A recent analysis by Expedia, featured in their report “Unpack ’24: The Trends in Travel,” illuminates a fascinating shift in the global travel market. For years, iconic destinations have dominated the travel scene with their unmatched appeal. However, a mix of overcrowding and rising costs has prompted travelers to seek alternatives, leading to the emergence of “destination dupes.”

Destination dupes involve the choice of less-crowded and/or cheaper alternatives to popular destinations, but with similar vibes, attractions or cultural experiences.

TikTok users popularized the concept of alternative destinations. Videos show more affordable and less crowded alternatives to globally renowned travel spots. This grassroots movement quickly gained momentum.

Global searches for the top five destinations more than doubled year over year. Inspired by this social media trend, travelers now choose these under-the-radar locations. The promise of unique experiences without large crowds of tourists or hefty price tags draws travelers in.

One in three travelers now chooses these locations that are not as popular but equally stunning. This shift makes travel more accessible and introduces travelers to new experiences while potentially redefining global travel dynamics.

Expedia recently curated a list of their most recommended destination dupes for 2024.

Skip Seoul, Travel to Taipei

Both cities are known for succulent street food and bustling markets, but Taipei offers its own unique cultural blend. In Taipei, travelers can explore night markets like Shilin or historical treasures like the National Palace Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. Several top Taipei activities are either low- or no-cost, including visits to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall or walks around Jiufen Old Street.

Bye Bye Bangkok, Prioritize Pattaya

According to Statista, Bangkok ranked 50.4 on the cost of living index score in 2022, making it about 50% cheaper to live in Bangkok than in New York. Comparatively, Pattaya is even more affordable but has far fewer tourists. While Bangkok is known for its stunning temples and lively nightlife, the beach town of Pattaya offers a seaside escape with a similarly upbeat vibe. Visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a wooden structure flush with intricate sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs.

Skip Santorini, Pick Paros

Santorini is renowned for its striking sunsets and whitewashed buildings, but Paros presents a quieter charm with equally picturesque villages and beaches. Travelers can enjoy windsurfing in Chrysí Akti or explore the quaint town of Naoussa, known for its Venetian fortress and quaint fishing harbor.

While those opting out of Santorini will skip the caldera view from Oia, Paros offers visitors equally Instagrammable spots, such as the iconic bar Linardo with the Aegean Sea as background. Whereas Santorini and Mykonos are two of the must-visit Greek islands, they are also the two most expensive — whereas the lesser-known Paros is an affordable alternative.

Pass on St. Martin, Select Curacao

Both islands offer beautiful beaches and cultural blends, but Curacao boasts more land with fewer visitors. Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site where colorful Dutch Caribbean colonial buildings line the harbor. Beyond the town, visitors can snorkel in crystal-clear waters or explore lush hiking trails.

Some first-time Caribbean visitors make the common mistake of thinking all Caribbean islands are the same; however, Curacao’s affordability, awe-inspiring architecture, and reduced crowds make the spot special.

Snub Sydney, Pursue Perth

Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are globally recognizable, but Perth is a laid-back alternative with its beautiful parks and lively nightlife with many bars. Walking around Kings Park and Botanic Garden is free, and visitors can walk, kayak, and cruise along the Swan River. The high cost of properties in Sydney, more than double that of similar properties in Perth, means that tourists are hard-pressed to find affordable accommodation.

Leave London, Love Liverpool

While London offers world-class historical sites and metropolitan life, Liverpool is known for its cultural legacy in music and the arts. Home to The Beatles, the iconic band, visitors can explore the city’s musical history at the Beatles Story Museum or the historic Cavern Club, where the band took off. Maritime lovers can learn about the city’s port history at the Maritime Museum. London is one of the must-visit European cities, and as such, it is also one of the most expensive ones, with tourist prices increasing rapidly. Meanwhile, Liverpool is much more affordable and without crowds.

Palermo Instead of Lisbon

Lisbon is famous for its yellow historic trams and beautiful neighborhoods, but Palermo offers a blend of Arab-Norman culture visible in its architecture and markets. Highlights include the Palermo Cathedral and the Ballarò Street Market. While Palermo is bigger than Lisbon, it has fewer historical sights and cultural tourist activities. Its beaches are also more beautiful, making it both a beach destination and a city trip without the tourist throngs.

Go to Quebec City, Quit Geneva

Quebec City’s French legacy mirrors Geneva’s international blend, hosting numerous international organizations and being a hub for diplomacy. As one of North America’s oldest cities, Quebec City is a must-visit for history enthusiasts with its fortified colonial core, Château Frontenac, and the Plains of Abraham, the battlefield where the French and the British clashed, resulting in securing Quebec for the British.

According to Bloomberg, Geneva is the third-most expensive place in the world to live, whereas Quebec City is one of the most popular cities in Canada for a fraction of the price.

Sapporo Over Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland, is famous for skiing and its views of the Matterhorn, but Sapporo, Japan, offers a winter wonderland with the added excitement of its annual Snow Festival with ice sculptures. The city is also a gateway to Hokkaido’s renowned onsen (hot springs), such as Jozankei and Ginkonyu Onsen, and national parks, such as Shiretoko National Park and Daisetsuzan National Park, the biggest national park in Japan. Zermatt is one of Europe’s priciest and most popular ski resorts, whereas in Sapporo, a one-day ski pass is less than half the price.

No to Nashville, Yes to Memphis

Nashville’s country roots might lure music lovers, but Memphis’s bluesy backbone is equally compelling. Visitors can explore the history of blues at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or enjoy live music on Beale Street and the city’s famous barbecues. According to SmartAsset, Memphis is the third most affordable city in the U.S., whereas Nashville is the 12th, making it a more expensive destination.

Guests of these lesser-traveled locales will not miss ample opportunities to mingle among locals, observe architecture, and honor history and culture. These alternate locations offer guests a similar draw to their densely populated counterparts but often boast lower associated costs, fewer tourist traps, and equally exciting activities.

Georgia Konidari | Wealth of Geeks

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.