Get To Know: Destination Dupes

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

The issue of over-tourism has reared its head once again; international travel is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year. To help tourists avoid contributing to over-tourism and steer clear of the crowds, leading tour comparison site, Tourscanner has conducted a study to find the best “destination dupes” for some of the world’s most over-touristed vacation hotspots based on their difference in tourist figures.

Atop the Acropolis ancient hill, tourists visit the Parthenon temple, background, in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Crowds are packing the Colosseum, the Louvre, the Acropolis and other major attractions as tourism exceeds 2019 records in some of Europe’s most popular destinations. While European tourists helped the industry on the road to recovery last year, the upswing this summer is led largely by Americans, who are lifted by a strong dollar and in some cases pandemic savings. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Key findings of the study include:

  • European city breakers should swap Barcelona for Cadiz, with 40 million fewer tourists per year.
  • Puerto Rico is the destination dupe for Hawaii vacationers to try, with nearly 12 million fewer tourists per year.

Overtourism is a growing problem as tourist destinations become overcrowded, negatively impacting locals and visitors. Welcome to “destination dupes,” less crowded alternatives to popular tourist destinations. The study identifies Puerto Rico, Menorca, Lombok, Milos, and Paros as good alternatives to Hawaii, Mallorca, Bali, Santorini, and Mykonos, respectively. These dupes offer similar experiences with fewer crowds, benefiting tourists and locals.

Paris’ alternative is Bordeaux, offering a similar cultural experience with significantly fewer tourists. Salamanca is a less crowded alternative to Madrid, boasting historical sites and beautiful architecture. Rotterdam is a quieter alternative to Amsterdam, featuring canals and vibrant culture without the crowds. Finally, Cadiz and Guadalajara offer less crowded alternatives to Barcelona and Mexico City, respectively.