Destination Dupes: The Travel Trend Taking Us Off the Beaten Path.
If you’ve been scrolling through #TravelTok lately, you’ve probably noticed a new trend taking center stage: destination dupes. In a nutshell, it’s all about skipping those over-saturated, overpriced tourist hot spots in favor of equally jaw-dropping but less-trafficked alternatives. So, instead of squeezing into Santorini or breaking the bank in Bora Bora, why not try a gorgeous under-the-radar spot that offers all the charm but with half the crowd and cost?
Let’s dive into why this trend is making waves and how it’s helping people discover hidden gems around the world, while saving their sanity and a little bit of cash along the way.
Why Are Destination Dupes So Popular?
First, let’s get down to the reason why TikTokers and travelers are flocking to dupes. Here’s a hint: it has everything to do with saving money, avoiding crowds, and discovering places that actually let you breathe.
1. Avoiding the Hordes (and the Annoyance)
Picture this: You’ve waited your whole life to see the Eiffel Tower. You get there, and boom – you’re surrounded by hundreds of people, every selfie-stick enthusiast this side of the Seine, and queues that look like Black Friday at an electronics store. Enter the beauty of destination dupes, which let you enjoy picturesque locations without competing with a small army of tourists for a view.
2. Saving Your Wallet and Sanity
One of the main reasons people love destination dupes is the cost factor. Let’s be real – traveling to top destinations can be absurdly expensive. Meanwhile, dupe destinations not only offer similar experiences but often come at a fraction of the price, from accommodations to food and activities. Plus, skipping peak-season chaos means you’re less likely to get stuck paying $12 for a sad-looking croissant.
3. Sustainable Travel and Supporting Local Economies
Another reason dupes are a hit is that they promote more sustainable travel. When a handful of big-name destinations are inundated with tourists, the environmental and cultural impact can be enormous. Choosing a dupe often means supporting smaller, less-trafficked places that could actually benefit from a little tourism love
Top Destination Dupes You Need to Know About
Now, let’s talk about some actual dupes that are making waves on TikTok. Here are a few A-list spots and their less-known (but equally gorgeous) understudies.
1. Swap Santorini for Paros
If you dream of those blue-domed buildings and whitewashed streets of Santorini but dread the elbow-to-elbow crowds, Paros is your place. Paros has all the Grecian charm but without the endless lines for Instagram-worthy shots. Imagine exploring sun-dappled beaches, sipping ouzo in a seaside café, and actually being able to find a seat – all without needing a loan to pay for a hotel room in peak season.
Plus, let’s be honest, Paros makes you feel like you’re discovering a secret – something that always makes the travel experience just a bit sweeter.
2. Ditch Dubai for Abu Dhabi
Dubai has been the poster child for glitzy travel, but all that luxury comes with some serious prices (and crowds). Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, is just a hop away but offers many of the same perks – stunning skyline views, luxurious hotels, and enough lavish shopping to max out a few credit cards. It’s also home to the jaw-dropping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which rivals any landmark in Dubai and is a bit easier on the wallet.
Bonus? Abu Dhabi’s vibe is a touch more laid-back, so you can explore without feeling like you’re in a futuristic sci-fi movie 24/7.
3. Trade the Amalfi Coast for Cinque Terre
Ah, the Amalfi Coast: dreamy cliffs, pastel houses, and enough influencer photo ops to last a lifetime. But Italy’s Cinque Terre offers a very similar experience – colorful cliffside villages, winding pathways, and coastal charm – without the Amalfi price tag.
Cinque Terre has five small towns that you can explore by hopping on a local train, and each has its own flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for budget travelers or anyone who doesn’t feel like taking out a second mortgage to cover gelato and seafood spaghetti on the Amalfi Coast.
4. Pass on Paris, Say Oui to Quebec City
It sounds sacrilegious to say “skip Paris,” but if you’re craving old-world charm, European architecture, and all the French ambiance without the expense and crowds, Quebec City is a fantastic choice. Wandering through its cobbled streets feels like stepping into a fairytale, and its European-inspired architecture has that Parisian vibe without the hefty price tag.
As a bonus, Quebec City is incredibly friendly, and the croissants? Chef’s kiss.
Take a look here for our views on the latest travel trends for 2025
How to Find Your Own Destination Dupes
You don’t need a PhD in geography to find your own dupe destinations, just a little research and maybe a good Wi-Fi connection. Here’s how you can start dupe-hunting:
- Use Social Media – TikTok and Instagram are full of travel influencers who love to spill the beans on hidden gems. Hashtags like #TravelTok and #HiddenGems can be great for discovering places that give you big-ticket vibes without the fanfare.
- Look for Regional Similarities – A lot of top destinations have regional cousins that share a similar vibe. Love the Alps? Try the Dolomites. Enchanted by Bali? The Philippines has equally stunning islands at a fraction of the cost.
- Check Local Tourism Boards – Surprisingly, local tourism boards are a great resource for off-the-beaten-path recommendations. They’ll highlight lesser-known spots that often have similar attractions to the bigger names but with fewer visitors.
- Explore During Off-Peak Seasons – If you have your heart set on a major destination, going in the off-season can still give you that iconic experience but with half the crowd and a few bucks saved.
Final Thoughts: Why Destination Dupes Are Here to Stay
Destination dupes aren’t just a fad; they’re a smarter way to travel, allowing you to see the world while respecting your budget, the local culture, and the environment. Plus, there’s something inherently cool about being a little bit of a travel rebel, choosing a spot not because everyone’s going there, but because you know it’s equally amazing and slightly less explored.
So, next time you’re eyeing those glossy pictures of Santorini or Paris, remember: the world is packed with hidden gems waiting for you to discover them. Embrace the dupe, dodge the crowds, and start collecting memories in places that you can actually see and afford.
And maybe keep a few of these secrets to yourself – after all, we don’t want these dupe spots to become the new hot spots. But then again, sharing is caring.
