15 Destination Dupes That May Even Outshine the Real Deal
You want to travel the world but just don’t have it in you to get up super early to avoid the crowds, or queue for photo opps.?
Because, SAME!
It’s actually the worst when you’re really excited to visit somewhere, and then you turn up, but every other person on the planet and their grandma is also there.
You end up feeling irritated and over-stimulated and claustrophobic, and the whole experience is tainted.
We have been there! And now we very much avoid these sort of places. For the last (almost) three years, we have been exploring away from the regular tourist trail, and our experiences have been SO much more enjoyable than anything on the well-trodden path.
So, are you ready to switch up your holiday game? These are our favourite destination dupes that we think are even better than the real deal!
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click and purchase through a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. And if you do choose to do this, THANK YOU so much for supporting us! It means that we can continue to create content for you guys. Full disclaimer here.
1. Instead of the Taj Mahal, try…
Bibi Ka Maqbara
I bet you can hardly tell that this is not the Taj Mahal! Yep, I promise. This is Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Maharahstra. Built soon after the Taj Mahal, and to rival the Taj Mahal (according to the Times of India), the resemblance is uncanny.
Bibi Ka Maqbara is not quite as lavish; there’s less of the bright white, sparkly marble. But equally there are far fewer tourists (foreign and domestic), and the ticket price is much more affordable. So, the positives balance out the negatives!
But what else is there to do in Aurangabad? Aurangabad has loads of Buddhist caves, some of which are UNESCO listed, and they really are phenomenal. For your trip to Aurangabad, make sure you also see Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, and Aurangabad Caves as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara itself.
2. Instead of Berlin, try…
Tbilisi
Berlin is pretty hipster, gritty and artsy; is big on underground bars/nightclubs; and has a huge vegan/veg restaurant scene.
Well, so does Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. And arguably, it’s actually better.
Tbilisi showcases its naturally veg-friendly cuisine in its quirky restaurants, and its delicious wines in underground wine bars.
Wander the streets of Tbilisi and you’ll find street art murals, Soviet mosaics, a bit of grit, wonky staircases, rusted signs, intricately decorated wooden balconies, the classic ‘Italian courtyards’, but above else, plenty of charm.
With direct flights from the London to Tbilisi starting up in April 2025, it has never been easier to explore Georgia!
3. Instead of the French Alps, try…
The Accursed Mountains
You’re looking for a hike with outrageous landscapes, clear mountain rivers, meadows dotted with colourful wild flowers. Swap the French Alps for the Accursed Mountains (AKA the Albanian Alps!)
The mountain villages of Theth and Valbona in Albania are beautiful, peaceful and remote; you’ll feel like you’re really disconnecting from the chaos of the modern world and soaking up all the benefits of being out in nature, but without the crowds and without the wild price tag!
The infamous Valbona to Theth hike is a unique hike that involves a ferry across Komani Lake (another dupe that resembles a small Halong Bay!) just to reach the start point, but the effort is well and truly worth it for the phenomenal mountain views.
4. Instead of Val d’Isère, try…
Gudauri
Instead of following the crowds to Val d’Isère in France to ski, head to Gudauri! Where?
Gudauri is a ski resort in the Greater Caucasus mountains in the north east of Georgia. Delicious Georgian cuisine is perfect for warming you up, traditional Georgian wine is the perfect après-ski tipple, there will be fewer people and it’s more affordable than France. A few hours’ drive from the capital, Tbilisi, and you’re in the mountains!
5. Instead of Stone Henge, try…
Göbekli Tepe
If you’re looking for ancient megalithic structures, they don’t get any more ancient than Göbekli Tepe!
Göbekli Tepe is the world’s oldest known monument that has been dated back 12,000 years, which makes it 6,000 years older than Stone Henge!
It consists of circles of huge pillar stones, some of which have intricate carving depicting animals. The site is situated in the south east of Turkey, near the city of Sanliurfa, in an area deemed the ‘cradle of civilisation’.
Sanliurfa is also a really authentic city to visit with ancient hans from the days of the Silk Road, prominent religious monuments, and a fascinating museum where you can see the oldest life-size statue of a human dated back to 9,000 BC. If you want a fully cultural and historical trip, this is THE place.
6. Instead of Machu Picchu, try…
Alinja Castle
Instead of queueing forever for your ticket, following the crowds single file along the Inca Trail, or queuing for the best photo opp. of Machu Picchu, head to Azerbaijan!
Azerbaijan’s mysterious exclave of Nakhchivan is home to Alinja Castle, which has panoramic views that seemingly go on forever. There are no crowds, no fees, and it really does look Machu Picchu-esque!
7. Instead of Plitvice National Park, try…
Una National Park
Croatia’s Plitvice National Park is beautiful, but have you heard of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Una National Park next door?
Literally just across the border, Una is still not well-known to international tourists, but it has some really spectacular and powerful waterfalls.
Fewer crowds, more affordable prices, and peaceful, stunning nature. Make sure you don’t miss Strbacki Buk and Martin Brod!
Haven’t bought your travel insurance yet?
We have used SafetyWing for the last three years of backpacking, and we 100% recommend it, whether you are travelling for a couple of weeks, months, or years. And it is the most budget friendly, best value option out there!
Purchase your SafetyWing Travel Insurance.
8. Instead of Marrakesh Medina, try…
Mardin
Looking to wander a labyrinth of narrow alleyways of a historic city, but you don’t fancy the crowds and pestering touts of Marrakech Medina?
Well, explore Mardin in southeast Turkey instead. Wander the maze of narrow alleyways amongst the Middle Eastern style architecture, with intricately decorated mosques and minarets. Shop for local goods and food at the market stalls, and make sure you stop for a pistachio coffee with a view.
Mardin’s major selling point is that it sits right on top of a hill with endless views over the plains of Mesopotamia. If pistachio coffee isn’t your thing, grab a glass of pomegranate wine!
9. Instead of Bordeaux, try…
Kakheti
Instead of wandering the vineyards of Bordeaux in France, head to the world’s oldest wine-producing country: Georgia.
The Kakheti region in the east of Georgia is full of independent vineyards and winemakers, with a breath-taking backdrop of the Greater Caucasus Mountain range.
Take part in fully immersive and authentic wine experiences, and learn about all things wine and food with Eat This! Tours.
They offer grassroots experiences with expert local guides and sommeliers.
Save 5% with our discount code: relentless5
And if you time your visit perfectly (September/October), and you can even take part in Rtveli: the annual grape harvest!
Get involved in the whole event from picking the grapes, tasting the wines, and eating the supra (feast) afterwards. These tours sell out because it is such a unique experience, so make sure you book in plenty of time!
Save 5% with our discount code: relentless5
10. Instead of Bali, try…
Java
Bali sees more than enough tourists; head to neighbouring Java instead!
The breath-taking nature will leave you wondering why you ever even considered Bali. Clamber down a waterfall and cliffside to reach the mighty Tumpak Sewu waterfall, hike to the rim of Mount Bromo volcano, wander the colourful streets or Rainbow Village, see the world’s largest Buddhist temple: Borobudur, and the lesser-known chicken church (which is so fun and unique!), eat tofu and tempeh and everything caked in peanut sauce.
Bali is more beaches, party, Instagram. Java is more authentic, culture, nature.
11. Instead of Tokyo, try…
Taipei
Japan’s tourism has sky-rocketed in the past couple of years! Instead of joining the crowds in Tokyo, head to Taipei in Taiwan.
Taipei has temples, monuments, skyscrapers, characterful architecture, street food night markets, and vibrant culture heavily influenced by Japan.
It is one of our all-time favourite cities for vegetarian food: scallion pancakes, boba tea, stinky tofu.
Oh, and the breakfast scene is spectacular! Omelette rolls, steamed buns, radish cake, leek buns, sweet soy milk.
12. Instead of the Scottish Highlands, try…
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park in Ecuador blew my mind. I felt like I had genuinely just stepped into the Scottish Highlands!
And while I do love the Scottish Highlands and would thoroughly recommend everyone visit, it is on the pricey side in terms of accommodation and restaurants nearby.
However, Cajas National Park is an easy day trip from Cuenca, and when you get back to Cuenca, you can try out our favourite spot for tacos (2 for $1!).
The park has huge lakes, mystical forests, and huge mountains. And there are no entrance fees.
13. Instead of Dubrovnik, try…
Khiva
Looking for a fortified city full of ancient history and traditional architecture full of character? Well, instead of going to Dubrovnik, head to Khiva in Uzbekistan!
The city used to be a major stop along the ancient Silk Road and it has still kept its historic charm.
Wander the cobbled streets and the city walls for views over the city and surrounding desert, see the magnificent turquoise-tiled domes and minarets, shop for beautiful silks at the bazaars; it genuinely feels like you’re walking around a film set.
14. Instead of Lake Bled, try…
Lake Sevan
Instead of heading to the increasingly busy Lake Bled in Slovenia, head out to Lake Sevan in Armenia!
Armenia has been named a top destination to visit for 2025 by several travel companies, notably Lonely Planet.
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus; it has sparkling blue water and a peninsula with an ancient monastery dating back to the 9th century: Sevanavank. Only an hour and half’s drive from Yerevan, this is a great day trip!
15. Instead of Napoli Pizza, try…
Adjarian Khachapuri
Not a destination dupe, but a food dupe! If you love a proper Napoli pizza, I defy you to not love an Adjarian khachapuri.
Adjara is a region in the south west of Georgia on the Black Sea Coast, with its largest city being Batumi.
Georgian bread is the very best in the world in my opinion! Being cooked inside a traditional tone (similar to a tandoor) means that the bread is crisp on the bottom and chewy on the top.
An Adjarian khachapuri, however, has the beautiful boat-shaped Georgian bread, but also gooey Imeretian and sulguni cheeses sitting inside the boat with a runny egg yolk and a slab of butter! It is rich, decadent and delicious!
Found this post helpful?
If you would like to support us, buy us a coffee at the link below.
No pressure!
We really do like coffee, though 😉
Like it? Save it!
