As travel costs rise, people are searching for cities and countries that have the vibe of popular destinations without the elevated price tag and large crowds. Enter: Destination Dupes.
The News
These places offer the same amenities as top tourist destinations at a lower cost. For example, travelers claim they get the same historic feel in Quebec City, Canada, as in Geneva, Switzerland, but without the tourist pricing. This means cheaper flights and hotel rates, resulting in an overall lower cost for travelers.
This trend has once again started a conversation about how popularity doesn't always mean something is the best option. After all, if you can get the same experience in Palawan, Philippines, at a fraction of the price of the Maldives, why not give it a shot?
The Context
Even though prices for flights, rentals, and accommodations are falling slightly compared to March of last year (we're curious about the impact Boeing's bad press has on this), experts still expect to see high travel costs compared to before the pandemic. Paired with overall market inflation, it's not surprising that people are looking to cut expenses wherever they can.
That doesn't mean people want to travel any less, though. Demand is still high, so instead of staying home, they're looking for alternative destinations to scratch the itch.
The Impact
Cost is one of the biggest barriers to entry for travel. By visiting Destination Dupes, many hopeful travelers can see the world without feeling like they have to sacrifice their desires. By deciding what aspects of a popular spot interest them most (iconic museums, natural wonders, historic landmarks, etc.), they can find spots off the beaten path that share the most similarities.
We're interested to see how small communities open their doors to international travelers and if any new Dupes make their way up the ranks and become a go-to destination themselves.