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Metro
14-05-2025
- Metro
'Destination dupes' are more popular than ever – these are the best for 2025
There are many reasons that Britons have a long-standing love affair with the beaches of the Mediterranean. But research suggests more travellers are swapping Mallorca for North Macedonia and Alicante for the Albanian Riviera, seemingly inspired by a Gen Z-driven TikTok trend for 'destination dupes'. Flights from the UK to Balkan countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina,Montenegro and Morocco have soared over the past two years, analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data shows. Experts say social media is influencing holidaymakers to explore lesser-visited locations, as people lean into 'slow tourism' — and away from overcrowded hotspots. But popularity brings problems. Last summer, Metro's Alice Murphy travelled along the Albanian Riviera, widely dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe', and discovered it looks a lot different than what we see online. With that in mind, we asked travel experts for their top 'dupes' for summer 2025. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Dupe for: Puglia, Italy If Puglia is in the heel of Italy, Calabria would be in the toe. This Southern region boasts stunning sandy (and rocky) beaches along its rugged coastline – but despite it being a holiday favourite among Italians, it's is largely unknown to those outside of the country. Traces of the region's history can be found scattered around the region, dating back to the 6th and 7th century in the Caves of Zungri, a settlement consisting of caves dug into the sandstone and natural springs. You can also head to Tropea, a village founded by none other than Hercules himself (yes, really) after liberating the settlement from giants (okay, maybe not really). Tropea was also crowned Italy's most beautiful village in 2021. Dupe for: Santorini, Greece Whitewashed buildings, panoramic views and romantic sunsets are just three of the things that make Santorini a highly sought-after holiday destination. But the beautiful Greek island has been dealing with many challenges. Last year, mayor Nikos Zorzos warned that the high number of visitors and the building boom of the last few years could 'destroy' Santorini. The strain on services from cruise ships has led to the government imposing a tourist tax of €20 (roughly £16.80) on passengers disembarking during peak summer. Altea, found in the Costa Blanca region, boasts the same winding cobbled streets, blue-domed landmarks and views over the sea — hence its nickname, the 'Santorini of Spain'. Located south of Valencia and just a stone's throw from Benidorm, tourists can wander through the old town, stopping off to sip a café con leche in the square. Its charming streets are lined with white-washed houses, small boutiques and bright bougainvillea. Dupe for: Historic cities such as Berlin or Paris Bulgaria is known for its budget-friendly ski resorts and fairytale seaside towns, but it's also home to the oldest city in Europe. Ancient ruins, charming architecture and a thriving arts and culture scene are just some of the reasons why the historic outpost of Plovdiv appeared on many must-visit lists for 2025. Founded in 6000 BC, history buffs can marvel at the remnants of the city's past, including the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which dates back to Roman times, and the cobbled streets of the Old Town, which mix medieval and 19th-century architecture. It offers much of the history, art and culture of major European capitals such as Paris and Berlin, without the crowds or costs. But there's much more to Plovdiv than its historical sites, the city is a cultural hub in Bulgaria and has been the European Capital of Culture twice, most recently in 2019. As of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria is part of the Schengen free-travel zone, along with neighbouring country Romania, and now that border controls have been simplified for EU citizens, Plovdiv may well become a new tourist hotspot. Dupe for: London, UK Of course, a trip to London never disappoints, but head further north, and Liverpool is full of surprises. The Cavern Club is a must visit for any Beatles fans, said to be the place where John, Paul, George and Ringo found their sound – they played there 292 times. If sport is more your thing, you can take a a behind-the-scene tours of Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool FC. The city also has the UK's largest number of museums and galleries outside of London, including Tate Liverpool and The International Slavery Museum. And, when you consider London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can stay in a three-star hotel in Liverpool for two nights for just £162 (based on two people sharing, in January). Dupe for: Phuket, Thailand Experts at say that Chiang Dao – often dubbed 'Little Tuscany' due to its wine production – is a doppelganger Phuket, Thailand's largest and most popular tourist island. Chiang Dao means 'City of Stars' due to its peaks that reach up to 2,186m. But it's best known for the sights below ground: the stalactite-laden caves and Buddhist shrines within. A must-see is Wat Tham Pha Plong Chiang Dao, the 'walking temple' with jungle views from a gilded hilltop temple accessible by a staircase lined with Buddhist proverbs. Hot springs and a waterfall can also be explored in the Pha Daeng National Park. Dupe for: Sydney, Australia Let's start with the fact that Perth is the only Australian destination you can get to from the UK with a direct flight. Though it's considerably smaller than Sydney, Perth is just as beautiful – Cottesloe Beach gives the Harbour City's iconic Bondi a run for its money. Perth's Cultural Centre includes the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Art Gallery of Western Australia and for nature lovers, Nambung National Park is a must-visit for The Pinnacles: limestone formations that may have been formed up to 500,000 years ago. It's no surprise that flight searches are up 109%. Dupe for: Split, Croatia Bordering Greece and just a hop across from Croatia, Albania shares a climate with these holiday behemoths, but not the crowds or the steadily climbing costs. For pristine, unspoiled beaches against a backdrop of impressive mountains and cheap-as-chips restaurants, head to Vlorë, situated on the flamboyantly named 'Albanian Riviera'. By day, you can relax by the idyllic Ionian Sea or head to one of the area's growing music and wellness festivals. By night, this historic destination comes alive, with the vibrant old town bustling with boutique shops and eateries. It's quieter than Croatia's Split, but doesn't compromise on atmosphere. The cost of living in Albania's capital, Tirana, is around 61% lower than in London, leading to Albania being named as one of the cheapest up and coming holiday destinations. Metro's Martina Andretta spent a remarkably cheap weekend there in March, parting with just £70 a day. Check out her itinerary in full here. In some areas, a meal for two in an inexpensive restaurant will cost as little as £5. And did we mention the cuisine takes inspiration from both Italy and Greece? What's not to love? Dupe for: St Martin, Caribbean If you want sun, sea and sand, you can't go wrong with the Caribbean, and Expedia says that the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao could be a great alternative to the more popular St Martin. More Trending Go scuba diving to check out the coral formations of the Mushroom Forest and cave, or out of the water, the cheery multi-colored 18th-century buildings on the Handelskade waterfront are sure to bring a smile to your face — reminiscent of St. Martin's French colonial past. This article was originally published on 29 November 2023, and has been updated to reflect recent data. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: British girl, 18, missing for days in Thailand arrested nearly 4,000 miles away MORE: Ryanair flight makes emergency landing after woman gives birth on board MORE: I've been to 89 countries — these are the 7 best places for solo travellers
Metro
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
No Glastonbury ticket? These are the best hidden gem festivals
Summer in the UK is defined by three things: beer garden culture, holidays abroad, and music festivals. In terms of the latter, Glastonbury is our crowning glory, welcoming over 200,000 people to its temporary city each year. But for those of us who failed to secure tickets to June's biggest event, don't be disheartened. There are plenty of incredible festivals waiting to be explored if you're willing to travel a little further. At Metro, we're all about going off the beaten track, both to promote sustainable tourism and broaden our horizons. We're always hunting for new and exciting 'hidden gems', so without further ado, here are the 5 coolest international music festivals you've probably never heard of. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Best for: Ibiza-lovers Headliners: Ezra Collective, Kelly Lee Owens, Horse Meat Disco Ticket prices: Ticket and 3* hotels start at £391 per person for a 7-day stay Largely thanks to TikTok, Albania has exploded in popularity in recent years. The popular coastal resort of Sarandë in the southwest claimed the 'world's bluest waters' title last year. Located on Dhermi Beach, KALA Festival is perfect for people who love the Ibiza music scene. The event takes place between June 4 and 11, with a lineup that fuses disco, house, soul and jazz against a backdrop of dazzling coastline. Festival-goers will no doubt want to extend their stay to explore this stunning part of the world. After a wild weekend, relax on the white sands or stroll through the plethora of villages dotted along the coast. The region offers plenty of hiking opportunities, including Llogara National Park, the Southern Coastal Trail, and the Karaburun Peninsula. It's worth doing your research, though. Metro's Alice Murphy recently discovered that parts of the Albanian coastline are not quite the paradise they appear to be online. She noted that an unprecedented tourism boom has 'spawned a flurry of construction that threatens to overshadow the spectacular scenery this Balkan gem has to offer.' Instead of Ksamil or Sarandë, Alice recommends heading for lesser-known spots such as Rana e Hedhun beach, a stunning stretch of sand in the north, or Lin, said to be Europe's oldest inhabited village. Other under-the-radar destinations include Gjirokastër: an old stone town from the Ottoman Empire that's now been designated a UNESCO world heritage site, and the Cape of Rodon, a rocky peninsula just over an hour's drive from Tirana, where you can gaze out to sea and take in Albania's unspoiled nature. Best for: People who enjoy a diverse range of genres Headliners: Alcest, Jambinai, Ellen Allien Ticket prices: £75.71 for a 4-day general admission ticket Mongolia boasts breathtaking landscapes, from vast steppes to rolling plateaus and towering mountains. This landlocked country in East Asia is perfect for travellers who love authentic, unconventional getaways. Its cities, including the capital Ulaanbaatar, blend modern development with traditional buildings, surrounded by nature. This is where Playtime Festival is held. Complete with a diverse range of genres, from rock, indie, metal, electronic and jazz, there's something for everyone. The festival runs from July 3-6 and both local and international artists appear on the lineup. Away from the music, Ulaanbaatar offers plenty of things to do, from the Natural History Museum to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, just outside the city. For thrillseekers, there's the Gobi Desert. Surrounded by otherworldly landscape, go camel riding or hike the sandstone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvraga. To truly live like the locals, join a foodie tour in Ulaanbaatar which includes a visit to the market and dinner with a Mongolian family. There are also nomadic versions with rural communities in Middle Gobi. Homestays with yak herders in the Khangai Mountains are an option, too. Mongolian cuisine is big on meat and dairy, reflecting the country's migratory past and livestock reliance. Cooking techniques focus on boiling and roasting, as well as using hot stones to cook meat and veggies. Best for: Sustainable travellers Headliners: Fred Again, Vulfpeck, Vampire Weekend, Haim, Confidence Man, English Teacher, Barry Can't Swim Ticket prices: £306 for a 3-day general admission ticket From 78p corner shop food in Osaka to the quaint seaside city of Kamakura, team Metro will sing Japan's praises until the cows come home. So, imagine how much we want to go to Fuji Rock Festival in Honshu Island's city of Niigata, one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country. However the festival is still relatively undiscovered outside Japan. Taking place every summer at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, this year, the dates fall on July 25-27. The line-up is a solid mix of rock, electronic, pop and indie. The festival is committed to being eco-friendly; several sustainable initiatives are in place, and attendees are actively encouraged to clean up after themselves. Often referred to as one of the most scenic festivals in the world, Fuji Rock Festival plays out surrounded by forests, mountains and rivers. Beyond the gigs, there's plenty to do in the local area, from hiking Mount Naeba to rafting on the Tone River in nearby Minakami or relaxing in Naeba hot springs. Niigata is a destination made for adventure-seekers. In 2023, Metro voted 'immersing yourself in sake' as one of the coolest things to do in Japan. That requires a visit to Niigata, where the landscape of soft, clear water and abundance of rice paddies has transformed the area into Japan's top sake-producing region. Best for: Travellers who love a laid-back atmosphere Headliners: Georgia, Evan Baggs, Margaret Dygas Ticket prices: Final release tickets, £235 From cobalt blue waters to charming old towns, Croatia is beauty personified. North along the Adriatic Sea you'll find Dimensions Festival, an intimate electronic musical smorgasbord, featuring house, techno, electro and bass. Located at The Garden Resort, the event takes place between August 28 and September 1. Expect small boat parties, beach sessions and immersive after-dark performances. Due to its idyllic location, festivalgoers can lounge and relax in the daytime before dancing the night away. Before or after the festival, make sure to check out the beautiful Old Town of Tisno, or travel up the coast to the ancient city of Zadar. Last year, Metro's Lillie Rohan visited Dubrovnik, Croatia's most iconic holiday destination, and discovered the city's best-kept secret. Aka, the best bar she's ever been to. Lillie writes: 'A 15-minute drive from the Unesco-protected Old Town, which served as the main film set for HBO's Game Of Thrones, you'll find Love Bar hidden in the hillside. 'It is so well concealed that most only find it by accident; a sign on a nearby roof and an arrow on the roadside are the only indicators that something special awaits up a steep flight of stairs. The climb is tough, but your reward is a sweeping panorama that provides the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable sunset.' Best for: Pool party vibes Headliners: Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, Hardy Ticket prices: £449 plus fees for a general admission ticket If the words 'beach festival' give you butterflies, check out The Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Offering the perfect mix of music, chilled vibes and sunshine, the event is home to an array of pop, rock, hip-hop, indie and EDM genres. More Trending Past headliners include major names, including Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Kendrick Lamar. The festival takes place from May 16-18. Looking for something to do after the event? The coastal city of Gulf Shores provides plenty of entertainment for all types of travellers. Adrenaline junkie? Try water sports in the 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, hiking and biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, or zip lining over the dunes. After more of a relaxing affair? The city has plenty of spas to help you unwind. Famous festivals such as Coachella in California and Tomorrowland in Belgium are falling victim to the effects of overtourism. Clare Tobin, CEO at Wild Frontiers, the B Corp adventure travel experts, tells Metro: 'Many of these large-scale festivals are said to now prioritise life through a lens, with some attendees reporting a loss of authenticity around the celebration of music and the destination's culture.' While nothing quite compares to the feeling of listening to live music on a hot summer's day, Clare warns it can come at a cost. 'Travelling overseas to experience live music can often mean that people fly in and out of a destination in a short period of time, meaning they don't get to experience the true authenticity of the location, connect with the local community or contribute to the local economy,' she says. She says lesser-known events give music-lovers also seeking adventure to experience the best of both worlds. Clare adds: 'These events offer an opportunity to extend your stay and spend more time exploring the local area, which in turn allows you to gain a deeper cultural connection, discover local artists and enjoy more enriching experiences. It also means that your visit will have a more positive economic impact on the local community.' MORE: Body of driver, 74, found after becoming trapped in sinkhole for three months MORE: Spanish 'mini Maldives' gets brand new TUI flight from UK airport MORE: Fortnite coming back to iOS if Apple accepts 'peace proposal' from Epic Games
