Travel goes through many trends, whether it’s down to viral social media fads, global sporting and cultural events or even the latest blockbuster movies and binge-worthy series. Each social pull can cause a sudden rise in popularity for alternative holiday destinations or ‘dupes’ that were otherwise low on the average traveller’s radar. To keep you hot on the tail of these new trends, we’re using our insider knowledge to give you fresh insight on when and where to book your next dream trip!
We’ve compiled a list below of some of the best destination dupes in North America, Canada, and Mexico for those seeking cultural experiences and incredible scenery with fewer crowds and less eye-watering price tags in times like these...
Atlantic City instead of Las Vegas
If you’re travelling the USA’s east coast and time doesn’t permit a flight across the country to Las Vegas, head for
Atlantic City in New Jersey. Offering a flavour of Sin City but on a smaller scale, this vibrant destination is less busy and more affordable, plus it can easily be reached by train, bus, or a two-hour car journey. With excellent hotels, shows, nightclubs, and the infamous Boardwalk, Atlantic City is a fabulous alternative at a fraction of the cost.
Lake Louise, Canada instead of Lake Como, Italy
Italy is famed for its beautiful mountain and lake scenery, and with the spectacular Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore to its name, it’s often teeming with star-studded and wealthy tourists each summer. Banff National Park in Alberta is Canada’s version, with two sparkling turquoise lakes—Louise and Moraine—surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and unspoiled wilderness, it’s an altogether idyllic alternative that’s only about 90 minutes’ drive from Calgary.
Alternatively, back in the US is the magnificent Glacier National Park in Montana with its iridescent-blue lakes and access to the inimitable Rocky Mountains, a few days spent here will be a breath of fresh air!
Philadelphia instead of New York City
The Big Apple isn't the only choice for experiencing the vibrancy of a city on the USA’s east coast. Philadelphia offers captivating big-city vibes at a more affordable cost than New York. But if you want to visit both, it’s only a two-hour drive or an easy Amtrak train ride away!
Similarly to New York City, Philadelphia is known for its love of food—this is the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak after all—and sports, with beloved teams in the ‘Big Four’ major sporting leagues: the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Towering skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and a rich history make this city a must-see on your next East Coast USA trip.
North Minnesota instead of Iceland
The Northern Lights phenomenon is on everyone’s bucket list, and we have Iceland and Scandinavia just a short flight away to witness this ethereal night sky display. However, holidays to these European hotspots can be wildly expensive as well as crowded and anything but tranquil, particularly over the winter and festive period.
If you’re in search of somewhere more isolated but known for its stunning aurora borealis views, consider Northern Minnesota as the US alternative. Home to more than 10,000 lakes, this vast region features The Boundary Waters, which is recognised as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and delivers some of the most outstanding starry night skies you’ll ever see. Camp out in the wilderness, take canoe trips, and absorb these breathtaking sights on a truly unique holiday!
Bacalar in Mexico instead of the Maldives
Known as the ‘Mexican Maldives’ due to its expansive turquoise waters and luxury overwater accommodation, you can’t go wrong with Bacalar, a relatively quiet beachside town that makes for a
wonderful multi-centre holiday alongside many USA destinations. Tucked away from the hubbub of the popular tourist hubs of Cancun and Tulum, Bacalar is about four hours’ drive from Cancun Airport and is well worth the extra trip for a few days of secluded five-star bliss!
Utah’s Salt Flats instead of Bolivia’s Salt Flats
Another bucket list destination is the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. But with a gruelling eight-hour coach journey from the capital of La Paz, it’s not exactly the easiest landmark to reach.
Fortunately, just a few hours from Salt Lake City in Utah are the very impressive salt flats at the Bonneville State Park. Here, unique patterns are formed due to the freezing and thawing of brackish waters in an area covering more than 30,000 acres, displaying blindingly white remnants of the ancient Lake Bonneville. It’s also the place where many land speed records have been set and broken!
Florida Keys instead of Hawaii
Hawaii is a dream destination for many but can be costly due to the flights and its distance from the UK. A wonderful and cost-effective alternative is
the stunning Florida Keys on the Sunshine State’s southern coast, famed for beautiful beaches, delectable cuisine, thrilling water activities, and ample diving opportunities. These are the only living coral barrier islands in the US, and they are abundant with a colourful marine life, making the Keys a unique and must-visit destination for your next Florida getaway.
The Keys are an easy add-on to any Central Florida holiday and can be easily reached from Orlando, Tampa, or both coastlines by car – no internal flights required!
Tupelo, Mississippi instead of Memphis, Tennessee
For those seeking southern allure and a rich musical legacy, the small town of Tupelo presents a quieter and inexpensive alternative to
Memphis with its bustling nightlife and music scene. Rock and roll fans might know of Tupelo as Elvis Presley’s birthplace, and as well as being a great starting point for a Deep South American adventure, it can offer a personal look into the early life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Tupelo's live music scene of today is also worth exploring as despite its modest size, the city offers more than 160 restaurants serving a delectable array of robust soul food and epic southern flavours.
If you want to find more amazing destination dupes in North America, we can help you plan and book your dream trip. View our last
USA holiday deals right here.