With an increasing number of traveling youth moving away from conventional destinations that have high costs and overcrowding issues in search of alternative destinations, the concept of "destination dupe" has gained popularity in 2026.
The concept of "destination dupe" is rather simple; it involves substituting destinations with high costs and crowded areas with alternative destinations offering the same experience but at reduced costs. The concept was first introduced by the Gen Z population and has now extended to millennials and even families.
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As reported by EaseMyTrip, a travel website, the trend reveals the shift in attitude towards vacations from younger generations.
What is a ‘destination dupe’?
The concept of dupe, an acronym for duplicate, includes other destinations that replicate the attraction of popular tourism hot spots without incurring expensive prices and crowds.
Tourists who want to visit the city of Paris are now going to Savannah in the United States, whereas tourists interested in Tokyo are opting for Taiwan and Taipei. Tourists visiting Rome have now begun visiting other cities like Verona, which offer similar historical value but at a more relaxed pace.
In India, other places that are witnessing growing tourist interest include the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh.
Affordability meets experience
Industry data shows that affordability is just one aspect of what attracts them. According to a study by Bank of America in 2025, a vast majority of tourists are willing to consider alternative destinations provided they have the same experience.
EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie said in an interaction with Financial Express that younger travellers are increasingly focused on experience-led travel, where discovery and authenticity matter more than mainstream popularity.
Some other factors like easy visa process, improved connectivity, and ease of planning have been driving these decisions too.
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Beyond Gen Z
Although the trend is led by Gen Z, the approach is swiftly catching on among older travelers too. Budget travelers are now incorporating the total cost of their trips, which includes travel expenses, accommodation, and attractions.
In essence, there is a paradigm shift in how people travel globally, one where travelers opt for lesser-known destinations over popular tourist destinations.
In a post-COVID era where travel keeps transforming, destination dupes are a clear indicator of travelers who make wise decisions.
