What Are Destination Dupes?
The idea is simple: instead of visiting an over-touristed and expensive hotspot, you choose a lesser-known alternative that offers a similar vibe, architecture, or landscape. It’s not about finding a carbon copy, but about capturing the essence of the experience
you’re after—be it romantic canals, historic city streets, or sun-drenched beaches—without the drawbacks. Driven by a desire to avoid crowds and make budgets stretch further, travellers are increasingly looking for more authentic and affordable experiences. This trend is about travelling smarter, not cheaper, and discovering hidden gems that offer incredible value and a chance to explore without the hustle.
Swap Santorini for Paros, Greece
Santorini's cliffside villages and dramatic sunsets are legendary, but so are its peak-season crowds and high prices. For a more relaxed and authentic Cycladic island experience, Paros is an exceptional alternative. Just a short ferry ride away, Paros delivers the same whitewashed villages, charming fishing harbours, and beautiful Aegean coastline. While it may not have the volcanic caldera, it compensates with superior sandy beaches, a more laid-back atmosphere, and significantly lower costs for accommodation and dining. You can wander through the marble-paved streets of Naoussa or enjoy the local life in Parikia without battling the intense crowds that define a Santorini summer.
Try Kuala Lumpur Instead of Singapore
Singapore is a marvel of modern efficiency, a gleaming city-state with world-class attractions. However, Kuala Lumpur (KL) in neighbouring Malaysia offers a similarly vibrant, multicultural Southeast Asian metropolis at a fraction of the cost. Both cities share a common heritage and boast incredible food scenes influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. While Singapore is known for its structure and polish, KL presents a more sprawling, dynamic, and flexible urban experience. You’ll find stunning skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers, bustling markets, lush green spaces, and a food scene that is arguably just as exciting, from street-side stalls to high-end dining.
Choose Liverpool over London for Music History
London is a global hub for music, with massive arenas and West End shows, but for music fans seeking history and atmosphere, Liverpool is a powerful contender. As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool’s identity is woven into its musical heritage, most famously as the birthplace of The Beatles. Beyond the Fab Four, the city has a dense network of grassroots venues and a vibrant live music scene that feels more intimate and accessible than London's. You can explore iconic sites like The Cavern Club, enjoy a rich offering of museums and galleries (the most outside of London), and soak in the history of a city that lives and breathes music, often with a more approachable price tag.
Pick Bologna over Florence for Italian Food
Florence is the jewel of the Renaissance, but its popularity means navigating packed galleries and paying a premium for every meal. For food lovers, nearby Bologna offers a more authentic and arguably superior culinary journey. Known as 'La Grassa' (the fat one), Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, the heartland of Italian cuisine. This is the home of tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Its historic centre, full of terracotta-roofed buildings and medieval towers, is charming and highly walkable. You can enjoy world-class food in unpretentious trattorias filled with locals, a truly priceless experience that is increasingly hard to find in Italy's primary tourist cities.
