Sunny swaps: six alternative warm weather holidays to book now

If you’ve already ticked off the same-old winter playgrounds, why not switch your usual place in the sun for a ‘step sibling’ substitute? According to British Airways Holidays’ 2024 Travel Trends Report, ‘destination swaps’ are becoming increasingly popular, with travellers on the lookout for alternatives to more obvious holiday hotspots. In fact, 31 per cent of UK consumers are opting for lesser-known locations – with just 16 per cent saying they prefer to travel to the most in-demand places. These destination dupes can lure travellers away from the well-worn paths and help to avoid over-tourism.

With this trend set to continue into 2025, check out our surrogate spots for winter rays in the sunseekers’ swap shop. You’re bound to find the right location for you, whether it’s exchanging the beaches of Phuket for the empty shores of the Perhentian Islands or an overwater bungalow in the Maldives for one in Madagascar.

Switch up Marrakech for Doha

Grand sandstone palaces, enigmatic mosques, colourful souks vibrant with local life: Marrakech is a way to combine culture with winter sun. Doha in Qatar is a worthy doppelganger. A pearling village in the early 20th century, Doha has grown into a vibrant, buzzy capital packed with modern architecture and culture and yet still threaded with tradition. Pick up rare spices, shop for hand-woven souvenirs or come face-to-beak with a falcon in Souk Wafiq. Sail down the Corniche on a dhow, see the Katara Mosque and visit the Museum of Islamic Art.

Take off to Doha

Say jer gan to Thailand and hai to Malaysia

Paradise beaches, ancient temples, incredible food – Thailand and Malaysia have much in common. Shift your Southeast Asia escape up a gear and swap the lively resorts of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi for the quieter beaches of Selangor, Pangkor and Tioman Island, all within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur. For a boho beach escape – and the vibe of Thailand 20 years ago – head to the Perhentian Islands off Malaysia’s northeast coast and swim in aquamarine waters where you might be lucky enough to spot hawksbill turtles and manta rays.

Take off to Kuala Lumpur

Love South Africa? Dive into Ghana

South Africa, particularly Cape Town, has long appealed to winter sunseekers thanks to its glorious golden beaches, fancy coastal towns and abundant wineries and wildlife. But with popularity comes the crowds. A good sub for South Africa is Ghana, which also runs the full gamut of palm-fringed beaches, colourful seaside cities and wildlife-rich nature reserves. A Ghana holiday can easily combine the cosmopolitan nightlife of Accra, the sweeping beaches of the Cape Coast and some elephant spotting in Mole National Park.

Take off to Accra

Swap the Maldives for Madagascar

Blue-on-blue waters, shimmery white sands, thatched bungalows stilted over the sea –sometimes only an Indian Ocean holiday will do. While many flock to the coral atolls of the Maldives, a less trodden alternative is Madagascar, lying off the southeast coast of Africa. Madagascar and her islands still promise sugary beaches and iridescent seas but also baobab trees, chameleons and ring-tailed lemurs. Hop around the Nosy Be islands on a traditional dhow and dock at Île Sainte Marie, home of the only pirate cemetery in the world.

Take off to Madagascar via Johannesburg with Airlink

Substitute Hong Kong for Singapore

Former British colony and beloved pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong’s blend of east and west has long held appeal for xenophiles. Like Hong Kong, Singapore has its fair share of dusty temples smouldering with incense, and fragrant street markets selling everything from chicken feet to fist-sized rocks of jade. But unlike its once-colonial sibling, the city is lush with parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Whether you're sipping Singapore Slings in the Raffles Hotel or tasting the world's best street food in Chinatown, Singapore is a worthy exchange.

Take off to Singapore

Trade margaritas in Mexico for micheladas in Costa Rica

Both delivering heavenly beaches, lush jungles and ancient ruins, Mexico and Costa Rica have plenty in common. For an alternative to Mexico, swerve the glitzy all-inclusive beach resorts of Cancún and Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula, and head to the quieter and less commercial shores of Costa Rica. If you still want a swish beach resort – but without the crowds – head to the Papagayo Peninsula, while Puerto Viejo combines a laidback surf vibe with adventure, from zip-lining through a cloud forest to trekking in the jungle.

Take off to Costa Rica