If your travel dreams are bigger than your bank account, you are not alone. Many globetrotters are now turning to “destination dupes,” which are affordable alternatives to the world’s most popular tourist spots. These hidden gems offer similar vibes, landscapes, and cultural richness as their famous counterparts, but without the hefty price tags or overwhelming crowds.
From charming European villages to sun-soaked islands and urban escapes, here are ten destination dupes that deliver the same magic without draining your savings.
1. Swap Paris for Quebec City, Canada
Craving cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and French flair? Skip Paris and head to Quebec City. This Canadian gem blends old-world European charm with North American hospitality. Stroll through the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in buttery croissants, poutine, and world-class wines without the Parisian price tag.
Photo by Clément Proust
2. Skip Santorini and Try Paros, Greece
Santorini is stunning, no doubt, but it is also packed and pricey. For a more relaxed yet equally picturesque alternative, visit Paros. You will still get whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets, but with fewer tourists and better value for accommodation and food.
Bali may be a bucket-list favourite, but Sri Lanka offers a similarly lush and spiritual experience with far fewer crowds. Think surf-ready beaches, tea plantations, and ancient temples, all at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the food scene is vibrant, the people are warm, and the wildlife is abundant.
The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous but notoriously expensive. For coastal charm without the premium price, head to Puglia in southern Italy. With whitewashed hill towns, dramatic cliffs, and fresh seafood, it offers all the Italian romance you crave, minus the crowds and tourist markups.
5. Try Ljubljana Instead of Vienna
Vienna is regal and elegant, but Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana holds its own with baroque architecture, vibrant street life, and a fairy tale-like castle overlooking the city. The vibe is laid-back, the locals are friendly, and the prices are significantly more wallet-friendly.
6. Choose Cartagena Over Barcelona
Barcelona’s mix of beaches and culture is hard to beat, but Colombia’s Cartagena is a strong contender. With its colourful colonial buildings, Caribbean coastline, and dynamic food scene, Cartagena delivers the charm and vibrancy of Spain at a fraction of the cost. Bonus: the weather is warmer year-round.
7. Pick Georgia Instead of Switzerland for Mountains
Switzerland’s Alps are beautiful, but the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia offer similar jaw-dropping views at a much lower cost. The town of Kazbegi is a great base for hiking, and Georgian hospitality is legendary. Plus, the food and wine scene here is incredibly underrated.
Photo by Maria Orlova
8. Go to Bohol Instead of Phuket
Phuket is a major tourist hub, but the Philippine island of Bohol offers a quieter escape with equally stunning beaches, waterfalls, and diving spots. It is less commercialised, more budget-friendly, and packed with natural wonders like the famous Chocolate Hills.
9. Visit Budapest Instead of Prague
Prague has become a major tourist magnet, which means higher prices and packed streets. Budapest, on the other hand, offers similar Gothic beauty, vibrant nightlife, and thermal baths without the crush of tourists. The Hungarian capital is also known for being one of Europe’s best value-for-money cities.
Photo by Timi Keszthelyi
10. Choose Uruguay Over the French Riviera
The French Riviera is all glitz and glamour, but Uruguay’s beach towns like Punta del Este and José Ignacio offer laid-back elegance with South American charm. Think golden beaches, stylish beach clubs, and excellent wine, all at a much lower price point.
Why Destination Dupes Are Worth It
Traveling smart does not mean settling for less. Destination dupes often lead to more meaningful experiences. With fewer tourists around, it is easier to connect with locals, avoid tourist traps, and soak up the real culture. You will likely spend less on accommodation, food, and activities, allowing you to travel longer or splurge on something special.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, solo adventure, or a family trip, considering a destination dupe can open up exciting possibilities. So before you book that flight to an overhyped, overcrowded, and overpriced hotspot, look around. Your perfect destination might just be a lesser-known gem that offers everything you are dreaming of and more.
If your travel dreams are bigger than your bank account, you are not alone. Many globetrotters are now turning to “destination dupes,” which are affordable alternatives to the world’s most popular tourist spots. These hidden gems offer similar vibes, landscapes, and cultural richness as their famous counterparts, but without the hefty price tags or overwhelming crowds.
From charming European villages to sun-soaked islands and urban escapes, here are ten destination dupes that deliver the same magic without draining your savings.
1. Swap Paris for Quebec City, Canada
Craving cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and French flair? Skip Paris and head to Quebec City. This Canadian gem blends old-world European charm with North American hospitality. Stroll through the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in buttery croissants, poutine, and world-class wines without the Parisian price tag.
2. Skip Santorini and Try Paros, Greece
Santorini is stunning, no doubt, but it is also packed and pricey. For a more relaxed yet equally picturesque alternative, visit Paros. You will still get whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets, but with fewer tourists and better value for accommodation and food.
3. Trade Bali for Sri Lanka
Bali may be a bucket-list favourite, but Sri Lanka offers a similarly lush and spiritual experience with far fewer crowds. Think surf-ready beaches, tea plantations, and ancient temples, all at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the food scene is vibrant, the people are warm, and the wildlife is abundant.
4. Replace the Amalfi Coast with Puglia, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous but notoriously expensive. For coastal charm without the premium price, head to Puglia in southern Italy. With whitewashed hill towns, dramatic cliffs, and fresh seafood, it offers all the Italian romance you crave, minus the crowds and tourist markups.
5. Try Ljubljana Instead of Vienna
Vienna is regal and elegant, but Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana holds its own with baroque architecture, vibrant street life, and a fairy tale-like castle overlooking the city. The vibe is laid-back, the locals are friendly, and the prices are significantly more wallet-friendly.
6. Choose Cartagena Over Barcelona
Barcelona’s mix of beaches and culture is hard to beat, but Colombia’s Cartagena is a strong contender. With its colourful colonial buildings, Caribbean coastline, and dynamic food scene, Cartagena delivers the charm and vibrancy of Spain at a fraction of the cost. Bonus: the weather is warmer year-round.
7. Pick Georgia Instead of Switzerland for Mountains
Switzerland’s Alps are beautiful, but the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia offer similar jaw-dropping views at a much lower cost. The town of Kazbegi is a great base for hiking, and Georgian hospitality is legendary. Plus, the food and wine scene here is incredibly underrated.
8. Go to Bohol Instead of Phuket
Phuket is a major tourist hub, but the Philippine island of Bohol offers a quieter escape with equally stunning beaches, waterfalls, and diving spots. It is less commercialised, more budget-friendly, and packed with natural wonders like the famous Chocolate Hills.
9. Visit Budapest Instead of Prague
Prague has become a major tourist magnet, which means higher prices and packed streets. Budapest, on the other hand, offers similar Gothic beauty, vibrant nightlife, and thermal baths without the crush of tourists. The Hungarian capital is also known for being one of Europe’s best value-for-money cities.
10. Choose Uruguay Over the French Riviera
The French Riviera is all glitz and glamour, but Uruguay’s beach towns like Punta del Este and José Ignacio offer laid-back elegance with South American charm. Think golden beaches, stylish beach clubs, and excellent wine, all at a much lower price point.
Why Destination Dupes Are Worth It
Traveling smart does not mean settling for less. Destination dupes often lead to more meaningful experiences. With fewer tourists around, it is easier to connect with locals, avoid tourist traps, and soak up the real culture. You will likely spend less on accommodation, food, and activities, allowing you to travel longer or splurge on something special.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, solo adventure, or a family trip, considering a destination dupe can open up exciting possibilities. So before you book that flight to an overhyped, overcrowded, and overpriced hotspot, look around. Your perfect destination might just be a lesser-known gem that offers everything you are dreaming of and more.
Share this:
Like this: