Destination Dupes
Why fight for a spot on the beach? We found the alternatives that give you the same vibe for a fraction of the price and 10% of the crowds.Smart travelers don't follow the herd.
Santorini, Greece
Ksamil, Albania
People call it the 'Maldives of Europe' and honestly the water colour backs that up. Same turquoise seas, same white sand — about 90% cheaper. It's what the Med looked like before the influencers arrived.
Kyoto, Japan
Kanazawa, Japan
Locals call it 'Little Kyoto' and they're not exaggerating. Preserved samurai districts, Kenroku-en garden (top three in Japan), proper tea houses — except you can walk around without someone's selfie stick in your face.
Tulum, Mexico
Bacalar, Mexico
Trade the overpriced beach clubs for a hammock by a seven-colour lagoon. Bacalar is genuinely stunning, laid-back, and hasn't been taken over yet. It's basically Tulum before Tulum happened.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Budva, Montenegro
Same dramatic coastline and medieval walled towns, same Italian DNA in the architecture and food — except a spritz costs €4 instead of €20 and you can actually find somewhere to park.