Travel hotspots are all too familiar with the price of popularity. Overtourism has seen Venice turn from cobbled to clogged, its once quaint waterways now reminiscent of rush-hour traffic jams. Luckily, the world is wide, and destination dupes are here to take the pressure off popular locations (and provide you with an equally as gorgeous getaway). How about swapping Bali’s bustling beaches for Lombok’s laid-back landscapes? Or trading in Lake Como for the equally enchanting Lake Bled? Read on to discover more of our dreamy destination dupes…
- Lake Bled instead of Lake Como
- The Azores instead of Hawaii
- Lombok instead of Bali
- Ruaha National Park instead of Serengeti National Park
- Porto instead of Lisbon
Lake Bled instead of Lake Como
Tired of tussling with crowds and breaking the bank to catch a glimpse of Lake Como? Then cast your eyes 400 miles east for the next best thing. Lake Bled is Slovenia’s answer to Italy’s aqua-blue body of water, framed by the captivating Karavanke mountain range. After sunning yourself on the (crowd-free) shores, swim or row to the teardrop-shaped island in the centre, where a 99-step staircase leads you to a historic church rivalling those of Como. What’s more, the nearby city of Ljubljana’s romantic waterways and delicious dishes are an ideal dupe for the tourist-clogged Venice... two Italian birds with one Slovenian stone.
The Azores instead of Hawaii
Even with its unapologetic natural beauty, there are Hawaiian hurdles some people can’t overcome: the long flight and the damage caused by overtourism. However, swap the States for Europe and discover a world of volcanic wonders a stone’s throw away. Like Hawaii, Portugal’s Azores archipelago is known for its volcanic islands complete with abundant thermal springs, waterfalls and steaming volcanic craters. The archipelago also offers nature-based activities galore, from whale-watching tours to heart-pumping hikes. It’s a dreamy destination dupe for travellers conscious of minimising the tourism-based damage to Hawaii while still seeking volcanic beauty.
Image by Daniel Espirito Santo.
Lombok instead of Bali
Bali is (rightfully) found on most people’s travel wish lists, but what was once a secluded island getaway is now more of a bustling backdrop for Instagrammers. Avoid the millions of yearly visitors and instead head to Lombok, which bumps shoulders with Bali and boasts similar characteristics on a smaller scale. The tropical beaches are quieter and often more pristine, and you can even roll up your sleeves and trek to Mount Rinjani’s volcanic lake. Balinese bliss but without the swathes of selfie-snapping tourists? Sign us up.
Ruaha National Park instead of Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is arguably the A-list celebrity of Tanzanian national parks. Its immense size, presence of the Big Five and annual Great Migration make it the ultimate safari destination – but also one of the busiest. Leave the flurry of jeeps behind and head south to Ruaha National Park, where a star-studded lineup of lions, elephants and African wild dogs roam the unspoiled landscapes. Budget-friendly options also make Ruaha an attractive alternative for families or large groups, so you can save without scrimping on a sensational safari experience.
Porto instead of Lisbon
Our final destination dupe is back in Europe, and we’re swapping one pretty Portuguese city for another. While Lisbon lures visitors with its lemon-yellow trams and historical centre, its northern neighbour, Porto, packs an impressive Portuguese punch. As the entrance to the Douro Valley wine region, the city is home to the sweet Port wine and offers delightful day trips to vineyards. Fans of Harry Potter can even visit Livrari Lello, the bookshop rumoured to have inspired the Hogwarts scenery. In short, Porto provides the same charm as Lisbon in a walkable-city-shaped parcel.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Daniel Espirito Santo.
