Escape the Crowds With These 13 ‘Vacation spot Dupes’ in 2024, Journey Specialists Say

Vacationers are in search of “vacation spot dupes” — a time period popularized on social media for options to the preferred locations. If you happen to’re trying to keep away from the crowds and uncover hidden gems, think about these ignored places from our A-Checklist journey advisors.

If you happen to love Mykonos, attempt Paros, Greece.

“Go to Paros for a similar Cycladic ambiance, nightlife, and structure as Mykonos, however at extra inexpensive costs. I additionally advocate Naxos for a singular island keep within the spirit of of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet different to Dubrovnik for a Mediterranean ambiance, and Brac island has wonderful boutique properties and a Croatian island way of life much like Hvar.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive

If you happen to love Paris, attempt Bordeaux, France.

“This smaller and really pleasant model of the Metropolis of Mild not solely affords a gateway to the best wine area on the earth, however can also be a vacation spot in its personal proper.” — Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s Travels/TravelStore

If you happen to love Tuscany, Italy, attempt Istria, Croatia.

“For wine lovers in search of a substitute for Tuscany, Croatia’s Istria area affords a spread of experiences.  As in Tuscany, you possibly can spend time visiting hilltop villages, tasting unbelievable wines and olive oils, and truffle looking. From the identical dwelling base, you possibly can simply attain the coast for boating and seashore time. The lodges have come a great distance lately as properly.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Journey

If you happen to love the Maasai Mara, attempt Laikipia, Kenya.

“I like to recommend going to Laikipia in Kenya. The Maasai Mara is iconic due to the Nice Migration. Laikipia additionally has superb wildlife viewing, and is not as well-known. Vacationers can see the Huge 5 right here, and there are limitless actions to select from.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris

If you happen to love Istanbul, attempt Izmir, Turkey.

“One metropolis to contemplate in Turkey is Izmir, situated on the Aegean. Moreover being lovely with superb websites, it is also probably the most progressive metropolis in Turkey, and extra inexpensive than Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Bodrum. Ephesus is just about an hour away and so is Sardes, capital of the Lydian Kingdom, the place cash was first invented. The summer time resort cities of Cesme and Alacati are additionally accessible by automotive, as is Urla, the well-known wine metropolis.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Finest

If you happen to love the Nice Barrier Reef, attempt Ningaloo Reef, Australia.

“Ningaloo Reef runs alongside Australia’s northwest coast and is the continent’s different nice reef. It affords distinctive experiences corresponding to swimming with mild whale sharks or humpback whales. The fabulous coral reefs, brimming with fish and turtles, could be accessed straight off the coast. Visitors at Sal Salis keep in luxurious, safari-style tents straight on the seashore and might swim out to the coral reefs on their very own.”  — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

If you happen to love Sicily, Italy, attempt Corsica, France.

“Whereas Sicily basks within the afterglow of The White Lotus, Corsica stays a secret paradise within the Mediterranean. This mountainous island boasts beautiful panorama variety, together with dramatic coastlines with hidden coves, lush inexperienced valleys, and snowcapped peaks. However Corsica’s attraction goes past its magnificence. The island has a wealthy tradition with historic traditions and a singular language. Foodies will enjoyment of Corsica’s distinct gastronomy, that includes recent seafood, native cheeses, and charcuterie. Corsica affords the right mix of nature, tradition, and genuine experiences.” — Mark Bonte, French Facet Journey

If you happen to love South Luangwa Nationwide Park, attempt Decrease Zambezi Nationwide Park, Zambia.

“Stunning, less-visited, and bursting with wildlife, Decrease Zambezi — Zambia’s ‘second park’ — sits between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment, which varieties its dramatic backdrop. On my most up-to-date journey, I used to be enchanted by the sight of elephants bathing and frolicking within the river. The river is on the coronary heart of what makes Decrease Zambezi so particular, together with lunches on submerged sandbanks and getting up near hippos and crocs. One other benefit is the entry it provides to different components of the park, with many lodges ferrying friends on boats. — Samantha Gordon, Pink Savannah 

If you happen to love the Cotswolds, attempt Tewkesbury, England.

“Make a cease within the good-looking city of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. The town is outdoors the boundary of the Cotswolds, so that you’ll nonetheless be capable of see numerous authentic black and white half-timbered buildings right here.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy

If you happen to love Machu Picchu, attempt Choquequirao, Peru.

“Choquequirao, an entrancing archeological website hidden within the spurs of the Salkantay mountain ridge, is the extra obscure sister to Machu Picchu. It was doubtless one of many entrance checkpoints to the Incan Vilcabamba empire, and might solely be reached by a 20-mile hike. Being off the crushed monitor means you’ve gotten probability of sharing the positioning with solely the resident Andean condors.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Journey

If you happen to love the Sahara, attempt the Agafay Desert in Africa.

“The Sahara desert in Morocco is spectacular and well worth the lengthy drive every means, however when you’re quick on time or not eager on street journeys, the Agafay affords a style of the desert expertise with a keep in luxurious tents and dinner by firelight, although with out the expanse of soft-sand dunes. Caravan by Habitas Agafay is an immersive expertise, a secret playground set amid the rocky dunes.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

If you happen to love Dubai, attempt Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

“Ras Al Khaimah is the subsequent scorching spot within the UAE. The realm is quickly rising as vacationers search to broaden past Dubai for one thing somewhat extra out of the norm. Ras Al Khaimah is amassing reward for journey journey and the primary playing authorized vacation spot within the area.” — Mo Noubani, The Journey Field Worldwide

If you happen to love Melbourne, attempt Adelaide, Australia.

“Swap the hustle of Melbourne for a extra intimate metropolis escape in Adelaide. With its compact dimension and boutique attraction, Adelaide affords all the joy of a giant metropolis, however in a extra relaxed and private setting. Stroll via the town’s quaint laneways, dwelling to an eclectic mixture of bars and eating places and a vibrant arts and tradition scene. [You can also] bask in world-class wine inside an hour of the town. It is also a gateway to Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, and premium vineyards.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor