The Rise of "Destination Dupes" for Summer 2024
Summer 2024 is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record. If the thought of paying premium prices to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists makes you anxious, you are not alone. Travelers are currently turning to “destination dupes,” swapping famous European hotspots for affordable, stunning lookalike locations.
What is a Destination Dupe?
The term “dupe” started in the beauty and fashion world as shorthand for a cheaper duplicate of a high-end product. Now, this concept has taken over the travel industry. A destination dupe offers a similar climate, architecture, and cultural vibe to a major tourist trap, but without the massive crowds and inflated price tags.
Expedia recently released its 2024 travel trends report, and destination dupes took the top spot. Travelers want the aesthetic of famous European cities but refuse to empty their savings accounts to get it. Search volumes for alternative destinations have skyrocketed over the past year. By choosing a dupe, you get better restaurant reservations, cheaper hotel rooms, and a much more relaxing vacation.
Swap Santorini for Paros, Greece
Santorini is world-famous for its dramatic sunsets and blue-domed churches. However, a standard hotel room in the popular village of Oia can easily cost $600 to $1,000 per night during July and August. The narrow walkways become so packed with cruise ship passengers that it is hard to walk.
Your perfect alternative is Paros. Located in the same Cyclades island group, Paros is just a short ferry ride from Athens via the Blue Star ferry line. You still get the iconic white-washed architecture, stunning Aegean beaches, and incredible Greek tavernas. The major difference is the cost and the breathing room. Hotel prices in Paros often hover around $150 to $250 per night during the summer. You can wander through the charming village of Naoussa and actually secure a seaside table for dinner without booking months in advance.
Swap the Amalfi Coast for Kotor, Montenegro
The Amalfi Coast is a bucket-list destination for millions. Towns like Positano and Amalfi are beautiful, but they suffer from severe overtourism. The narrow coastal roads get heavily clogged with traffic, and luxury hotels command premium rates.
Instead of fighting the crowds in Italy, look across the Adriatic Sea to Kotor, Montenegro. Kotor sits on a stunning, fjord-like bay surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. You get the exact same Mediterranean climate, incredible seafood, and coastal charm. A seaside dinner in Kotor will cost you half of what you would pay in Positano. You can explore the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, without waiting in massive lines. Accommodations range from affordable boutique guesthouses to luxury apartments that cost a fraction of Italian coastal resorts.
Swap Paris for Quebec City, Canada
Flights to Paris from the United States can cost well over $1,200 this summer. Add the intense pressure of the upcoming Olympic Games, and the French capital is going to be incredibly crowded and expensive.
Quebec City offers a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative. Located in Canada, it is a short flight or an easy road trip for many Americans. Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. You get authentic French bakeries, cobblestone streets in the Quartier Petit Champlain district, and the stunning architecture of the Château Frontenac. You save hundreds of dollars on transatlantic airfare, avoid severe jet lag, and still get to practice your French while enjoying incredible pastries.
Swap London for Liverpool, England
London is notoriously expensive. A pint of beer can cost nearly 8 British pounds in central London, and standard hotel rooms often exceed $300 a night.
If you want historic British charm, world-class museums, and incredible music history, head north to Liverpool. It takes just over two hours to reach Liverpool by train from London. Hotels like the Hope Street Hotel offer luxury rooms for roughly $130 a night. You can visit the Royal Albert Dock, enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene, and experience the birthplace of The Beatles for a fraction of a London vacation budget. Liverpool also offers several massive, free-to-enter museums, such as the World Museum and the Museum of Liverpool.
Swap the Swiss Alps for the Julian Alps, Slovenia
Switzerland is visually breathtaking but famously expensive. A basic lunch in a Swiss ski town can quickly cost $40 per person.
Instead, visit the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Lake Bled offers stunning blue water, a dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff, and a picturesque island church. Just a short drive away, the town of Kranjska Gora provides incredible hiking trails and mountain views. Hotels, rental cars, and food in Slovenia are significantly cheaper than in Swiss resort towns like Zermatt or St. Moritz. You still get the pristine alpine air and dramatic mountain peaks, but your travel budget will stretch much further.
How to Plan Your Dupe Vacation
Booking a destination dupe requires a slightly different approach than booking a standard vacation. Here are a few ways to maximize your savings:
- Use flexible flight tools: Use Google Flights and explore the “Anywhere” feature to see which regional airports offer the cheapest routes.
- Book local lodging: Instead of looking for massive international hotel chains, search for local boutique hotels and family-owned guesthouses.
- Travel during the shoulder season: While dupes are cheaper in the summer, traveling in late May or early September will save you even more money on flights and lodging.
By choosing alternative spots, you also help spread out the economic benefits of travel. Famous cities are actively struggling with overtourism, with places like Venice recently introducing an entry fee to curb day-trippers. Visiting a destination dupe is better for your wallet and better for the local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are destination dupes actually cheaper?
Yes. While airfare can sometimes be similar depending on the routing, your ground costs are almost always lower. You will save a significant amount of money on accommodations, dining, local transportation, and daily activities.
Is it safe to visit these lesser-known spots?
Absolutely. Places like Paros, Kotor, and Quebec City are highly developed, very welcoming, and generally very safe for tourists. As with any international travel, you should always practice normal situational awareness and secure your valuables.
Will destination dupes become overcrowded?
It is very possible. As places like Montenegro and Slovenia gain popularity on social media platforms, visitor numbers will naturally rise. Booking your trip to these alternative destinations now ensures you get to see them before they transition into the next major tourist hotspots.