Travel Dupes: Avoid the Crowds in these “Dupe” Destinations
Travel Dupes are trending! What’s a travel dupe? A travel dupe is a lesser-known destination that offers a similar experience to a more popular, often overcrowded, and expensive tourist hotspot. With travel dupes, you get the same vibes, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences without the crowds and inflated costs.Even as a luxury travel advisor, I get it…most people want a 5 star vacation for less. Here are a few of my favorite travel dupe destinations!! Places where you can live like the king or the queen that you are!
Paros is just as pretty as Mykonos and Santorini, but with fewer crowds!
Instead of Mykonos or Santorini, go to Paros, Greece
Like Mykonos and Santorini, Paros boasts stunning beaches, charming villages, and delicious cuisine. However, Travel Dupe Paros offers a more authentic, laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy the same Cycladic charm with fewer crowds and lower costs. It's the perfect choice for travelers seeking a more relaxed Greek getaway with a nicer price tag. Check out this cruise that spends a day in Paros: A Journey from Ancient Empires to Iconic Islands. Ready to book your Greek vacation? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
You probably thought this was Lake Como. But it’s not!
Instead of Lake Como, try Lake Garda
While Lake Como boasts undeniable charm, Travel Dupe Lake Garda offers a similar Alpine escape at a more accessible price point. Both lakes are surrounded by stunning scenery and offer opportunities for relaxation and adventure. However, Garda provides a wider range of activities, from water sports to hiking, catering to a diverse crowd. With its vibrant towns, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine, Lake Garda promises an authentic Italian experience without breaking the bank.
STAY: Seek out a good night’s sleep at the 93-room Lefay, a dreamy lakefront resort in northern Italy. Its six-day sleep detox program helps you calibrate your snooze cycle and keep insomnia at bay with an itinerary designed to identify energy levels and bring inner harmony through spa treatments, acupuncture, reflexology, saltwater pool sessions, custom phytotherapy (the use of plants and herbs for healing purposes), and more.
Panama is so beautiful!
Instead of Costa Rica, Visit Travel Dupe Panama
Panama offers the same lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife as Costa Rica but with a fraction of the crowds and cost. Experience the thrill of the Panama Canal, explore vibrant indigenous cultures, or relax on secluded Caribbean islands. Panama City, a cosmopolitan hub, contrasts beautifully with the country's natural wonders. Enjoy a more authentic and affordable Central American adventure in Panama.
STAY: Located on a 14-island archipelago, Islas Secas is an eco-luxury escape on Panama’s pristine Pacific coast, accommodating just 24 guests. Reserve one of the seven casitas (you can also rent out the entire island) and enjoy locally sourced dishes like crispy snapper and ceviche at the open-air restaurant, Terraza. Then, discover the natural wonders just outside your door with adventures ranging from fishing and whale watching to snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park. Ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
This is not Athens! (Or Rome!) It’s Ephesus, Turkey
Instead of Athens, Greece, Go to Ephesus Turkey
Ephesus offers a captivating journey through time, rivalling Athens' historical allure. Both cities boast impressive ancient ruins, but Ephesus presents a more immersive experience, with remarkably preserved structures. While Athens offers a bustling metropolis, Ephesus provides a serene escape into the past. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre without the crowds and higher costs often associated with Athens.
Explore Ephesus on this amazing 12 day tour of Turkey. Ephesus is famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis. This tour will introduce you to all the wonders of Turkey.
Tempting Taipei, Taiwan
Instead of Hong Kong, try Taipei, Taiwan
While Hong Kong offers a bustling metropolis, Taipei provides a similar urban experience with a more relaxed atmosphere and often lower costs. Both cities boast a dynamic mix of modern and traditional cultures, delicious cuisine, and world-class shopping. However, Taipei stands out with its friendly locals, excellent public transportation, and a higher level of English proficiency. Immerse yourself in the vibrant night markets, explore stunning natural landscapes, and enjoy a more affordable yet equally exciting Asian adventure in Taipei.
Stay: The Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is a five-star urban retreat in the heart of the city. The hotel’s contemporary design and exclusivity makes it the perfect choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Melding contemporary luxury with classic Asian style, its 303 rooms and suites are among the most spacious in Taipei. The award-winning spa is a lovely space that provides a completely holistic experience and a relaxing retreat for mind, body, and soul. Choose from an inspired selection of restaurants and bars, including one Michelin-starred restaurant, Ya Ge, each offering exquisite menu choices and beautifully atmospheric interiors.
Laos is one of my favorite places on earth.
Instead of Thailand, Explore Travel Dupe Laos
While Thailand offers vibrant cities and bustling beaches, Laos provides a more authentic and tranquil Southeast Asian experience. Both countries boast stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. However, Laos remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a slower pace of life. Discover hidden waterfalls, explore ancient temples, and cruise along the Mekong River without the crowds. Laos offers incredible value for money, making it the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking a truly unforgettable adventure.
Spend eight days exploring the vibrant, colorful countryside and cityscapes of Northern Laos on this 9 day tour. This tour offers a splendid balance of adventure, education, exertion and relaxation. You will have the opportunity to calmly open yourself to new sights, sounds and scents of the world around you on scenic tours by water and land. In an encounter with the majestic, gentle giants of the Asian jungle will give you the unique opportunity to get close to and ride on an elephant! And what better way to learn about a new and exciting place than completely surrendering to its harsh conditions. Challenge yourself and improve your survival skills on an exhilarating three-day trek through the jungle. Ready to book a trip? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
It may look like it’s Capri, but it’s not!
Instead of Capri, Italy try Travel Dupe Ischia, Italy
While Capri boasts glamorous charm and high-end allure, Ischia offers a more authentic and relaxing Italian island experience. Both islands feature stunning coastal scenery and delicious cuisine, but Ischia provides a more laid-back atmosphere and a wider range of accommodations to suit different budgets. With its thermal springs, lush greenery, and charming villages, Ischia is a perfect destination for those seeking a rejuvenating and affordable getaway.
STAY: Imagine soaking in the views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from one of the San Montano hotel’s six pools or from your own private terrace. This secluded 73-room resort has it all – a signature restaurant serving Mediterranean staples with a modern twist, an onsite vegetable garden, and a postcard-perfect location on the Neapolitan coast. Be sure to make time for the spa with its natural grotto sauna and bespoke treatments inspired by the surrounding volcanic landscape.
OK, there you have it! Some of my favorite “travel dupe” destinations. Ready to book a trip? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA. I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
Before I forget, I’m now selling international business class, first class, and premium economy flights. Because of my preferred air contracts, I sometimes have access to better rates than you can get through the airlines directly. PLUS, you can still earn frequent flyer miles. Reach for a consultation to learn more and see if I can help you!
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