Best Travel Dupes According To The Experts

Sick of overcrowding or just tired of the beaten track? Check out these destination dupes instead.

Try Portugal’s Alentejo wine region instead of the Douro Valley

“The Douro Valley (in the north of Portugal) is well known for both its wine vintages and scenery, but the Alentejo (in the center of Portugal) is less visited,” says Suzanne McGrory, Product Manager for Portugal at Audley Travel. “It’s a dry, dusty land filled with sun-baked vineyards, forests and wheat fields, occasionally punctuated by a small village of whitewashed houses or a walled medieval town. Évora, the walled provincial capital, is a good base for exploring the region, as well as a destination in its own right. The well-preserved city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Moorish alleyways, intact medieval walls, Roman ruins and a gothic cathedral. The city is also a cultural hub, with a lively student population and exceptional restaurants focused around the local cuisine.”

Try Cambodia’s Koh Rong Island instead of Phuket in Thailand

“Love Phuket as we do (and despite there still being a few better kept secrets on how to avoid the crowds!), there is no avoiding the fact that the footfall is high in peak season,” says Nick Pulley, Founder and Managing Director of Selective Asia, a bespoke tour operator specializing in meaningful, tailor-made Asian adventures. “Hop east to Cambodia where the southern islands have now come of age. Since 2018, a small number of resorts have opened on Koh Rong with the pick of the finest luxury resorts being Royal Sands in our opinion. Sat on the 4.3 mile Long Beach, a half-moon bay known for its white sands, turquoise waters and phosphorescent show at night, Royal Sands shares the bay with just a handful of other resorts and development is limited.”

Try the Sicilian island of Pantelleria instead of mainland Italy

“Our clients, particularly multi-generational billionaire families, find the secluded villas in Pantelleria to be a perfect escape,” says Jaclyn Sienna India, Founder and CEO of ultra-luxury travel concierge company Sienna Charles. “Pantelleria offers natural hot springs and open-air spas, as well as ancient Zibibbo vineyards. Moreover, the unique blend of Italian and African culture and architecture adds to the allure of the island, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious and culturally enriching experience.”

Try Tanzania’s Mahale National Park instead of Uganda

Gemma D’Souza, Africa Travel Specialist at Unforgettable Travel Company suggests a walk on the wild side: “For primates, Uganda is always top pick as they have habituated chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, but there is a national park in western Tanzania that is very remote and secluded. Mahale is home to wild chimpanzees, which you can see with professional guides. The park is home to the luxury lodge Greystoke Mahale, offering treks to see the chimps, as well as nature walks, cultural visits, and boat trips on Lake Tanganyika (fun fact: this was the previous name of Tanzania). We can offer charter flights to and from Mahale, and combine it with a safari in southern Tanzania, which is very off-the-beaten-track.”

Try the Greek island of Tinos instead of Mykonos

“Mykonos, the island famed for its windmills, beach clubs and luxury hotel and restaurant scene has seen a resurgence in recent years,” says David Ox, Managing Director at Winged Boots. “However, to soak up the same Greek beauty, albeit minus the crowds, I’d recommend visiting the Cyclades third largest island Tinos. Once a pilgrimage isle, its ancient history may be a draw for some; however, the untouched beaches and farm-to-taverna style dining will steal your heart.”

Try Ruaha National Park instead of the Serengeti

“[Northern Tanzania’s] Serengeti is the name everyone knows, and therefore, draws in large crowds of tourists—especially in the summer,” says Steven Upton, Head of Africa at Savile Row Travel. “Ruaha National Park [in Southern Tanzania] offers a more secluded, rugged and intimate safari experience. It’s perfect for those seeking to escape crowds and immerse themselves in an unspoiled, diverse ecosystem with rich wildlife viewing opportunities, including 10% of the world’s lions; large herds of elephants; and endangered African wild dogs. Jabali Ridge is an incredible lodge, perched on a rocky kopje with views across the Ruaha savannah stretching all the way to the Mwagusi River. The lodge aims to offer one of the most luxurious stays here and is really unique and striking in its design, built directly into the giant granite boulders.”