Airbnb Reveals 2026 ‘Dupe-It List’ for UK travellers
With the new year underway and travel plans taking shape, Airbnb reveals its 2026 Dupe-It List – the up-and-coming, lesser-known destinations set to trend this year, thanks to offering a quieter, more affordable alternative to usual travel go-to’s.
Fuelled by the #traveldupe trend, which has amassed over 5.9 million TikTok views, Airbnb’s data shows travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that deliver the same dose of culture, scenery, and experiences as the more famous hotspots – but with fewer crowds and more affordable price tags.
To help travellers stay one step ahead in 2026, Airbnb has analysed search data to uncover the hidden gems capturing the attention of UK travellers for every type of getaway this year – complete with beautiful Airbnb stays, all under £200 a night.1
From swapping Greek classics like Santorini for a charming apartment in the beautiful Spanish coastal town of Altea, to exploring the emerald rivers and gorges of Tolmin, Slovenia instead of the Grand Canyon, this destination guide aims to inspire wanderlust and travel excitement, with dazzling stays that will help you truly experience a place like a local. Get ready to hit send on that annual leave request!
Airbnb’s Dupe-It List: The emerging, lesser-known destinations set to steal the spotlight for 2026 travel2
Sun & Beach Escapes☀️
Swap Santorini for Altea, a historic coastal town in Spain
Just nine miles from Benidorm, searches for Altea are rising fast among UK travellers, thanks in part to its social media nickname, ‘the Santorini of Spain’. With winding cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, striking blue-domed landmarks, and sweeping sea views, this hidden gem delivers all the picture-perfect Mediterranean charm.
Where to stay: Charming Mediterranean home in Altea’s Old Town, Best months to go: May-June
Swap Bali for Croyde, Devon’s surfing paradise
Croyde is North Devon’s surfing crown jewel, a village that’s quickly gaining fame as a secret beachside escape – thanks to TikTok videos showcasing its golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and epic waves that don’t require a long-haul flight to enjoy. Perfect for surfing, paddleboarding, and coastal hikes, Croyde offers all the thrill of a tropical island like Bali, with a quieter, quintessentially British vibe.
Where to stay: Nordic-inspired retreat, Best months to go (for surfing): September-October
Swap Marbella for Denia, Spain
Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Spain’s Costa Blanca – Denia is a charming port city that might just be the country’s best sun-soaked secret. Offering vibrant marina life, tapas-fuelled evenings and Instagram-worthy sea views, travellers can meander through the old town’s cobbled streets, pop into local boutiques, or unwind on nearby beaches for a relaxed, authentic escape that’s every bit as picturesque as its flashier cousin, Marbella.
Where to stay: Entire townhouse, Casa Sōl, Best months to go: June-September
Adventure travel🛩️
Swap Thailand’s Phuket for its peaceful twin, Koh Yao Noi
Thailand’s more famous islands – Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi – may dominate headlines, but Koh Yao Noi is fast becoming the insider’s choice to know about. Airbnb data shows UK searches for this hidden gem are on the rise3, which may in part be fueled by viral TikTok posts that showcase the island’s clear blue waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and serene, uncrowded beaches, where adventure and relaxation is offered without the chaos of Thailand’s busier hotspots.
Where to stay: Jasmine Villa, Best months to go: November-April
Swap the Grand Canyon for Tolmin, Slovenia’s geological spectacle
Tolmin, a hidden Slovenian gem, is becoming more and more popular as Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon – just without the long-haul flight. Nestled in the Julian Alps, Tolmin is framed by turquoise rivers, deep gorges, and alpine valleys, offering a backdrop of dramatic scenery perfect for canyon hikes, rafting, and nature photography. Less crowded than its US counterpart, it’s ideal for travellers craving epic landscapes and off-the-beaten-track exploration that bit closer to home.
Where to stay: The Kaleidoscope Apartment
Best months to go: May-June
Swap Isle of Skye for Isle of Barra, Scotland’s Caribbean
While many typically default to the Isle of Skye or Mull for Scottish adventures, Airbnb searches reveal travellers are starting to turn their attention to the Isle of Barra4, a breathtaking Outer Hebrides gem – packed with white sand beaches and turquoise waters so striking it’s even dubbed “Barrabados” by locals. While the weather may not quite rival the tropics, the scenery more than delivers. Adding to its allure, flights land directly on Traigh Mhor beach, the world’s only scheduled beach runway – a truly bucket-list welcome to the island.
Where to stay: Tiny home in Castlebay, Best months to go: July-August
City Breaks 🌆
Swap Prague for Tbilisi, Georgia’s cobblestoned capital
Once a trickier city to get to, Tbilisi is now a direct flight away from the UK thanks to new airline routes – sparking growing interest in the 1,500-year-old South Caucasus capital. A captivating alternative to busier European cities like Prague and Budapest, Tbilisi combines world-class wine, a thriving café and arts culture, and rich history with budget-friendly charm.
Where to stay: Entire loft in 19th Century Historical House, Best months to go: April-May
Swap Rome for the history packed Genoa, Italy
Genoa is capturing travellers’ attention with its labyrinthine streets, grand palazzi, and vibrant waterfront – offering the same slice of Italian culture and history as a place like Rome, at a fraction of the price and crowds. From the black-and-white façade of San Lorenzo Cathedral, home to a treasury said to hold the Holy Grail, to Via Garibaldi’s Renaissance palaces filled with Caravaggio, Rubens, and other masterpieces, Genoa delivers an authentic, lesser-trodden Italian experience.
Where to stay: Romantic and bohemian apartment, Best months to go: September-October
Swap Dubrovnik for Perast, Montenegro: The Adriatic rivalling gem
Perast may be small, but its charm is mighty. Nestled along Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, this historic village offers the coastal beauty, pastel façades, and post-card worthy harbours that rival the likes of Dubrovnik or the Amalfi coast region, without the crowds or high prices. Wander cobbled streets lined with baroque churches, take a boat to the iconic ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ island, or simply soak in sweeping Adriatic views over the waterfront.
Where to stay: Chic apartment with panoramic views, Best month to go: May