You’ve been diligently saving and realize that a more budget-friendly destination is in the cards in the upcoming months. As you’re doing your research, you’ve come across travel destination dupes that sound good.
Essentially, travel destination dupes are places that offer similar vibes or types of attractions to places that are often more crowded or pricey. Think the Dolomites instead of the Alps, Seoul instead of Tokyo or Paros instead of Santorini.
To be clear, dupes aren’t a replacement. Rather, they give you what you want in a place without having to shell out a lot of money or even travel farther than you’d like (nobody really likes sitting on a plane for over 10 hours unless it’s in first class). Below are five destination dupes to kickstart your travel planning.
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Utrecht Instead of Amsterdam
Utrecht offers the same charms with its multitude of canals but offers a much calmer energy. You’ll find a vibrant cafe culture, bike-friendly roads and an equally charming historic center. You may not find the same type of energy as Amsterdam, but if you want a more relaxed trip and less crowds, Utrecht is where it’s at.
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Pula, Croatia Instead of Rome, Italy
No place will ever replace the grandeur of the Colosseum. However, if you’re looking for ancient ruins and Mediterranean vibes, Pula offers less crowds and in many areas, lower accommodation and dining. You can stroll cobblestone streets, its preserved amphitheater and seaside views.
St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida Instead of Miami
Miami is known for its mile-long beaches and vibrant nightlife. Let’s not forget the arts and food scene. However, if you’re not interested in the hectic crowds, party atmosphere and price tags, then St. Petersburg and Clearwater is a safe bet.
This area mirrors Miami’s beautiful beaches and sunny weather. You’ll still get artistic vibes and craft cocktail bars, but it’ll feel less chaotic.
Valencia, Spain Instead of Barcelona
Barcelona has beaches, bold architecture and lively plazas, especially at night. It’s also one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Consider Valencia instead, which offers the same types of amenities and better value. You’ll be able to access a historic Gothic quarter, beaches and all the tapas you dream of.
Annapolis, Maryland Instead of Charleston, South Carolina
Tourists visit Charleston for its historic Southern charm and pastel architecture. But if you’re not interested in venturing too far south, consider Annapolis. Surprisingly, you get a similar waterfront vibe and cobblestone streets, but with a Chesapeake twist.
Instead of pastel buildings, you get colonial era ones. The area also serves great dining options, rich historical areas, boutique shops and walkable areas. Instead of crowds, you’ll get the same charm but with far less tourists.
Finding Your Own Destination Dupes
Sometimes, the fun with traveling is planning your own adventure. If you’d rather find your own destination dupe, it starts with figuring out what it is you want first.
Think about the areas you like, the vibes you love rather than specific attractions. Maybe you like walkable streets? Places steeped in history? A foodie paradise? Then, look at your budget and other criteria like how far you want to travel.
Once you have that list, then look for places with comparable weather, landscapes and even cultural influences. Places like travel forums and Reddit are goldmines for recommendations. With a little work, you can find travel dupes that are just as nice.
Would you rather not “settle” for a dupe? That’s OK, too. It might mean you’ll have to save up for longer or be OK with braving crowds, wherever you’re going.
Editor’s note: Information on each destination was sourced from Tripadvisor.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Travel Destination Dupes for a Budget-Friendly Destination
