This summer, the biggest travel trend isn’t just swapping one crowded destination for a quieter village down the road, it’s crossing borders entirely. Enter the destination dupe.
Crossing Borders to Beat the Crowds
According to global eSIM leader Holafly’s Travel Dupe Index, the smartest way to bypass overtourism is to look at alternative destinations that offer a similar experience and atmosphere, without the crowds. The index identifies the absolute best international alternatives to some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
This index strictly highlights alternatives located in entirely different countries. It compares visual and cultural similarity, accommodation costs, overtourism contrast, accessibility (a massive win for short-haul UK flights!), and social momentum.
The result is a genuinely new experience, maintain the exact same aesthetic appeal, with up to 83% savings on accommodation.
Here is the official ranking of where you should be booking your next flight:
The World’s Best Travel Dupes for British Travellers
1. Ghent, Belgium (instead of Venice, Italy). Swap heavily congested Venice for the incredibly preserved medieval charm of Ghent. Travellers can wander along remarkably similar romantic canals and admire striking historic architecture without feeling overwhelmed by the severe tourism pressure seen in Italy. For UK travellers, it’s also incredibly accessible, as it’s just a quick Eurostar trip away, allowing guests to save money and travel time while soaking in a vibrant European cultural hub.
2. Banff, Canada (instead of Aspen, USA). If you’re dreaming of a luxurious alpine escape but want to avoid the price tags of Aspen, Banff is the ultimate North American alternative. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it offers world-class skiing, turquoise glacial lakes, and sweeping mountain vistas that arguably rival Colorado. Furthermore, opting for Canada over the US can offer much better value for your pound, giving you the premium winter or summer wonderland experience for a fraction of the cost.
3. Jeonju, South Korea (instead of Kyoto, Japan). Kyoto is legendary for its ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses, but its immense popularity has led to major overtourism issues in recent years. Instead, immerse yourself in the historic heart of South Korea by visiting Jeonju, a city famous for its beautifully preserved Hanok heritage village. Not only will you experience a deeply rich, authentic cultural atmosphere, but you will also get to indulge in incredible local gastronomy (it’s the birthplace of bibimbap) all while avoiding shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
4. Budva, Montenegro (instead of Ibiza, Spain). Ibiza’s legendary nightlife and Mediterranean beaches are iconic, but the prices and massive summer crowds can be exhausting. Enter Budva, a breathtaking coastal town in Montenegro that pairs dramatic Adriatic scenery with a famously vibrant party scene. You get to explore a stunning historic old town by day and hit energetic beach clubs by night, often saving significantly on both accommodation and drinks compared to the Balearics.
5. Cascais, Portugal (instead of Saint-Tropez, France). For that chic Riviera glamour without the eye-watering French Riviera expenses, swap Saint-Tropez for the elegant coastal town of Cascais. Just a short flight from the UK and a quick coastal train ride from Lisbon, this former royal retreat offers boutique shopping, pristine beaches, and world-class seafood. It delivers all the Mediterranean sun and high-end sophistication you could want, but with a far more relaxed, accessible, and budget-friendly Portuguese charm.
6. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia (instead of Lake Como, Italy). Lake Como is synonymous with Hollywood stars and luxury villas, making it undeniably beautiful but notoriously crowded and expensive. Lake Ohrid offers a stunningly serene alternative, boasting crystal-clear waters framed by lush mountains and dotted with ancient monasteries. It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, providing UK holidaymakers with an incredibly affordable, peaceful, and visually spectacular waterside retreat away from the masses.
7. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic (instead of Tulum, Mexico). Tulum’s bohemian beach clubs and Mayan ruins have attracted massive influencer crowds, fundamentally changing the laid-back vibe it was once famous for. Las Terrenas offers that original, unspoiled tropical magic, featuring miles of palm-fringed beaches and a relaxed, authentic Caribbean atmosphere. You can still enjoy stylish boutique hotels and beachfront dining, but with far fewer tourists and a much more genuine connection to the local culture.
8. Menton, France (instead of Amalfi Coast, Italy). The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous, but navigating its narrow, congested cliffside roads in the peak of summer is notoriously stressful. Just across the border, Menton offers the same pastel-coloured houses cascading down to the sea, vibrant citrus groves, and incredible coastal Italian-French cuisine. It’s a much quieter, sun-drenched slice of the Riviera that allows you to actually relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle without the relentless queues.
9. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia (instead of Machu Picchu, Peru). Trekking to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list dream for many, but the strict permitting and heavy foot traffic can make the experience feel highly commercialised. Colombia’s “Lost City” (Ciudad Perdida) offers an equally epic, breathtaking multi-day trek through dense jungle to uncover ancient indigenous ruins. It feels like a true, pioneering expedition rather than a tourist conveyor belt, offering an unforgettable adventure for intrepid travellers looking for something genuinely wild.
10. Siargao, Philippines (instead of Bali, Indonesia) Bali has long been the ultimate tropical escape, but heavy traffic and overdevelopment in areas like Canggu have left many visitors seeking the island’s original laid-back charm. Siargao provides exactly that: an unpretentious paradise of lush jungles, world-class surf breaks, and relaxed smoothie-bowl cafes. It completely replicates the early-2000s Bali vibe, offering a tranquil, wildly beautiful island getaway that feels a million miles away from the digital nomad crowds.
Tags: UK travellers Destinations
