UK travelers are shifting their holiday preferences from traditional destinations to more trendy ones, with Albania and Morocco experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the influence of social media platform, TikTok. According to Manchester Airports Group (MAG)’s Travel Trends Unpacked report, travelers are opting for “dupe destinations” and retro routes, as analyzed through Civil Aviation Authority data and in-airport shopping behavior. This has resulted in a 300% increase in trips to destinations such as Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania, with travelers choosing these locations over more popular spots like Malaga, Benidorm, and Alicante. The report credits TikTok for fueling this shift, as social media continues to shape travel choices. Spain still reigns as the top destination overall, with Tenerife, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Dublin, and Alicante making up the top five choices. However, long-haul travel remains strong as well, with New York maintaining its position as the top long-distance destination for UK travelers, followed closely by Dubai, Orlando, Bangkok, and Delhi. The report also revealed generational preferences, with younger travelers opting for Barcelona and Amsterdam, while older travelers prefer warmer climates and slower-paced holidays in Malaga and Alicante. North Africa has seen a resurgence in popularity, with Tunisia seeing a 69% increase in trips and climbing up 13 places on the popularity chart. Egypt and Morocco also experienced gains of 26% and 44%, respectively. Turkey has also made its way into the top 10 for the first time, jumping from 16th place in 2019 to 9th place in 2024. Regional travel preferences also vary, with travelers from the South East, South West, and East of England often choosing to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow, while those from the North and Midlands favor destinations in Spain and Turkey. Dalaman, Turkey cracked the top 10 for Northern travelers, while Lisbon made the list for Southern travelers. Aside from destinations, the report also delves into how passengers spend their time and money at airports. Books remain popular, with general fiction being the top-selling genre across all airports. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas was the most-purchased novel, followed by The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. Manchester Airport showed a unique interest in personal development books, with the genre breaking into its top five. There is a clear North-South divide when it comes to magazine preferences. In Manchester and East Midlands, titles like Take a Break, Chat, and Bella were the top sellers, while Stansted passengers preferred more eclectic titles like Private Eye, The Economist, and Vogue. In terms of food and drink, coffee remains a popular choice for early morning fliers, with flat whites and cappuccinos being the top picks.