What are "destination dupes" and why are they trending in 2025?

Destination dupes are alternative destinations that offer similar experiences to popular (and often overtouristed) places but with fewer crowds, lower costs, and more authentic local culture. They're trending because: overtourism is destroying iconic destinations (Venice limiting visitors, Santorini overcrowded), travelers seek authentic experiences, budget-conscious Gen Z values "smart travel", and social media is amplifying these hidden gems before they become mainstream.

How much money can I save by visiting destination dupes?

Savings range from 35-85% compared to the original destination. On average, destination dupes save 60% on daily costs. For example: Lecce, Italy costs $65/day vs Florence at $180/day (64% savings), Albanian Riviera costs $50/day vs Amalfi Coast at $200/day (75% savings), Gili Islands cost $60/day vs Maldives at $400/day (85% savings). Over a week-long trip, you can save $500-2,000 depending on the destination.

Are destination dupes as good as the originals?

Often they're BETTER because: fewer crowds mean better photos and experiences, lower costs allow longer stays and more activities, more authentic culture (locals outnumber tourists), easier to get reservations at restaurants and hotels, and you get "discovery credit" - the joy of finding somewhere before it becomes mainstream. However, dupes may have less developed infrastructure, fewer direct flights, and require more planning.

Which destination dupe offers the best value?

Top value dupes: Albanian Riviera (75% cheaper than Amalfi Coast, 85% fewer crowds), Gili Islands (85% cheaper than Maldives), Kotor, Montenegro (70% cheaper than Dubrovnik), Lecce, Italy (65% cheaper than Florence), and Kuelap, Peru (80% cheaper than Machu Picchu, 95% fewer tourists). Albanian Riviera wins for combining dramatic savings with similar beauty and adding unique perks like untouched beaches.

Will destination dupes become overtouristed too?

Some will, yes - that's the paradox of "finding hidden gems." However: many dupes have geographic limitations preventing mass tourism (Faroe Islands weather, Kuelap remoteness), some governments learned from overtourism mistakes and are implementing visitor limits early, and by the time one dupe is crowded, savvy travelers have already moved to the next alternative. The key is to visit dupes within 2-3 years of discovery before they hit mainstream travel guides.

Are destination dupes harder to reach than the originals?

Generally yes, but "harder" is relative. Most dupes require: 1-2 extra hours of travel (train, bus, or short flight), more research (fewer English-language resources), and more flexibility (less frequent transport). For example: Pai, Thailand requires a 3-hour bus from Chiang Mai vs flying direct to Bali; Albanian Riviera needs a ferry from Corfu vs direct flights to Amalfi. Budget 1-2 extra travel days, but the reward is worth it.

Which destination dupes are best for first-timers?

Easiest destination dupes for beginners: Valencia (dupe for Barcelona) - same country, easy transport; Porto (dupe for Lisbon) - 3-hour train ride; Milos (dupe for Santorini) - 45-min ferry; Utrecht (dupe for Amsterdam) - 30-min train; and Lyon (dupe for Paris) - 2-hour TGV train. These have: English widely spoken, excellent infrastructure, easy transport from the original, and established tourist services.

Can I visit both the original AND the dupe on the same trip?

Absolutely - and often recommended! Many dupes are close to originals: Spend 2 days in overcrowded Santorini for the sunset photos, then 5 days in peaceful Milos for swimming; See Venice for 1 day to tick it off, then 4 days in Annecy for relaxation; Visit Florence's Uffizi Gallery, then escape to Lecce for authentic Puglia. This "compare and contrast" approach helps you appreciate why dupes are special.

Are destination dupes family-friendly?

Most are excellent for families because: Lower costs mean you can afford family rooms vs cramped budget hotels; Fewer crowds = less stress with kids; More authentic experiences teach kids about real local culture; Many dupes have better infrastructure for families (Valencia has beaches + playgrounds, Annecy has lakeside activities). Best family dupes: Valencia, Annecy, Penang, Porto, and Campeche.

How do I find destination dupes on my own?

Strategies to discover your own dupes: Look at the "2nd or 3rd city" in a country (Porto vs Lisbon, Lyon vs Paris); Search "[original city] alternative Reddit" for real traveler opinions; Use Google Flights "Explore" to find cheaper nearby destinations; Follow travel bloggers who focus on off-beaten-path content; Check where locals from the original destination vacation (Italians escape to Albania, Greeks to Bulgaria). The best dupes are often 2-4 hours away from the overcrowded original.

What are "destination dupes" and why are they trending in 2025?

Destination dupes are alternative destinations that offer similar experiences to popular (and often overtouristed) places but with fewer crowds, lower costs, and more authentic local culture. They're trending because: overtourism is destroying iconic destinations (Venice limiting visitors, Santorini overcrowded), travelers seek authentic experiences, budget-conscious Gen Z values "smart travel", and social media is amplifying these hidden gems before they become mainstream.

How much money can I save by visiting destination dupes?

Savings range from 35-85% compared to the original destination. On average, destination dupes save 60% on daily costs. For example: Lecce, Italy costs $65/day vs Florence at $180/day (64% savings), Albanian Riviera costs $50/day vs Amalfi Coast at $200/day (75% savings), Gili Islands cost $60/day vs Maldives at $400/day (85% savings). Over a week-long trip, you can save $500-2,000 depending on the destination.

Are destination dupes as good as the originals?

Often they're BETTER because: fewer crowds mean better photos and experiences, lower costs allow longer stays and more activities, more authentic culture (locals outnumber tourists), easier to get reservations at restaurants and hotels, and you get "discovery credit" - the joy of finding somewhere before it becomes mainstream. However, dupes may have less developed infrastructure, fewer direct flights, and require more planning.

Which destination dupe offers the best value?

Top value dupes: Albanian Riviera (75% cheaper than Amalfi Coast, 85% fewer crowds), Gili Islands (85% cheaper than Maldives), Kotor, Montenegro (70% cheaper than Dubrovnik), Lecce, Italy (65% cheaper than Florence), and Kuelap, Peru (80% cheaper than Machu Picchu, 95% fewer tourists). Albanian Riviera wins for combining dramatic savings with similar beauty and adding unique perks like untouched beaches.

Will destination dupes become overtouristed too?

Some will, yes - that's the paradox of "finding hidden gems." However: many dupes have geographic limitations preventing mass tourism (Faroe Islands weather, Kuelap remoteness), some governments learned from overtourism mistakes and are implementing visitor limits early, and by the time one dupe is crowded, savvy travelers have already moved to the next alternative. The key is to visit dupes within 2-3 years of discovery before they hit mainstream travel guides.

Are destination dupes harder to reach than the originals?

Generally yes, but "harder" is relative. Most dupes require: 1-2 extra hours of travel (train, bus, or short flight), more research (fewer English-language resources), and more flexibility (less frequent transport). For example: Pai, Thailand requires a 3-hour bus from Chiang Mai vs flying direct to Bali; Albanian Riviera needs a ferry from Corfu vs direct flights to Amalfi. Budget 1-2 extra travel days, but the reward is worth it.

Which destination dupes are best for first-timers?

Easiest destination dupes for beginners: Valencia (dupe for Barcelona) - same country, easy transport; Porto (dupe for Lisbon) - 3-hour train ride; Milos (dupe for Santorini) - 45-min ferry; Utrecht (dupe for Amsterdam) - 30-min train; and Lyon (dupe for Paris) - 2-hour TGV train. These have: English widely spoken, excellent infrastructure, easy transport from the original, and established tourist services.

Can I visit both the original AND the dupe on the same trip?

Absolutely - and often recommended! Many dupes are close to originals: Spend 2 days in overcrowded Santorini for the sunset photos, then 5 days in peaceful Milos for swimming; See Venice for 1 day to tick it off, then 4 days in Annecy for relaxation; Visit Florence's Uffizi Gallery, then escape to Lecce for authentic Puglia. This "compare and contrast" approach helps you appreciate why dupes are special.

Are destination dupes family-friendly?

Most are excellent for families because: Lower costs mean you can afford family rooms vs cramped budget hotels; Fewer crowds = less stress with kids; More authentic experiences teach kids about real local culture; Many dupes have better infrastructure for families (Valencia has beaches + playgrounds, Annecy has lakeside activities). Best family dupes: Valencia, Annecy, Penang, Porto, and Campeche.

How do I find destination dupes on my own?

Strategies to discover your own dupes: Look at the "2nd or 3rd city" in a country (Porto vs Lisbon, Lyon vs Paris); Search "[original city] alternative Reddit" for real traveler opinions; Use Google Flights "Explore" to find cheaper nearby destinations; Follow travel bloggers who focus on off-beaten-path content; Check where locals from the original destination vacation (Italians escape to Albania, Greeks to Bulgaria). The best dupes are often 2-4 hours away from the overcrowded original.

🔥 Viral Trend 2025Updated January 15, 2025 • 20 min read

Destination Dupes 2025: 20 Cheaper Alternatives to Overtouristed Cities

Skip the crowds and save 40-85% by visiting these incredible "destination dupes" - alternative cities offering similar experiences to famous spots without the tourist hordes. The hottest travel trend of 2025.

Category:Budget Travel

Tags:#Destination Dupes #Budget Travel #Overtourism #Trending #Cheap Destinations #Sustainable Travel #Travel Costs

Destination Dupes

59%

Average Savings

vs original destinations

70%

Fewer Crowds

vs overcrowded originals

$115

Avg. Savings Per Day

What Are Destination Dupes?

Here's the concept: "Destination dupes" (a mashup of "destination" + "duplicates") are alternative travel spots that offer similar experiences to famous, overcrowded destinations but with fewer tourists, lower prices, and often more authentic local culture. Think of them as the "generic brand" that's actually better than the name brand.

Here's how it started: This travel trend exploded on TikTok and Instagram in 2024-2025 as Gen Z travelers (and budget-conscious millennials) sought ways to avoid overtourism while stretching their travel budgets. Instead of fighting crowds in Santorini, savvy travelers discovered Milos. Rather than overpaying in Florence, they explored Lecce's baroque beauty.

Why Destination Dupes Are the #1 Travel Trend of 2025

Overtourism Crisis: Venice limiting daily visitors, Machu Picchu requiring timed tickets, Barcelona locals protesting tourists
Massive Cost Savings: Save 40-85% on accommodation, food, and activities vs overtouristed originals
Better Experiences: Actually talk to locals, get reservations at restaurants, take photos without crowds
Sustainable Travel: Distributing tourism to lesser-known areas helps local economies without destroying them
Social Media Discovery: TikTok #DestinationDupes has 500M+ views, Instagram algorithm surfaces alternatives
Bragging Rights: "I went before it was cool" status among travel communities

The Dupe Paradox

Here's the catch: once a "hidden gem" gets labeled a destination dupe and goes viral, it often becomes overcrowded itself within 2-3 years. Albania's coast, Porto, and Valencia have all seen 200-400% tourism increases since being called "dupes."

The solution? Visit dupes early (within 1-2 years of discovery), travel in shoulder season, and always have "dupes of dupes" ready as backups.

Top 5 Destination Dupes: Best Value Picks

Here are the winners: These five alternatives offer the highest combination of cost savings, crowd reduction, and similar experiences to their famous counterparts.

Best Destination Dupes 2025

Feature	Lecce vs Florence Best Overall	Albania vs Amalfi Biggest Savings	Milos vs Santorini Best Beaches	Kotor vs Dubrovnik Best Value	Gili vs Maldives Best Diving
Savings
Daily Cost (Original)	$180	$200	$250	$150	$400
Daily Cost (Dupe)	$65	$50	$100	$45	$60
Savings %	65%	75%	60%	70%	85%
Crowds
Crowd Reduction	85%	85%	80%	60%	40%
Experience
Similar Features	Renaissance art	Coastal scenery	White villages	Medieval walls	Turquoise water
Unique Perks	Baroque "Florence of South"	Untouched beaches	70+ beaches	Bay of Kotor UNESCO	Sea turtles everywhere
Logistics
Difficulty Level	Easy	Adventurous	Easy	Moderate	Easy
Best For
Ideal Traveler	Art lovers, foodies	Adventure seekers	Beach hoppers	Budget travelers	Divers on budget

Lecce vs Florence

Best Overall

Savings

Daily Cost (Original): $180
Daily Cost (Dupe): $65
Savings %: 65%

Crowds

Crowd Reduction: 85%

Experience

Similar Features: Renaissance art
Unique Perks: Baroque "Florence of South"

Logistics

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best For

Ideal Traveler: Art lovers, foodies

Albania vs Amalfi

Biggest Savings

Savings

Daily Cost (Original): $200
Daily Cost (Dupe): $50
Savings %: 75%

Crowds

Crowd Reduction: 85%

Experience

Similar Features: Coastal scenery
Unique Perks: Untouched beaches

Logistics

Difficulty Level: Adventurous

Best For

Ideal Traveler: Adventure seekers

Milos vs Santorini

Best Beaches

Savings

Daily Cost (Original): $250
Daily Cost (Dupe): $100
Savings %: 60%

Crowds

Crowd Reduction: 80%

Experience

Similar Features: White villages
Unique Perks: 70+ beaches

Logistics

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best For

Ideal Traveler: Beach hoppers

Kotor vs Dubrovnik

Best Value

Savings

Daily Cost (Original): $150
Daily Cost (Dupe): $45
Savings %: 70%

Crowds

Crowd Reduction: 60%

Experience

Similar Features: Medieval walls
Unique Perks: Bay of Kotor UNESCO

Logistics

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best For

Ideal Traveler: Budget travelers

Gili vs Maldives

Best Diving

Savings

Daily Cost (Original): $400
Daily Cost (Dupe): $60
Savings %: 85%

Crowds

Crowd Reduction: 40%

Experience

Similar Features: Turquoise water
Unique Perks: Sea turtles everywhere

Logistics

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best For

Ideal Traveler: Divers on budget

Destination Dupe Savings Calculator

Let's crunch the numbers: Calculate how much you'll save on your entire trip by choosing a dupe destination.

Trip Savings Calculator

Compare total trip costs: original vs dupe

Input Parameters

Select Destination Dupe

Trip Duration (days)

3721

Travel Style

Include Flight Costs

Results

All 20 Destination Dupes Database

Here's the complete collection: Filter by region or difficulty, sort by savings, search destinations, and export to plan your trip.

Region

Minimum Savings %

Difficulty Level

Showing 10 of 19 results

Original → Dupe	Region	Savings	Cost Comparison	Crowd Reduction	Travel Time
→ →	Asia	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	2h boat from Bali
→ →	Americas	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	1h flight from Lima to Chachapoyas
→ →	Asia	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	1h flight from Singapore
→ →	Europe	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	1h from Corfu, Greece
→ →	Europe	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	2h drive from Dubrovnik
→ →	Europe	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	2h from Rome
→ →	Americas	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	2h from Cancun/Merida
→ →	Europe	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	45 min ferry from Santorini
→ →	Asia	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	3.5h from Tokyo
→ →	Americas	%	$/day $/day	undefined% fewer	2.5h drive from Cancun

Page 1 of 2

How to Choose the Right Destination Dupe

Find Your Perfect Dupe

Identify What You Love About the Original

List specific features attracting you to the overtouristed destination: architecture style, natural scenery, food scene, beach quality, cultural activities, or vibe. This helps match the right dupe.

Research Dupes with Similar Features

Use this guide, search "[original] alternative" on Reddit/travel forums, check Instagram location tags for lesser-known spots, and read "where locals go" articles.

Compare Costs & Logistics

Check flight prices (Google Flights), accommodation costs (Booking.com), visa requirements, and transport difficulty. Factor in your travel style (adventure vs comfort).

Assess Crowd Levels & Timing

Check Google reviews from recent months, look at TripAdvisor forum posts, and search "[dupe name] crowded 2025" to gauge current visitor levels. Book shoulder season if possible.

Book with Flexibility

Since dupes are less touristy, infrastructure may be limited. Book refundable accommodations for first night, research backup options, and have offline maps downloaded.

Best Destination Dupes by Region

European Dupes: Same Beauty, Half the Price

Here's why Europe dominates this list: Europe offers the most destination dupes because overtourism is worst here (Venice, Barcelona, Santorini), excellent train infrastructure makes "nearby alternatives" easy to reach, and cultural/architectural styles repeat across regions (Baroque Italy extends to Lecce, canal cities include Utrecht and Annecy).

Best European Dupes for First-Timers

✓ Valencia for Barcelona: Same train line, 3-hour ride, similar vibe, 45% cheaper
✓ Porto for Lisbon: Portugal's "second city" with more authentic culture, less tourist scams
✓ Utrecht for Amsterdam: 30-minute train, all the canals and bikes, zero red light district crowds
✓ Lyon for Paris: TGV train makes it a day trip, better food (seriously), half the price

Asian Dupes: Escape the Instagram Crowds

Here's the Asian reality: Bali and Tokyo are now victims of their own Instagram success. But smart travelers discovered: Pai, Thailand offers Ubud's yoga/wellness vibe without the traffic jams; Taipei delivers Tokyo's food scene, tech culture, and efficiency for 60% less; Penang gives Singapore's multiculturalism and hawker food without $15 chicken rice.

Americas Dupes: Hidden Latin American Gems

Here's what makes Latin America special: The dupes shine because distances are vast, so lesser-known cities stay hidden. Holbox gives pre-influencer Tulum vibes (literally what Tulum was 15 years ago), Campeche matches Cartagena's colonial beauty for 65% less, Kuelap offers Machu Picchu-level ruins with 95% fewer selfie sticks.

Destination Dupes FAQ

Get New Destination Dupes Every Month

Want to stay ahead of the curve? We discover and verify new destination dupes before they go viral. Join 50,000+ travelers getting insider alternatives delivered monthly.

Get Free Dupe Alerts

What Are Destination Dupes?

Why Destination Dupes Are the #1 Travel Trend of 2025

The Dupe Paradox

Top 5 Destination Dupes: Best Value Picks

Best Destination Dupes 2025

Lecce vs Florence

Savings

Crowds

Experience

Logistics

Best For

Albania vs Amalfi

Savings

Crowds

Experience

Logistics

Best For

Milos vs Santorini

Savings

Crowds

Experience

Logistics

Best For

Kotor vs Dubrovnik

Savings

Crowds

Experience

Logistics

Best For

Gili vs Maldives

Savings

Crowds

Experience

Logistics

Best For

Destination Dupe Savings Calculator

Trip Savings Calculator

Input Parameters

Results

All 20 Destination Dupes Database

How to Choose the Right Destination Dupe

Find Your Perfect Dupe

Identify What You Love About the Original

Research Dupes with Similar Features

Compare Costs & Logistics

Assess Crowd Levels & Timing

Book with Flexibility

Best Destination Dupes by Region

European Dupes: Same Beauty, Half the Price

Best European Dupes for First-Timers

Asian Dupes: Escape the Instagram Crowds

Americas Dupes: Hidden Latin American Gems

Destination Dupes FAQ

What are "destination dupes" and why are they trending in 2025?

How much money can I save by visiting destination dupes?

Are destination dupes as good as the originals?

Which destination dupe offers the best value?

Will destination dupes become overtouristed too?

Are destination dupes harder to reach than the originals?

Which destination dupes are best for first-timers?

Can I visit both the original AND the dupe on the same trip?

Are destination dupes family-friendly?

How do I find destination dupes on my own?

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Off-Season Travel Guide

Slowmad Travel Guide

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