UK dupes for popular global destinations

Trending holiday hotspots in 2025

BBC Travel recently revealed the top travel trends for 2025, including some of the future holiday hotspots to add to your wanderlust wishlist.

Let's be honest, we don't all have the time, money or annual leave to be planning a trip to the most popular destinations in Europe, the US or Australia. But that doesn't mean we can't find the next best thing a little bit closer to home...

We've taken some of the top trending destinations around the world for 2025, along with the top reasons to visit them, and found a UK dupe for you to visit instead - without the expensive airfare. We may not be able to guarantee the weather, but there's still plenty of incredible memories to be made on your next staycation.

Scroll down for our dupes!

Lofoten Islands vs Orkney Islands

Best for... Northern Lights and dark skies

Let's kick things off with one of the biggest travel trends for 2025 according to BBC Travel: noctotourism (nocturnal tourism). Seeing the incredible Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a real bucket-list moment, and one that many people in the UK were fortunate enough to experience in 2024 - your social media feed was no doubt flooded! In 2025, there'll be even more solar activity, meaning even more opportunities to see the magical light displays. Northern Europe is one of the best parts of the world to see them, with places like Finnish Lapland and the Lofoten Islands in Norway being among the top spots. But, these destinations aren't always the easiest or the cheapest to get to from the UK. So, what if you can't get there?

Our UK dupe for the Lofoten Islands is the Orkney Islands in Scotland, which is one of the best places in the UK to see the Northern Lights or simply just to stargaze at the dark skies. The Orkney Islands are in the very north of Scotland, much closer to the Arctic Circle than the rest of the UK, and have lower levels of light pollution compared to more densley populated areas. This means conditions are often just right for the Nothern Lights to put on a show. Visit during the winter months and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.

Check out our holiday cottages in the Orkney Islands.

Rome vs Bath

Best for... Roman ruins and historic streets

Rome has long been a favourite destination for travellers from all corners of the globe, known for its incredible history, vibrant arts scene and romantic atmosphere. Some of the biggest draws to the city include the grand structures of the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, which are hard to compete with.

Whilst we can't promise the same architectural marvels in our dupe, the city of Bath in the South West of England certainly caters to those hungry for history, culture and romance on a short break. The city's roots can be traced back to ancient Roman times, and the Roman Baths, built nearly two thousand years ago, are no doubt one of its biggest draws. And when it comes to romance, Bath's allure is hard to resist. Whether you're walking hand in hand through the quaint streets or enjoying a scenic boat ride along the River Avon, we think this is the perfect Italian alternative for a couples weekend away.

View our holiday accommodation in Bath.

Manly vs Newquay

Best for... surfing and sunbathing

Next up, we have Manly in Australia. This laid-back beachside suburb, just a ferry ride away from Sydney's bustling city centre, has gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to its incredible beaches and variety of watersports. Think long stretches of golden sands, crystal-clear waters and excellent surf breaks. Aside from all the coastal fun, Manly's friendly and relaxed vibe adds to its overall charm, channelling some of the lively city energy from nearby Sydney.

Our UK dupe for Manly is Newquay. This Cornish seaside town is affectionately known as the surfing capital of the UK, so if you can't travel to the other side of the world to ride the waves, then Newquay might just be the next best thing. Not only is the county of Cornwall home to the longest coastline in the UK, it's also one of the sunnier spots in the country, so whilst it can't compete with Australian temperatures, you can still get some decent sunbathing in during the summer months.

Browse our lodges and holiday parks in Newquay.

Mexico vs Scotland's Outer Hebrides

Best for... white-sand beaches and turquoise sea

If you're looking for an exotic beach holiday, then Mexico may well have already crossed your mind. The country boasts stunning coastlines along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, providing visitors with a variety of breathtaking beach destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.

Our UK dupe for a beach holiday in Mexico takes you to Scotland's Outer Hebrides - please, hear us out! It may come as a surprise, but many of the sandy shores here look like something straight out of the Caribbean. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Outer Hebrides include Seilebost Beach and Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, and Reef Beach on the Isle of Lewis. It's the same crystal-clear waters and soft sand as Mexico, just probably without the tanlines...

Discover our holiday cottages in the Outer Hebrides.

Savoie vs Snowdonia

Best for... outdoor activities in the lakes and mountains

Savoie, located in the French Alps, is renowned for breathtaking landscapes and top-notch ski resorts, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, forests and charming alpine villages. As well as being home to celebrated resorts like Courchevel, Méribel and Val d'Isère, the region is well-loved for its incredible hiking trails and exhiliarating outdoor activities like paragliding, white-water rafting and cycling. Iconic landmarks like Aiguille du Midi provide breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak.

Our UK dupe for Savoie is Snowdonia, Wales's renowned national park which is also blessed with a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities, not to mention a pretty impressive mountain of its own. Climbing Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales and England, is no mean feat. Some of the views from Snowdonia's hiking trails of the lakes and mountains really remind us of those in Savoie, and, just like the French department, Snowdonia is synonymous with outdoor adventure, with zip-lining, white-water rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking all on offer.

Check out our lodges and holiday parks in Snowdonia.

La Serena vs Northumberland Coast

Best for... peaceful beaches and wildlife spotting

Whilst this Chilean city may not be familiar to you at the moment, it has recently emerged as a top family holiday destination for 2025. Literally translating to "The Serene", the charming coastal city is known for its tranquil atmosphere and calm waters. Throw in activities like stargazing, wildlife watching and visiting historical landmarks, and you'll see there's even more to the city than just it's coastline.

Our UK dupe for La Serena is the Northumberland Coast, which will no doubt appeal to families looking for a more relaxed holiday by the sea. This comparison is less about the visual similarities and more about the type of experience you can have. Beach lovers will find quieter shores here compared to the likes of Cornwall or Devon, with plenty of opportunities to spot seabirds, seals and even otters. Go on a boat trip to the Farne Islands in spring or summer to see nesting Puffins. Stargazers should head to nearby Northumberland National Park, where you'll find the darkest skies in England, while history buffs have plenty of choice when it comes to historic landmarks, with places like Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh Castle to explore. Again, you're not going to get the same soaring temperatures as in Chile, but you can still enjoy a rejuvenating beach break all the same.

View our Northumberland Coast lodges and holiday parks.

Bad Staffelstein vs Buxton

Best for... dramatic hikes and thermal baths

Another trending destination for 2025 which you may not have heard of, is Bad Staffelstein in Germany. The Bavarian town is known for its thermal baths and wellness centres; historic sites like the Basilica of the Vierzehnheiligen and the castle ruins of Altensteinunique; and natural wonders, including Germany's highest waterfall. People flock here for everything from relaxing spa days to exhiliarating hikes.

Our UK dupe for Bad Staffelstein is the spa town of Buxton in the Peak District. At first glance, these two towns may look quite different, but on closer inspection, they actually share a lot of similarities. Buxton itself is famous for Buxton Crescent, a Georgian building that houses the Buxton Thermal Spa, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in natural thermal waters - much like in Bavaria. Buxton is also in the heart of the Peak District National Park, which is bursting with grand stately homes, lush green countryside, cascading waterfalls and dramatic limestone cliffs, similar to Bad Staffelstein and its surrounding area.

Browse our holiday accommodation in Buxton.

Ready to swap for a staycation?

And that's a wrap on our destination dupes! Hopefully you agree that exploring the UK should not be underestimated when it comes to finding inspiring destinations that can rival even the most popular global hotspots. From sandy beaches that might be more at home in Mexico to misty mountains reminiscent of the French Alps, you may be pleasantly surprised by the beauty that awaits you right on your doorstep.

About us

Welcome to Hoseasons, one of the UK’s leading self-catering accommodation specialists, home to over 30,000 places to stay throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

With 80 years of experience providing holiday homes to millions of customers, you can trust Hoseasons to help you find the perfect accommodation for your next UK break. We’re proud to be rated Excellent on Trustpilot, demonstrating our commitment to providing first-class customer service. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct.

Book Now with Hoseasons