10 Travel Dupes That Will Make You Rethink Your Bucket List

One of the biggest travel trends in 2024 is saving money, but that doesn’t mean travelers don’t want to experience epic adventures. How are they doing it?

Travel dupes! You’ve heard of makeup dupes, clothing dupes, and even food dupes, where smaller, lesser-known companies produce products that are very similar to the pricey brands for a fraction of the cost.

The same can be done with travel. By skipping the over-popular, super-expensive locations, you can find similar views for less money and, usually, fewer crowds, too!

1. Instead of Venice, Italy

Venice is known for its canals, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance.

Try Annecy, France

Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” offers a network of charming canals, beautiful old buildings, and a stunning mountain backdrop.

2. Instead of Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is famous for its immense size and dramatic vistas.

Try Fish River Canyon, Namibia

The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world and offers similarly breathtaking landscapes with far fewer tourists.

3. Instead of Santorini, Greece

Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets, white buildings with blue domes, and the Aegean Sea.

Try Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj offers a similarly picturesque old town on the Adriatic coast with cobblestone streets, beautiful sunsets, and a charming harbor.

4. Instead of Paris, France

Paris is celebrated for its art, architecture, and cafe culture.

Try Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is often called the “Paris of South America,” offering grand boulevards, impressive architecture, a vibrant art scene, and a bustling café culture.

5. Instead of the Maldives

The Maldives are famous for their overwater bungalows and clear blue waters.

Try Palawan, Philippines

One of the most beautiful island in the Phillipines, Palawan offers stunningly beautiful islands and crystal-clear waters and is more budget-friendly.

6. Instead of Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is known for its ancient Inca ruins and stunning mountaintop location.

Try Ciudad Perdida, Colombia

Ciudad Perdida (“Lost City”) is a pre-Columbian city in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada, offering a similar adventure through ancient ruins with fewer tourists.

7. Instead of Bali, Indonesia

Bali is famous for its beaches, rice terraces, and cultural experience.

Try Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta offers beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural experience without the heavy crowds.

8. Instead of New York City, USA

New York City is known for its skyline, Broadway shows, and cultural diversity.

Try, Toronto, Canada

Toronto offers a similar urban experience with its impressive skyline, a vibrant arts scene, and multicultural neighborhoods.

9. Instead of Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is celebrated for its stunning coastline and picturesque towns.

Try Costa Brava, Spain

The Costa Brava offers rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches, and charming seaside towns, with a distinct Catalan flair.

10. Instead of Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is known for its vast coral reef system.

Try Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia