Dupe culture has long been prevalent in the beauty and fashion industries, whether it’s “an exacttttt match” for the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick or a budget-friendly alternative to the Saint Laurent le 5 à 7 Hobo bag. Now, the trend has filtered through to the travel industry, with ‘destination dupes’ seeing travellers setting off for lesser known destinations that offer a similar aesthetic or vibe to their more famous counterparts, albeit without the heaving crowds and often at a more affordable price point.
The rise of the destination dupe travel trend can be attributed to the excessive crowds that thronged popular hotspots in the wake of lockdown restrictions easing up, with the likes of Mykonos, the Amalfi Coast, and Bali falling victim to overtourism. That coupled with increased discourse around sustainable travel and the toll overcrowding takes on the environment and local communities has resulted in a search for better alternatives.
And while it’s tempting to gatekeep our favourite destination dupes, that’s not when we’re about here at Albert Review. So, in an effort to encourage a more authentic way of travel (and take you off the well-trod path), these are our favourite destination dupes to travel to.
1. Instead of Mykonos or Santorini: Visit Paros, Greece
The whitewashed walls and cobblestone streets of the fishing village of Paros make this island a viable alternative to Mykonos and Santorini. while part of the Cyclades Islands—which also comprises Mykonos and Santorini—Paros boasts the same architectural style, climate, and laidback (well, before the overtourism) vibes of its more popular counterparts. If you want to step ever further off the beaten path, boat on over to the adjacent island of Antiparos. Accessible by water from Paros, the beautiful island is home to a select few luxury hotels and villas and even acts as a holiday home for Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
2. Instead of Lisbon: Visit Palermo, Italy
Those after the colourful architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, rich heritage, and coastal position of Lisbon, Portugal will find a destination dupe in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Once dismissed as being somewhat sketchy (thanks to ties to the, err, mafia), Palermo has experienced something of a renaissance, with travellers appreciating its Byzantine and Arab-Norman architecture, bustling streets, and amazing trattorias. The opening of Villa Igiea in 2022 injected some much needed luxury appeal into the city, with the 19th-century building located just outside the main town.
3. Instead of Cannes: Visit Menton, France
Ah, Cannes. The glamorous city becomes a special kind of torture come summertime, with the seaside town packed to the brim with holidaymakers and Hollywood alike. Head a stone’s throw away to the other side of Nice — it’s much nicer (sorry). Sitting at the end of the Cote d’Azur, the hilly town of Menton boasts colourful façades aplenty, not to mention Belle Époque and baroque architecture. The French Riviera town is home to some of the best French and Italian restaurants, not to mention designer shops and art galleries, ensuring you needn’t forgo the cultural element of your holiday by sidestepping Cannes.
4. Instead of Venice: Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia
When it comes to cities struggling with the impacts of overtourism, Venice is at the top of the list. The city of canals has been afflicted with overcrowding, skyrocketing rents, damaged ecosystems, and a poorer quality of life for residents due to its perpetually bustling crowds. Let the floating city recover and instead head to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Boasting mediaeval architecture (complete with cobblestone streets), breathtaking views, boat rides, and a laid back vibe, Ljubljana offers charm in spades. Other viable destination dupes for Venice include Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Annecy in the French Alps.
5. Instead of Aruba: Visit Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Both the sun-soaked islands of Aruba and Curaçao are located just north of Venezuela, however the former has historically garnered the most attention from travellers. However, Curaçao has stepped out of the shadows thanks to its pastel-toned architecture and unique intermingling of European and Caribbean influences (both Papiamentu and Dutch are commonly spoken). Avid divers and snorkelers (as well as nature lovers) will appreciate the vibrant coral reefs and beautiful beaches (such as Baya Beach, Playa Porto Marie, and Kenepa Beach). With a number of all-inclusive resorts, Curaçao is the ideal locale for an authentic island experience.
6. Instead of Bali: Visit Palawan, Philippines
It’s not common that a country so widely known is so overlooked, but here we are. While sun-seekers (particularly from down under) tend to flock to Bali and Phuket for their beach fix (not to mention affordable beverages), the Philippines is home to some of the most visually pleasing tropical landscapes — think crystal clear turquoise water, virtually untouched beaches, and lush greenery. Head to the archipelagic province of Palawan, which comprises over 45 islands. Indulge in island hopping, snorkelling, diving, and dining while supporting the local community and avoiding the conventional tourist traps. One of the best (and still decidedly underrated) destination dupes on this list.
7. Instead of Dubrovnik: Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cheap flights, affordable living, and a plethora of Game of Thrones filming locations have propelled Dubrovnik from a once-underrated city to one inundated with tourists. Unfortunately, most of them are short-term tourists who utilise resources and contribute little to nothing to the local community and economy. Rather than being one of them, consider the Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite its lack of coastline, its stunning scenery, friendly locals and warm hospitality, rich heritage, and east-meets-west appeal make it a country worth visiting. While it mightn’t have the same cultural fame as Dubrovnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina is laden with rolling hills, green valleys, rivers, forests, and mountains at every turn—not to mention an abundance of idiosyncratic architecture—making it the ideal place to act out your Game of Thrones fantasies.
8. Instead of London: Visit Liverpool, England
Hear us out. Yes, London will never lose its appeal, however Liverpool vies for the title of the country’s most cultural city. Perched on the docks overlooking the Irish Sea, the north-western town is teaming with historical museums, shops, bars, and restaurants. As the hometown of The Beatles and a former Eurovision host, Liverpool has several beautiful hotels worth resting your weary bones in.
9. Instead of Positano: Visit Puglia, Italy
Come summertime, Positano is abuzz with tourists who swarm in by the yachtload to enjoy the hilly pastel-hued town and . So much so that it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to secure yourself a patch of sand (let alone a recliner) on the beach. Make your way towards the boot heel of Italy to Puglia, which shares the sun-drenched landscapes and alluring beaches of the Amalfi Coast, without the crowds and inflated prices.
10. Instead of Iceland: Visit Norway
Despite its breathtaking fjords and abundance of photogenic landscapes, Norway remains the least explored of the Nordic countries. Much like Iceland, Norway offers ample opportunities to see the aurora borealis (northern lights), in addition to boasting a slew of outdoor activities, thriving sauna culture, and the happiest people on earth. Art lovers shouldn’t go without a visit to the Munch Museum on the Bjørvika waterfront in Oslo; opening with little fanfare, it houses thousands of Edvard Munch’s most famous works. Something worth screaming about.
Words by T. Angel
