As overtourism continues to reshape the way people travel, vacationers are increasingly looking beyond traditional hotspots for destinations that offer similar scenery, culture and experiences — without the crowds and premium prices.
Holafly’s first Travel Dupe Index identifies 10 international alternatives to some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Unlike traditional travel “dupes,” the alternatives are located in a different country from the destination they replace, giving travelers an opportunity to explore somewhere new while still capturing the appeal of a familiar favorite.
Ghent, Belgium, takes the No. 1 spot as an alternative to Venice, Italy. Known for its medieval architecture, canals and historic atmosphere, Ghent offers a similar European experience while facing significantly less tourism pressure.
For travelers drawn to the mountain-lodge appeal of Aspen, Colorado, Banff, Canada, provides a compelling alternative. Jeonju, South Korea, meanwhile, offers travelers seeking Kyoto’s traditional culture and architecture another option, while Budva, Montenegro, is positioned as an alternative to Ibiza, Spain.
Other destinations on the list include Cascais, Portugal, instead of Saint-Tropez, France; Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, instead of Lake Como, Italy; and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic, instead of Tulum, Mexico.
Rounding out the ranking are Menton, France, as an alternative to Italy’s Amalfi Coast; Ciudad Perdida, Colombia, instead of Machu Picchu, Peru; and Siargao, Philippines, instead of Bali, Indonesia.
According to the index, travelers can save as much as 83% on accommodation, depending on the destination pair.
The 10 Best Travel Dupes
- Ghent, Belgium — Venice, Italy
- Banff, Canada — Aspen, United States
- Jeonju, South Korea — Kyoto, Japan
- Budva, Montenegro — Ibiza, Spain
- Cascais, Portugal — Saint-Tropez, France
- Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia — Lake Como, Italy
- Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic — Tulum, Mexico
- Menton, France — Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Ciudad Perdida, Colombia — Machu Picchu, Peru
- Siargao, Philippines — Bali, Indonesia
Holafly developed the ranking using five criteria: visual and cultural similarity, accommodation savings, overtourism contrast, accessibility and social momentum. Visual and cultural similarity and accommodation savings each accounted for 25% of the score, while overtourism contrast represented 20%. Accessibility and social momentum each accounted for 15%.
The methodology also required every alternative to be in a different country from its iconic counterpart, with no more than two destinations from the same country included.
The result is a list designed for travelers who want the familiar appeal of bucket-list destinations while finding new places, potentially spending less and avoiding some of the pressures associated with overtourism.