You’re probably already familiar with the concept of the fashion or beauty dupe: a piece of clothing or a product which is similar to the original must-have item you’re swapping it for, in form and function, but which often costs significantly less without compromising on quality. This trend has swept TikTok (of course), and has now extended into the realm of travel. The idea is to exchange a popular destination for one that has similar qualities but is often overlooked, and which fewer people know about.
In this climate of over-tourism, “destination dupes” are absolutely to be encouraged: who wants to battle through crowds to get to a particular sight or restaurant, or even just to walk down the street? Destination dupes, then, are just as trip-worthy as their tried and tested doppelgangers, but you’re more likely to have them to yourself – and, ideally, because they’re off the beaten track, they might not be as expensive. So, why not take a chance on somewhere unexpected, which promises to be every bit as fascinating as the place it’s doubling for?
