Escape the Crowds With These 13 ‘Destination Dupes’ in 2024, Travel Experts Say

Travelers are seeking “destination dupes” — a term popularized on social media for alternatives to the most popular places. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems, consider these overlooked locations from our A-List travel advisors.

If you love Mykonos, try Paros, Greece.

“Go to Paros for the same Cycladic atmosphere, nightlife, and architecture as Mykonos, but at more affordable prices. I also recommend Naxos for a unique island stay in the spirit of of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet alternative to Dubrovnik for a Mediterranean atmosphere, and Brac island has excellent boutique properties and a Croatian island lifestyle similar to Hvar.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive

If you love Paris, try Bordeaux, France.

“This smaller and very friendly version of the City of Light not only offers a gateway to the greatest wine region in the world, but is also a destination in its own right.” — Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s Travels/TravelStore

If you love Tuscany, Italy, try Istria, Croatia.

“For wine lovers seeking an alternative to Tuscany, Croatia’s Istria region offers a range of experiences.  As in Tuscany, you can spend time visiting hilltop villages, tasting fantastic wines and olive oils, and truffle hunting. From the same home base, you can easily reach the coast for boating and beach time. The hotels have come a long way in recent years as well.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Travel

If you love the Maasai Mara, try Laikipia, Kenya.

“I recommend going to Laikipia in Kenya. The Maasai Mara is iconic because of the Great Migration. Laikipia also has amazing wildlife viewing, and isn’t as well known. Travelers can see the Big Five here, and there are endless activities to choose from.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris

If you love Istanbul, try Izmir, Turkey.

“One city to consider in Turkey is Izmir, located on the Aegean. Besides being beautiful with amazing sites, it’s also the most progressive city in Turkey, and more affordable than Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Bodrum. Ephesus is only about an hour away and so is Sardes, capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where money was first invented. The summer resort towns of Cesme and Alacati are also accessible by car, as is Urla, the famous wine city.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Best

If you love the Great Barrier Reef, try Ningaloo Reef, Australia.

“Ningaloo Reef runs along Australia’s northwest coast and is the continent’s other great reef. It offers unique experiences such as swimming with gentle whale sharks or humpback whales. The fabulous coral reefs, brimming with fish and turtles, can be accessed straight off the coast. Guests at Sal Salis stay in luxury, safari-style tents directly on the beach and can swim out to the coral reefs on their own.”  — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

If you love Sicily, Italy, try Corsica, France.

“While Sicily basks in the afterglow of The White Lotus, Corsica remains a secret paradise in the Mediterranean. This mountainous island boasts stunning landscape diversity, including dramatic coastlines with hidden coves, lush green valleys, and snowcapped peaks. But Corsica’s charm goes beyond its beauty. The island has a rich culture with ancient traditions and a unique language. Foodies will delight in Corsica’s distinct gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood, local cheeses, and charcuterie. Corsica offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and authentic experiences.” — Mark Bonte, French Side Travel

If you love South Luangwa National Park, try Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

“Beautiful, less-visited, and bursting with wildlife, Lower Zambezi — Zambia’s ‘second park’ — sits between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment, which forms its dramatic backdrop. On my most recent trip, I was enchanted by the sight of elephants bathing and frolicking in the river. The river is at the heart of what makes Lower Zambezi so special, including lunches on submerged sandbanks and getting up close to hippos and crocs. Another advantage is the access it gives to other parts of the park, with many lodges ferrying guests on boats. — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah 

If you love the Cotswolds, try Tewkesbury, England.

“Make a stop in the handsome town of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. The city is outside the boundary of the Cotswolds, so you’ll still be able to see lots of original black and white half-timbered buildings here.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy

If you love Machu Picchu, try Choquequirao, Peru.

“Choquequirao, an entrancing archeological site hidden in the spurs of the Salkantay mountain ridge, is the more obscure sister to Machu Picchu. It was likely one of the entrance checkpoints to the Incan Vilcabamba empire, and can only be reached by a 20-mile hike. Being off the beaten track means you have a good chance of sharing the site with only the resident Andean condors.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel

If you love the Sahara, try the Agafay Desert in Africa.

“The Sahara desert in Morocco is spectacular and worth the long drive each way, but if you’re short on time or not keen on road trips, the Agafay offers a taste of the desert experience with a stay in luxury tents and dinner by firelight, though without the expanse of soft-sand dunes. Caravan by Habitas Agafay is an immersive experience, a secret playground set amid the rocky dunes.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

If you love Dubai, try Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

“Ras Al Khaimah is the next hot spot in the UAE. The area is rapidly growing as travelers seek to expand beyond Dubai for something a little more out of the norm. Ras Al Khaimah is amassing praise for adventure travel and the first gambling approved destination in the region.” — Mo Noubani, The Travel Box International

If you love Melbourne, try Adelaide, Australia.

“Swap the hustle of Melbourne for a more intimate city escape in Adelaide. With its compact size and boutique charm, Adelaide offers all the excitement of a big city, but in a more relaxed and personal setting. Stroll through the city’s quaint laneways, home to an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts and culture scene. [You can also] indulge in world-class wine within an hour of the city. It’s also a gateway to Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, and premium vineyards.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor