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

Vacationers are searching for “vacation spot dupes” — a time period popularized on social media for alternate options to the preferred locations. For those who’re trying to keep away from the crowds and uncover hidden gems, contemplate these neglected places from our A-Record journey advisors.

For those who love Mykonos, attempt Paros, Greece.

“Go to Paros for a similar Cycladic environment, nightlife, and structure as Mykonos, however at extra inexpensive costs. I additionally suggest Naxos for a novel island keep within the spirit of of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet various to Dubrovnik for a Mediterranean environment, and Brac island has wonderful boutique properties and a Croatian island life-style just like Hvar.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive

For those who love Paris, attempt Bordeaux, France.

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

For those who love Tuscany, Italy, attempt Istria, Croatia.

“For wine lovers searching for a substitute for Tuscany, Croatia’s Istria area presents a variety of experiences.  As in Tuscany, you’ll be able to spend time visiting hilltop villages, tasting incredible wines and olive oils, and truffle searching. From the identical dwelling base, you’ll be able to simply attain the coast for boating and seaside time. The accommodations have come a great distance lately as nicely.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Journey

For those who 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 countless actions to select from.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris

For those who love Istanbul, attempt Izmir, Turkey.

“One metropolis to contemplate in Turkey is Izmir, positioned on the Aegean. In addition to being stunning 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 season resort cities of Cesme and Alacati are additionally accessible by automobile, as is Urla, the well-known wine metropolis.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Greatest

For those who 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 presents distinctive experiences comparable to swimming with light whale sharks or humpback whales. The fabulous coral reefs, brimming with fish and turtles, may be accessed straight off the coast. Visitors at Sal Salis keep in luxurious, safari-style tents straight on the seaside and may swim out to the coral reefs on their very own.”  — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

For those who 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 gorgeous panorama variety, together with dramatic coastlines with hidden coves, lush inexperienced valleys, and snowcapped peaks. However Corsica’s allure goes past its magnificence. The island has a wealthy tradition with historic traditions and a novel language. Foodies will enjoyment of Corsica’s distinct gastronomy, that includes recent seafood, native cheeses, and charcuterie. Corsica presents the proper mix of nature, tradition, and genuine experiences.” — Mark Bonte, French Facet Journey

For those who love South Luangwa Nationwide Park, attempt Decrease Zambezi Nationwide Park, Zambia.

“Lovely, less-visited, and bursting with wildlife, Decrease Zambezi — Zambia’s ‘second park’ — sits between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment, which kinds 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 offers to different components of the park, with many lodges ferrying friends on boats. — Samantha Gordon, Purple Savannah 

For those who love the Cotswolds, attempt Tewkesbury, England.

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

For those who love Machu Picchu, attempt Choquequirao, Peru.

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

For those who love the Sahara, attempt the Agafay Desert in Africa.

“The Sahara desert in Morocco is spectacular and well worth the lengthy drive every method, however for those who’re brief on time or not eager on highway journeys, the Agafay presents 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

For those who love Dubai, attempt Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

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

For those who love Melbourne, attempt Adelaide, Australia.

“Swap the hustle of Melbourne for a extra intimate metropolis escape in Adelaide. With its compact dimension and boutique allure, Adelaide presents all the thrill of an enormous metropolis, however in a extra relaxed and private setting. Stroll by way of 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