5 Ways To Travel Cheap With ‘Destination Dupes’

Don’t be surprised if you hear more about “destination dupes” in 2024. Swapping overcrowded and overpriced vacation hotspots for equally fascinating facsimiles is a travel trend that is becoming more popular for adventurers seeking new experiences at reasonable prices.

“Consumers more and more are expanding their appetites to trying new destinations, which spreads them out to experience places that are less traveled and more affordable,” said Brett Keller, the chief executive of the online agency Priceline.

Avoiding “overtouristed” locations can take many forms. Still, American travelers are increasingly up for the challenge by choosing destination dupes, strong dollar-saving alternatives, off- and shoulder season surprises and targeted excursions.

Already fashionable on TikTok, travel influencers are recommending vacationers look at lesser-known, more budget-friendly options that offer similar experiences without the costs and crowds. The world’s most popular destinations are beautiful, but true travelers know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Whether staying in-country (Bordeaux instead of Paris) or traveling 3,500 miles in the opposite direction of your original destination (Quebec City instead of Geneva), you’ll find there are a lot of “twin” cities throughout the world that provide an equally delightful trip for a lot less loot. Embracing a different adventure doesn’t mean you’re getting duped.

No two places are the same, but a bit of research can help you mirror the feel you’re looking for in a holiday. For example, London has everything, including the less-than-perfect cost and crowds. It may be bigger, but Liverpool matches London culturally in many ways and awards the daring with an equally wonderful travel experience.

Croatia has become a travel mecca over the past decade. Most people who are determined to visit this Adriatic gem choose Dubrovnik (thanks mainly to “Game of Thrones”), but Split is absolutely gorgeous, as is nearby Bosnia. Sarajevo will provide memories that will last a lifetime and simply can’t be missed by travel lovers.

When the U.S. dollar is strong, it pays to travel where it stretches further. Changes in the U.S. economy don’t significantly influence local prices in foreign countries, so a strong dollar can buy more when converted to the local currency.

Mexico has always been a cheap alternative to high-priced beach resorts, but delving further inland offers world-class museums, natural landmarks, historic ruins and culinary delights. According to Frommer’s, Poland, Vietnam, Portugal, Egypt and Indonesia are all fantastic getaways and tend to give Americans more value for their money.

People all around the globe spend years saving up for once-in-a-lifetime voyages. So, getting to your dream destination without breaking the bank is a bonus. Embarking on new adventures in the off-season is not only budget-conscious, but can also be a similarly wonderful experience.

Of course, braving tropical storms instead of taking a calm beach vacation is something most people would want to avoid. But some places are must-sees all year round. For example, many visitors flock to New York City in the winter for unforgettable trips. Many seaside destinations are less busy and more comfortable when the weather is in the 50s and 60s than in the high 90s.

Although time frames vary by destination, “Shoulder season is the period of travel that lands squarely between the high season of travel, also known as the traditional summer months of June through August (for the Northern Hemisphere), and the low season, which is usually the dead of winter (January through early March, in the Northern Hemisphere),” according to AFAR.

Like scheduling an off-season flight, you’ll need to be wary of weather changes when booking a trip in the shoulder season, but if you’re willing to think outside the box, you’ll find more affordable flights, lower hotel rates and less congestion.

Of course, if you’re serious about catching Olympic fever in Paris this summer, a destination dupe like Bordeaux or Montreal won’t replace your goal of seeing athletes in action. And sometimes finding the most accurate destination dupe defeats the purpose of traveling — to open your mind to other worlds and possibilities.

Following existing or brand-new interests can work out in your favor, too. As The New York Times reports, wilderness and snorkeling escapes and wellness and eco-traveling retreats can be made for much less than a vacation to a popular megalopolis — providing a memorable activity of a lifetime.