The Rise of Travel Dupes: How Alternatives to Hot Spots Offer Savings in 2023

In 2023, a significant shift in travel habits emerged as savvy tourists sought out 'dupes,' or less-known alternative destinations to popular travel spots, accruing significant savings on their excursions. This trend reflects a strategic approach to travel where individuals are more open to exploring underrated locales beyond the classic tourist circuits. Flight searches for these alternative destinations saw a notable uptick, revealing the burgeoning interest in getting more value out of travel budgets.

Expedia Reveals Sharp Increase in Searches for Alternative Destinations

Data from EXPE Expedia Group, Inc. illustrates that flight searches for several dupe destinations have more than doubled internationally. For instance, searches to Taipei as an alternative to Seoul soared by 458% in the U.S. alone. Pattaya, Thailand, viewed as a dupe for Bangkok, also experienced a spike in interest, with searches ascending by 163% in the U.S. Other alternative destinations seeing an upsurge include Curaçao, a stand-in for St. Martin, and Liverpool, England, an alternative to London. The delineation of these trends stems from comparisons of search data over 12-month periods ending August 31, 2023, as this phenomenon took hold among travelers eager to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Why Affordability Drives the Dupe Trend

A key driver of the travel dupe trend is affordability. Consumers cite cost savings as a primary reason for opting for less mainstream locales. Hopper, a travel app whose insights are contributed by lead economist Hayley Berg, notes that travelers can often enjoy lower airfare and hotel rates by selecting off-the-beaten-path destinations. Alternatives like Ho Chi Minh City over Hanoi, or Barcelona over Tenerife, demonstrate the significant price differences that can be leveraged for savings on round-trip flights. These are not isolated instances; many potential dupe destinations can yield similar or even better cost efficiencies.

Broader Impacts of the Dupe Trend on the Travel Industry

As the dupe trend gains traction, more Americans are poised to choose hidden-gem destinations over traditional tourist hotspots for their future vacations, as suggested by Jon Gieselman, the president of Expedia Brands. The trend aligns with an overall increase in international travel, spurred by a reduction in pandemic-era health concerns and the reopening of borders.

Nevertheless, finding the right dupe requires more than just comparing flight prices. According to data, certain alternatives may not always be cheaper than the popular hot spots they replace. NerdWallet's travel expert, Sara Rathner, remarks that beyond airfare, savings on accommodations, local transportation, and dining can accumulate when traveling to less frequented destinations. Additionally, the enjoyment factor, attributed to encountering fewer crowds, suggests intangible benefits to these alternative choices. Rathner reminds travelers to conduct thorough research on amenities, infrastructure, and safety before setting off to a new dupe destination. Online resources, such as GOOG Google Trends data and travel blogs, alongside advice from personal networks, can empower travelers to make informed decisions.

NRDS NerdWallet, Inc. also offers insights on general travel savings strategies. Berg from Hopper endorses flexibility with travel dates, such as flying mid-week to save significantly on flights. For hotels, initiating stays on Sundays rather than weekends can provide notable discounts, ensuring that the dupe trend is not just about finding alternate destinations but embracing smarter travel planning overall.

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