Traveling means discovering other cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and surprising dishes. But when it comes time to book, we have to admit that we often show little originality. According to the World Tourism Organization, 95% of travelers visit… 5% of the globe… The fault, among other things, is the “instagrammable” views that have boosted the popularity of certain destinations. Everyone wants their perfect photo in front of a sunset, a green oasis or a charming flowery alley. Result: we sometimes queue for hours, we step on each other’s toes and pay a high price in terms of transport, food and accommodation. The vacation can then turn into a nightmare… However, we can find idyllic postcard images without getting lost in a crowd. This is the principle of dupe destinations. A trend that comes from… the world of cosmetics and the TikTok sphere.
What’s the connection, you might ask? For some time now, influencers have been sharing their tips on the Chinese social network to save money on beauty products. In other words, cheaper equivalents to cosmetics developed by major luxury brands. These are not counterfeits, just alternatives that contain more or less the same ingredients.
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The phenomenon then migrated to other sectors, notably tourism. Across the Atlantic, it has even become a business, as evidenced by the list of dupe destinations proposed by Expedia, a company bringing together travel agencies. A way, it says, to satisfy the desires of travelers who are increasingly looking to avoid hyper-touristy places. On social networks, we also find a plethora of good deals to ensure a peaceful vacation, while also making a small ecological gesture. By opting for less popular destinations, we avoid, in fact, fueling mass tourism. Of course, the idea is not to move the problem, but rather to discover other horizons, sometimes closer to home. Tempted? Here is a non-exhaustive list of dupe destinations to try.
1. Liverpool instead of London
The English capital is one of the most visited cities in the world. Rightly so, it’s true… But there are other cities like Liverpool to soak up the British atmosphere. So let’s forget Big Ben and London Bridge and head to another monument of English culture: the Beatles. You can indeed visit The Cavern Club, where the group was discovered and played nearly 300 times. If you want to go to a museum, say goodbye to the endless line to get into the British Museum and opt for modern art at the Tate Liverpool.
2. Krakow or Istria replace Croatian Dalmatia
The fortress-like Roman ruins and beaches of Split are impressive. But if you like historical visits, know that the center of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Polish city can also replace Florence with its buildings in warm pastel colors that it owes to Italian architects. If it’s the sea that interests you, Istria, both in its Croatian and Slovenian parts, has remained much more authentic than Split.
3. Paros, the alternative to Santorini
Santorini attracts with its white houses, turquoise waters and sunsets. However, other Greek islands are also worth a visit. Paros offers picture-postcard scenery, with sleepy white villages, winding roads and beautiful beaches, at much more affordable prices.
4. The Kerlouan rocks in Finistère for the beaches of the Seychelles
It may seem surprising but the beach of Kerlouan, in Brittany, looks very similar to the large rocks surrounded by white sand and crystal clear water of the Seychelles. Okay, you will have less chance of finding sun but at least you will be quiet and you will save a plane ticket.
5. Taipei instead of Seoul
Even though Taipei is as far away as Seoul for us, it definitely has its place among the dupe destinations. Taiwan’s capital is cheaper than its Korean cousin and offers similar experiences. It is particularly famous for its lantern festival and Taipei 101, the city’s tallest tower.
6. Galway remplace Copenhague
It’s not only in the Danish capital that you can see quays with colorful houses. Galway, a port city in the west of Ireland, also reveals this kind of view. Another common point: its artistic and bohemian atmosphere and the possibility of going on numerous hikes in green landscapes.
7. The Ochre Trail in the Luberon instead of the Grand Canyon
Why go to the other side of the Atlantic when we have breathtaking landscapes among our neighbors? The ancient ocher quarries in Roussillon, France, provoke the same feeling of escape as the American Grand Canyon. The Ocres trail, leaving from Roussillon, can be covered in 30 or 50 minutes and allows you to discover these spectacular cliffs with their warm colors ranging from yellow to bright red.
8. Valencia instead of Barcelona
As vibrant and culturally rich as Barcelona, Valencia has been one of the most sought-after dupe destinations in recent years. It is home to the largest aquarium in Europe, a museum of fine arts and an Art Nouveau-style covered market. As a bonus, you can enjoy a paella at a fair price.
9. Albania instead of Greece or Italy
This Balkan country offers archaeological riches, heavenly sunny beaches and superb lakes (notably that of Shkodra shared with Montenegro). Still preserved from overtourism, Albania is one of the most affordable European destinations. It therefore has what it takes to compete with Italy or Greece.
10. The Tufs waterfalls in the Jura for those of Thailand
The Thai waterfalls that flow into a green jungle are certainly impressive. But once there, you feel more like you’re in Aqualibi than in a preserved natural setting. For an alternative that doesn’t require locking yourself up for ten hours in a plane, there is the Jura. The Tufs waterfall near the village of Arbois offers the same kind of spectacle, but calmer. While you’re in the area, you can also visit the vineyards of Château-Chalon or the salt pans of Salins-les-Bains.
