Goodbye Overpriced Getaways, Hello Dreamy Destination Dupes

Sacodes surveyed 1,000 U.S. shoppers to explore how budget-conscious travelers are choosing destinations, how much they're saving, and which dupe locations are topping the charts. It also touched on how social media and shifting travel priorities are changing what people now consider the perfect getaway.

Key Takeaways

63% of travelers now prefer destination dupes over the real thing.
Cost is the biggest factor driving the destination dupe trend (73%), followed by fewer crowds (53%).
Swapping destinations saves travelers $2,262 on average, and 61% say the dupe was the better trip.
Over 4 in 10 say their dream trip priorities have changed, with budget top of mind.

Destination dupes are gaining traction as travelers look for smarter ways to spend and reconsider what makes for the ideal getaway.

Nearly two-thirds of travelers (63%) said they preferred the destination dupes over the original locations. The biggest factor driving this trend was affordability, with 73% of travelers saying lower costs were the top reason why they chose a dupe. Over half (53%) also went to these destinations to enjoy fewer crowds. More than 1 in 4 believed these swaps were trendier and cooler than traditional luxury trips.

The top 3 international destination dupes for 2025 reflect travelers' growing focus on value. Ranked No. 1, the Azores—a group of volcanic islands belonging to Portugal—have become a standout alternative to Hawaii. With lush greenery, crater lakes, and geothermal springs, they offer a tropical feel and outdoor adventures at a significantly lower cost.

Coming in at No. 2, Liverpool, England, has become a budget-friendly swap for London. It delivers a rich cultural scene, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife without the capital city's high prices. Ranked third, Croatia continues to gain popularity over Italy. Here, you can enjoy stunning coastlines, historic architecture, and Mediterranean charm with fewer crowds and more low-priced accommodations.

Do Destination Dupes Deliver?

Travelers are getting more than just budget relief from swapping destinations. Many say the experience itself is better.

For many budget-conscious travelers, destination dupes are saving them money and leading to more satisfying getaways. On average, travelers saved $2,262 by choosing a dupe over the original destination. Even better, 61% said they actually preferred the experience, and nearly half (48%) had no complaints at all.

Social media is helping fuel the trend. Among Gen Z travelers, those between age 18 and 24, 17% said they found their destination dupe on TikTok. It's a reminder that the smartest travel tips or inspiration might be just a scroll away.

What Makes a Destination Dupe Feel Worth It?

Choosing a less costly travel spot isn't always enough. Budget-conscious travelers still want their getaway to feel like a good deal, and for most, that comes down to value, flexibility, and experience.

Rather than splurging on one costly trip, 60% of travelers said they'd rather take three low-priced ones. Instead of being all about luxury experiences, it's more about making memories without draining your savings. This shift in mindset has redefined what people consider a dream vacation. For 41%, being more budget-conscious is now a top priority, while 29% said flexibility and affordability matter most.

Still, a destination dupe has to deliver. Nearly 4 in 10 travelers said it needs to be at least 20–30% less costly than the original location to feel like it's worth booking.

Conclusion: A New Era of Smart Travel

As high travel costs continue to shape how people spend, travelers are showing that it's possible to keep more cash on vacation without feeling like you're missing out. Destination dupes are becoming the go-to choice for those who want great experiences at a better price, often delivering fewer crowds and a more authentic feel. For anyone looking to stretch their travel budget, the perfect trip might not be the most obvious one. It could be a well-chosen alternative that offers more for less.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 U.S. shoppers to explore the growing travel trend of destination dupes (i.e., lesser-known or more low-priced alternatives to popular travel spots that offer similar experiences at a lower cost). Of those surveyed, 93% had traveled within the past year, and only their responses were included in this analysis. The age breakdown of respondents was as follows:

Ages 18–24: 10%
Ages 25–34: 33%
Ages 35–44: 32%
Ages 45–54: 14%
Ages 55 and over: 11%

The survey was conducted on May 14, 2025.