In 2025's hottest travel trend, savvy explorers are discovering that the world's most amazing destinations often have equally spectacular – but far less crowded – twins. Welcome to “destination duping,” where the road less traveled leads to extraordinary discoveries.

The Italian Alternative: Venice vs. Annecy

While tourists jostle through Venice's packed alleyways, in-the-know travelers are discovering Annecy, France's hidden gem. Here, crystal-clear canals weave through a medieval town center, offering all the romantic ambiance of Venice but with authentic French charm. Gondolas are replaced by elegant wooden boats, and you can actually hear your footsteps echo off ancient stones without competing with the usual tourist crowds.

Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy offers more than just canals. The city's crown jewel, Lake Annecy, is Europe's cleanest lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and medieval châteaux. The Old Town (Vieille Ville) features pastel-colored houses with flower-filled balconies, while the covered arcades house artisanal shops and local restaurants serving Savoyard specialties. Unlike Venice's tourist-oriented economy, Annecy maintains its authentic French market culture, with the famous Sunday market transforming the medieval streets into a bustling celebration of local produce and crafts.

Peru's Secret Sister: Machu Picchu vs. Choquequirao

For those seeking Incan majesty without the masses, Choquequirao stands as Machu Picchu's magnificent but overlooked sister. This sprawling archaeological wonder matches its famous sibling in grandeur but receives just a fraction of the visitors. Here, you can explore ancient ruins in peaceful solitude, taking in the same breathtaking mountain vistas that once inspired the Incan empire.

The journey to Choquequirao is an adventure in itself, requiring a challenging two-day trek that keeps casual tourists at bay. The reward is worth every step: the site is actually larger than Machu Picchu, with only 30% currently excavated. Visitors can witness ongoing archaeological discoveries and enjoy exclusive access to features like the remarkable llama terraces, where white stones create llama figures on mountainside agricultural terraces. With only about 12 visitors per day (compared to Machu Picchu's thousands), you'll have plenty of time to contemplate the mysteries of Incan engineering and architecture in perfect tranquility.

Southeast Asian Serenity: Maya Bay vs. Koh Rong

While tourists crowd Thailand's Maya Bay (made famous by “The Beach”), the pristine Koh Rong Archipelago in Cambodia offers the same crystal-clear waters and powder-white beaches – minus the armada of tourist boats. Here, you can still find secluded coves and witness the magical phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton under starlit skies.

Koh Rong's beauty extends beyond its shores. The island maintains a delicate balance between development and preservation, with no paved roads and limited electricity in many areas. Long Beach, stretching over 7 kilometers, offers pristine white sand that rivals any Thai beach, while the island's interior harbors virgin rainforest filled with exotic wildlife. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, where local families serve up fresh-caught seafood in simple beachfront restaurants, providing an authentic glimpse into Cambodian coastal life that's increasingly rare in Thailand's major beach destinations.

Greek Island Grace: Santorini vs. Folegandros

Trade Santorini's Instagram-famous sunset spots for the whitewashed charm of Folegandros. This lesser-known Cycladic gem offers the same dramatic cliff views and stunning architecture, but with an authentic Greek island atmosphere where local traditions continue uninterrupted by mass tourism. Watch the sun sink into the Aegean from a family-run taverna rather than a crowded luxury hotel.

Folegandros packs surprising diversity into its small size. The medieval Chora, perched 200 meters above the sea, is one of the oldest traditional settlements in the Cyclades. Its three connected squares come alive at night with local families and visitors mingling in traditional tavernas. The island's dramatic cliff-side church of Panagia offers views rivaling Santorini's famous spots, while beaches like Katergo remain accessibly only by boat or foot, preserving their natural beauty. Here, you'll find the Greece of decades past, where religious festivals are celebrated with genuine community spirit rather than tourist spectacle.

Indonesian Paradise: Seminyak vs. Sumba

Instead of fighting for beach space in Bali's bustling Seminyak, discover the untouched shores of Sumba. This Indonesian island offers pristine beaches and rich cultural experiences at half the price. Here, ancient traditions remain strong, luxury accommodations are more affordable, and you can have entire stretches of coastline to yourself.

Sumba's cultural landscape is as rich as its natural beauty. The island is famous for its megalithic tombs, traditional villages with distinctive high-peaked roofs, and the annual Pasola festival, where mounted horsemen engage in mock battles. Unlike Bali's commercialized culture shows, Sumba's traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life. The island's iconic hand-woven ikat textiles are still made using age-old techniques and natural dyes, while traditional animist beliefs coexist with modern life. Luxury resorts here focus on sustainable practices and community integration, offering a more mindful approach to high-end travel.

Adriatic Allure: Dubrovnik vs. Kotor

While Game of Thrones fans flood Dubrovnik's streets, Montenegro's Kotor offers equally impressive medieval walls and stunning Adriatic vistas. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides the same historic charm and coastal beauty, but with more breathing room to soak in the atmosphere and connect with local culture.

Tucked into Europe's southernmost fjord, Kotor's setting is arguably more dramatic than Dubrovnik's. The city walls snake up the mountainside to the fortress of San Giovanni, offering panoramic views of the bay that reward those who climb its 1,350 steps. The medieval old town's squares come alive at night with local musicians and food festivals, while the nearby villages of Perast and Dobrota offer baroque palaces and churches that rival any on the Dalmatian coast. Unlike Dubrovnik's cruise ship crowds, Kotor still maintains the authentic rhythm of Mediterranean life, with locals shopping at the morning market and elderly residents sunning themselves in quiet squares.

Why Destination Duping Matters

This trend goes beyond just avoiding crowds. It represents a more sustainable approach to travel, spreading tourism's economic benefits while reducing the strain on over-visited locations. These alternative destinations often offer more authentic experiences at lower costs, allowing travelers to extend their stays and dive deeper into local culture.

As we move into 2025, destination duping isn't just about finding less crowded alternatives – it's about discovering places with their own unique magic. It's perfect for travelers who seek authentic experiences without navigating the downsides of over-tourism.

Remember: Sometimes the most unforgettable journeys begin when you dare to step off the beaten path. Your perfect destination dupe is out there, ready to offer all the wonder of its famous counterpart – plus the thrill of discovery.