Why fight the crowds? Finding the same vibe for half the price and none of the stress.
Stop Going to Tourist Traps: 3 Underrated "Dupes" for the World's Most Overcrowded Destinations
We all have that dream list: Venice, Santorini, Dubrovnik. But the reality of visiting these iconic spots in the age of mass tourism is often disappointing. You expect romance and history, but you get cruise ship crowds, inflated prices, and impossible-to-get restaurant reservations.
Enter the era of the "Destination Dupe." Travelers are increasingly seeking out alternative locations that offer similar architecture, vibes, and landscapes to famous hotspots, but with fewer crowds and a much lower price tag. Here are three incredible swaps to consider for your next trip.
Skip Venice 🇮🇹 -> Try Annecy, France 🇫🇷
The Problem with Venice: It is sinking under the weight of overtourism. In summer, the narrow alleys are gridlocked, the canals can smell, and a coffee in St. Mark's Square costs a fortune. It's beautiful, but stressful.
The Dupe: Annecy. Known as the "Venice of the Alps," this stunning French town features crystal-clear canals winding through medieval pastel-colored houses, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a pristine turquoise lake. It’s romantic, walkable, and far more relaxed.
Skip Santorini 🇬🇷 -> Try Paros or Milos 🇬🇷
The Problem with Santorini: That famous sunset view in Oia? You’ll share it with 5,000 other people holding up phones. The iconic blue-domed churches are often cordoned off, and prices are astronomical during peak season.
The Dupe: Paros or Milos. These neighboring Cycladic islands offer the exact same whitewashed buildings, vibrant bougainvillea, and stunning Aegean sea views. Paros is chic and charming with great dining, while Milos offers some of the most unique, lunar-like beaches in Greece. Both feel authentic and far less commercial.
Skip The Maldives 🇲🇻 -> Try The Albanian Riviera 🇦🇱
The Problem with The Maldives: It is undeniably spectacular, but it is exclusively a luxury destination. A week in an overwater villa costs thousands of dollars, and you are confined to one resort island.
The Dupe: The Albanian Riviera. It might sound surprising, but the southern coast of Albania features beaches with water just as turquoise and clear as the Maldives, like Ksamil. You can stay in beautiful boutique hotels, eat incredible fresh seafood, and explore ancient ruins for a fraction of the cost of a single night in a Maldivian resort.