We get it, Bali feels like a second home, Europe’s hotspots are bursting at the seams, and Japan? Let’s just say you’ll be lining up for ramen longer than it takes to fly there.
Travel these days is starting to feel like an extreme sport, one that involves dodging crowds, battling for sun loungers, and paying peak-season prices for the privilege.
But what if you could have it all without the stress?
‘Destination dupes’ is a term used to describe lesser-known travel spots that offer a similar experience to popular destinations, whether in scenery, culture or vibe, but with fewer crowds and (usually) a lower price tag.
They’re not carbon copies, but sometimes the alternative is even better – more culture, more adventure and more space to enjoy it all.
So, if you’re ready to trade in the tourist traps for something a little more under the radar, we’ve got you covered. Because the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but how much space (and budget) you have to enjoy them.
Swap Melbourne for Hobart
Hobart is like Melbourne’s cool, laid-back cousin, the one who knows all the best spots but doesn’t have to fight crowds to enjoy them.
While Australians flock to Melbourne for trendy bars, bistros, and street art, Hobart does its own thing with cosy wine bars, hyper-local dining, and, well, not much street art – though MONA has enough to make up for it (or, as its eccentric owner David Walsh might say, art up the wazoo).
Aussies understandably flock to Melbourne for its trendy bars, bistros and street art
But Hobart is a great, less crowded alternative, which is like Melbourne’s ‘cool, laid-back cousin’
Just a short drive away, the Huon Valley is packed with wineries and cider houses, while Freycinet’s white-sand beaches easily rival the Great Ocean Road.
Swap Tokyo for Matsumoto
Matsumoto is the perfect antidote to Tokyo’s chaos right now, offering a more relaxed vibe without losing any of Japan’s charm.
There are no neon lights, but instead, you’ll find a well-preserved castle and narrow, traditional streets that embrace a much slower pace of life.
While Tokyo is a must-see destination, its chaos can be overwhelming
Matsumoto is the perfect alternative to the chaos of Tokyo, its main draw being the food and the proximity to the Japanese alps
It might feel like the complete opposite of Tokyo’s hustle, but the real draw here is the food. Local specialties like soba noodles and fresh wasabi are hard to beat.
And with the Japanese Alps right on the doorstep, you get the best of both worlds, no matter the season.
Swap Bali for Yogyakarta
For Aussies, Bali is pretty much a second home, so suggesting an alternative might feel like a tough sell.
But hear me out – how about the complete opposite of Bali? Yogyakarta takes a quieter, more cultural route. It’s often referred to as the cultural and artistic capital of Java.
Bali might be like a second-home to many Aussies, but how about a quieter more cultural alternative?
In Yogyakarta you can explore ancient temples and meander through art-filled markets
You can explore ancient temples like Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, meander through art-filled markets, and catch a famous sunset from HeHa Sky View. There’s also a rich food scene.
Be sure to try gudeg, a Javanese sweet, savoury jackfruit stew. And if you’re a coffee lover, Java coffee is a must-try, with plenty of cafés around to sample it.
Swap Phuket for Khao Lak
Phuket is often the go-to for a tropical getaway, but if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, Khao Lak is a great alternative.
It offers the same beautiful beaches and warm weather but without the big crowds and constant buzz of Phuket.
Phuket is a great go-to for a tropical getaway
But Khao Lak is even more relaxing
Think quiet, pristine stretches of sand, lush national parks, and plenty of opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and exploring.
Accommodations range from affordable guesthouses to high-end resorts, much like Phuket.
The slight inconvenience of flying into Phuket or Krabi and taking a two-hour drive or bus ride might be why it’s not as popular, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.
Swap Hamilton Island for Mackay
For those who love Hamilton Island but want to keep their budget in check, Mackay delivers similar stunning beaches and easy access without the expensive extras.
While you won’t find the same posh beach resorts as Hamilton Island, Mackay has its own charm with boutique accommodations and self-serviced apartments that won’t break the bank.
Hamilton Island is full of fancy beach resorts, but anyone who has been will know it doesn’t come cheap
Mackay is a fabulous, budget friendly alternative with gorgeous sunsets and kangaroos hopping in the sand
The beach is a major highlight. Casuarina Beach, in particular, is known for its gorgeous sunsets and occasional kangaroos hopping along the sand. You’ll also find hiking, an emerging food scene, and the chance to explore nearby islands.
Swap Queenstown for Christchurch
Queenstown is stunning, no doubt, but come snow season, it’s packed with skiers and at times a little chaotic, given how small the town is. It’s also overpriced.
Christchurch, on the other hand, offers a calmer pace with plenty of cool to spare.
Queenstown is undoubtedly stunning, but expensive and busy in peak ski season
In Christchurch you’ll find international cuisine, wineries and the longest ski season in New Zealand
The food scene is booming with international cuisines and within a 30-minute drive is the Canterbury wine region.
For snow sports, Mt Hutt has the longest ski season in New Zealand.
Swap Fiji for Samoa
If Fiji is your go-to island escape, consider Samoa for a change of scenery.
This unspoiled archipelago offers the same white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs but with fewer all-inclusive resorts hogging the coastline.
That’s not to say there aren’t resorts – there are, and they’re often more affordable than Fiji’s, ranging from luxury stays to budget-friendly options.
While Fiji is beautiful and the people are some of the nicest on earth, there’s a surprisingly cheap alternative not too far away
Samoa is packed with adventure and a great budget alternative to Fiji
Beyond the beaches, Samoa is packed with adventure. Hike to waterfalls, swim in hidden cave pools, or dive into the local culture.
Samoans are famously welcoming, and have traditions like Fiafia Night, a night of feasts, storytelling and fire dancing.
Swap Paris for Lyon
Lyon may not have the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but if you’ve been there, done that in Paris, why not switch it up?
Just a two-hour train ride away, France’s third-largest city delivers on culture, architecture, and most importantly food, all without the overwhelming crowds.
Paris might be iconic but it’s worth exploring other destinations in France
Just a two-hour train ride from Paris, Lyon delivers on food and art, without the crowds
Art lovers can wander the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, while not as famous as the Notre-Dame Paris, is equally deserving of a visit. And when it comes to food, Lyon is France’s undisputed capital of gastronomy (as voted by the French). But I’ll leave some surprises for when you get there.
Swap London for Manchester
London has Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and world-class museums, but let’s be honest, the real reason to go is the culture.
If you’re looking for that same energy with fewer tourists, Manchester is the move. Beyond its legendary football scene, the city has spent the last decade transforming into a cultural powerhouse while keeping its signature grit and humour.
London cannot be beaten on culture but there are plenty of UK destinations with lots to offer at a fraction of the price
Manchester is great for football fans and those looking for vibrant cocktail bars and designer shopping
Vintage hunters will love the quirky shops, craft beer fans are spoiled for choice, and Chinatown is where locals actually go for a great meal.
Every neighbourhood offers something different from the Northern Quarter, which oozes creativity to Spinningfields, the financial district, known for its cocktail bars and designer shopping.
Swap Byron Bay for Yamba
Think of Yamba as Byron Bay before the hype.
Sitting at the mouth of the Clarence River, it has a string of beaches, including surf-friendly Main Beach and kid-friendly Whiting Beach.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are just as popular as catching waves.
Byron Bay needs no introduction. But if you dislike crowds, you might want to look elsewhere
Yamba is ‘Byron Bay before the hype’, with beautiful beaches, farmers markets and boutique coffee shops
And while Byron is known for its organic cafés and weekend markets, Yamba keeps up with its own farmers’ markets, boutique coffee spots, and plenty of plant-based options for those who like their beachside brunch with a healthy twist.
When it comes to accommodation, Yamba, like Byron Bay, has its share of creative minds curating stylish rural and beachside stays – Il Delfino being a standout.
For those on a budget, there are plenty of options too, from self-serviced homes and motels to caravan parks and resorts.
Swap New York for Chicago
I’d never dare compare anywhere to New York – after all, as the saying goes, it’s New York or nowhere.
But if you’ve been there, done that, and want a city with a similar mix of culture, architecture and world-class dining (without the chaos), Chicago is the answer.
For some it might be ‘New York or nowhere’. But there is a close alternative without the chaos
Chicago boasts iconic skyscrapers, a thriving theatre scene and incredible food. You must try the deep-dish pizza
Like New York, Chicago boasts iconic skyscrapers, a thriving theatre scene and neighbourhoods with distinct personalities.
The food scene is just as exciting. Deep-dish pizza gets the fame, but you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems serving tacos, hot dogs, and the legendary Italian beef.
Then there’s the space – actual, glorious space. No elbowing your way down the sidewalk, no subway-induced stress, and instead of the Hudson, you get Lake Michigan, complete with sandy beaches and scenic waterfront trails that make summer in the city feel almost coastal.
Swap Dubrovnik for Mostar
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crown jewel, but come Euro summer, it’s bursting at the seams – fortress walls packed with tourists and beaches with barely a patch of sand to spare.
Korčula is often suggested as a quieter alternative, but given its size, overtourism is knocking on its door. Instead, take a two-hour drive to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s crown jewel, but come Euro summer, it’s bursting at the seams
Mostar feels like a storybook come to life
Mostar feels like a storybook come to life. While it lacks fortress walls, Mostar makes up for it with the architectural marvel Stari Most (Old Bridge), where pro divers take the plunge for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
The cobbled streets are lined with artisans selling copperware and local delicacies, and history buffs shouldn’t miss the Museum of War and Genocide Victims, an important, if difficult, look at Bosnia’s recent past.
