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Destination dupes: 6 alternative destinations to consider this year

Overtourism putting you off the world’s most popular destinations? Discover 6 destination dupes for 2026 that deliver incredible landscapes, culture and adventure.

Written by: Caitlin Middleton - Product Copywriter at Explore Worldwide

Published: 10 February 2026
 

If you’re craving a holiday without the crowds, why not consider our destination dupes? These off-the-tourist-trail alternatives deliver all of the awe or the headline acts, with fewer people and a properly authentic experience (that’s becoming increasingly hard to find).

While we’re not trying to replace the greats (how could we?) we’re focusing on overlooked alternatives that deliver the same magic (think turquoise seas, sweeping mountain views or iconic landscapes) but without thousands of fellow tourists in tow.

Here are six destination dupes worth considering in 2026 – all that rival the classics, and bring something uniquely their own.

What is a destination dupe?

Definition: A destination dupe is a lesser-known place that offers similar landscapes, culture or experiences as a well-known hotspot – but with fewer crowds. Think the Albanian Riviera instead of the French Riviera.

Why they matter in 2026: With overtourism, climate pressures and rising travel costs reshaping choices, we’re looking for value and authenticity alongside beauty. Have you seen our 2026 Travel Trends?

Best for: Curious travellers, walkers, culture lovers and adventure seekers who want more than a selfie spot when they travel.

Explore advantage: As adventure holiday experts, our small-group trips are designed with amazing tour leaders to give access to regions where you really get a feel for the place, not just tick a box.

The coastal swap

Instead of: The well-worn cruise hubs of the Adriatic
Go to: Albania

If the idea of the Adriatic makes you think of packed promenades and queues for gelato, Albania might just feel like your secret favourite before everyone realises its charms.

Here you still get those turquoise waters and rugged limestone coastline, but the pace is more relaxed and the experiences feel that bit more personal. From ancient Ottoman towns tucked inland to sun-soaked beaches that invite you to linger, Albania gives you that coastal magic without the traffic.

And it’s not just scenery – friendly towns, a fascinating history and local cuisine that’s as delicious as it is affordable all make Albania a dupe worth exploring.

Highlights of Albania

The island-hopping alternative

Instead of: Sunset crowds on Mykonos
Try: A Greek Islands walking tour

Mykonos has its place in the travel dreams of many – whitewashed houses, beach bars and postcard-worthy sunsets. But if you really want to experience the essence of the Greek islands, a slow-paced walking tour across Syros and Paros is the way to go.

Picture quiet fishing harbours, tavernas where the locals ask your name, and coastal paths that reveal sweeping Aegean panoramas at every turn. This is a Greek experience that feels genuine – the kind travellers fall in love with. The landscapes are just as stunning, the culture just as rich, and, somehow, the memory feels more personal, too.

Be a Greek Island Wanderer

The ‘first time in Europe’ swap

Instead of: The Paris, Rome, Barcelona trilogy
Go to: The Balkans

When you picture Europe, you likely think of cafes spilling onto cobblestone streets, elegant old-world architecture and history and art at every turn. Now, imagine all of that, shared with fewer crowds.

The Balkans (spanning Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia) deliver on grand history, dramatic landscapes and some of Europe’s most intriguing cities. Ottoman bridges stand beside lively markets and snow-capped peaks rise above waterside towns – this is a side of Europe that feels like a discovery rather than a checklist.

See the best of the Balkans

The mountain swap

Instead of: The expensive, high-altitude Swiss Alps
Go to: Picos de Europa, Northern Spain

The Swiss Alps have long inspired hikers and skiers alike, but those peaks also come with premium price tags and busy resorts. Swap them for Spain’s Picos de Europa and you’ll find rugged limestone peaks, deep river gorges and pastoral villages that still feel delightfully undiscovered.

This is mountain travel that celebrates the journey as much as the destination. Trails explore wild valleys and remote high passes, and the villages along the way feel alive with local life – tapas after a long walk taste even better with that sense of discovery.

Trek the Picos de Europa

The Mediterranean views swap

Instead of: The traffic and glamour of the French Riviera
Try: Walking the Amalfi Coast

Yes, the French Riviera has the cinema-scope view down to an art. But when you experience it from a crowded beach or bar, you might feel like you’re missing the soul of the place.

Swap the French Riviera for a walking trip along the Amalfi Coast and we guarantee the views will feel earned. Trails like the famed Path of the Gods weave into hidden coves, citrus-scented ridges and villages that captivate with that famous Mediterranean shimmer. You still get glamour, only seen from thoughtful steps and quiet cafes with sea views.

Walk the Amalfi Coast

The ‘moon-like landscapes’ alternative

Instead of: Iceland’s volcanic loops
Go to: Cappadocia, Turkey

Iceland’s raw landscapes have taken the travel world by storm, and they deserve every snapshot. But if you’re craving surreal plains, dramatic rock formations and wide skies, plus ancient history and warmer weather, Cappadocia gives you all that (and more).

Cappadocia’s valleys feel like moon terrain, but with layers of human stories carved into the rocks. Fairy chimneys, cave villages and golden sunrise hot-air balloons make this a favourite for travellers seeking something extraordinary, but with a little more comfort and cultural depth than Iceland’s high winds and unpredictable weather often allow.

Visit Cappadocia

Frequently asked questions

   
Are destination dupes cheaper than popular destinations?
Yep, they very often are. With fewer crowds comes more reasonable accommodation, dining and activity prices. Many dupes feel more affordable without sacrificing scenery or experience.
Are alternative destinations suitable for first-time travellers?
Where can I go to avoid overtourism?

Need more, more, more? Read The Explorer magazine

Issue 10 of The Explorer magazine delves into non-viral destinations:
 
  1. Travellers are drawn to Bulgaria for the mountain scenery that stretches for miles, and the character and history of its Black Sea towns. With a cultural heritage shaped by centuries at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it’s a destination that rewards slow wandering without the crowds.
  2. Kyrgyzstan (pictured, right) is Central Asia’s under-the-radar gem: a land of alpine lakes, yurts, and rolling pastures roamed by shepherds rather than influencers. Its appeal lies in a trekking culture that’s authentic and accessible, plus a nomadic heritage that visitors are welcomed into.
  3. Mongolia is spacious in a way most of us have never experienced, home to vast grasslands and big skies. Travellers craving silence and a reset from modern overstimulation will find their sweet spot here along with nomadic hospitality that feels genuinely meaningful. It’s a non-viral destination simply because it’s too remote and too rugged to be anything else.
  4. Often overshadowed by its canal, Panama quietly delivers some of Central America’s most beautiful scenery and epic experiences. Think cloud forests without the crowds, Indigenous Guna communities on the San Blas Islands, and a capital city with serious creative energy. Travellers love it for the wildlife and beautiful Caribbean-to-Pacific coastline.
  5. Northern Laos is the antidote to the hyper-curated, algorithm-approved travel experience. Here, jungle-clad mountains, slow rivers, and quiet hill-tribe villages set the tone. You can expect long boat rides, misty mornings and forest paths untouched by the tourist crush.
  6. Step away from the big-name treks in Nepal and you’ll find peaceful mid-hill trails, vibrant Newari towns and national parks teeming with rhinos and birdlife. It’s perfect for travellers seeking connection – with nature, culture and a slower pace of life.
The Explorer Magazine

Don't just travel, Explore!

If you’re craving something that feels refreshing, authentic and truly memorable, we’ve got you covered. From coastal hides to mountain escapes, we have tours in hundreds of destinations with itineraries that reward curiosity and meaningful travel.

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