar experiences and excitement for a fraction of the price. They also offer the advantage of avoiding places already experiencing overtourism and promoting those more off the beaten track.

For example, according to UK Civil Aviation Authority data, analysed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the UK increased by 284% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while trips to Albania rose by 61%.

“This analysis shows that passengers across the UK have some enduring favourites, whether that be city breaks in famous European cities or two-week holidays on the Med," said Andrew Macmillan, Chief Strategy Officer at MAG.

“But it also shows factors such as social media trends and the launch of new, affordable routes to lesser-known destinations can also influence travel habits."

The report also showed a resurgence in the popularity of North African destinations. Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco saw passenger numbers increase significantly in recent years. Tunisia rose 69%, whilst Egypt and Morocco grew by 26% and 44%, respectively. Tunisia was also a popular choice for visitors from France and Germany, with an increase of 23% from France and 66% from Germany.

Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for worldwide visitors, with trips up 35% from the UK and 61% from Germany.

Top Muslim-friendly 'dupe' destinations

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia is often used as a shorthand for two autonomous entities, Bosnia and Herzegovina — a country on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe.

Bosniak Muslims comprise over half the population, while Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism are the other two main religions, showcasing the country's rich ethnic and religious mix.

The country has plenty to offer — fascinating history, amazing nature and great beaches with clear blue seas.  

The capital city Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and is more infamously known from the Bosnian War in the 90s. But the city has emerged from its tragic past and now thrives as a vibrant destination that attracts tourists and businesses.

The city is steeped in Muslim history, with mosques and architecture that evoke its Islamic heritage. The city’s main mosques are the 16th-century mosques Gazi Husrev-Bey’s Mosque and the Mosque of Ali Pasha.

The Turkish marketplace, Baščaršija, is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural centre known to foreigners as Pigeon Square. It is still lined with stalls, bustling coppersmiths' lanes, grand Ottoman mosques, restaurants in caravanserais (inns) and many welcoming little cafes.

Also popular is the historic city of Mostar on the beautiful Neretva River. Its ‘Old Bridge’, Stari Most, has been lovingly reconstructed following the war.

The charming Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque surveys the surrounding natural beauty and is the perfect spot to pray.   

Tunisia

Tunisia is becoming an increasingly popular choice for its beautiful sandy beaches and rich history. Tasty halal food comes as standard and modest swimwear is rarely out of place, wherever you stay. 

Fans note the similarity between the charming whitewashed buildings of the laid-back coastal village of Sidi Bou Said and the somewhat more crowded streets of Greece’s Santorini; or make favourable comparisons between the ease of visiting the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of El Djem as compared to the long queues and crowds at Rome’s Colosseum. 

Zanzibar

If you want an indulgent beach holiday filled with palm trees, pristine sandy beaches, and deep blue oceans, Zanzibar delivers all the luxury of the Maldives at a fraction of the price.

The archipelago can rival the Maldives with its stunning bungalows, private beaches, and a range of water sports and activities. 

Tourism is a major industry in Zanzibar. Reflecting its predominantly Muslim population, the island provides plenty of religious facilities for Muslim travellers, like mosques, prayer facilities and halal dining options.

In mainland Tanzania, you can explore its rich cultural heritage, renowned for attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park.

Albania

Dubbed the "new Croatia," Albania is investing in tourism and attracting visitors seeking a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience.

Like Croatia, Albania also shares a Mediterranean coastline and boasts a beautiful, diverse landscape featuring beaches, mountains, and historic sites.

Albanian Muslims make up around half of the country's population. Much of Albania's Muslim culture and architecture stems from the Ottoman period when Islam arrived in the country.

The Ottoman period influenced Albanian art, which led to the construction of mosques that feature classic Islamic artistic styles, including intricate motifs and decorative patterns. 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a rival to Dubai as a major holiday destination. It has introduced new tourist visas and has ambitious development projects.

Plans are underway to develop large resorts on the Red Sea coast, along with other initiatives aimed at attracting luxury tourists. Among Muslims, places like Jeddah on the coast are proving popular, especially as it is just a stone's throw away from Makkah and Madinah.

Being so close to the holy sites means holidaymakers can visit historical Islamic sites and also undertake the Umrah pilgrimage. To make their visit to the sacred land truly memorable, many people opt for 'Umrah Plus' trips, which combine Umrah with visits to other cities and places of interest in the country.

Find out more about how to plan your own Umrah and see how you can relive the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah.

Uzbekistan

There’s an undeniable buzz about this up and coming destination, which reached a historic milestone in April 2025 of attracting over one million foreign tourists in a single month. It has invested heavily in tourism and opened up the country to over 91 nationalities who don’t require a visa, including Türkiye, the UK, Germany, France and many more. It is a Muslim majority country and has a rich Islamic heritage, from the Golden Age of Islam.

Its Silk Road heritage and monumental cities of Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva provide a more undiscovered alternative to those who are used to exploring Türkiye’s bustling bazaars, grand mosques and magnificent ancient cities. 

Egypt

Many are finding that Egypt’s Red Sea coast is not only closer at hand, but also a more affordable alternative to tropical destinations such as the Maldives or even the Caribbean. 

It may not offer the same desert island ambience, but its sandy beaches, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are a great choice for those who love swimming, snorkelling and diving. Plus, it’s very Muslim-friendly and much easier on the wallet! 

Morocco

Morocco is another booming destination which offers great value halal-friendly holidays. Those who are looking for a family beach break, may find that, in fact, the beach itself is surplus to requirements. 

Marrakech enjoys year-round sunshine and offers a wide range of hotels with extensive waterslides and aqua parks, which are perfect for children of all ages. In terms of family fun it has become the ideal dupe for Dubai or the UAE at a fraction of the cost. As a bonus, there’s delicious halal food freely available and shopping in the souks in the medina is certainly more fun than high-end malls!