Destination dupes 2026: budget-friendly meeting points for scattered groups

The "dupe" trend is here to stay

"Destination Duping"—the trend of finding affordable, less crowded alternatives to major tourist hotspots—is not just about saving money. It is a necessary response to the Overtourism Crisis.

For friend groups meeting from different origins, "Dupes" offer a practical logistical advantage: they are often secondary hubs with cheaper flight connections.

The "Euro-summer" dupe: Albania instead of Greece

Saranda and Ksamil offer the "Greek Island" aesthetic at roughly 1/3 of the price.

Best for:Crystal clear Ionian waters and fresh Mediterranean food.

Accessibility:Tirana (TIA) is becoming a major low-cost hub (WizzAir, RyanAir), making it accessible for European friends.

Group benefit:You can rent a luxury villa with a pool for the price of a single hotel room in Mykonos.

The "tropical lux" dupe: Bacalar instead of the Maldives

The "Lagoon of Seven Colors" offers overwater bungalows and turquoise water that rivals the Indian Ocean.

Best for:Overwater vibes without the price tag.

Accessibility:Accessible via Chetumal or the new Tulum airport. Mexico acts as a central longitude for US/EU splits.

Group benefit:Unlike the Maldives (which isolates couples), Bacalar has a vibrant town scene with hostels and bars.

The "Alpine" dupe: Slovenia instead of Switzerland

Soaring Julian Alps, pristine lakes (Lake Bled), and clean, safe, walkable cities.

Best for:Hiking, rafting, and stunning scenery.

Accessibility:Ljubljana is central to Europe. Venice airport is a short shuttle ride away.

Group benefit:Activities are affordable for everyone, preventing the "I'll skip this to save money" awkwardness.

The "tech city" dupe: Taipei instead of Tokyo

Neon skylines, incredible street food, safe, high-tech, and bustling night markets.

Best for:Asian megacity feel but more relaxed and wallet-friendly.

Accessibility:Taipei (TPE) is a major hub and serves as a great midpoint for groups split between the US West Coast and Southeast Asia.

The "culture" dupe: Valencia instead of Barcelona

Gothic architecture, massive beaches, and paella (the birthplace!) without the crowds.

Best for:Spanish coast lifestyle with more parkland and less pickpocket anxiety.

Accessibility:High-speed train links to Madrid make it easy to reach from anywhere.