The Rise of Destination Dupes
Young travelers are eager to see the world, but rising inflation and sky-high flight prices are making traditional vacations difficult to afford. Instead of staying home, budget-conscious Gen Z travelers are getting creative. They are swapping out famous, overcrowded capitals for cheaper, highly similar lookalikes known as destination dupes.
What is a Destination Dupe?
The term “dupe” originated in the fashion and beauty internet communities. It is short for duplicate. If a popular designer lipstick costs $40, a savvy shopper might find a $10 drugstore brand that looks exactly the same. That affordable alternative is the dupe.
Now, this concept has taken over the travel industry. A destination dupe is a lesser-known city or region that offers the same vibe, architecture, or climate as a major tourist hotspot, but at a fraction of the cost.
Major travel brands are noticing this shift. Expedia officially named destination dupes as one of its biggest travel trends for 2024. On TikTok, videos tagged with #destinationdupe have racked up millions of views. Creators are sharing exact itineraries, flight hacks, and hotel prices, proving that you do not need to spend a fortune to have a world-class vacation.
Why Gen Z is Leading the Charge
Generation Z faces a unique set of economic pressures. Many are paying off student loans, dealing with high rent prices, and navigating a tough job market. Booking a $400-per-night hotel in Paris or spending $100 on a single dinner in London is simply out of reach for most young adults.
However, this generation prioritizes experiences over material goods. They are determined to travel, and they are using their internet research skills to make it happen. Beyond just saving money, Gen Z travelers are choosing dupes for a few specific reasons:
- Avoiding Overtourism: Famous cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are struggling with too many visitors. Gen Z travelers are highly aware of their environmental and social impact. They prefer visiting places that actually want and need their tourism dollars.
- Authentic Experiences: Popular spots often feel like theme parks designed for tourists. Lesser-known cities offer a chance to interact with actual locals, eat at neighborhood restaurants, and experience the true culture of a country.
- Social Media Clout: There is a certain level of internet prestige in discovering a hidden gem. Posting photos from an undiscovered coastal town often generates more interest than posting another standard photo in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Top Destination Dupes to Book Right Now
If you want to try out this trend, there are plenty of incredible swaps you can make for your next trip. Here are some of the most popular destination dupes currently trending online.
Swap Santorini for Paros
Santorini is famous for its blue-domed churches and stunning sunsets, but it is notoriously expensive and packed with cruise ship passengers. Instead, travelers are taking a short ferry ride to Paros. This neighboring Greek island offers the exact same whitewashed architecture, crystal-clear Aegean waters, and incredible seafood. Hotels in the fishing village of Naoussa are often half the price of a cliffside suite in Santorini, and you will not have to elbow your way through crowds to take a good photo.
Swap London for Liverpool
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. If you want British charm, historic architecture, and a thriving pub culture, Liverpool is a fantastic alternative. Located in the northwest of England, Liverpool is highly walkable and incredibly affordable. You can explore the Royal Albert Dock, visit the Tate Liverpool art gallery, and enjoy a massive live music scene. Flights into Manchester or Liverpool are often much cheaper than flying into London Heathrow.
Swap Seoul for Taipei
Seoul has seen a massive surge in tourism thanks to the global popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas. As a result, prices for flights and accommodations have spiked. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is stepping up as the perfect Asian dupe. Taipei offers an incredible mix of high-tech modern infrastructure and rich historical temples. The city is famous for its night markets, like the Shilin Night Market, where you can eat Michelin-quality street food for just a few dollars.
Swap Sydney for Perth
Australia is a dream destination, but Sydney can drain your bank account very quickly. Travelers looking for beautiful beaches, great surfing, and a laid-back lifestyle are heading to Perth on the western coast. Perth boasts more sunny days than any other Australian capital city. You can visit nearby Rottnest Island to see the famous quokkas, tour the Margaret River wine region, and enjoy gorgeous Indian Ocean sunsets without the high price tags of the East Coast.
The Hidden Benefits Beyond Saving Money
Choosing a destination dupe does wonders for your travel budget, but the advantages go far beyond your wallet. When you visit a smaller city, you rarely have to wake up at dawn to beat the crowds to a famous monument. You do not have to book dinner reservations three months in advance.
You also get a better level of service. In major tourist hubs, restaurants and hotels have a constant flow of customers, which can sometimes lead to rushed or impersonal service. In a destination dupe, local business owners are often genuinely thrilled to have international visitors. They have the time to chat with you, give you personalized recommendations, and ensure you have a great stay.
How to Find Your Own Travel Dupes
You do not have to rely entirely on TikTok trends to find great alternative destinations. You can find your own dupes with a little bit of strategic research.
Start by using the “Explore” feature on Google Flights. You can put in your home airport and leave the destination blank. The map will show you flight prices for cities all over the world. If you see a cheap flight to a city you have never heard of, look it up.
Another great strategy is to look at a map of your dream destination and simply zoom out. Find the major city you want to visit, and then look for towns located 50 to 100 miles away. These secondary cities usually share the exact same climate, food, and history as the major capital, but the train rides and hotel rooms will cost a fraction of the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are destination dupes actually cheaper? Yes. While flight prices can fluctuate, the daily cost of living in a dupe city is almost always lower. You will save a significant amount of money on hotel nightly rates, restaurant meals, taxi fares, and museum entry tickets.
Is it safe to travel to lesser-known cities? In many cases, destination dupes are actually safer than major capitals. Tourist hotspots are notorious for pickpocketing and tourist scams. Smaller cities usually have lower rates of petty crime targeted at visitors. Always check official government travel advisories before booking a trip anywhere.
How long will the dupe trend last? As certain dupes become more popular, their prices will inevitably start to rise. However, the core concept of seeking out secondary cities will likely remain a permanent fixture in how Gen Z plans their travels, especially as global costs continue to fluctuate.