Last updated October 21, 2025
Tired of tourist traps? We share six destination dupes that capture the charm of iconic locations with calm, culture and affordable experiences.
Travel doesn’t always mean jetting off to the big-name cities or landmarks. Sometimes, the best experiences come from discovering places that give you the same vibe as the icons without the hefty price tags or overwhelming crowds.
Destination dupes are underrated gems with an atmosphere, culture or scenery similar to their famous counterparts, but with a unique spin.
Why Choose a Destination Dupe?
Destination dupes are a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of a world-famous spot while saving money, skipping stress and uncovering something fresh.
- Avoiding crowds: Ever tried to enjoy a sunset in Santorini with a thousand other people pushing for the same view? Choosing a dupe gives you space to breathe and enjoy these moments without the noise. Periods like spring break are among the busiest times to travel, so opting for a less obvious destination can make all the difference in how relaxed your trip feels.
- Sustainability: Many top destinations struggle with overtourism, which damages local communities and the environment. Visiting a dupe spreads out tourism more evenly and supports places that don’t always get the spotlight.
- Fresh experiences: Most people have heard about Venice gondolas or the Eiffel Tower. Telling your friends about kayaking in Slovenia or sipping wine in Puglia is a travel story that stands out.
- Budgeting: Flights, hotels and daily expenses in hot spots like Paris or Bali can eat up your budget fast. A dupe can give you a similar experience at half the cost. You can also book flights early when prices are lowest or travel off-season, and look for local guesthouses instead of chain hotels. Additionally, booking transport like buses or trains online early can help you save more than 50% over waiting until the day of travel.
Six Top Destination Dupes
With these six destination dupes, you can ditch the overwhelming crowds.
1. Swap Santorini for Milos, Greece
Santorini may be the most photographed island in Greece, but it’s also one of the most expensive and crowded. Milos—another Cycladic Island—offers the same dramatic volcanic landscapes, whitewashed villages and crystal-clear waters with a quieter, more laid-back vibe.
The island is known for Sarakiniko Beach, moon-like white rock formations and charming fishing villages like Klima, where colorful houses line the water. You’ll still catch unforgettable sunsets, but you’ll likely enjoy it quietly with locals and fellow in-the-know travelers.
2. Swap Paris for Lyon, France
Lyon offers much of the same charm as Paris without the intensity. As the gastronomic capital of France, the city is a food lover’s dream. Its bouchons serve hearty local dishes, and Lyon boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than Paris.
The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with a mix of Renaissance old town, Roman ruins and modern art districts. You can stroll along two rivers, explore hidden passageways called traboules, and enjoy café culture without sky-high prices or long waits for every attraction.
3. Swap Amalfi Coast for Puglia, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, but it can also feel overrun and overpriced. Puglia—located in the “heel” of Italy’s boot—delivers the same seaside beauty but with a more authentic, less commercialized vibe.
Expect whitewashed hill towns like Ostuni, cliffside villages such as Polignano a Mare, and sandy beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Puglia is known for its trulli houses in Alberobello and for producing some of Italy’s best olive oil and wines. You’ll still enjoy coastal drives with less traffic and more breathing room.
4. Swap Bali for Lombok, Indonesia
Bali has long been the crown jewel of Indonesian tourism, but it’s bursting at the seams with visitors. Just next door, Lombok offers a quieter alternative with equally stunning beaches, surf spots and natural wonders.
You can climb Mount Rinjani—an active volcano with a crater lake—or escape to the Gili Islands, which are famous for diving, snorkeling and car-free streets. Unlike Bali, Lombok still feels relatively untouched, making it perfect for travelers craving adventure mixed with serenity.
5. Swap Sydney for Cape Town, South Africa
If you’re dreaming of Sydney’s mix of stunning coastline, urban buzz and natural wonders, Cape Town offers all that and more, often at a lower cost. It has beaches to rival Bondi, iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Like Sydney, it’s a city where natural and urban life blend. You can sip coffee at a trendy café in the morning and hike a rugged trail by afternoon. Plus, Cape Town adds layers of cultural history and world-class wine regions just a short drive away.
6. Swap Venice for Ljubljana, Slovenia
Venice may have canals, but Ljubljana has its own storybook riverfront lined with pastel-colored buildings, bridges and outdoor cafés. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city’s heart, where you can hop on a river cruise or cross the iconic Dragon Bridge.
Ljubljana is also one of Europe’s greenest capitals, and the old town is a car-free zone. It blends Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture with a youthful, artsy energy. You’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices and a more relaxed pace that still captures the magic of exploring a historic riverside city.
Choosing the Right Dupe
Choosing a destination dupe doesn’t mean giving up on your dream trip. By skipping the crowds, saving money and uncovering spots that don’t always make the headlines, you’ll often end up with a more personal and less predictable vacation. When deciding on the ultimate dupe, keep these things in mind:
- Your priorities: If food, history or nightlife is your focus, look for dupes that deliver in that area.
- Accessibility: Check flight routes, train connections or ferry schedules. Some dupes are actually easier to reach than their famous alternatives.
- Timing: Sometimes, the dupe is better at a different time of year. For example, Milos shines in late summer when Santorini remains packed.
About the author:
Mia Barnes is a freelance writer and researcher with a passion for healthy travel and wellness. Mia is the founder and editor-in-chief of Body+Mind magazine. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on X and Instagram @bodymindmag!
Snapshot Summary
Destination dupes let travelers capture the spirit of iconic places without the chaos, cost or crowds. From Milos to Puglia, these under-the-radar spots offer calm, culture and connection—the kind of balance that nourishes well-being while still inspiring adventure. By choosing lesser-known gems, travelers find beauty that feels more personal, sustainable and restorative. Proof that the best journeys don’t always follow the usual map.
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