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Travel dupe – the best cheap holiday spots to rival Santorini, Venice, Rome, Dubai, Hawaii and more
When picking your next holiday destination often the well-trodden paths are what first spring to mind. Sunsets in Santorini, canal walks in Venice, shopping in Dubai. They're all iconic, but can come with a hefty price tag simply because they are so popular.
So what if you could get a similar experience for a fraction of the cost?
That's where travel dupes come in. These hidden gems are not only cheap holiday destinations, but less busy and often more authentic because they haven't had to cater for mass markets.
Travel dupes have become a famous hack on TikTok and Instagram with savvy tourists looking for bargains and untapped treasures.
We spoke to a number of travel experts who have given us insider information to help you plan your next break - without breaking the bank.
Got a good destination dupe? Add your tips in the comments.
Venice travel dupe
Venice is famous for its hundreds of canals, bridges and gondolas, but with 30 million visitors a year, it can get very crowded. It also has a tourist tax adding an extra expense to an already hefty price tag.
In fact, hotels are on average £343 a night in the August peak season, according to travel insight company Lighthouse.
But there are a few alternatives that can give a similar vibe, with Annecy in France, pictured, being top of the list.
Lee Dobson, who co-owns Travel City, told us: “Annecy is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ and for good reason. This picturesque town is crisscrossed by small canals and streams flowing out of Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in Europe.
“With its charming old town, beautiful lake views, and stunning mountain backdrop, Annecy offers a serene alternative to the bustling canals of Venice.”
If you fancy somewhere at a slightly lower altitude, a hotel stay in Bruges, Belgium, will cost half as much as Venice, at £169 a night in August this summer, according to Lighthouse.
Paris travel dupe
Paris might be the city of love but it’s not the city of lovely prices, with hotels cashing in on the French capital’s popularity.
And with the Olympics taking place in the city in 2024, Bucharest in Romania has been tipped as cheaper – and easier – place to find a room.
There are tree-lined boulevards, lush urban parks, and even its own Arc de Triomphe, called the Arc de Triumf!
Kelly Duhigg, founder of Girl with the Passport" nofollow="true"]Girl with the Passport , said: “Nicknamed the ‘Little Paris of the East’, Bucharest shares the French capital's love of art nouveau architecture, evident in its elegant historic buildings designed by French architects in the late 19th century.
“Bucharest rivals Paris for lively nightlife, with trendy bars, clubs, and a blossoming foodie scene.
“While Bucharest offers a Parisian ambience, it has an energy and culture that are distinctly Eastern European. Bustling street markets, remnants of communist rule, affordable prices, and friendly locals give Bucharest its own magnetic and affordable allure as a Paris alternative.”
Barcelona travel dupe
Timon van Basten, Spain tour guide and founder of Travel Spain 24, suggests swapping Barcelona for Valencia.
He said: "From its historic centre along the waterfront promenade to the lively nightlife and Spain's largest inland lake, it retains a real cultural flavour while offering world-class food and fun.
“It has such charm, without feeling so crowded like Barcelona can be."
In fact, Valencia is considered the top destination dupe in the world. Travel experts at 1st Move International gave it a dupe mark of 9.24 out of 10 – head and shoulders above any other city – after analysing Google, Instagram and TikTok data.
A spokesperson said: “Holidayers visiting Valencia can enjoy a comparable experience to Barcelona while spending approximately 25% less on essentials such as groceries and local transportation, making it an ideal destination for those on a budget.”
Do remember to take the Spain tourist tax into consideration when calculating your costs.
Santorini and Mykonos travel dupe
Santorini and Mykonos in Greece are upmarket islands for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families wanting to relax. But they also come with a hefty price tag.
Thankfully there are several cheaper areas queuing up to offer similar magical experiences.
A few islands away in Paros lies a cheaper Greek option, according to Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert from Freetour.com. She says you can expect to spend £150 a day in Mykonos, but just over £100 a day in Paros.
Milos could be a better, and quieter alternative to Santorini, according to Rosalind Cuthbertson, co-owner of Frequent Traveller, who discovered the “unspoiled” island with her husband Alan while sailing.
She told us: “Its rugged yet lush terrain reflecting volcanic origins took us back in time. Beaches like Pollonia and Papafragas were stunning yet secluded. Despite some logistical challenges, the rewards of experiences off the beaten path have lingered with us the most over the years.”
Another Greek island choice could be Crete with hotels coming out at half the price of those in Santorini for August 2024 according to Lighthouse.
If you’re not tied to Greece, Mr Dobson suggests Cadaqués in Spain. He adds: “Cadaqués is a beautiful coastal town in Catalonia, Spain, known for its whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets, similar to the iconic views of Santorini.
“It's a tranquil spot with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a rich artistic heritage, notably as the summer home of Salvador Dalí.”
Over in Italy, Puglia could be a cheaper, but still visually stunning, option.
1st Move International says: “Nestled at the heel of Italy, Puglia remains one of the country's hidden gems. The region showcases rustic local cuisine and stunning beaches along the southern coastline, providing a captivating experience at a fraction of the cost associated with visiting Santorini.”
Rome travel dupe
Istanbul offers much of the cultural richness of Rome but is about a third cheaper, according to medical tourism agency Simply Aesthetic.
A spokesperson said: "Istanbul and Rome both offer a journey of history with ancient ruins, museums and architecture. Istanbul's landscape provides remnants from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, while Rome serves as a living museum, showcasing the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.
“While Rome's iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican are undeniably impressive, Istanbul's rich tapestry of cultures offers a more varied and engaging historical journey.
"Istanbul often presents a more economical option, with lower costs for flights, accommodation, dining, and activities compared to Rome."
Amsterdam travel dupe
For those fancying a staycation in the UK, Weymouth harbour has been compared to Amsterdam with an array of beautiful and colourful buildings and traditional fishing boats.
You're also only a stone’s throw away from the special Jurassic Coast (although Durdle Door does get busy in summer).
Its Blue Flag beach was apparently branded the English Bay of Naples in the Seventies.
Dubai travel dupe
The most popular destination dupe among social media users is Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Much like Dubai, Baku is an oil-rich city which has undergone rapid development and boasts an impressive skyline filled with modern architecture. Although it still offers luxury, it’s a hidden gem among British tourists.
1st Move International said: “Baku also has a well-preserved Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a historical depth alongside its modern aesthetics.
“Like Dubai, Baku is also known for its high-end hospitality, but it offers a more culturally rich experience.”
More than 35 million Instagram posts and 2.4 million TikTok posts mention the city, so it might not stay secret for much longer.
Long haul travel dupes – Thailand and the US
If you're travelling further afield, you could swap cities to get more bang for your buck.
In Thailand, the average cost of a Bangkok hotel room in August is about £98, according to Lighthouse, while it's about a third cheaper at £66 a night in Pattaya, a city about 90 miles down the road.
Nashville in the US is famous for its music scene, but that comes at a price with hotel rooms this summer costing on average £200 a night.
Head over to Memphis, famous for its blues, soul and rock n roll, for £124 a night. They're both in the same state of Tennessee, and both have musical heritage, but Memphis is almost 40% cheaper.
Hawaii travel dupe
You don't have to go to the other side of the world for stunning scenery like you'd find in Hawaii.
Portugal's Azores has a lush green landscape thanks to the island's rich volcanic soil and tropical weather - much like Hawaii.
Direct flights in peak season from London are less than £200, compared to about £1,500 to Hawaii.
Travel deals platform, HolidayPirates, suggests an even cheaper way to travel to the Azores could be to change at Porto or Lisbon.
A spokesperson said: "One of our favourite things about São Miguel and the Azores is that it's not a tourist hot spot with lots of 4- and 5-star hotel options. Those on a budget will be happy to hear there are solid hotel and self-catering options that range from £50 - £60 per night."
Scuba diving travel dupes
Like scuba diving? Iceland might sound like an epic adventure with a chance to see sharks, whales and dolphins, but as one of the most expensive places in the world it can feel like a far-off dream for many.
Travel diver Scott Braxton from DiversAbode told us Scotland can be just as incredible for diving.
He said: "I think the location with the most bang for your buck is Scotland. The location has affordable freshwater diving and it is also a close proximity to North Sea dives.
"Scotland is a perfect destination for divers who want to see basking sharks and experience wreck diving. Marine life there is often grey seals, dogfish, and anemones. I would advise going there from May to August for diving."
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