Travelers are increasingly turning to “dupes” – alternative destinations that offer similar experiences to popular ones – to save money on flights and accommodations, according to new data from Expedia, a travel platform.
Expedia revealed that flight searches for “dupe” destinations surged in 2023, with searches to cities like Taipei, Pattaya, Curaçao, Perth, and Liverpool showing significant spikes in the U.S. and worldwide. The data, which compared searches from August 2023 to the same period the previous year, demonstrated a growing trend among travelers seeking out these lesser-known locales.
The appeal of these “dupe” destinations, according to Expedia, lies in their affordability. Hopper, a travel app, noted that travelers could save money by choosing alternative destinations with lower airfare and hotel rates. For example, a flight to Ho Chi Minh City costs less on average than one to Hanoi, while a trip to Barcelona is cheaper than a visit to the Spanish Canary Islands.
The rising demand for alternate destinations comes as Americans plan trips abroad this year following a decrease in pandemic-era health fears. However, Hopper cautioned that not all “dupes” will necessarily result in savings, emphasizing the need for travelers to research alternative destinations for affordability, amenities, infrastructure, and safety considerations.
Expedia’s data reflects the shifting preferences of travelers in 2023, with more people opting for hidden-gem destinations over traditional tourist hotspots. As the travel industry adapts to changing consumer behaviors, the rise of “dupes” is expected to continue reshaping the way people plan their vacations.
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