Expedia Trends in Travel introduces an innovative concept, “Destination Dupes,” offering affordable and cost-effective alternatives to popular and often overcrowded travel destinations. In online slang, dupes are cheaper versions of luxury brands. Melanie Fish, the chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands, highlights the charm, affordability, and unexpected allure of these lesser-known gems.
“These locations are just as trip-worthy as their tried-and-true doppelgängers, but you’ll pay less and learn more. In the Expedia Trends in Travel report, dupes are destinations that are a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, but every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true places travelers love,” she said in a press release.
Check out Expedia’s list of 2024 Dupe Destinations for an affordable travel adventure.
Taipei: An Affordable Dupe Challenging Seoul’s Vibrancy
Embark on a budget-friendly adventure while exploring Taipei, a captivating dupe challenging Seoul’s allure. With a thriving tech scene, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant nightlife, Taipei silently rivals Seoul in popularity. Notable attractions include the tech market at Guang Hua Digital Plaza, vegan-friendly establishments like Plants, and the bustling Shilin Night Market. For those seeking panoramic views, a short hike up Elephant Mountain offers a spectacular vantage point within an affordable travel plan.
Memphis: Musical Dupe Echoing Nashville’s Soul
Dive into the soulful rhythms of Memphis, a dupe echoing Nashville’s musical charm. Synonymous with blues and soul, Memphis competes within a budget-friendly framework. Explore attractions like the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the birthplace of legends at Sun Studio. Beale Street, known as the “Home of the Blues,” completes the experience, along with the city’s renowned slow-cooked ribs and pulled-pork barbecue, all accessible on a budget.
Paros: Greek Gem, Affordable and Dupe of Santorini’s Crowds
Discover Paros, a Greek gem standing as a dupe for the popular Santorini. Enjoy postcard-perfect beauty in the Aegean Sea with fewer crowds, experiencing a notable 193% increase in popularity. Delve into history with ancient marble quarries and the Ekatontapiliani Church, savoring Cycladic charm with iconic blue-domed churches and enchanting alleys.
Québec City: North American Dupe of Geneva’s Elegance
Experience the charm of Québec City, a North American dupe reminiscent of Geneva’s elegance. Both boast striking waterfronts, well-preserved Old Towns, and multilingual cultures. Québec City’s Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec is an alternative to Geneva’s cultural offerings. The city’s Montmorency Falls provides a stunning natural counterpart to Geneva’s Alps.
Liverpool: Affordable Excellence, Dupe Beyond London’s Shadows
Uncover Liverpool’s excellence, an unconventional dupe beyond London’s shadows. With a 97% increase in popularity, Liverpool boasts attractions like The Cavern Club and Anfield Stadium. Liverpool, with the UK’s largest number of museums and galleries outside London, offers cultural richness without straining your travel budget.
Palermo: Sicilian Charm Resonating with Lisbon’s Legacy
Experience Palermo’s Sicilian charm, a dupe resonating with Lisbon’s legacy. Echoing Lisbon’s past allure, Palermo offers Moorish castles, breathtaking views, fresh oysters, and cotton-candy sunsets. Feel the urgency to explore Palermo before its charm becomes widely recognized.
Pattaya: Entertainment Dupe Beyond Bangkok’s Horizon
Explore Pattaya’s entertainment offerings, a dupe beyond Bangkok’s horizon with a remarkable 249% increase in popularity. Enjoy diverse options from night markets to rooftop nightclubs. Neon lights of Walking Street offer adults a nightlife experience, while family-friendly options abound, including resorts on Jomtien Beach.
Curaçao: Caribbean Dupe Echoing St. Martin’s Allure
Delve into Curaçao, a Caribbean gem echoing St. Martin’s allure. With gleaming beaches, elite scuba diving, and architectural charm, Curaçao provides a one-two punch of underwater adventures—all within an affordable travel plan. Explore rainbow-colored 18th-century buildings on the Handelskade waterfront, reminiscent of St. Martin’s French colonial past.