Where to travel instead: the best trending dupe destinations

There’s a reason why Paris tops so many travelers’ destination lists. The iconic city blends art, history, and romance as effortlessly as the locals blend elegance with casual confidence. But it’s not the only city with that kind of magic. Copenhagen, Denmark’s charming capital, mirrors that Parisian mix of charm, culture, and cool but adds a dash of Scandinavian whimsy.

If you trade croissants for cinnamon rolls and join our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour, you’ll have two days to explore Copenhagen’s innovative food scene, stroll past colorful wharfside homes, and visit the fairy-tale Rosenborg Castle. “Walking around the castle and royal area is a must,” said staffer Matts. “It’s usually more quiet than you’d expect and great for roaming.” Once you visit, you’ll see why the Renaissance-era castle is listed among the top things to see in Copenhagen, according to our Copenhagen Travel Guide.

If you’re dreaming of wandering London’s foggy, cobblestone streets but want something with a slightly cozier feel, head north to Edinburgh instead. You’ll still find warm, welcoming pubs dotting winding, lantern-lit alleyways (the Scots call them closes), but you’ll also find a moody skyline that’s equal parts gothic and fairytale.

“Edinburgh was the highlight of my tour, so much to do!” said traveler Kathy after visiting on our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour. “Beautiful buildings, storefronts, restaurants, and shopping!” Visit Edinburgh to explore the storied city’s enchanting neighborhoods in between visits to timeworn castles and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll still be able to enjoy a proper cuppa, but if you decide to trade it for a dram of peaty whisky, we wouldn’t blame you.

Rome may have been the heart of the Roman Empire, but Ljubljana also has Roman foundations. The ancient settlement of Emona stood where Ljubljana is today, and you can still see Roman ruins woven into the cityscape. Join our Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic tour to see why Slovenia’s capital city is one of our favorite hidden gems to visit.

You’ll visit ornate cathedrals and lively open-air markets, accompanied by a greener and more seasonal climate than you’ll find in Rome. “Absolutely breathtaking!” said traveler Debbie of the tour. “The scenery was beyond words. The Middle Ages influence, as well as the Romans and Venetians, were everywhere to behold. Everything was so beautiful and fresh.”

If Bali’s picturesque beaches and spiritual energy are calling you, but you crave the space to reconnect without the crowds, head to Sri Lanka. You’ll still find striking temples and jungle-backed shorelines, but with an authenticity that feels refreshingly untouched in this off-the-beaten-path destination.

On our South India & Sri Lanka: Game Drives, Temples & Tropical Coasts tour, you’ll spot herds of Asian elephants, explore the Gal Vihara rock temple, and savor soul-warming Sri Lankan food made with real Ceylon cinnamon. It’s a travel dupe destination that’s got all the scenery and serenity of Bali, but with a little more breathing room and a flavor all its own.

Ready for an adventure filled with lush cloud forests, colorful villages, and the best coffee you’ve ever tasted? No, we’re not talking about Costa Rica—we’re talking about Colombia. This travel dupe offers the same biodiversity and warm hospitality as Costa Rica, with fewer travelers accidentally photobombing your landscape pics.

When you join our Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena tour, you’ll explore historic plazas, dance to Afro-Caribbean beats, and learn the stories behind Medellín’s transformation. If you want some extra time to relax on sandy shores, join our Islas Rosario Snorkeling & Lunch excursion (one of the best things to do near Cartagena) for a blissfully breezy day of warm sea breezes, reef snorkeling, and plenty of fresh seafood.

Dreaming of futuristic cities and serene temples without the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s crowded streets? South Korea is the perfect travel dupe for Japan. You’ll still find deep cultural traditions, majestic scenery, and color-drenched night markets full of mouthwatering bites. You’ll also find more affordable prices, simpler transit systems, and more English-speaking locals than in much of Japan. Join our Highlights of South Korea: Seoul, Busan & Gwangju tour and you’ll add a grounding walk through Boseong’s emerald tea fields and a moving trip to the Demilitarized Zone to your itinerary of temple visits and neon-lit nights.

If you’re thinking about breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters but don’t want to stray too far from home, why not trade savannas for glaciers? Alaska is one of the best nature destinations in the U.S. and is one of our favorite travel dupes for an international safari.

On our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour, you’ll have a chance to spot Alaska’s Big Five—bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose—while gliding past mountain peaks on a scenic train ride and stopping to stroll through artistic villages. “We saw grizzlies with cubs playing, moose, Dall sheep, ptarmigan, marmots, caribou, and ground squirrels,” said traveler JoAnn after returning from the tour. “We even saw Denali Mountain in its entirety. This is a must; a once-in-a-lifetime trip that everyone should take.”