Here is the blog post, tailored for My Core Pick.

Same Vibe, Better Price: Why We're Swapping Overcrowded Hotspots for "Destination Dupes"

We’ve all been there.

You scroll through Instagram and see that perfect shot of the Amalfi Coast.

The water is sparkling, the Aperol Spritz is glowing, and the traveler looks utterly serene.

So, you book the ticket. You drain the savings account. You pack your best linen outfits.

But when you arrive, reality hits you like a wet beach towel.

You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other tourists.

The "charming local cafe" charges €18 for a soda.

And that serene sunset spot? You have to wait in line for forty minutes just to take a picture of it.

At My Core Pick, we believe travel should be about discovery, not stress.

That’s why this year, we are fully embracing the era of the "Destination Dupe."

It’s the travel trend that saves your wallet and your sanity, without sacrificing the experience.

Here is why we are swapping the big names for their cooler, quieter cousins—and why you should too.

The "It" Destination Fatigue is Real

Let’s be honest for a second.

The world’s most famous travel hubs are buckling under the pressure.

Places like Venice, Santorini, and Bali are iconic for a reason, but they are currently suffering from massive over-tourism.

This creates a paradox.

You go there to relax, but the crowds make it impossible to unwind.

You go there for culture, but the city centers have turned into glorified theme parks.

And then there is the price tag.

"Tourflation" is hitting hard.

Hotels in major hotspots have skyrocketed in price, often doubling what they cost just three years ago.

We realized that chasing the "It" list was leaving us broke and exhausted.

We needed a vacation from our vacation.

That’s when we started looking for alternatives.

What Exactly is a "Destination Dupe"?

If you are a fan of beauty or fashion TikTok, you know the term "dupe."

It refers to a product that works just as well as the expensive luxury brand but costs a fraction of the price.

In travel, a Destination Dupe follows the same logic.

It’s a location that offers the same vibe—the scenery, the architecture, the food—as a famous hotspot.

But it comes without the crushing crowds and the inflated prices.

This isn’t about "settling" for less.

In fact, we’ve found that the "dupe" is often an upgrade.

It’s about finding the "Santorini of 20 years ago" or the "Tulum before it became a party zone."

It is about finding authenticity.

Our Top Destination Swaps for This Year

Ready to save thousands without losing the aesthetic?

Here are the swaps we are currently obsessing over at My Core Pick.

Swap 1: instead of Santorini, Greece → Try Paros, Greece

The Vibe: Dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings with blue domes, and luxury dining.

The Reality of Santorini: The streets of Oia are so packed at sunset you literally cannot move. Cruise ships dump thousands of people daily. Prices are astronomical.

Why We Pick Paros: Paros is just a short ferry ride away, located in the same Cyclades island group.

It has the exact same architecture. The streets are paved with marble. The bougainvillea is just as pink.

But here, you can actually walk through the alleys without elbowing a stranger.

The seafood is fresher and cheaper because the restaurants cater to locals, not just tourists.

Naoussa, the main fishing village in Paros, is incredibly chic.

You get the luxury vibe, the boutique shopping, and the nightlife, but for about 40% less cost.

Swap 2: Instead of The Amalfi Coast, Italy → Try The Albanian Riviera

The Vibe: Turquoise waters, rocky coves, Mediterranean food, and beach clubs.

The Reality of Amalfi: Traffic jams on the coastal road can last for hours. A sunbed at a beach club can cost upwards of €100 for the day.

Why We Pick Albania: Specifically, the town of Ksamil.

TikTok has dubbed this the "Maldives of Europe," but it feels much more like a rustic Italy.

The water is crystal clear and shockingly blue.

The food is incredible—lots of fresh seafood, pasta, and Greek influences.

The best part?

You can get a luxury apartment with a sea view for a fraction of the cost of a basic room in Positano.

A three-course dinner with wine might cost you €25 per person.

It is still a bit rough around the edges compared to Italy, but that is part of the charm.

Swap 3: Instead of Kyoto, Japan → Try Kanazawa, Japan

The Vibe: Geisha districts, preserved samurai architecture, incredible gardens, and gold leaf crafts.

The Reality of Kyoto: Kyoto is magical, but it is currently overwhelmed. Locals are struggling to take public transport because buses are jammed with tourists.

Why We Pick Kanazawa: Japanese locals call Kanazawa "Little Kyoto."

It is located on the coast and is easily accessible by the bullet train.

It has one of the three most beautiful gardens in all of Japan (Kenroku-en).

It has well-preserved geisha districts (Higashi Chaya) where you can wander freely.

The seafood here is legendary because of its coastal location.

You get the full, traditional Japanese immersion without fighting for space at a shrine.

Swap 4: Instead of Tulum, Mexico → Try Bacalar, Mexico

The Vibe: Boho-chic aesthetic, jungle vibes, turquoise water, and eco-hotels.

The Reality of Tulum: Tulum has become incredibly expensive and Americanized. It is often loud, crowded, and traffic is a nightmare.

Why We Pick Bacalar: Located further south near the Belize border, Bacalar sits on the "Lagoon of Seven Colors."

The water is freshwater, not saltwater, and the shades of blue are mind-blowing.

The vibe here is what Tulum used to be ten years ago.

It is sleepy, eco-conscious, and incredibly relaxing.

You spend your days on boat docks, paddleboarding over cenotes, and eating tacos in town.

There are no massive beach clubs blasting techno music at 2 PM. Just pure bliss.

The Hidden Benefits (Beyond the Money)

Saving money is great.

We all love seeing that bank account stay healthy.

But the real reason we stick with Destination Dupes goes deeper than cash.

Better Service and Hospitality

When a destination is overwhelmed, hospitality workers are stressed and overworked.

Service inevitably suffers.

In "dupe" destinations, the locals are often genuinely happy to see you.

They have time to chat. They give you real recommendations, not just tourist traps.

You feel like a guest, not a transaction.

A More Authentic Connection

Traveling to a lesser-known spot forces you to engage more.

There might not be an English menu at every restaurant.

You might have to use Google Translate to talk to your taxi driver.

This is where the magic happens.

These little challenges make the trip memorable and give you better stories to tell when you get home.

Sustainable Travel

Over-tourism is damaging our favorite places.

Venice is sinking; Maya Bay in Thailand had to close for years to let the coral recover.

By choosing a "dupe," you are spreading the tourist dollar to communities that actually need it.

You are reducing the strain on fragile ecosystems.

It is a more ethical way to see the world.

How to Find Your Own "Destination Dupes"

You don’t have to wait for us to tell you where to go.

You can become a trendsetter yourself.

Here is how we hunt for hidden gems at My Core Pick.

Use the "Google Flights" Radius Trick

Don't search for a specific city.

Search for a region.

Zoom into the map on Google Flights or Skyscanner.

Look for airports near the major hotspots.

If you want to go to Croatia, look at the coastline of Montenegro next door.

If you want the Swiss Alps, look at the Slovenian Alps (specifically Lake Bohinj instead of Lake Brienz).

Leverage TikTok and Pinterest SEO

Search engines are changing.

Go to TikTok and search "Destinations like [Expensive City]."

Look for videos from travel bloggers who specialize in "budget travel" or "off the beaten path."

Read the comments—often, locals will chime in with even better suggestions.

Ask the Locals (Digitally)

Go to the subreddit (Reddit) of the country you want to visit.

Post a polite question:

"I love the vibe of [Popular Spot], but I want to avoid the crowds. Is there a town nearby that offers a similar experience?"

Locals love sharing their hidden pride and joys, provided you promise to be a respectful visitor.

The Final Verdict

There is nothing wrong with wanting to see the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum.

They are classics for a reason.

But if you are looking for relaxation, connection, and a vibe that feels unique to you, it’s time to pivot.

Destination Dupes offer us a chance to fall in love with travel all over again.

They remind us that the world is huge, and beauty isn't limited to the top 10 lists on TripAdvisor.

So, for your next trip, dare to go somewhere your friends haven't heard of yet.

You’ll get the same photos, the same joy, and a much better price.

And you’ll probably have the sunset all to yourself.

Have you visited a "Destination Dupe" that beat the original? Let us know in the comments—we’re always looking for our next Core Pick.