While you may not encounter iconic monuments or renowned museums, the experience promises to be more relaxing and surprising.
Travel witnessed a surge in 2023, with visitor numbers in many hotspot destinations returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, as a relief for the tourism industry, travelers are finding their favorite places increasingly overcrowded and overpriced.
This is where ‘destination dupes’ come in, a concept listed by travel booking company Expedia in its predictions for 2024’s biggest travel trends.
So, what are destination dupes? Scroll through TikTok, and you’ll find hundreds of videos about ‘dupe’ recommendations - affordable alternatives to trendy, branded, and often pricey products. Applied to travel, these become destination dupes, where influencers or social media users suggest less crowded and less expensive alternatives to popular holiday spots.
You might not see iconic monuments or famed museums, but the experience promises to be more relaxing and surprising. Plus, it can alleviate the strain on destinations like Dubrovnik or Venice, which are grappling with overwhelming tourist numbers.
Girona is a destination dupe for Barcelona. Barcelona, Spain’s most visited city, has had to curtail party tourism and cruise passengers to mitigate the impact on residents. Instead of battling the crowds, consider opting for Girona, less than an hour away by train from Barcelona in the Catalonia region. Girona offers architectural riches for history buffs, including imposing medieval walls, a labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, and a majestic pale stone cathedral. Meals in Girona are around 25% cheaper than in Barcelona, according to cost comparison site Numbeo.
Bodrum is a destination dupe for Saint Tropez. For sea, sand, and glam on a budget, think about heading to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast instead of France’s Cote d’Azur. The Bodrum peninsula's coastline is lined with resorts offering direct access to clear waters. In the town center, you'll find the high life at the Yacht Club and mouth-watering Turkish mezes at the always-crowded Gemibaşı restaurant. Accommodations, boat trips, and seaplanes are more budget-friendly than on the French coastline.
Treviso is a destination dupe for Venice. While Treviso lacks the Bridge of Sighs, it boasts attractive rivers lined with historic palaces and leafy weeping willows. Just under half an hour from Venice by train or car, with an airport nearby, Treviso offers elegant arcades and buildings with battlements without the crowds of the lagoon city. Wine lovers will appreciate its proximity to vine-carpeted hills producing the top-quality Conegliano-Valdobbiadene prosecco.
Procida is a destination dupe for Capri. If Capri's luxurious appeal is too much, head to the island of Procida off the coast of Naples for a more affordable and down-to-earth holiday. Pastel-colored fishermen’s houses dot the island, offering affordability and fewer crowds. A three-hour private boat tour costs just €30, and a five-hour nighttime kayak excursion is €50.
Puglia is a destination dupe for Santorini. Instead of participating in Santorini's nightly sunset photo battle, consider Puglia in southern Italy. With around 800 kilometers of coastline, Puglia features dreamy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and its own version of Santorini's iconic white houses, known as trulli. These circular buildings with conical roofs received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996.
