GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO POPULAR DESTINATIONS

You don't have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.

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IS seeing the Maldives on your bucket list, but you'd rather not pay for a long-haul flight and a pricey overwater bungalow? Maybe you've always wanted to take a gondola ride through Venice yet dread the hordes of tourists cramming the city’s narrow streets. Or perhaps you long to explore ancient temples and sample street food in Phuket, but your packed schedule barely leaves time for a long weekend away, let alone a trip to Thailand.

Here's the good news: You don’t have to siphon your savings, put up with crowds or plan a two-week vacation to experience the charm, culture and climate of your dream destinations. So-called travel dupes are alternate places that can deliver much of the same appeal as their more iconic—and often more expensive—counterparts. For example, with cobblestone streets, cozy cafés and a large French-speaking population, Montreal and Québec City are often cited as more-affordable alternatives to Paris—and you don’t have to leave North America.

By understanding what draws you to your ideal location, doing some strategic research and staying open to alternatives, you can uncover viable options that will satisfy your wanderlust. Use our guide to track down an attractive dupe for you. Or, if your heart is set on traveling to a popular place, we also have tips on making your visit more affordable and less crowded.

START YOUR RESEARCH

First, identify the reasons you find your dream destination alluring. Get specific on what appeals to you most. “If Paris draws you in, think about what makes you want to go there,” advises Robyn Stencil, a tours program manager and guidebook researcher for travel company Rick Steves’ Europe. “Is it art, food, lifestyle, fashion or culture?”