Traveling presents a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the world, but sometimes, demand for popular destinations increases both the costs and crowds. For some travelers, this makes for a less-than-ideal situation and can deter them from finalizing their vacation plans. Whatever the reason is for avoiding a particularly sought-after location, “destination dupes” can be the perfect solution.
The dupes, while not exact replicas of the trendy destinations, offer similar vibes to what visitors would experience in the popular spots. Key elements like the type of lodging available, scenery, activities and even cuisine are some of the ways these destinations manifest as a dupe, and because of their tendency to be lesser-known, they are often times cheaper and crowd-free. Save some coin and get inspired with these five destination dupes for beloved travel spots.
Paros, Greece for Santorini, Greece
The once-quiet haven of Santorini has slowly evolved into a booming tourist destination in recent years. Social media exposure and the resulting mass influx of travelers, coupled with the fact that the island is only 19 square miles, means Santorini is pricey when it comes to lodging, food and transportation. Travelers who are open to a laid-back, cost-effective Greek experience will find the island of Paros to be a fantastic alternative.
Paros is similar to Santorini in appearance, with the iconic whitewashed buildings and blue roofs lining the water and cobblestone streets throughout the traditional villages. It’s said that Paros not only is far less crowded than its sister island but also offers better, more scenic beaches. According to Budget Your Trip, a travel site collecting and averaging data from thousands of travelers’ itineraries, visitors in Santorini spend an average of $101 USD per day on food, while Paros lands at $81. Additionally, depending on where travelers choose to stay, hotel costs average around $247 in Santorini, compared to $111 in Paros.
While Santorini may always be a “must-see” destination for some travelers, it’s important to consider that it’s not only at the top of the list for inland Greeks and other Europeans but also visitors from around the world. The overwhelming demand will only continue to drive tourism costs, though travelers can still achieve the Greek getaway of their dreams with a visit to budget-friendly Paros.
Cavtat, Croatia for Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a cherished city, known for its palpable energy, rich architecture and breathtaking scenery, all while maintaining its charming old-town vibe. However, because of its UNESCO World Heritage status and fame with “Game of Thrones” fans, pricing within the city may be too costly for some travelers. Here, hotels on average cost $105 per night with food at around $60.
Luckily, the coastal atmosphere and historic landmarks that make Dubrovnik special can also be found less than 30 minutes away in the small town of Cavtat. The village may be significantly smaller than Dubrovnik, but instead offers a more intimate experience for travelers. The similarities between the two destinations are plenty: unparalleled views of the Adriatic Sea, Roman and Greek architectural influence, narrow streets with stone houses, orange-tiled roofing and fresh seafood, to name a few.
Naturally, because of Cavtat’s underrated status, it’s ideal for a slow-paced vacation. Travelers can expect to spend around $74 per night on lodging and $34 on delicious food during the day, and the best part is, if visitors still have the itch to visit Dubrovnik, it’s only a quick car ride away.
Palawan, Philippines for the Maldives
White-sand beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, vibrant marine life — is it the Maldives or Palawan? It’s no secret that a vacation in the Maldives often comes with a hefty price tag, as its luxury status stems from secluded, overwater lodging options and top-of-the-line access to self-care practitioners. In fact, Budget Your Trip puts a daily price tag of $350 on the Maldives, also noting that some couples spend anywhere from three to six thousand dollars on a vacation here.
Offering the same natural beauty and opportunities for relaxation as the Maldives, Palawan is a much more affordable option. It’s often referred to as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines because of its unique flora and fauna; its diverse terrains blend together beautifully to create a balance between rejuvenation and adventure.
El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron are three especially popular towns, as they have a reputation for their lagoons and shipwreck dive spots. Hiking through lush jungles, catching a scenic sunset, island hopping and exploring an underground river are some of the other activities that may appeal to travelers. In comparison to the Maldives, previous visitors estimate their daily expenses to be $80, which includes a mix of mid-range and budget hotels, transportation and food.
Ghent, Belgium for Amsterdam, Netherlands
With its extensive canal system, distinct architectural style and vibrant cultural scene, Amsterdam is a nuanced destination and may seem hard to replicate. However, bustling Ghent showcases more similarities to the Dutch capital than one would think. Both cities are pedestrian-friendly, with well-connected streets and a compact layout that makes it easily walkable for tourists and locals alike.
Ghent also features a network of canals — Graslei and Korenlei are among the most notable because the waterways highlight views of opulent merchants’ houses and quaint bridges. The Belgian city favors elements of the Dutch Golden Age architectural style, seen through the brickwork, gabled roofs and tall, narrow design of the buildings, nearly identical to those in the Netherlands. The comparison isn’t far-fetched — it’s often said that Ghent exudes subdued Amsterdam vibes.
Despite the similarities between these two historic destinations, a visit to Amsterdam often comes with a steeper price tag than Ghent. A high demand for limited housing spaces within the Dutch city streets, combined with a recent growth in the number of visitors, has the cost of accommodation, food and other services significantly increasing. Where travelers might be able to snag a hotel in Ghent for $150 per night, Amsterdam runs closer to $214.
Ljubljana, Slovenia for Prague, Czech Republic
Known for its eye-catching historical landmarks and active nightlife, Prague is a city overflowing with opportunity. Like many popular European destinations, however, a rise in tourism and a generally wealthy Czech population living in the capital have contributed to Prague’s costly nature. On the other hand, Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is described as having a small-town atmosphere in a big city setting, meaning the experience here is a much more understated approach to the frenzy travelers might encounter in Prague.
Despite its quieter, more relaxing nature, Ljubljana is truly a hidden gem with much to offer travelers who are willing to explore an off-the-beaten-path city. Here, streets are lined with baroque, gothic and Art Nouveau-style buildings, similar to what appears in Prague — Ljubljana Castle, the National Museum of Slovenia and Semeniška knjižnica are a few places where travelers can find the city’s mesmerizing architecture.
In addition to the parallels between Ljubljana and Prague’s appearance, Slovenia’s capital city is also an underrated foodie destination. With its abundance of family-owned restaurants, delicious cuisine incorporating fresh, local ingredients and gourmet experiences offered for cheaper, Ljubljana is truly a tasty delight.
Between the city’s landscape, food and pedestrian-friendly areas along the river, this destination offers visitors the classic European experience without the price tag — it’s estimated mid-range travelers can soak in Ljubljana for $103 per day for all the necessities.
Originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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