Booking a trip can often be overwhelming for travelers as they seek to become expert bargain hunters in hopes of saving a few bucks and avoiding breaking the bank. However, an alternative solution is changing the game and relieving these stresses when it comes to traveling on a budget: destination dupes.
An emerging slang term short for duplicate, “dupes” are a growing trend for travelers looking for locations that imitate the qualities of hotspot destinations without the steep price tag. In fact, nearly 60% of travelers are seeking out copycat vacations in 2024, according to a Bookings.com report.
Dupes exist everywhere, but to help get the ball rolling with ideas, these international and domestic destinations are fan-favorite stand-ins for expensive locations, some even having the added perk of less tourists in the area.
International Destinations
Visiting a capital city or a popular stop in a foreign country can often mean paying for more expensive flights and accommodations. Travelers who are open to similar, budget-friendly experiences should consider these six copycat destinations instead.
Taipei, Tawain for Seoul, South Korea
Seoul and Taipei share many overlaps in their vibrant city lights, historical attractions and delicious cuisine. Visitors in either city also have the same opportunities to soak in hot springs, wander ancient temples, hike scenic trails and shop at lively night markets. Taipei has certainly caught many travelers’ eye as flight searches for the destination are up 458%, according to Expedia data.
Pattaya, Thailand for Bangkok, Thailand
Only a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya has nearly identical architecture, nightlife and cultural attractions as the capital city. Given its popularity and size, Bangkok’s accommodations, think bars, restaurants and hotels, are typically more expensive for visitors compared to the smaller city of Pattaya. This dupe destination also has a bonus — beaches! Not only can visitors experience the same metropolitan atmosphere of Bangkok, but they can also step back and relax in Pattaya’s turquoise waters.
Perth, Australia for Sydney, Australia
With the exception of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Perth offers many of the same alluring attractions including beautiful natural areas and a modern city atmosphere. As Perth is more than half the size of Sydney, day-to-day life tends to move a little slower and may be preferred by visitors who don’t want to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of city streets. The two cities may be on opposite coasts, but they are nearly identical and worth exploring to save a few dollars.
Liverpool, England for London, England
Traditional pubs, dedicated sports culture, active nightlife, Victorian and Georgian architecture — really, what’s the difference between the two? Aside from not seeing Big Ben or bumping into a member of the Royal Family, Liverpool offers many of the same activities as its much larger counterpart, London, and even has the added bonus of housing the most galleries and museums in all of the UK.
Paros, Greece for Santorini, Greece
Without a doubt, travel to Greece has been growing in recent years. Santorini and Mykonos tend to be the more popular islands with their white sands, trademark blue and white buildings and Mediterranean diet. However, Paros is an underrated destination as it possesses the same classic Greek charm on a much larger island, meaning that vacationing here often feels more relaxing and less touristy.
US Destinations
In all reality, sometimes traveling abroad isn’t in the cards, but that doesn’t mean travelers have to forego a trip altogether. These five U.S. destinations are the perfect substitutes for popular international spots and are much more affordable than paying for a flight overseas.
Newport, Rhode Island for Nice, France
Boats gently bobbing in the harbor, restaurants cooking up their latest catch of the day, beachside mansions lining the water … is this oceanic slice of heaven Newport or Nice? Aside from the fact that Newport locals won’t be speaking any French, the U.S. city shares many of the same characteristics including the French-Italian cuisine, historic architecture, abundant wineries and cobbled streets lining the harbor.
Tarpon Springs, Florida for the Greek Islands
Considered the “Greek Island” of the U.S., Tarpon has all the same classic Greek charm with the white and blue cubed-shaped buildings, boats docked in sparkling blue water and Mediterranean-inspired restaurants and shops lining the streets. In fact, more than one in ten Tarpon Springs residents claim Greek descent, giving the area a higher percentage of Greek-Americans than any other U.S. city. A destination dupe can’t get more like its home country than that!
Napa, California for Tuscany, Italy
Travelers who seek out Tuscany often are beckoned by the winding roads, lush greenery, rolling hillsides and authentic vineyards. These scenic views can also be found in the beating heart of the Napa Valley wine region as the California city has over 400 wineries, miles of mountainous terrain lining the horizon and public markets offering ingredients ideal for a tasty charcuterie board. The differences are few and far between for these two.
Leavenworth, Washington for Bavaria, Germany
For travelers considering a trip to a German winter wonderland, Leavenworth will be sure to wow all of those who visit. Snowcapped mountains surround the city, Bavarian-inspired architecture dot the stone streets, Christmas lights sparkle against the frigid air and horses clip-clop along the walkways with a cozy carriage in tow. Of course, an imitation village wouldn’t be complete without plenty of options for German staples like bratwursts and an ice-cold beer.
U.S. Virgin Islands for the Bahamas
A little bit of a hop, skip and jump away from the typical stateside boundaries of the U.S., this dupe likely needs no explanation in its similarities. The U.S. Virgin Islands offer the same white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise water, beach bars and opportunities for water activities as the Bahamas. With a less congested feel, the U.S. Virgin Islands are the perfect copycat for a relaxing beachside vacation.
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