Top ‘Destination Dupes’: Where to Travel with Fewer Crowds

The problem with awesome destinations is that they’re so awesome everyone wants to go there – and just about everybody does. That creates a situation where the streets of Paris are like New Year’s Eve in Times Square at all times.

What’s the answer? Well, instead of visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York City, you can visit the knockoff statue in rural Wisconsin next to a potato field. Or, you can be a little more strategic and visit a “destination dupe” – a destination that’s similar to a more popular destination, but (and this is a big “but”) worthy of visiting in its own right.

Here are some destination dupes from around the world to consider for your next vacation.

Albania (stand-in for: Croatia)

Croatia was one of the original dupes, having been the Next Greece for the better part of a decade. Albania isn’t new to this business, either; it’s been the Next Croatia for quite a while. We’re not to the point of picking the Next Albania yet, though Montenegro is in the wings.

Consider what made Greece great: a cool coastline, interesting history and a largely undiscovered interior. Croatia offers more of the same, albeit with less history and fewer islands.

Albania doubles down on Croatia with lovely beaches and glorious coastal towns like Vlorë.

Again, Albania is no secret to savvy travelers, but if you’re feeling like you need a less-traveled European adventure, Albania should be your next stop.

Also Read: 25 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Guatemala (stand-in for: Mexico)

If your Mexico experience is a Tulum-and-Cancun thing but you’re feeling like it’s everyone’s thing these days, try Guatemala.

Its coastal resorts are generally more geared towards the niche, boutique, and eco-tourism end of the spectrum, but you’re leaving Cancun because you want to get away from mass-produced tourism, so that’s no problem. The interior is generally more explorable than Mexico’s.

Guatemala also has the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua and some beautiful inland lakes (Atitlán and Petén Itzá) that are definitely worth checking out.

Also Read: How to Buy Travel Protection for Group Trips – And Navigate the Dynamics of Group Travel

Andorra (stand-in for: Spain and France)

Andorra is a spit of mountainous land between France and Spain that’s neither wholly Spanish nor wholly French but a cunning mixture of both. It has no Eiffel Tower or Prado, so if that’s on your list of demands for destinations reminiscent of Spain or France you’ll be disappointed.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and discover warm people, great food, unique culture, old architecture, and a destination to explore in depth instead of breadth, Andorra is definitely your place.

And if you ski, Andorra has ski resorts!

It’s also one of the most tech-forward countries in the world, a boon for any digital nomads out there.

Check out our packing lists: Travel Checklists

Moldova (stand-in for: Hungary)

Prague and Budapest are awesome, but if you’re looking to indulge your exploratory side, why not go further east and check out Moldova?

This small republic appeals to history lovers and wine aficionados with its extensive vineyards and wine cellars, monasteries, castles, and Soviet-era architecture.

Some of Moldova’s top attractions are:

Orheiul Vechi, an open-air archaeological complex with a monastery carved into limestone cliffs
Chisinau, the capital, with its ‘60s architecture, parks and museums
The massive Cricova and Milestii Mici wine cellars
The Soroca Fortress, a medieval fort on the Dniester River
The Gagauzia region, with its Turkish-influenced culture

Visit Moldova and it’s not likely your friends will say, “Oh, that? I was there last spring.” And that’s a major accomplishment.

family walking around with a city from greece behind them

Alternative Greek islands (stand-in for: Santorini)

People get so obsessed with Greece’s most popular islands that they forget Greece has 227 inhabited islands, many of which are cool and ripe for exploring.

While nothing else offers the iconic Santorini Shot, many promise smaller crowds, better food, more history, and more personalized experiences.

Consider:

Naxos, which has the Temple of Apollo for the history buffs and beaches like Plaka and Agios for the buff beach nerds;
Corfu, which offers sprawling olive groves, massive seaside bluffs and an UNESCO-listed old town;
Milos, which alternates otherworldly rock formations with amazing beaches and historical ruins;
Hydra, a donkey-powered island that’s an easy hop from Athens; and
Sifnos, the foodie’s island, with great cuisine and hiking trails that make you earn it.

There’s a Greek island for every type of traveler. You don’t have to settle for the tried-and-true.

Explore Our Top 10 Greek Islands

Pittsburgh (stand-in for: Chicago)

You never really get tired of cities like Chicago and New York; it’s just fun to change things up.

Pittsburgh is a perfect change-of-pace destination that offers most of the important things that you want out of an American city:

Culture, thanks to the Carnegie Library and Museum
Regional food, courtesy of staples like Iron City beer and Primanti Brothers sandwiches (quick primer: they put the French fries and coleslaw in the sandwich)
Scenery, thanks to the city’s position in the mountains at the confluence of three major rivers – the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny
Green spaces, like Schenley Park and the glorious Phipps Conservatory
One of the country’s best baseball fields, PNC Bank Park

Any of these stand-in “destination dupes” deserve more than that moniker. They can all stand on their own as destinations. And whether your next destination is a popular European capital or an off-the-beaten-path island, travel insurance with assistance services from Generali Global Assistance can help you achieve the peace of mind.

See for yourself. Get a quote today.