With the detrimental impacts of overtourism increasingly coming into the spotlight, destination ‘dupes’ are a key travel trend for the months ahead — and beyond.
Is the universe – and by that we mean every other site on the internet – suddenly suggesting that you plan trips to Liverpool, Paros and Pattya in the months ahead? It’s no coincidence. Among the key travel trends of 2024 are dupe destinations, steering tourists away from overpriced and overcrowded places where pollution, littering, and damage to historical and cultural sites has become the norm. As a result, we’ll holiday in lesser-known destinations that have similar attributes, but feel less touristy and are a lot more affordable. Win-Win. As for the definitive dupe destinations according to the experts at travel giant Expedia? DSCVR delves into what you can expect at each.
Liverpool
dupe for London
Most tourists visiting the UK never leave London, but there’s plenty to see and do in underrated cities across England — the dupe destination of Liverpool included. Known as the birthplace of the Fab Four, it appeals to musical types thanks to attractions such as the Liverpool Beatles Museum and The Beatles Story, both of which capture the story behind the band. Liverpool is a maritime city, so the Maritime Museum in the heart of its historic waterfront is another must-visit. Its exhibitions reveal all aspects of the city’s nautical history, ranging from its role in both World Wars to its dark past as a slaving port, making it ideal for history buffs. Bibliophiles, head to the Central Library to solve Liverpool’s biggest mystery — the red letters in the entrance path spell out the title of a small, but eye-catching item in its collection.
Palermo
dupe for Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and for good reason — between its vibrant food scene, stunning architecture, famed tiles, and stunning views, there’s something for everyone. Still, the results of overtourism cannot be overlooked. Longstanding residents have had to move out of the city because of soaring rents, while several historic shops and restaurants have had to close because they simply aren’t what tourists are looking for. The experts at Expedia have dubbed Palermo as its dupe, and it’s easy to see why. As the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, it’s renowned for its upbeat energy, bold cuisine, extensive art history, and unique architecture, all of which authentically echo its blend of Byzantine, Islamic, and Western cultures. Additionally, the city’s historic centre is fairly compact, making it easy for first-timers to navigate.
Paros
dupe for Santorini
You’ve likely seen countless images of Santorini on Instagram in recent years, its whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches, and rugged cliffs induce envy among those of us left behind. The reality, however, is that this Greek island has been suffering from overtourism for a while now, with hospitality workers reportedly living in caves or camping on the beach because of rising house prices pushing locals out. And that’s where Paros comes in. Not only does it have fewer tourists and better beaches, but it’s also packed to the brim with all the elements you’d want out of an island holiday to Greece — traditional villages, surreal sunsets, secret coves, and bougainvillaea-covered alleyways. Our tip: for easy access to the best shops and restaurants, make the harbour village of Naoussa your base.
Pattaya
dupe for Bangkok
The capital of Thailand may have something to suit every budget, but it’s also loud and chaotic, its scrum of tuk-tuks, multicoloured taxis, hawker carts, and neon bar signs collectively overwhelming most first-timers. Pattaya, in contrast, is a smaller coastal city that’s much easier to navigate. You’ll still be able to browse storied temples, upmarket boutiques, and night markets, but with the added bonus of being able to retreat to a beautiful beach. The crescent-shaped Pattaya Beach, for example, appeals equally to everyone — beachside food shacks and watersports by day, epic parties by night. Naklua Beach, meanwhile, echoes Pattaya’s former life as a quiet fishing village and perfect for tourists more interested in an authentic slice of local life.
Perth
dupe for Sydney
Sydney is home to both iconic attractions and stunning beaches, but it also draws about 17 millions tourists over the course of one year — can you say crowded? Consider Perth instead, say the experts at Expedia. The capital of Western Australia, it’s famed for its vibrant arts and cultural scene as well as scenic parks and soft-sand beaches like Scarborough and Cottesloe. Perth’s dining scene makes it extra appealing as everything from quirky bars and neighbourhood eateries to seafood spots, fine-dining restaurants, and east-meets-west concepts enrich the city. Be sure to enjoy some of the aquatic activities on offer, too. You can snorkel to the historic Omeo Wreck, meet the eponymous residents of Penguin Island, or paddle through the Fremantle’s Tunnels built by prisoners.
Quebec City
dupe for Geneva
Cobblestone streets, iconic castles, gourmet bistros, and a rich cultural scene — you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s Geneva’s attributes we’re listing, but it’s Quebec City that made the cut on this list. And like its doppelgänger in Switzerland, French is the main language spoken in this Canadian city. A big part of Quebec City’s appeal is that its key attractions change by season. It turns into the definitive winter wonderland as temperatures drop (read: tubing, snow sliding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and skiing are just some of the activities on offer), while the likes of waterparks, walking tours, river cruises, and al fresco markets keep the city busy each summer. It’s also more accessible than most people realise — Quebec City is only a 1.5 hr flight from New York and Toronto.
Sapporo
dupe for Zermatt
With Japan’s new eVISA system now making tourism visas a breeze for UAE residents, Sapporo officially deserves your consideration. Sure, this lesser-known city isn’t an obvious choice for those who love snow, but it’s actually a noteworthy dupe if the Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt resides on your bucket list — in fact, there’s an annual snow festival that takes over for seven days every February. The prefectural capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, Sapporo is also a great place to take in the famous cherry blossom season from late April to mid-May. Natural beauty aside, attractions such as Shinto shrines, hot springs, open-air museums, must-try ramen joints, neon nightlife spots, and Japan’s oldest brand of beer beckon.
Taipei
dupe for Seoul
Like the bustling capital of South Korea, Taipei is a metropolis that boasts contemporary architecture, traditional festivals, museums and temples aplenty, a vibrant street food scene, and night markets with literally hundreds of eclectic stalls — all of which can be enjoyed at a fraction of the cost. Start with unmatched views of the city at Taipei 101 Observatory, where the 89th floor offers a 360-degree perspective of the cityscape. Dann Forest Park, meanwhile, is a great place to escape the frenzy in a forest-like environment, complete with camphor, cajuput, ficus, and maple trees. You’ll work up an appetite just by exploring its sandpit, firefly pond, and towering statue of Buddhist goddess Guanyin, so fuel up at the OG outpost of Din Tai Fung on Xinyi Road (a meal here is with the wait every time).
