8 destination dupes for the world’s busiest countries
Tired of overcrowded tourist spots? Discover 8 destination dupes around the world that offer the same beauty and experiences as the busiest countries, without the crowds.
When the world starts traveling again, it travels hard. Piazzas echo with footsteps, beaches stretch shoulder-to-shoulder with sunseekers, and queues outside landmarks can feel endless. Overtourism, once a buzzword, is now part of the modern travel dilemma: we want to experience the world’s wonders, but not at the cost of overcrowded frustration. The silver lining? For nearly every bustling hotspot, there’s an alternative waiting quietly in the wings—just as enchanting, but far less crowded. Travel outfitters like Go2Africa have pointed out these “destination dupes,” hidden gems that deliver all the atmosphere of the original, with more space to breathe and a touch more authenticity. If you’re planning your next escape, here are seven places where you can swap chaos for calm, without missing out on the magic. (Image: Canva)
2/9
1. Vatican City → Siena, Italy Visiting the Vatican is a dream for many, but its tiny size and endless queues can test even the most patient traveler. Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, offers a gentler pace. Its cobbled streets and Gothic architecture tell stories just as rich, while the Siena Cathedral rivals any spiritual landmark in grandeur. Here, you’ll find time to sit in a sunlit piazza with a glass of Chianti, rather than rushing from one museum hall to another. (Image: Canva)
3/9
2. Andorra → Slovenian Alps Andorra’s ski slopes buzz with winter sports lovers, making peak season feel a little too packed. The Slovenian Alps, on the other hand, give you all the snowy drama without the crush. Picture alpine lakes mirroring white peaks, quiet villages serving hearty mountain fare, and ski trails that feel like your own private playground. It’s the winter wonderland without the tax-free shopping frenzy. (Image: Canva)
4/9
3. Antigua & Barbuda → Seychelles The Caribbean is postcard-perfect, but Antigua’s cruise port crowds can quickly change that picture. Swap it for the Seychelles, a scatter of islands in the Indian Ocean where time slows down. With nearly half of its land under protection, you’ll wander through UNESCO-listed forests, swim beside giant tortoises, and nap on beaches so quiet you’ll hear only the waves. It’s beauty with built-in seclusion. (Image: Canva)
4. Hong Kong → South Africa Hong Kong’s skyline and hiking trails have their charm, but it’s a city that never stops moving. For a similar city-meets-nature vibe—on a grander scale—South Africa beckons. Cape Town alone offers everything from world-class dining to the climb up Table Mountain. Beyond that, the Garden Route rolls out miles of empty coastline, and wine country rivals Europe’s finest. Here, the buzz of urban life coexists with landscapes that make you pause. (Image: Canva)
6/9
5. Monaco → Rovinj, Croatia Monaco is glamour wrapped in glitter, but its crowds, especially during the Grand Prix, can dim the sparkle. Rovinj, tucked on Croatia’s Istrian coast, is a softer kind of chic. Think pastel houses tumbling into the Adriatic, narrow alleys scented with seafood and lavender, and boutique stays that feel indulgent without the spectacle. It’s luxury you can actually enjoy in peace. (Image: Canva)
7/9
6. Malta → Mauritius Both islands brim with history shaped by traders and colonizers, but while Malta often feels compact and crowded, Mauritius gives its stories more room to unfold. Between sugarcane fields, volcanic landscapes, and French colonial architecture, you’ll find beaches where turquoise waters stretch uninterrupted. Mauritius is the same cultural blend, but slowed down to island time. (Image: Canva)
8/9
7. Croatia → Montenegro Croatia’s Adriatic gems, Dubrovnik and Split, are victims of their own fame. Just next door, Montenegro feels like the secret Croatia once was. Kotor’s medieval old town clings to the bay like something out of a painting, while quiet coves and mountains lure travelers seeking solitude. It’s every bit as beautiful, only without the cruise ship crowds. (Image: Canva)
8. West Virginia → Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands For mountain lovers, West Virginia offers trails and rolling green peaks. But if you’re craving something wilder, Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands deliver misty forests, rushing waterfalls, and a richness of wildlife the Appalachian trails can’t match. It’s nature with an African twist—raw, untamed, and refreshingly crowd-free. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
