If you notice disappointed faces in popular spots like Atlantic City, Buenos Aires, or Disney World, you might be onto something. Many of these travelers have fallen for the trick of “destination dupes.”

A recent trend known as “destination dupes” leads people to believe they can experience Las Vegas, Paris, or, in the case of Epcot, a sampling of 11 different global destinations within a single area.

However, this isn’t the case.

Atlantic City can’t match the vibe of Las Vegas. Buenos Aires and Paris are vastly different, now more than ever. Disney is a unique destination, incomparable to any other.

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Destination dupes are just an old concept dressed up in a trendy new outfit. They suggest a budget-friendly vacation spot that’s just as good as, or even better than, the real deal. This trend was sparked by a wave of TikTok influencers recycling a time-honored travel concept.

“Let’s be real,” stated Jeremy Murchland, president of the travel insurance firm Seven Corners. “It’s unrealistic to think you can perfectly replicate a renowned destination somewhere else.”

So what drives this belief? Well, it’s not the general public—it’s those with an agenda. Online travel agencies and bloggers are eager to sell you something. They want you to click on their affiliate links and book costly vacations to their preferred dupe spots.

If you heed the advice of so-called “experts,” you might soon be lured into a destination dupe. But don’t fret, I’m here to prevent that.

Why the idea of dupe destinations is absurd

The trend of destination dupes is entirely ridiculous. A bit of travel reveals there are no true destination doppelgängers out there.

Sure, frequent travelers might catch themselves saying, “This place is like….”

Currently, I’m enjoying my stay at Sandals Grenada, overlooking the beautiful landscapes of Saint George’s and Hospital Hill. The lush scenery reminds me of Hawaii, Bali, or St. Lucia. But after spending just a few moments here, you’ll quickly see it stands apart from those locations.

Grenada is renowned as the chocolate capital of the Caribbean, often referred to as the spice island due to its rich growth of allspice, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. Trying the local cocoa tea is a must.

Simply put, nothing else compares to it on our planet.

As a person who travels constantly, I assure you that no matter what travel advisors or your favorite TikTok influencer claim, each destination is distinct.

Also, isn’t travel meant for uncovering new experiences rather than trying to recreate past ones?

What the dupe travel trend does get right

While there are flaws in the dupe travel trend, experts note that it has its merits.

“Dupe travel motivates adventurers to broaden their horizons and discover new places and cultures they may have otherwise overlooked,” mentioned Connor Smith, a vice president at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

He noted that many hotel guests actively seek out hidden treasures. “They also aim for a lodging experience that reflects the area’s authenticity,” he stated. Dupe destinations can inspire this pursuit of true local culture.

This means the dupe destination trend offers something unattainable. It suggests there’s a budget option for Rome or Bali that matches the real thing—but it simply doesn’t exist. Conversely, it encourages you to explore more and experience even greater wonders than you might expect.

Thank you to the concept of dupe destinations and those promoting them for their own interests, for making us more eager to see the world.

Tips to avoid being misled by a destination dupe

So, how can you steer clear of being misled by a destination dupe?

▶ Disregard all the online destination dupe lists: Keep in mind that if it’s published, everyone else is likely to head there, hoping for a unique experience. Instead, take a moment to think about what you truly want. “Emphasize what interests you about the original destination,” recommended travel coach Ariel Figg. “Search for a similar vibe and experience in a different locale.”

▶ Employ unique research techniques: What should you do if you’re avoiding lists? James Mannings, the CEO of a luxury villa rental service, suggests using a little-known Google feature called reverse image search. “You can take an image of your favorite destination and find visually similar places that pop up.”

“You can explore the alternatives that have surfaced,” he suggested. “Do some research to see if these substitutes are as enjoyable as the original destination.”

▶ It’s a challenge, so consider seeking assistance: When searching for places comparable to well-known spots, it’s essential to put in the effort, remarked Nathan Heinrich, host of the I’m Moving To Italy! Podcast, who has discovered lesser-known locations that could serve as excellent stand-ins for famous sites. It requires considerable digging. “Look at maps to identify seaside towns, lakes, or unfamiliar cities, then research those spots on Google for hotels and Airbnbs to gauge if they’d be appealing for you to visit,” he mentioned. If the idea of all this research feels overwhelming, hiring a travel advisor is a great option to simplify the process.

How do travel advisors come up with reliable alternative destinations? They conduct their own thorough research. “We draw on our comprehensive network to ensure that each suggested location provides an experience that rivals, if not exceeds, that of the original,” explained Ladell Carter, a travel advisor from Royal Expression Travels.

▶ Addressing destination look-alikes: Let’s face it, destination doppelgängers are akin to the counterfeit designer bags found on Canal Street in New York. They might fool you from afar, but a closer look reveals their flaws.

Rather than deceiving yourself or your social media followers with a budget version of your dream location, why not create your own unique travel narrative? I assure you it will be far more captivating than any imitation available.