In 2023, global tourism nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, resulting in many popular locations once again teeming with tourists. This surge has left both visitors, who are forced to endure long queues and navigate through crowds, and local residents, who experience constant inconvenience, feeling frustrated. Consequently, many travel critics have started highlighting a new travel trend known as “Destination Dupes.” This trend encourages tourists to swap overrun hotspots for similar, yet less crowded, alternatives. Travel expert Helen Coffey, in her column for The Independent, has identified worthy substitutes for some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations that are poised to pleasantly surprise travelers in 2024.
Destination Dupes:
Utrecht Instead of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, remains one of Europe’s most popular tourist cities, undeterred by numerous restrictive measures introduced by city authorities over the years. From 2024, the city will impose Europe’s highest tourist tax. Utrecht, just a 25-minute train ride south of Amsterdam, boasts classic Dutch architecture, picturesque canals, and narrow historical streets. It also features a medieval city center that can rival the capital’s charm.
Valencia Instead of Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia in Spain, is also actively combating overtourism by increasing the tourist tax and banning cruise ships from docking in the city center. For a slice of Spanish culture by the coast, where you can combine city exploration with beach visits, head slightly south to Valencia. Spain’s third-largest city offers a stunning Old Town, incredible and affordable cuisine, a seaside location, and numerous museums and galleries in the City of Arts and Sciences.
Zadar Instead of Dubrovnik
Since joining the Schengen Zone in 2023, Dubrovnik has become even more overcrowded, with up to 36 tourists for every local resident. However, other Croatian coastal towns offer attractive alternatives. Zadar, on the Dalmatian coast, is Croatia’s oldest city, featuring ancient Roman ruins, Venetian-era cathedrals, checkerboard castles, tranquil national parks, vineyards, and numerous idyllic nearby islands.
Beng Mealea Instead of Angkor Wat
Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat temple complex, officially the world’s largest religious structure, attracts between 1,000 and 1,500 tourists daily. The tourist boom has led to informal settlements that harm the local environment through waste production and water resource overuse. Despite its impressive appearance, Angkor Wat isn’t the only Cambodian temple complex worth visiting. Beng Mealea, located 40 km east of the main Angkor temples and 70 km from Siem Reap, was built in the 12th century following the same layout as Angkor Wat. It features dark halls, a well-preserved library, and intricate carvings.
Syros Instead of Santorini
Santorini, the star of Greece’s Cyclades islands, with its white-washed buildings and blue domes, is inundated with tourists during peak season. The small island receives about two million visitors annually, making it one of Greece’s most visited destinations. However, other Cycladic islands offer the same charm without the crowds. Syros, for instance, boasts the picturesque port of Ermoupolis, neoclassical architecture, excellent local cuisine, and quiet coves perfect for boat adventures.
It is worth noting that some travel experts oppose the idea of such substitutions, arguing that places like Venice are unique and no other city, no matter how beautiful, can replace what draws tourists to Venice. Nonetheless, if you’re unwilling to endure the side effects of overtourism, it might be wise to consider opting for a similar, yet less crowded, destination.
