Beyond the Crowds: How 'Destination Dupes' Are Reshaping Travel in 2025

Published on July 14, 2025

Picture this: You're standing in Venice's Piazza San Marco, shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other tourists, struggling to snap a photo that isn't crowded with strangers. Or perhaps you're queuing for hours to glimpse the Mona Lisa behind bulletproof glass while hundreds of people jostle around you. Sound familiar? Welcome to the reality of over tourism in 2025.

But what if I told you there's a growing movement that's changing how we think about travel destinations? Enter the world of lesser known alternatives that offer similar experiences without the crushing crowds, inflated prices, and environmental strain also known as "destination dupes".

The Overtourism Crisis: More Than Just Inconvenience

According to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world's tourist destinations, creating a massive imbalance that's affecting destinations worldwide. Overtourism occurs when too many visitors flock to a destination, exceeding its ability to manage them sustainably and leading to negative impacts such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, strained infrastructure, reduced quality of life for residents, and a diminished visitor experience.

In 2025, a second wave of protests is growing in Southern Europe including Portugal, as residents push back against the overwhelming influx of tourists. As the demand for travel shows few signs of slowing, overtourism is poised to remain a critical challenge for visitors, residents and affected destinations, experts say.

Consider some staggering examples: Sirmione on Lake Garda is a town of 8,000 residents with 1.5 million annual visitors. Osaka, Japan, has been crowned the world's most popular destination for 2025, thanks to a surge in travelers, putting enormous pressure on the city's infrastructure and local communities.

What Are Destination Dupes?

Destination dupes, or travel twins, are affordable alternatives to popular travel destinations that offer comparable experiences—similar landscapes, architecture, cuisine, or cultural attractions—without the drawbacks of mass tourism. The term destination dupes was introduced during last year's "Summer of the swap". This trend highlights how travellers are looking to escape destinations that are overcrowded, expensive, or both.

Think of them as travel's best-kept secrets – places that deliver the same emotional and cultural experiences as their famous counterparts, but with breathing room, authentic interactions, and often at a fraction of the cost.

Why Destination Dupes Are Having Their Moment

Budget-Friendly Adventures: Whether it's their more budget-friendly appeal, the lack of crowds, or the feeling of discovering a hidden gem, the trend for "destination dupes" is still going strong. When a night in central Paris costs what a week might cost in Ljubljana, the math becomes compelling.

Authentic Experiences: Without the tourist traps and commercialization, destination dupes often offer more genuine cultural interactions. You're more likely to have a conversation with a local shopkeeper when you're not one of thousands passing through daily.

Environmental Responsibility: By dispersing tourist traffic, destination dupes help reduce the environmental strain on over-visited locations while supporting sustainable tourism development in lesser-known areas.

Quality Over Quantity: To combat over tourism and enhance client experiences, Maza recommends the following: Create unconventional itineraries: Explore residential areas, visit attractions during off-peak times, and work with local experts to uncover hidden gems.

The Best Destination Dupes for 2025

European Alternatives That Will Surprise You

Ljubljana Instead of Venice: Slovenia's charming capital offers canal-side dining, stunning architecture, and romantic bridges – all without the tourist crush. The city's pedestrian-friendly center and vibrant café culture provide the same romantic atmosphere as Venice, but with locals who actually live there.

Paros Instead of Mykonos: "Go to Paros for the same Cycladic atmosphere, nightlife, and architecture as Mykonos, but at more affordable prices. I also recommend Naxos for a unique island stay in the spirit of of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet alternative to Dubrovnik for a Mediterranean atmosphere, and Brac offers similar coastal beauty.

Porto Instead of Barcelona: Portugal's second city delivers stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and colorful riverside districts without the overwhelming crowds of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.

Instead of Santorini, Greece → Visit Naxos, Greece Naxos offers a unique island stay in the spirit of Santorini with the same stunning Cycladic architecture and sunset views, but without the overwhelming crowds and inflated prices.

Instead of Pamukkale, Turkey → Visit Terme di Saturnia, Italy Consider visiting Terme di Saturnia in Tuscany instead of Pamukkale in Türkiye - these natural hot springs in Tuscany offer the same therapeutic mineral waters and stunning terraced pools.

Instead of the Seychelles → Visit Corsica, France Explore Corsica, as an alternative to the Seychelles with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Mediterranean charm at a fraction of the cost.

Instead of London → Visit Dublin, Ireland Dublin in exchange for London offers similar historic architecture, vibrant pub culture, and literary heritage without London's sky-high prices.

Instead of Rome → Visit Athens, Greece Athens in lieu of a Roman holiday provides equally impressive ancient ruins, fascinating history, and Mediterranean culture.

International Destination Dupes

Instead of Tokyo, Japan → Visit Fukuoka, Japan Fukuoka in southern Japan as an excellent alternative to Tokyo offers authentic Japanese culture, incredible food scenes, and modern city life without the overwhelming crowds.

Instead of the Maldives → Visit Bacalar, Mexico Explore Bacalar, Mexico, as an alternative to the Maldives - this "Lake of Seven Colors" offers stunning turquoise waters and overwater experiences.

Instead of Banff, Canada → Visit Yoho National Park, Canada Opt for Yoho National Park over the super popular Banff for equally spectacular mountain scenery and pristine wilderness.

Instead of Banff → Visit the Dolomites, Italy Opt for the Dolomites over the super popular Banff for dramatic alpine landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities.

North American Hidden Gems

Instead of Pamukkale, Turkey → Visit Grutas Tolantongo, Mexico Consider visiting Grutas Tolantongo in Mexico instead of Pamukkale in Turkey - these natural hot springs and thermal pools offer a similar experience in a more accessible location.

Instead of New England's Fall Foliage → Visit West Virginia For spectacular autumn colors without the crowds and traffic jams that plague New England during peak foliage season.

Instead of Napa Valley → Visit Finger Lakes, New York For world-class wines, beautiful lake scenery, and vineyard experiences without Napa's premium prices.

Global Hidden Gems That Rival Famous Destinations

Bacalar, Mexico Instead of the Maldives: Consider visiting Grutas Tolantongo in Mexico instead of Pamukkale in Turkey; explore Bacalar, Mexico, as an alternative to the Maldives; opt for Yoho National Park over the super popular Banff, and explore many other options listed below. This "Lake of Seven Colors" offers crystal-clear lagoons and overwater dining at a fraction of Maldivian prices.

West Virginia's Byways Instead of New England: One such destination dupe suggests a road trip along West Virginia's byways instead of New England's highways for brilliant autumn colours, offering spectacular fall foliage without the crowds and traffic jams.

Yoho National Park Instead of Banff: Canada's hidden gem offers equally stunning mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities without Banff's overwhelming visitor numbers.

How to Discover Your Perfect Destination Dupe

Research Like a Pro

Use Technology to Your Advantage: Apps and platforms help you plan alternatives. Google Maps Popular Times: Check the busiest times for attractions and plan your visit accordingly. Tiqets or Headout: Apps for purchasing tickets in advance and avoiding long queues. Visit a City App: Create detailed itineraries with insights into when landmarks are least crowded.

Follow the "Similar But Different" Formula: Look for destinations that share key characteristics with your dream location – coastal beauty, historic architecture, culinary traditions, or natural wonders – but in less obvious places.

Consult Local Experts: Travel bloggers, local tourism boards, and travel agents who specialize in off-the-beaten-path destinations can provide insider knowledge about hidden gems.

Planning Your Dupe Adventure

Timing Is Everything: Visit during shoulder seasons when weather is still pleasant but crowds are thinner. This strategy works particularly well for destination dupes, which often have more forgiving seasons than their famous counterparts.

Embrace the Unknown: Part of the appeal of destination dupes is discovery. Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous exploration and unexpected encounters.

Support Local Communities: Choose tour operators that focus on small group tours or eco-friendly practices. Stay in accommodations with a commitment to sustainable tourism. This approach ensures your travel has a positive impact on the destination.

The Sustainable Travel Revolution

Destination dupes represent more than just a trend – they're part of a broader movement toward sustainable and responsible travel. Prioritizing eco-conscious travel helps reduce the strain on popular destinations and promotes less-explored areas.

When you choose a destination dupe, you're:

• Supporting local economies that need tourism revenue

• Reducing environmental pressure on over-visited locations

• Experiencing destinations before they become overcrowded

• Often getting better value for your money

• Creating more authentic travel memories

Overcoming the FOMO Factor

Let's be honest – there's a reason those famous destinations became famous. They're genuinely spectacular. But consider this: some of the world's most beloved destinations were once "destination dupes" themselves. Bali was once the alternative to Hawaii, Croatia the alternative to Italy, and Iceland the alternative to Norway.

The key is reframing your travel mindset. Instead of chasing Instagram-famous landmarks, focus on the experiences you want to have. Do you want to explore ancient architecture? Taste incredible local cuisine? Relax on pristine beaches? All of these experiences are available in countless destinations around the world.

The Future of Travel: Dispersed and Diverse

As we move through 2025, the destination dupe trend shows no signs of slowing. Smart travelers are realizing that the best experiences often come from places that aren't on everyone's radar. Tourism boards are also catching on, investing in infrastructure and marketing for their hidden gems.

This shift represents a maturation of travel culture – from quantity to quality, from checking boxes to creating meaningful experiences, from following crowds to forging your own path.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

The beauty of destination dupes lies not just in avoiding crowds and saving money, but in the thrill of discovery. There's something magical about finding a stunning viewpoint, a perfect café, or a fascinating museum that isn't flooded with tourists and doesn't appear on every travel Instagram account.

As you plan your next adventure, consider asking yourself: What kind of experience am I seeking? Then look beyond the obvious choices. Research the alternatives. Talk to locals. Explore the road less traveled.

The world is full of incredible destinations waiting to be discovered – places where you can wander medieval streets without fighting for space, enjoy local cuisine without reservations made months in advance, and create memories that feel authentically yours.

In 2025, the savviest travelers aren't just following trends, they're creating them. They're the ones who discover tomorrow's must-see destinations before they become overwhelmed by tourism. They're the ones who return home with stories that no one else has heard before.

Ready to become a destination dupe pioneer? Start by identifying what draws you to popular destinations, then research lesser-known places that offer similar experiences. Your perfect hidden gem is waiting to be discovered and it might just become your new favorite place on Earth.