Is Dupe Travel A Good Idea? Experts Weigh In.

From “hush trips” to “slow travel,” there’s no shortage of new travel trends and terminology these days.

But one that has taken particular hold on social media and IRL is the concept of “dupe travel” or “travel dupes.” Indeed, Instagram and TikTok are flooded with inspiration and information about this increasingly popular approach to choosing a destination.

But what exactly is a dupe travel, and how does it work? Below, experts break down the benefits and downsides of this trend.

“Travel dupes are a current trend where folks are seeking out cheaper, less-crowded alternatives to popular destinations, but where they can still enjoy many of the same attractions or cultural activities,” said Eric Rosen, the director of travel content at the website The Points Guy.

In recent years, we’ve travel expenses increase, so it’s only natural people would pursue more cost-effective options that allow them to get a taste of the wanderlust magic that’s all over Instagram and TikTok without breaking the bank.

“I define [a travel dupe] as a location with a similar aesthetic look to a famous city or tourist attraction,” said Gabby Beckford, the founder of travel site Packs Light. “Like visiting the Philippines for stunning Southeast Asian beaches instead of Thailand or the beaches of Turkiye instead of Greece.”

The idea is to avoid overpriced hot spots and discover destinations that offer similar vibes without the massive crowds and high prices. Think Slovenia instead of Italy, Quebec City instead of Geneva or Liverpool instead of London.

“Some examples are going to Portugal instead of Italy, Antwerp instead of Paris, or a slightly different variation is going to smaller, lesser-known islands in Greece instead of Santorini or Mykonos,” said Wendy Diep, the co-founder of group travel app Let’s Jetty.

She noted that millennial and Gen Z travelers tend to be more flexible when it comes to travel, which helps them pursue their goal of exploring new places while saving money.

“They’re not necessarily saying ‘Hey, I really have to go to X, Y, and Z,’ but rather looking to sightsee while experiencing local culture,” Diep said. “And they aim to visit places that are off the beaten path, so it’s also part of the appeal.”

“There are multiple benefits to dupe travel,” Diep noted. “One of the biggest is obviously cost savings. You can save money on…