Sat, August 23, 2025
Fri, August 22, 2025
Thu, August 21, 2025
Wed, August 20, 2025
Tue, August 19, 2025
Mon, August 18, 2025
Sun, August 17, 2025
Sat, August 16, 2025
Fri, August 15, 2025

31 Destination Dupes You Should Consider For Your Next Trip

  Copy link into your clipboard //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. upes-you-should-consider-for-your-next-trip.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Travel and Leisure on by HuffPost Life
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
  If you're sick of big tourist crowds and inflated prices, you might want to check out these hot spot alternatives for your future travels.

31 Destination Dupes to Consider for Your Next Trip


In an era where overtourism and skyrocketing travel costs are making dream vacations feel out of reach, savvy travelers are turning to "destination dupes"—affordable, less-crowded alternatives that capture the essence of popular hotspots without the hefty price tag or massive crowds. These dupes offer similar vibes, attractions, and experiences, often with unique twists that make them even more appealing. From sun-soaked beaches to historic cities and natural wonders, this list of 31 destination dupes provides inspiration for your next adventure, helping you save money while discovering hidden gems. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor thrills, or luxurious relaxation, there's a dupe here to suit every type of traveler.

    Instead of Santorini, Greece: Paros, Greece Santorini's iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches draw millions, but Paros offers a similar Cycladic charm with golden beaches like Kolymbithres and quaint villages like Naoussa. It's more budget-friendly, with fewer crowds, allowing for authentic Greek island hopping, fresh seafood tavernas, and sunset views over the Aegean Sea without the premium costs.
    Instead of Venice, Italy: Ljubljana, Slovenia Venice's canals are legendary, but Ljubljana provides a fairy-tale alternative with its willow-lined Ljubljanica River, colorful baroque architecture, and vibrant cafe culture. Explore the hilltop castle, stroll through Tivoli Park, and enjoy affordable Slovenian wines— all at a fraction of Venice's gondola prices.
    Instead of Paris, France: Budapest, Hungary The City of Lights meets its match in Budapest, with grand boulevards, thermal baths like Széchenyi, and the stunning Parliament building. Savor goulash in ruin bars, cruise the Danube, and experience a romantic vibe similar to Paris but with lower costs and a unique Eastern European flair.
    Instead of Bali, Indonesia: Lombok, Indonesia Bali's beaches and rice terraces are overcrowded, but neighboring Lombok boasts pristine sands at Kuta Beach, Mount Rinjani hikes, and Gili Islands for snorkeling. It's less developed, offering a more serene tropical escape with cheaper accommodations and authentic Sasak culture.
    Instead of the Maldives: The Philippines (Palawan) Overwater bungalows in the Maldives are exorbitant, but Palawan's El Nido features crystal-clear lagoons, limestone cliffs, and island-hopping tours. Dive into vibrant coral reefs, relax on hidden beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood at budget prices.
    Instead of New York City, USA: Toronto, Canada NYC's energy is unmatched, but Toronto delivers skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market, and a thriving food scene. Visit the CN Tower for skyline views, explore multicultural festivals, and benefit from a weaker Canadian dollar for savings.
    Instead of Tokyo, Japan: Seoul, South Korea Tokyo's neon lights and tech-savvy culture have a dupe in Seoul, with bustling markets like Myeongdong, ancient palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, and K-pop vibes. Street food is abundant and cheap, and the city's efficient subway makes navigation a breeze.
    Instead of Iceland: The Faroe Islands Iceland's geysers and Northern Lights are popular, but the Faroe Islands offer dramatic cliffs, puffin colonies, and hiking trails with fewer tourists. Experience raw Nordic beauty, including Mulafossur Waterfall, at lower costs.
    Instead of Machu Picchu, Peru: Choquequirao, Peru Machu Picchu's crowds can overwhelm, but Choquequirao provides similar Incan ruins in a remote Andean setting. The multi-day trek is challenging but rewarding, with stunning vistas and a sense of discovery minus the hordes.
    Instead of the Amalfi Coast, Italy: The Albanian Riviera Italy's cliffside glamour is pricey, but Albania's Ksamil Beach and Saranda offer turquoise waters, fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and ancient sites like Butrint. It's an emerging spot with incredible value.
    Instead of Dubai, UAE: Muscat, Oman Dubai's luxury skyscrapers have a rival in Muscat, with its grand mosques, souks, and wadis for adventure. Enjoy Arabian hospitality, dolphin-watching tours, and opulent resorts at more accessible prices.
    Instead of Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Moorea, French Polynesia Bora Bora's overwater villas are iconic but expensive; Moorea offers similar lagoon vibes, black-sand beaches, and pineapple plantations. Snorkel with rays and hike volcanic peaks for a fraction of the cost.
    Instead of Sydney, Australia: Melbourne, Australia Sydney's harbor is famous, but Melbourne's laneways, street art, and coffee culture provide a hip alternative. Explore Federation Square, attend Aussie Rules football, and enjoy a more laid-back urban scene.
    Instead of the Grand Canyon, USA: Waimea Canyon, Hawaii The Grand Canyon's vastness is awe-inspiring, but Kauai's Waimea Canyon offers colorful gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," it's a lush, tropical twist.
    Instead of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Cartagena, Colombia Rio's beaches and Carnival energy find a match in Cartagena's colorful colonial streets, salsa dancing, and Caribbean shores. Walled city tours and island excursions come at lower costs.
    Instead of Kyoto, Japan: Hanoi, Vietnam Kyoto's temples are serene, but Hanoi's Old Quarter buzzes with pagodas, street food, and water puppet shows. Cycle around Hoan Kiem Lake for an affordable cultural immersion.
    Instead of the Swiss Alps: The Julian Alps, Slovenia Switzerland's peaks are costly, but Slovenia's Lake Bled and Triglav National Park offer fairy-tale castles, emerald lakes, and skiing without the crowds.
    Instead of Napa Valley, USA: Willamette Valley, Oregon Napa's wines are premium, but Oregon's pinot noirs shine in a more relaxed setting with farm-to-table dining and scenic bike routes.
    Instead of Barcelona, Spain: Valencia, Spain Barcelona's Gaudí architecture has a dupe in Valencia's futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, paella origins, and beaches. It's less touristy and more affordable.
    Instead of Maui, Hawaii: Big Island, Hawaii Maui's resorts are popular, but the Big Island offers volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and stargazing at Mauna Kea for diverse adventures.
    Instead of Cape Town, South Africa: Lisbon, Portugal Cape Town's Table Mountain views are stunning, but Lisbon's hilly streets, trams, and coastal cliffs provide a European parallel with fado music and pastéis de nata.
    Instead of Yellowstone National Park, USA: Banff National Park, Canada Yellowstone's geysers are unique, but Banff's turquoise lakes, wildlife, and Rocky Mountain hikes offer similar natural splendor at competitive prices.
    Instead of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Ningaloo Reef, Australia The Great Barrier is crowded; Ningaloo allows swimming with whale sharks in a less-visited UNESCO site.
    Instead of Tuscany, Italy: Puglia, Italy Tuscany's vineyards are romantic, but Puglia's olive groves, trulli houses, and Adriatic coast deliver authentic Italian charm cheaper.
    Instead of Bangkok, Thailand: Chiang Mai, Thailand Bangkok's chaos is fun, but Chiang Mai's temples, night markets, and elephant sanctuaries provide a cooler, more relaxed Thai experience.
    Instead of the Seychelles: Zanzibar, Tanzania Seychelles' beaches are pristine, but Zanzibar's spice tours, Stone Town, and coral reefs offer an exotic alternative.
    Instead of Aspen, USA: Telluride, Colorado Aspen's ski glamour is high-end; Telluride's slopes and festivals are equally thrilling but more accessible.
    Instead of Mykonos, Greece: Naxos, Greece Mykonos' parties are legendary; Naxos offers beaches, ancient ruins, and farm-fresh food without the hype.
    Instead of Dubai's Burj Khalifa: Taipei 101, Taiwan For skyscraper thrills, Taipei's tower provides panoramic views, plus night markets and hot springs nearby.
    Instead of the French Riviera: The Croatian Coast (Dalmatia) France's glamour is pricey; Croatia's islands like Hvar offer yachting, historic towns, and lavender fields affordably.
    Instead of Patagonia, Argentina/Chile: New Zealand's South Island Patagonia's rugged wilderness meets its match in New Zealand's fjords, glaciers, and adventure sports like bungee jumping in Queenstown.
These destination dupes not only help stretch your travel budget but also promote sustainable tourism by diverting visitors from overstrained spots. Many offer unique cultural insights, like Slovenia's alpine traditions or Indonesia's volcanic landscapes, that might even surpass the originals in authenticity. Before booking, research visa requirements, best travel seasons, and local customs to ensure a smooth trip. With airfare deals and off-peak timing, you could turn one vacation into two—exploring both a dupe and perhaps saving for the real deal later. Embrace the dupe trend and uncover the world's underrated treasures. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full HuffPost Life Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/31-destination-dupes-consider-next-110017754.html ]