“Dupes” is short for “duplicate;” in shopping terms, that means something that promises the essence of a high-end, premium product without the eye-popping designer-label price tag. In the world of travel, a dupe is the dream, the holy grail, the shiniest hidden gem you can possibly fathom. It’s a paradise locale or a bucket-list adventure without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds or arm-and-a-leg costs. We’ve compiled three stellar dupes to consider for your next vacay.
Pico del Teide with famous Roque Cinchado rock formation, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife
Dupe of: Hawaii, Portugal, Ibiza
Despite being the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is still a blissful refuge rarely on Americans’ radars. Their loss — the island is a soulful mix of surreal volcanic peaks, misty laurel forests and balmy Atlantic beaches. No matter if you crave neighborhood markets and vibey terrace cafes or otherworldly hikes and hidden-gem surf spots, this is a beach vacation bound to delight, especially if you put the following experiences on your to-do list.
- Hike Teide National Park: Arguably Spain’s most beloved park, Teide National Park comprises El Teide — a dormant volcano that serves as Spain’s highest peak — and the surrounding lava fields. Whether you’re hiking to the summit or just along any of the trails threading through the alien landscape, expect to be awash in downright stunning scenery.
- Stroll Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa: Sugar, spice, fresh produce and everything else nice can be found perusing this local market. Some 140 stalls make for a breezy stroll, one where you can sample and savor the sights and flavors of the island as the locals do.
- Enjoy Playa El Medano: Widely considered one of Europe’s best kitesurfing spots, Playa El Medano is a must for daredevils and thrill-seekers. For everyone else, the shoreline is comprised of golden coves that sport a timeless Bohemian feel.
- Sample Volcanic Wines: This one isn’t any one single place — Tenerife is rich with vineyards that have perfected growing batches in the volcanic landscapes. If you need one to home in on, try Bodega Frontos; this family-run operation has been making organic wine for over 50 years at 5,577 feet — and the views are pretty out-of-this-world.
Conchi Natural Pool
Aruba
Dupe of: Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Curaçao
Geographically speaking, every island in the Caribbean is a little bit like its neighbors, and yet each still promises its own sweet take on paradise. Now, despite Aruba being listed first in the iconic Beach Boys’ song, it’s often an afterthought for Americans thinking beach vacay. Which means you have more of this paradise (and the following experiences) to yourself.
- Beach Days for Days: It is a beach vacation after all — it stands to reason you would spend most of your time at the beach. Aruba is utterly rich with balmy options: Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach, Divi Beach … the options for lounging surfside feel endless.
- A Dip in Conchi Natural Pool: This natural volcanic pool is a national treasure, hidden well off the beaten path. After a hike (or horseback ride, or 4x4 charter), this cool blue pool feels extra refreshing, as if it was a mystically occurring Jacuzzi.
- Snorkel the Antilla: The SS Antilla is a 400-foot, WWII-era wreck off the coast of Aruba that today serves as a thriving coral reef, and thus a snorkeler’s dream. Spying lobster, parrotfish and brain coral among the time-worn metal and seabed makes for a surreal excursion.
- Catch a Baseball Game: This may seem like a curveball but trust us: The game of baseball is alive and thriving in Aruba (they often act as an incubator for MLB talent), making for lively bit of authentically local entertainment. As there is no pro team, you’ll instead watch local amateur squads and Little League teams face off.
Aerial view of Dubrovnik
Croatia
Dupe of: Tuscany, Greece
Perhaps best known as the background to some sweeping shots from Game of Thrones, Croatia is utterly saturated with Old-World charm and great-outdoor bliss; the fact that you can experience both in the same day makes it an absolute gem of a vacation destination. Here are four can’t-miss experiences, should you be so lucky as to visit.
- Dubrovnik’s Old Town: The literal heart of the city, Old Town is encased in medieval walls — which are themselves an attraction. Other highlights include the Gothic-style Rector’s Palace, the Dubrovnik Cathedral, the baroque Jesuit staircase and the many charming Old Town lanes.
- Surreal Hikes in Plitvice Lakes National Park: There are miles and miles of walking and hiking trails threaded throughout Plitvice Lakes National Park; many of which feature boardwalks that hover over one of the 16 turquoise lakes. Regardless of route, expect it to be breathtaking.
- Daytrip to Diocletian’s Palace: In 300 AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian constructed this impressive palace as his retirement residence. The rest, as they say, is history — history you can spend a day experiencing and exploring, as this is the most complete Roman imperial palace still surviving in the world.
- White-Water Rafting the Cetina River: The Cetina River stretches for 63 scenic miles across southern Croatia, with pockets of grade 2 or grade 3 rapids. Weaving through rocks, rapids and waterfalls is a refreshingly fun way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Make Your Trip Even Better
The best way to get the most out of any vacation is to simply work with a travel agent. You’re outsourcing all the stressful bits — the plotting, the planning, the calling for specifics and the booking — to a pro, who is well equipped to navigate an industry constantly in flux. Pair that peace of mind with the exclusive perks, amenities, discounts and savings our agents are often able to provide with all the leading names in travel, and you’re well on your way to a dupe vacation that surpasses the original.
