Swap Santorini for Paros: The Best Destination Dupes to Save Money and Avoid Crowds

Finding a quiet spot in the world’s most famous cities feels nearly impossible these days. If you are tired of battling tour groups and paying premium prices for basic hotels, it is time to look at destination dupes. These under-the-radar alternatives offer the same stunning views and rich culture without the heavy crowds or inflated costs.

What is a Destination Dupe?

A destination dupe is a location that shares the same aesthetic, culture, or geographical features as a heavily visited tourist trap. Instead of fighting for elbow room in a city suffering from overtourism, you travel to a secondary city or neighboring region. You get a highly authentic experience, and your travel budget stretches much further.

Top Travel Dupes to Book This Year

Here are the best alternative destinations that provide incredible experiences for a fraction of the cost.

1. Swap Santorini for Paros, Greece

Santorini is famous for its blue-domed churches and spectacular sunsets. However, visitors often find themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of cruise ship passengers in the village of Oia. Hotel prices reflect this demand, with average cliffside rooms easily topping $500 per night during the summer.

Instead, book a ferry to Paros. Located in the same Cyclades island group, Paros offers the exact same white-washed architecture and crystal-clear Aegean waters.

  • Where to go: Visit the fishing village of Naoussa for incredible seafood and cobblestone streets.
  • What to do: Spend the day at Kolymbithres Beach, known for its unique granite rock formations.
  • The Savings: You can find highly rated boutique hotels or guesthouses in Paros for $120 to $180 per night. Food is also significantly cheaper, with a traditional gyro costing around 3 to 4 euros compared to inflated Santorini prices.

2. Swap Venice for Treviso, Italy

Venice is struggling so much with overtourism that the city recently implemented a 5 euro day-tripper entry fee. The famous gondola traffic jams and packed bridges can quickly ruin the romantic atmosphere.

Just a 30-minute train ride away lies Treviso. This walled city is located in the Veneto region and offers a remarkably similar canal-lined experience.

  • The Vibe: Treviso features historic waterways, ancient waterwheels, and beautifully preserved frescoed buildings.
  • Food Scene: It is the birthplace of tiramisu. You can taste the original recipe at Le Beccherie restaurant. It is also situated right next to Italy’s famous Prosecco vineyards.
  • The Savings: Mid-range hotels in Treviso average $90 to $120 per night. You can enjoy an authentic Italian dinner by the water without the tourist upcharges found near St. Mark’s Square.

3. Swap Kyoto for Kanazawa, Japan

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, but its narrow streets are currently overwhelmed by tourists. The city has even banned visitors from certain private alleys in the historic Gion geisha district to protect locals.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo directly to Kanazawa instead. Kanazawa was spared from air raids during World War II, meaning its historical districts are perfectly preserved.

  • What to see: Walk through the Higashi Chaya district to see traditional wooden teahouses. You can also visit Kenroku-en, widely considered one of the top three most beautiful gardens in all of Japan.
  • The Savings: Accommodation in Kanazawa is highly affordable. Clean, modern hotels like Hotel Forza offer rooms for roughly $70 to $100 per night. You also save hours of time by not waiting in massive lines for public buses.

4. Swap Tulum for Bacalar, Mexico

Tulum was once a quiet bohemian retreat, but it has transformed into an expensive party hub. Visitors now face intense traffic, $25 cocktails, and beaches frequently covered in foul-smelling sargassum seaweed.

Drive four hours south of Cancun to find Bacalar. This peaceful town sits on the Lake of Seven Colors, a massive freshwater lagoon that features stunning shades of turquoise and blue.

  • The Experience: Because it is a freshwater lagoon, you never have to worry about seaweed washing ashore. You can spend your days kayaking, taking boat tours, or swimming in deep cenotes.
  • The Savings: Luxury eco-resorts on the water in Bacalar, like Khaban Bacalar, cost between $150 and $250 per night. A comparable waterfront room in Tulum easily costs over $450 per night.

5. Swap Dubrovnik for Kotor, Montenegro

Dubrovnik gained massive popularity as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Today, walking the ancient city walls costs roughly 35 euros, and the limestone streets are packed with daily cruise ship arrivals.

Drive just two hours south across the border to Kotor, Montenegro. Nestled in a spectacular Adriatic bay that looks like a Nordic fjord, Kotor is a breathtaking alternative.

  • What to do: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage old town, built by the Venetians. For incredible views, hike up the 1,350 steps to the Castle of San Giovanni.
  • The Savings: Montenegro uses the euro, but prices are much lower than in Croatia. You can rent a charming apartment inside the old town walls for $60 to $80 per night. A large seafood dinner for two with wine rarely exceeds $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are destination dupes difficult to travel to?

Not usually. Most destination dupes are located near major transit hubs. For example, you can fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport and take a cheap, short train directly to Treviso. Paros is easily accessible via a 3-hour fast ferry from Athens.

When is the best time to visit these alternative destinations?

Even though these spots are less crowded, the best time to visit is still the shoulder season. Traveling in May, September, or October guarantees comfortable weather, even lower hotel rates, and the most authentic experience possible.

Do I need to rent a car for these locations?

It depends on the destination. Treviso and Kanazawa have excellent public transit and are highly walkable. For places like Bacalar in Mexico or Kotor in Montenegro, renting a car offers you the freedom to explore nearby ruins or mountain parks at your own pace.