SAS Trends: Destination dupes

November 15, 2024

The growing interest in lesser-known destinations shows that the “destination dupes” trend is still going strong.

More and more travelers are turning away from traditional tourist hotspots in favor of alternative locations and hidden gems — places that offer similar experiences, but with fewer crowds and a deeper sense of discovery. For instance, instead of jostling for space along Italy’s packed coastline, many are now choosing Malta, which offers a comparable climate and charm, but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

One standout example is Tirana, Albania — a new addition to the SAS route map from Stockholm Arlanda, Oslo, and Copenhagen. The city quickly became one of this summer’s most popular destinations. Other rising favorites among Swedish travelers include Tivat in Montenegro, Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the stunning Faroe Islands.

Another up-and-coming gem is Palanga, Lithuania, a coastal retreat that’s growing rapidly in popularity. SAS is now adding more flights to meet the increasing demand from travelers seeking something different — and a little off the beaten path.