Malta has topped a list of alternative holiday destinations for 2025, with searches for the Mediterranean island increasing by more than 120 per cent this year.
The tiny nation, situated halfway between Italy and Northern Africa, has been ranked as the most appealing destination for adventurous Britons looking to mix up their holiday plans this year.
New research from easyJet holidays showed two in five Britons are looking to try somewhere new this summer. The study showed searches for alternative destinations have surged, with Sardinia experiencing an almost 200 per cent increase in searches.
Data indicates an almost 50 per cent rise in searches for 'hidden gems' over the past decade, with two-thirds of travellers considering visiting a 'twin destination' of their well-known favourite.
Malta topped the list of alternative holiday destinations
EASYJET
Malta leads the rankings with 38 per cent appeal, followed closely by Sardinia in Italy at 34 per cent and Seville in Spain also at 34 per cent.
While holidaymakers may want to visit these spots, they are put off for a number of reasons when it comes to actually booking alternative destinations.
A lack of information tops the list at 41 per cent, followed by cost and budget constraints at 34 per cent. Fear of the unknown affects more than a quarter of potential travellers, at 26 per cent.
Additionally, one in five don't feel confident knowing where to start when planning a trip to an alternative destination. A quarter of respondents don't know what alternative destinations have to offer.
The research highlights that 63 per cent said they would be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available, demonstrating a clear appetite for something different despite these obstacles.
The complete top 10 alternative destinations for 2025
- Malta, Malta (38%)
- Sardinia, Italy (34%)
- Seville, Spain (34%)
- Budapest, Hungary (30%)
- Oslo, Norway (29%)
- Munich, Germany (28%)
- Gibraltar, Gibraltar (26%)
- Bordeaux, France (26%)
- Zurich, Switzerland (25%)
- Marrakesh, Morocco (23%)
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Oslo in Norway made the list
EASYJET
Munich was the only German destination on the list
EASYJET
The research also highlights emerging holiday 'dupes', with Djerba in Tunisia and Bourgas in Bulgaria appearing among the best alternatives to more traditional destinations. While established favourites such as Barcelona and Rome remain popular with travellers, there is a shift towards exploring lesser-known locations across Europe and North Africa.
To address this, easyJet holidays has launched a new 'Different Destinations' range featuring 28 destinations across Europe and Africa. The initiative aims to provide travellers with the information and inspiration needed to mix up their travel plans.
Chief operating officer at easyJet Holidays Matt Callaghan said: "As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer.
"In fact, 63 per cent said they'd be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available - highlighting a real appetite for something a little different."
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