How to find and plan trips to destination dupes

Do you dream of basking on the beaches of Lake Como but don’t have the funds for a luxury villa? No worries, you can experience the feel of sunny, Southern Europe, by heading to a destination dupe in Eastern Europe.

“What’s a destination dupe?” you ask. Think of places where you can get the feel of Italy, without the big price tag or huge crowds. Destination dupes are less expensive, and generally less touristed, alternatives to popular vacation hotspots.

The best part is that destination dupes don’t compromise on dramatic scenery, great weather and culture. Sometimes the experiences at a destination dupe can be even more epic!

Are you still interested? Here’s a guide to choosing great European destination dupes and the adventures that await.

Popular dupes and their high points

Eastern European destinations in Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro, for instance, have vibes similar to Italian regions and other parts of Southern Europe, but are often cheaper and less crowded.

Visit Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia for an affordable alternative to Lake Como.

If you’re craving the stunning mountain landscapes of Lake Como, but want to pay less than half the cost, head to Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia.

Luxury accommodations often start as low as £62 a night in Lake Ohrid. This dupe has more history than Lake Como, and is less of a tourist draw, which means more calm and less crowds.

The town on the shores of Lake Ohrid is ancient, with archaeology dating back thousands of years. In the city of Ohrid, stroll cobblestone streets lined with architecture that spans eras — Roman, Byzantine and early Slavic. Enjoy the nightlife in bars and restaurants along the lakefront.

Travel to the Albanian Riviera instead of the Amalfi Coast of Italy or Greece.

“... Beautiful beaches, breathtaking UNESCO world heritage sites, quirky cities and friendly locals make Albania a hidden treasure well worth discovering, writes 48 hours in Europe.

The Albanian Riviera, with its turquoise waters, quiet beaches and ancient ruins, is often called the “new” Greece. It offers the same rugged, coastal landscapes found in Greece and Italy.

This less crowded destination also features the ancient architecture and great cuisine found on the Ionian islands of Greece, for half the cost. Travellers also consider the area safer than many other European destinations.

Head to Ljubljana, Slovenia for an urban feel similar to Barcelona.

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, known for its charming old town, urban parks and views of the Ljubljanica River, is an alternative to crowded Barcelona.

“Compact, incredibly green, and bisected by a picturesque river lined with willow trees and elegant bridges, Ljubljana is a breath of fresh air,” writes Tripsora.

Ljubljana has the trendy, cafe culture of Barcelona, but without the long lines filled with tourists on summer holiday. Like Barcelona, Ljubljana is known for being incredibly walkable and has lovely city parks, including the 250-acre, pristinely landscaped Tivoli Park.

More Eastern European escapes for Italian vibes

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for which travellers search for dupes. Here’s a few more suggestions to check out!

Croatia: Visit Pula, instead of Rome, for laidback Coliseum vibes. Pula features a first century Roman Amphitheater, known as the Pula Arena.

Montenegro: If you’re in love with the towering limestone peaks of the Italian Dolomites mountain range, head to Prokletije National Park, known as the “Accursed Mountains,” for the same striking views.

Bulgaria: If you’re seeking the same level of luxury, sand and sun offered in Amalfi, book a trip to Albena or Obzor. These Black Sea locales offer the same gorgeous azure waters for lower prices.

How to find destination dupes for your next trip

AI may be a helpful tool for finding tideas for destination dupes for popular vacation spots in southern Europe.

If you ask the Layla travel app to create a seven-day trip to a destination dupe for the Italian Riviera, it may craft a custom itinerary in the Albanian Riviera.

Thirty Traveler compared five AI chat bots to see which would be the best tool for budget conscious travellers. Chatbots may offer reccomendations to help save money, a major advantage because travellers often seek out destination dupes for a good deal.

The Claude AI came out on top in the Thrifty Traveler test for “offering constant reminders of the estimated costs of things and even totaling it all up at the end,” writes Thrifty Traveler.

You can also try using AI or Google to search for the type of experience or feel you want, instead of a specific destination. It may give you a list of tailored ideas to choose from for your next destination dupe vacation. Travel blogs and your favorite travel influencers are also great resources for discovering destination dupe itineraries.

Planning a trip to a destination dupe

Timing your trip to avoid crowds is one of the top tips for heading to a destination dupe. After all, one of the top reasons you may have chosen a destination dupe is to avoid big crowds.

Travelling during shoulder season and outside of major holidays or school breaks is a great way to avoid the crowds. For example, you can still enjoy warm weather in many coastal cities in September and dodge the summer rush.

Do plenty of research to get a feel for your destination dupe’s unique character and charm.

Also, embrace local culture during your trip. Visiting a destination dupe is a chance to explore another culture, outside of more mainstream destinations. Whenever possible, practice sustainable tourism by patronizing local businesses, small hotels, restaurants and more. Enjoy the ride!

Cost comparison between destination dupes and popular hotspots

Destination dupes are great for budget conscious travellers. Here’s some common cost comparisons:

Croatia vs. Italy — Monthly costs for expats are 40% to 50% lower in Croatia than in countries in Western Europe.

Albania vs. Greece — “A simple coffee and pastry in the Sporades islands set me back double what a full breakfast plate with java and mimosa cost on the beach in Himarë, Albania,” writes Traveloffpath.

Slovenia vs. Spain — Mid-range budget travelers should expect to spend $110 a day in Ljubljana versus $130 in Madrid.

Final insight on destination dupes

Purchasing travel insurance is essential for your next trip to a destination dupe. You should know that your provincial or territorial health insurance plan may not protect you if you experience a medical emergency outside of your home province or territory.

Lack of medical coverage can make international trips costly if you get sick or injured. An Allianz Global Assistance Travel insurance plan with emergency medical coverage may help fill health insurance gaps. We also offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage that reimburses certain expenses if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason.

Get a travel insurance quote today to find out how we can help you travel with more peace of mind.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the use of external websites or thecontent or accuracy of information. including recommendations or use of AI applications or other external software.