Several years ago, I was pining for my first trip to France. At the time, I had already been to Europe a couple of times, but never managed to make my way to France. With two small children and limited funds, my husband and I started looking at alternative locations that would give us a French feel but would be easier logistically for the kids and for our budget.
A friend suggested I try the Quebec area of Canada, given its strong French heritage and European ambience, as well as the more convenient (ie. drivable) travel distance than Europe. This travel “dupe” or duplicate, ended up being one the most memorable trips I’ve taken with my family and proved to be a cost-effective stopgap until I could afford my actual trip to France.
Travel or destination dupes like these are becoming a growing trend as European destinations are being inundated with post-pandemic travelers. Also, as interest rates continue to rise, people seem to have less discretionary money to spend on travel than previous years.
So what exactly is a travel or destination dupe? Travel dupes are alternative locations for destinations you actually have your heart set on visiting. Travel dupes often provide a similar ambience – ie. climate, food, architecture, etc – to the original location, but at a better value – whether that value is a lower cost, fewer crowds or an easier place to travel to.
Travel dupes come in many varieties:
- A lateral swap, such as choosing one European destination for another
- A cross country or continent swap, where you choose a city/area in your own country that mirrors a city/location in another country or continent
- A category swap, such as substituting one tropical locale for another
If you are longing for a European vacation this summer but need an alternative location that meets your travel needs or budget – consider the following North American vs. European travel dupes (as adapted from Great Value Vacations):
7 Travel Dupes – North American Destinations with European Vibes
1. If you want to visit France…..try Montreal or Quebec City, Canada. Both cities are located in the French-speaking province of Quebec. Yet, it’s not only the language that makes this city a dupe for France, the refined French influence can also been experienced in the buildings, cultural offerings, and of course, the food!
2. If you want to visit Denmark…try Solvang, CA. From the cute colorful houses to a mermaid statue a la Hans Christian Anderson, Danish influences are prevalent here.
3. If you want to visit Spain…try St. Augustine, FL. Originally a Spanish colony, and the country’s first permanent European settlement, the city’s beautiful weather and colonial architecture reinforce an all around Spanish vibe.
4. If you want to visit Scotland or Ireland…try Cape Breton Island, Canada. Influenced by a multi-cultural past (owned by the Portuguese, British and French), visitors continue to be charmed by the Island’s Irish/Celtic culture and amazing coastal landscapes.
5. If you want to visit Germany…try Leavenworth, WA or Frankenmuth, MI. Both cities offer Alpine influences, from the architecture to the Bavarian food options, plus lively Oktoberfest celebrations!
6. If you want to visit England….try Boston, MA. There’s so much to love about Boston, where do I start! With its rich history and colonial era architecture – not to mention it was ruled by the British for 150 years – it’s no surprise that this city is often considered America’s most British city.
7. If you want to visit France or Spain….try New Orleans, LA. There’s no question that NOLA offers the best multi-dupe destination option. Founded by the French in the 1700s, French influences abound – they can literally be seen everywhere in the city beneath the sea, especially in the famous French Quarter. But the city also has a beautiful mix of Spanish, Native American and even African influences – making it a cultural melting pot, full of history and ghostly intrigue.
While travel dupes will never replace the actual desired destination, they offer a great opportunity to take a deeper dive into a location that you may have never considered. And who knows…..you may find yourself falling in love with that newfound gem by the end of your trip.
Travel well, travel often, my friends!
Jennifer