Same Vibes. Fewer Crowds.

Destination Dupes

According to an American Express study, 84% of U.S. travelers plan to spend more (or the same amount) on travel in 2024 vs. last year.

With that in mind, we know Americans are going to need some destination ideas on where to spend that cash. So, we surveyed 2,000 U.S. travelers to understand their preferences, while researching travel trends to maximize savings and minimize crowding. What we came up with are several cities that have the excitement of some of the most popular destinations, while providing a less-crowded experience and cheaper options. Let’s call them “destination dupes”.

INSIGHTS FOR YOU

63% avoid peak season

Over half of U.S. travelers avoid going to popular destinations during peak seasons to skip the crowds

1 in 2 cut vacations short

Half of U.S. travelers have cut their vacation time due to overcrowding in certain locations

61% hate overcrowding

61% of U.S. travelers say that overcrowding had a negative effect on their vacation experience

3 in 5 are less likely to return

In fact, U.S. travelers are going as far as saying they’d be less likely to return to a destination that’s too busy

Data taken from a survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers who have travelled internationally within the past 2 years.

three images of European cities with people walking by famous monuments including the Spanish Steps in Rome and The Grand Palace in Brussels.

According to our survey, 63% of U.S. travelers avoid popular destinations during peak seasons, specifically to skip the crowds. In fact, 67% of respondents cite “too many people” being the main source of travel stress.

So we put our experts to work who analyzed alternative places to visit, based on landscape, flight length, and cost to reveal the ultimate list of destination dupes providing you with similar vibes, without the crowds.

Heading to a destination dupe is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of a location, but without the crowds and added stress. Like swapping the beaches of Cape Town for Lisbon’s scenic coastlines. Plus, you’ll discover lesser-known places, full of underrated spots and hidden gems.

Data taken from a survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers who were asked if they agree or disagree with the following statement “I have left a destination earlier than planned because it was too crowded”.

International Travel Dupes

International travel is on the rise. With 26% of our survey respondents identifying as “Globetrotters” who like to explore new places and cultures, we’ve put together a list of the most in-demand international travel destinations compared to their dupes.

An aerial view of a tropical resort with beachfront villas, turquoise water under a clear sky.

1. Lima vs. Santo Domingo

Lima, Peru came out on top our list, with the highest number of flight searches in the U.S. and 3 in 10 of our survey respondents claiming to love a beachside spot, it’s clear why Peru’s Pacific capital is so popular!

Lima’s destination dupe is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic’s capital city. Much like Lima, Santo Domingo is steeped in history and is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas, ideal for the 1 in 5 American travelers who find cultural heritage the most important factor in their vacation destination, according to our survey.

An aerial view of Lima’s coastline with modern buildings on green cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Lima, Peru

Flight: $579

Hotel per night: $109

Coffee: $2.62

Meal in a restaurant: $34.56

A view of Santo Domingo's coast with modern buildings overlooking a blue sea.

Santo Domingo, The D.R.

Flight: $121

Hotel per night: $387

Coffee: $2.53

Meal in a restaurant: $49

An aerial view of Edmonton with modern skyscrapers and buildings.

Edmonton, Canada

Flight: $323

Hotel per night: $133

Coffee: $3.44

Meal in a restaurant: $60.19

A wide view of Winnipeg's skyline with the river, historical buildings and skyscrapers in the background.

Winnipeg, Canada

Flight: $351

Hotel per night: $150

Coffee: $3.73

Meal in a restaurant: $69.16

2. Edmonton vs. Winnipeg

With 1 in 5 U.S. travelers saying they plan international trips around cultural festivals, it’s easy to see why Edmonton – Canada’s ‘festival city’ – is such a popular choice. It also has lots of historical sites and museums – and no language barrier!

Like Edmonton, Winnipeg offers no language differences for U.S. travelers and has a vibrant arts scene with festivals, theaters, and museums like The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, perfect for soaking up some culture.

3. Munich vs. Nuremberg

Munich is a blend of medieval, baroque and modern influences, appealing to the 1 in 3 U.S. travelers who identify as Cultural Enthusiasts. And we can’t forget the city’s iconic Oktoberfest celebrations which draw visitors from far and wide.

Thankfully, the dupe destination of Nuremberg is only two hours away and offers similar cultural and historical experiences but with fewer crowds (and cheaper costs!). Both cities also embody Bavarian cultures so visitors can still enjoy these traditions.

A view of some of Munich’s historical buildings at dusk.

Munich, Germany

Flight: $951

Hotel per night: $226

Coffee: $4.17

Meal in a restaurant: $81.27

A view of Nuremberg’s old town with traditional Bavarian architecture at night. There is also a river with a cobblestone bridge across it.

Nuremberg, Germany

Flight: $960

Hotel per night: $166

Coffee: $4.04

Meal in a restaurant: $79.17

A view of The Shard in London with other modern buildings below.

London, UK

Flight: $769

Hotel per night: $300

Coffee: $4.67

Meal in a restaurant: $102.86

A view of Liverpool’s historic Royal Liver Building featuring the clocktower and modern buildings in the background.

Liverpool, UK

Flight: $815

Hotel per night: $198

Coffee: $3.07

Meal in a restaurant: $62.50

4. London vs. Liverpool

With world-famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, it’s no wonder why London is a popular destination for U.S. travelers. Not to mention the city’s cultural heritage, museums and iconic foodie hot spots.

Visitors from across the pond can also enjoy ample sight-seeing opportunities in London’s dupe city: Liverpool. This city in the north of England is also home to renowned museums, like the Tate Liverpool, and an equally impressive food scene.

5. Nice vs. Montpellier

The jewel of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is a glamorous destination on the French Rivera. Think sun, sea, and style. Alongside elegant eateries and boutique stores, the old town is the perfect place to wander around and take in the sights.

Further down the coast, Montpellier offers the same stunning beaches and delicious French cuisine but is a less well-known destination for international travelers. This means fewer crowds and lower prices, especially in the shoulder seasons.

The Fontaine du Soleil which features a tall sculpture of a Greek god figure wearing a crown.

Nice, France

Flight: $839

Hotel per night: $280

Coffee: $3.44

Meal in a restaurant: $59.88

A statue of Louis XIV on a horse with buildings and trees below.

Montpellier, France

Flight: $870

Hotel per night: $118

Coffee: $3.47

Meal in a restaurant: $62.79

A view of a street in Tokyo with a few people, colorful signs and neon lights.

Tokyo, Japan

Flight: $1090

Hotel per night: $221

Coffee: $3.21

Meal in a restaurant: $43.29

A view of Fukuoka city with modern buildings along the waterfront at sunset.

Fukuoka, Japan

Flight: $725

Hotel per night: $144

Coffee: $2.90

Meal in a restaurant: $49.47

6. Tokyo vs. Fukuoka

From the Shibuya Crossing to the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo is home to many iconic sights. It’s also well known for its foodie scene, offering U.S. travelers the chance to try a variety of Japanese dishes in a bustling urban setting.

But, for those looking for a more authentic experience, swap the bright lights of Tokyo for Fukuoka City. On the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, this city offers a similar cultural experience without Tokyo’s crowds, plus plenty of local dishes to try.

7. Frankfurt vs. Warsaw

Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt is an international hub with plenty to see and do. One thing the city is known for is the ‘museumsufer’, or Museum Embankment, where museums line both banks of the river Main – perfect for a cultural day out.

Just like Frankfurt, Warsaw is a blend of old and new, with modern architecture alongside the charming Old Town. Head here for a lively arts scene and historical museums like the POLIN Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum.

A mix of old and new in Frankfurt, with modern skyscrapers in the background and more historical buildings in front.

Frankfurt, Germany

Flight: $900

Hotel per night: $160

Coffee: $3.82

Meal in a restaurant: $76.26

A view of skyscrapers and modern and older buildings in Warsaw, including the Palace of Culture and Science.

Warsaw, Poland

Flight: $869

Hotel per night: $154

Coffee: $3.58

Meal in a restaurant: $50.69

A view of Prague’s historic city center with medieval buildings and lots of people on the Charles Bridge over the river.

Prague, Czech Republic

Flight: $831

Hotel per night: $143

Coffee: $3.07

Meal in a restaurant: $51.21

A view of Budapest’s Parliament building on the banks of the Danube River with a backdrop of historic architecture.

Budapest, Hungary

Flight: $815

Hotel per night: $155

Coffee: $2.40

Meal in a restaurant: $55.56

8. Prague vs. Budapest

If you’re looking for a city that’s steeped in history, Prague in the Czech Republic is a great European destination for U.S. travelers. Here, you can marvel at the medieval and Gothic buildings and take in cultural attractions like Old Town Square.

But, for equally impressive architecture and historical roots, Budapest offers a similar experience but without the crowds. While this is still a popular destination, you’ll often find fewer crowds here and cheaper prices – what’s not to love?

9. Cape Town vs. Lisbon

With its stunning natural landscapes, beaches and sites like Table Mountain and Cape Point, it’s no wonder that Cape Town is on our top 10 list. It’s also close to the world-famous Cape Winelands, South Africa’s largest wine region.

For those looking for a beachside spot without the crowds, Lisbon is a good dupe destination. Visitors can still enjoy a renowned wine scene too, since the area has a rich history of wine making.

A view of Cape Town's coastline with buildings and greenery leading down to a blue sea with mountains in the background.

Cape Town, South Africa

Flight: $902

Hotel per night: $210

Coffee: $2.08

Meal in a restaurant: $38.65

A view of the sea in Lisbon with an industrial bridge and the city in the background. In the foreground, a woman sits on a white bench with graffiti.

Lisbon, Portugal

Flight: $842

Hotel per night: $203

Coffee: $2.59

Meal in a restaurant: $54.60

A view of Montreal’s skyline with modern buildings and skyscrapers.

Montreal, Canada

Flight: $315

Hotel per night: $259

Coffee: $3.89

Meal in a restaurant: $88.09

A view of Quebec's old town at night with buildings and lights and the river in the foreground.

Quebec City, Canada

Flight: $512

Hotel per night: $261

Coffee: $4.40

Meal in a restaurant: $67.34

10. Montreal vs. Quebec City

From a diverse food scene to the historic old town, Montreal has plenty to offer. A fairly quick flight from most U.S. cities on the East Coast, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway or short break.

For those wanting a more relaxed way to explore what Canada has to offer, Quebec City is smaller and has a more laid-back vibe than Montreal, making it ideal for soaking up some Canadian charm without the crowds.

Domestic Travel Dupes

1 in 6 U.S. travelers prefer staycations, with 19% of Millennials saying they are more likely to choose exploring their own country over traveling internationally. Let’s take a look at the most searched-for domestic travel destinations and their dupes.

A French Bulldog sits at the end of a red canoe looking back at the person taking the photograph. Behind the dog is clear lake with trees and buildings in the background.

1. Boston vs. Philadelphia

Boston, Massachusetts was the most popular U.S. location on our list, with the biggest number of searches among U.S. travelers. Steeped in history and with plenty of cultural sights to see, Boston has something for everyone.

Alternatively, U.S. travelers looking for their culture fix can check out Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, a hub of arts, history and food. Here, visitors can see iconic American sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

An aerial view of Boston’s skyline with the harbor and a blend of old and new architecture.

Boston, MA

Flight: $276

Hotel per night: $333

Coffee: $5.71

Meal in a restaurant: $102.50

An aerial view of Philadelphia’s skyline, featuring skyscrapers and modern buildings.

Philadelphia, PA

Flight: $272

Hotel per night: $241

Coffee: $4.81

Meal in a restaurant: $75

A view of an empty road in Downtown Memphis at night featuring buildings with colorful signs and lights on either side of the road.

Memphis, TN

Flight: $342

Hotel per night: $209

Coffee: $4.86

Meal in a restaurant: $70

A view of of an empty road in New Orleans with buildings and colorful lights on either side. Historic buildings can be seen in the background.

New Orleans, LA

Flight: $344

Hotel per night: $251

Coffee: $5.12

Meal in a restaurant: $100

2. Memphis vs. New Orleans

Given that 1 in 3 said they’d travel within the U.S. specifically for a musical festival, it’s no surprise that Memphis, Tennessee is a favorite domestic destination. The home of blues and soul, there’s plenty of musical heritage to discover here.

Over in Louisiana, New Orleans is another location renowned for its musical roots. This city is the birthplace of jazz and is the perfect destination for travelers looking to catch some live performances in unique venues.

3. New York vs. Chicago

New York is a truly iconic destination, from its immediately recognisable skyline to its world-class arts and entertainment. With so much going on, it’s easy to see why it’s often called ‘The City That Never Sleeps’.

Not too far away, Chicago in Illinois is a good alternative for New York. Offering a similar urban set up but with fewer crowds, you can still get the same city buzz with a few more spots to switch off and enjoy the diverse neighborhoods and food scene.

A view of New York City’s skyline at sunset with the Empire State Building as the central point.

New York, NY

Flight: $199

Hotel per night: $335

Coffee: $5.67

Meal in a restaurant: $125

An aerial view of Chicago’s skyline with Lake Michigan and the city’s modern architecture.

Chicago, IL

Flight: $234

Hotel per night: $257

Coffee: $5.28

Meal in a restaurant: $100

A natural view of Colorado Springs with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Colorado Springs, CO

Flight: $420

Hotel per night: $191

Coffee: $5.39

Meal in a restaurant: $80

Boise, ID

Flight: $405

Hotel per night: $160

Coffee: $5.62

Meal in a restaurant: $70

4. Colorado Springs vs. Boise

At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs in Colorado provides visitors with iconic outdoor attractions like the Manitou Incline and Pikes Peak – the perfect destination for nature-lovers.

Like Colorado, Idaho’s capital, Boise, is home to some stunning natural landscapes. Its scenic mountain views means it’s an ideal alternative for the 30% of U.S. travels who say natural beauty is the top factor for choosing a vacation destination.

5. Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City

Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the most iconic entertainment capitals in the U.S. with its iconic shows, lively nightlife and tempting casinos. It’s also well-known for its luxurious resorts and high-end shopping and dining experiences.

If you’re looking for a more affordable break, Atlantic City offers a similar casino and resort experience but is often less crowded and can be cheaper overall. Plus, unlike in Vegas, visitors can also enjoy a relaxing beachfront setting – what’s not to enjoy?

A night view of Las Vegas’ featuring a Ferris wheel with blue and green lights.

Las Vegas, NV

Flight: $283

Hotel per night: $271

Coffee: $5.56

Meal in a restaurant: $75

A view of a rollercoast on Atlantic City's boardwalk at night. There's also a Ferris wheel in the background and lots of neon lights.

Atlantic City, NJ

Flight: $247

Hotel per night: $231

Coffee: $4.99

Meal in a restaurant: $70

A view of a river, with green trees either side and snow-capped mountains the background.

Anchorage, AK

Flight: $661

Hotel per night: $252

Coffee: $5.09

Meal in a restaurant: $86.50

A view of Durango's mountain range with grey and green mountains under a cloudy sky.

Durango, CO

Flight: $535

Hotel per night: $191

Coffee: $4.75

Meal in a restaurant: $60

6. Anchorage vs. Durango

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and is the gateway to the region’s wilderness areas, perfect for travelers who want to unwind in nature. Here, visitors can enjoy a range of experiences like hiking, wildlife tours and even skiing in Alyeska.

Located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Durango is a great alternative destination for nature-lovers. In Durango, you can also try a range of outdoor activities. And it’s also easier to reach from most states, saving on travel costs.

7. Seattle vs. Vancouver

Surrounded by water, mountains and forests, it’s easy to see Seattle’s appeal. With easy access to hiking opportunities, alongside museums in the city centre, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

Vancouver, in Canada, is a less crowded dupe that still has heaps of charm. Both cities are near the mountains, creating an ideal backdrop for many outdoor activities. They also both have thriving arts and culture scenes for multi-generational travelers.

A view of Seattle’s skyline with the Space Needle in the foreground at sunset.

Seattle, WA

Flight: $340

Hotel per night: $256

Coffee: $5.78

Meal in a restaurant: $100

A view of a vast lake at sunset with modern buildings in the foreground.

Vancouver, Canada

Flight: $360

Hotel per night: $328

Coffee: $3.96

Meal in a restaurant: $87.36

A view of a costal city with modern buildings along the seafront in the background. In the foreground, there are trees and houses.

Honolulu, HI

Flight: $610

Hotel per night: $371

Coffee: $6.17

Meal in a restaurant: $82.50

A view of costal cliffs with plenty of trees and plants overlooking a blue sea.

Maui, HI

Flight: $534

Hotel per night: $565

Coffee: $6.40

Meal in a restaurant: $110

8. Honolulu vs. Maui

Since 47% of U.S. travelers identify as ‘Relaxation Lovers’, it’s no wonder that Honolulu, in Hawaii, made our list. With beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, it ticks lots of boxes for adventure-seekers and nature lovers.

And for those who want to experience the idyllic beaches of Honolulu without the crowds, Maui, the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, promises golden sands, breathtaking landscapes and national parks with fewer tourists.

9. Denver vs. Banff

Providing easy access to the iconic Rocky Mountains and abundant outdoors activities, Denver is a location that offers a bit of everything. Blending city life and nature, there’s plenty to see and do.

Like Denver, Banff is a mountain city, located at the base of the Canadian Rockies. Banff has a more laid-back vibe and life is closer to nature here – which also means there are often fewer crowds and cheaper prices overall.

A skyline view of Denver with the Rocky Mountains under a blue sky.

Denver, CO

Flight: $257

Hotel per night: $212

Coffee: $5.71

Meal in a restaurant: $80

A forest scene with trees and a river in the foreground. A large mountain can be seen in the background.

Banff, Canada

Flight: $384

Hotel per night: $167

Coffee: $3.59

Meal in a restaurant: $73.93

A view of central Nashville with modern buildings and skyscrapers with a river in the foreground.

Nashville, TN

Flight: $288

Hotel per night: $294

Coffee: $5.10

Meal in a restaurant: $75

A lively view of Austin’s downtown area with modern skyscrapers and the Colorado River in the foreground, set against a bright blue sky.

Austin, TX

Flight: $332

Hotel per night: $255

Coffee: $5.32

Meal in a restaurant: $79

10. Nashville vs. Austin

Closing out our list, Nashville is the 10th most popular domestic destination for U.S. travelers. Full of family-friendly attractions and music festivals, it’s perfect for the 24% of U.S. travelers who said they’re most likely to travel within the U.S. for music events.

A few states over, our dupe, Austin, Texas, is also home to plenty of live music events for those hoping to enjoy the famous sounds of The South. It’s also an ideal destination for families with more museums and the same southern hospitality.

Top Family Destinations

There’s nothing better than traveling with your loved ones, especially your family. In fact, 27% of our survey respondents said that family members were their favorite travel buddy. So, along with exploring the most popular travel destinations overall, we’ve also analyzed hotel family-friendliness rating in each city to help you find the best places for a family getaway.

Top Solo Destinations

Overcrowding can also get in the way of a solo vacation, adding unnecessary stress to your travels. So, for those who prefer going it alone, we’ve listened to fellow solo travelers to find their favorite city spots internationally, based on their hotel reviews.

With travel on the rise and the impact of social media, crowds in some of the most popular destinations only continue to grow.

If you want to avoid busy places and save money, destination dupes offer similar experiences, without the price tag or hoards of tourists. And looking for an alternative doesn’t always mean you have to travel much further or change your plans completely to save a bit of money and escape the crowds.

Have we convinced you to visit one of these alternative travel dupes? When you’re ready to book your next vacation, use our flight finder tool to browse dates and prices for your getaway.

Methodology

We utilized Cheapflights and associated brands’ internal data to identify the most in-demand domestic and international destinations taking into account the number of searches per each destination and ranking them according to YOY search growth (01-01-2024 to 31-05-2024 compared to the same period in 2023). Using hotel ratings by solo travelers in each destination we narrowed down the best destinations for solo travel whereas our family friendly list uses average review rating of family-friendly themed hotels to identify the best family destinations.

Through desk research, we identified cities that serve as alternatives to popular travel destinations (‘dupe cities’), based on factors like flight length, cost, and visual similarities such as landscape and culture, whilst Numbeo’s cost of living index provided additional insight into travel expenses by supplying data on average restaurant prices, coffee, beer, and transportation costs for each destination.

We supported this analysis with a survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers who had visited international destinations in the past two years, conducted in August 2024. The survey gathered information on their preferences, decision-making factors, and attitudes toward travel companions, budgeting, event-based travel, and overcrowded destinations.

This data analysis was completed in September 2024.