The Destination Dupes: Replacing Summer’s Most Over-Touristed Hotspots
As summer holiday plans take shape, travelers are increasingly rethinking where to go, with ‘destination dupes’ emerging as a way to discover lesser-known places that capture the spirit of popular hotspots. With 29%* of travelers interested in alternative destinations that offer a similar experience to well-known locations, the trend reflects a growing appetite for trips that feel just as memorable, but that are less crowded, help travelers cut costs and travel for more authentic experiences. This shift also aligns with travelers’ sustainability goals, as 44%** of those looking to explore less-crowded destinations say their motivation is to avoid contributing to overtourism. In response, Tripeden.com has highlighted a selection of destinations that mirror the atmosphere of some of the world’s most iconic holiday spots, while offering a fresh perspective of their own.
Paros, located in the heart of the Cyclades, a collection of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, is just 80 km (50 miles) from Santorini and brings classic Greek island beauty with its own lively, sun-soaked personality. It has the same whitewashed architecture, blue-domed churches and sweeping sea views, but with more space to wander and a more lived-in feel. For those who love Santorini’s postcard charm, Paros brings a similar Cycladic energy through harbour villages, beach days and sunlit streets, without the same crowds. Travelers can spend their days on long, sandy beaches such as Golden Beach on the island’s south-east coast, swimming in clear, gentle waters. Harbour villages, such as Naoussa, capture the romance of Santorini, with waterfront tavernas, fishing boats in the harbour and streets that fill with life as the evening sets in. For travelers looking to uncover more of the island, a catamaran cruise around Paros provides a view of small uninhabited islands, with time to swim in turquoise water as the sun begins to set.
Where to stay: Ayeri Hotel is a property that provides travelers with the picturesque Greek architecture of whitewashed walls and blue accents, complemented by a bougainvillea-filled courtyard. Set in the island’s capital, Parikia, close to the port and old town, the property is just a two-minute walk from the sandy shores of Livadia Beach. With just 35 rooms, the hotel feels intimate; with each room bright and airy with a private terrace, ideal for taking in the slower pace of Paros.
Favignana, just off Sicily’s west coast, offers the sun-soaked appeal of a quieter, more laid-back Ibiza, combining beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere with a slower pace and distinctly Sicilian character. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the island is known for its dramatic limestone coastline, where coves such as Cala Rossa are framed by striking white cliffs and some of the Mediterranean’s clearest swimming spots. Days here are best spent exploring by bike, hopping between secluded bays, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or lingering over long seafood lunches by the harbour. As the sun sets, the island comes alive with bustling piazzas, local wine bars and waterfront restaurants, creating a lively social atmosphere without the crowds often associated with larger island destinations. Combining beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure and laid-back Mediterranean charm, Favignana offers a refreshing alternative for travelers seeking a more relaxed, bohemian Ibiza-style escape.
Where to stay: Right in the heart of Favignana and just a short walk from Praia beach, Albergo Egadi, pairs a coastal setting with a quieter, boutique feel. The spacious double rooms are bright and understated in design, with terraces overlooking Favignana’s coastline, each complete with a private hot tub and sauna.
Swap the Hamptons for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA
Hilton Head Island, on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, offers the polished coastal charm that draws travelers to the Hamptons, but with a distinctly Southern twist. Here, miles of golden sand give way to winding waterways, tidal marshes and maritime forests, creating a backdrop that feels both exclusive and effortlessly relaxed. Mornings might begin with a bike ride beneath canopies of oak trees draped in Spanish moss, while afternoons are spent on championship golf courses, cruising past playful dolphins or unwinding on wide, uncrowded beaches. As the sun begins to set, waterfront restaurants come alive with locally caught shellfish, freshly shucked oysters and sweeping views across the water. Combining outdoor adventure, coastal luxury and a slower pace of life, Hilton Head Island delivers the sophistication of a Hamptons getaway with plenty of room to breathe.
Where to stay: Blending a polished country‑club feel with laid-back coastal charm, Inn & Club at Harbour Town offers spacious, classically styled rooms in soft neutrals, a serene outdoor pool, complimentary bicycles, and a personalized butler service for an added touch of ease. Overlooking the championship golf courses at Sea Pines Resort, the property is an ideal base for golfers or travelers looking for a laid-back retreat that mirrors life in the Hamptons.
Swap Bali for Siargao, Philippines
Siargao, off the Philippines’ north-eastern coast, offers many of the qualities that have made Bali a global favourite, from laid-back cafés and wellness retreats to a thriving surf scene and tropical landscapes. But where Bali has become increasingly popular, Siargao feels more untamed, with a castaway charm that encourages travelers to embrace the outdoors. Best known for Cloud 9, one of Asia’s most iconic surf breaks, the island attracts wave-seekers from around the world, while crystal-clear lagoons, hidden rock pools and palm-fringed beaches provide plenty of opportunities to cool off between adventures. Island-hopping excursions reveal the tiny white-sand islets of Daku and Guyam, surrounded by turquoise water, and inland, mangrove forests and quiet roads invite exploration at a slower pace. Balancing adventure with barefoot island living, Siargao captures the free-spirited atmosphere that travelers love about Bali while offering a more off-the-beaten-path escape.
Where to stay: For those looking to embrace Siargao’s laid-back island lifestyle, Manao Villas offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by tropical greenery. Spacious private villas feature open-air kitchens, terraces and pools, creating the perfect setting to unwind after a day surfing, island hopping or exploring General Luna. Combining privacy with easy access to the island’s vibrant cafés, beaches and nightlife, it’s an ideal base for experiencing the best of Siargao.
Swap Tulum for Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, offers a more rugged alternative to Tulum, where jungle-covered hills meet long stretches of sand and the rhythm of daily life is shaped by the ocean. Originally a sleepy surf town, it has evolved into a sought-after destination that balances understated luxury with a strong connection to nature. Visitors arrive for the waves but often stay for the lifestyle, spending afternoons in beachfront cafés, watching surfers carve through the water or spotting wildlife hidden among the trees. Like Tulum, Santa Teresa blends wellness, with a more relaxed, less polished feel, where the surrounding beaches and jungle remain at the heart of the experience. The result is a destination that delivers both effortless style and a genuine sense of place.
Where to stay: Set right on Santa Teresa Beach and tucked among leafy tropical gardens, Hotel Nantipa feels peaceful, polished and relaxed. The boutique resort boasts both double rooms and private bungalows, with the option of upgrading to have an ocean view, outdoor shower and hammock area. Guests can also enjoy a beachfront restaurant, pool and spa, making it a calm base for a relaxed, beachside stay.
*Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.
** Travel and Sustainability 2026 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of 32,500 respondents across 35 countries and territories (1,000 from USA, 1,000 from Canada, 1,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 1,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 1,000 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 1,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,000 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from Indonesia, 1,000 from Philippines, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 1,000 from Spain, 1,000 from Italy, 1,000 from France, 500 from Switzerland, 1,000 from the UK, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Germany, 1,000 from the Netherlands, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 500 from Greece, 500 from UAE, 1,000 from South Africa and 500 from Kenya). To participate, respondents had to be 18+ years, have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, must be planning to travel in 2026, and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January 2026. The age ranges for each generation were defined as: Gen Z 18-28, Millennials 29-44, Gen X 45-60, and Boomers 61+.