“Destination dupes” are the latest travel trend. If you haven't heard of this fad, they're alternative vacation spots that are more budget-friendly and less crowded than already popular destinations. Don't be like the other travelers (you're never mediocre), and consider altering your vacation plans with these “destination dupes” in mind.
Budapest instead of Barcelona
We're big fans of Barcelona, ​​but it's no secret that the Catalan capital is flooded with foreign tourists every summer and is also exorbitantly expensive. Hungary's largest city, Budapest, has made a name for itself as an affordable alternative to Barcelona, ​​with a wealth of Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Brutalist architecture. Budapest's attractions switch between somber and cheerful. The former can be found at the House of Terror, a spooky museum that tells the story of Hungary's involvement in the Holocaust and the terrible communist era that the Hungarian people endured afterwards. Meanwhile, the latter can be seen at the iconic thermal pools of Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the mind-blowing Buda Castle, the masterpiece-filled Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, and, of course, while enjoying an espresso at the exquisitely decorated New York Café.
Accommodation: Verno House
Montreal instead of Brussels
Many Americans like to compare Paris and Montreal, but apart from the same language, the two cities couldn't be more different. That said, it's a far cry from the main French-speaking city, Brussels. While the Belgian capital is home to mid-20th century landmarks like the Atomium, Quebec's capital is home to groundbreaking architecture, including the iconic geodesic dome, the gigantic Olympic Stadium, and the brutalist icon Habitat 67. No transatlantic flight required, so you'll save money, too.
Accommodation: Hotel William Gray
Buenos Aires, not Paris
Seasoned travelers often refer to Buenos Aires as the “Paris of South America,” and we, the globetrotters, agree. Historic Beaux Arts buildings line the streets of the upscale Recoleta neighborhood (wander through the ornate graves of Argentina's elite (like Eva Peron) at Recoleta Cemetery, or pop into El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a sprawling bookstore that was once a glamorous theater). Buenos Aires' fashionable Palermo Hollywood neighborhood is dotted with boutiques by independent Argentinian designers, and impressive European-inspired cafes dot the city (you'll often find us sipping espressos and munching on alfajores at the famous Café Tortoni). U.S. dollars are better value in Argentina than they are in European countries that use the euro.
Where to stay: Home Hotel Buenos Aires
Puebla instead of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is my “happy place.” I will forever love this fairytale village in Mexico, but the influx of Americans has made it more expensive overall. Don't worry, Puebla, Mexico, is packed with charm and history. Its colorful, historic Spanish colonial buildings line its cobblestone pedestrian streets, and it's home to the Amparo ethnographic museum, the Palafox Art Nouveau library, the majestic Zocalo de Puebla cathedral, and the Calle de la Sapos.
Accommodation: Banyan Tree Puebla
Chicago, not New York
Some consider Chicago to be “an easy New York.” While the vibe may not be on par, there are some comparable factors, not to mention that Chicago is a lot more affordable than “The Big Apple.” Take in Chicago's impressive skyline from 360 Chicago, an observation deck on the 94th floor of the towering John Hancock Tower, admire the architecture and Chicago specialty “The Bean” in Millennium Park, and then sample Chicago's famous char dog at Weiner's Circle, a delicious “Windy City” specialty that will have you purposely (and comically) rude.
Credit: Adrian Gault
Where to stay: The Lobby
