Dream Destinations, Duped

Are you lusting after those dreamy travel hotspots flooding your feed, but your wallet (and sanity) scream, “Nope!”

Does FOMO set in every time you check flight prices or see yet another photo of those Santorini sunsets? (Seriously, how is EVERYONE going to Europe?)

Enter destination dupes.

The chill cousins of your dream vacays, just as vibey but way less expensive. According to BBC travel trends, 2025 is the year to swap overcrowded tourist traps for off-the-radar gems. Ready to skip the lines and embrace your bucket-list getaway? Affordable, Insta-worthy and straight-up serene — consider us duped.

These five destination dupes deliver all the magic, minus the mayhem.

^{Every hotel on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.}

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada

Paris is cute and all, but if you’re trying to save some serious cash (and skip the transatlantic drama), it’s time to re-route your bon voyage to Quebec City. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and soak up those Parisian vibes with charming cobblestone streets, French-inspired cafés and crêpes so good you’ll think you crossed the Atlantic.

Rates from $245, book here.

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, Finger Lakes, NY

‍Dreaming of Champagne, Tuscany or Napa, but on a beer budget? Head to New York’s Finger Lakes instead. Check into the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa. Wine tastings here are a steal at just $5 to $12 a pour — Napa could never with its $40 price tag. Affordable sips and scenic views? We’ll toast to that. Santé!

Rates from $195, book here.

‍Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort, Paros, Greece

Fantasizing about Santorini, minus the splurge? Good news: there are other Greek islands that serve up the same iconic vibes — without the influencer overload. Paros is calling! Stay at Cosme Resort (pro tip: off-season deals are chef’s kiss), feast on fresh octopus and sip on Assyrtiko (aka Greek white wine) by the sea. Pure bliss.

Rates from $627, book here.

Hotel Plesnik, Solcava, Slovenia

Dreaming of the Swiss Alps but not the crowds (or the price hikes)? Say hello to Slovenia’s Julian Alps. Picture epic Alpine views and dreamy spa resorts. Slovenia is the ultimate underrated Euro gem — serving incredible food, local wine and enough saunas to give Finland a run for its money. All that, and it won’t drain your bank account.

Rates from $312, book here.

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Been manifesting those Maldives overwater bungalows since your Pinterest phase circa 2012? Skip the long-haul flight and head to Mexico instead. At Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, you’ll wake up over crystal-clear waters, spy marine life through glass floors and indulge in all-inclusive luxury. Jet lag? Who’s she?

Rates from $1,805, book here.

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