5 Fun, Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Bucket-List Destinations

We all have aspirations of exploring the world's most renowned destinations. However, with the current year shaping up to be the priciest for travel since before the pandemic, it's wise to consider alternative options. One prominent trend in travel for 2024 is the concept of "destination dupes"—these are affordable substitutes that offer similar allure and beauty to the popular destinations but without the hefty price tag or overcrowding.

Europe, in particular, boasts a plethora of historic and vibrant cities that can serve as equivalents to their more famous counterparts. For instance, if you're enchanted by Amsterdam's charming river scenes and cozy cafes, Rotterdam, merely 50 miles southwest, could offer a comparable experience.

Similarly, if you're drawn to Munich for its beer culture and stunning Baroque architecture, cities like Nuremberg or Stuttgart in Germany could provide a similar vibe. For those intrigued by Vienna's rich music and art scene, exploring Graz, nestled in the eastern Alps of Austria, might prove equally captivating. In the United States, instead of Nashville, music enthusiasts might find Memphis, Tennessee, to be an enticing alternative.

Curious about which destinations will provide the most value for your money this year? I've examined some popular bucket-list trips and devised alternative destinations and itineraries that promise just as much enjoyment while being more economical.

Summer Hiking in Europe

Dreaming of: The Italian Dolomites

Try This Affordable Alternative: The Slovenian Alps

The majestic limestone peaks of the Slovenian Alps bear a striking resemblance to those found in northern Italy. Despite being only half the size of Switzerland, Slovenia offers a more affordable alternative, making it an attractive option for travelers.

Navigating its picturesque hills is made convenient by an extensive network of over 6,200 marked trails, with the assistance of Slovenia's Alpine Association overseeing nearly 180 mountain huts, including the Triglav Lodge at Kredarica, positioned close to the nation's highest peak, the 9,400-foot Triglav.

Moreover, Slovenia boasts some of the most charming glamping accommodations, with Garden Village Bled, situated just a short stroll away from Lake Bled, exuding a fairy-tale ambiance reminiscent of a scene from Grimm's tales. Prices start at $120 for riverfront tents and $260 for family-friendly treehouses.

Additionally, the vicinity boasts nearly 60 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering exceptional cuisine at surprisingly reasonable prices, such as the nine-course tasting menu at Hisa Linhart, priced at $140.

Glamping in the Southwest

Dreaming of: Camp Sakira, Utah

ry This Affordable Alternative: BaseCamp 37, Utah

Staying at BaseCamp 37, a secluded campground just 15 minutes away from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, offers an affordable option for a five-night retreat. At approximately $1,000 for five nights in one of their five cozy safari tents, it's a significantly cheaper alternative compared to Camp Sakira, where prices start at a staggering $7,547 per night for double occupancy.

While BaseCamp 37 may not provide a private plunge pool like Camp Sakira, it does offer a refreshing mini pool for cooling off, along with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, grills, and two indoor kitchens.

Alternatively, Zion Wildflower Resort presents another economical choice, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the south entrance of Zion National Park. This resort features a pool, hot tub, and hosts entertaining live music and movie nights. Accommodations range from comfortable covered wagons equipped with A/C to canvas tents, starting at around $200.

A Family Road Trip

Dreaming of: The California Coast

Try This Affordable Alternative: British Columbia’s Vancouver Island

With the current strength of the dollar, embarking on a road trip along the western coast of Vancouver Island offers exceptional value for your money. Boasting old-growth forests and pristine wild beaches, this route rivals the scenic beauty of the California coast.

I recommend starting with a scenic two-hour drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew, making stops along the way to explore the hiking trails and beaches of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Camping at China Beach, priced at $20 per group, provides an affordable and picturesque overnight option.

For accommodations, Wild Renfrew lodging presents a convenient choice, situated between two coastal trailheads: the challenging West Coast Trail and the more leisurely Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Their cozy wharfside cabins, featuring kitchenettes, start at $190 per night.

Continuing the journey approximately 210 miles northward leads to the vibrant surf town of Tofino. Consider extending your stay with a visit to the neighboring town of Ucluelet, where the Nami Project offers a selection of oceanfront, self-catering suites and cabins situated adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Rates for accommodations at Nami Project start at $343 per night.

A Caribbean Beach Getaway

Dreaming of: The Bahamas

Try This Affordable Alternative: Colombia

While not typically associated with Caribbean vacations, this South American nation offers stunning turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches that rival those found in the Bahamas. According to Deborah Gellis, a travel agent with Embark Beyond, Colombia provides exceptional value in terms of activities, dining, and accommodations, surpassing prices seen in Mexico and the Caribbean for over a decade.

Many visitors opt for day trips to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, accessible via a short 45-minute boat ride. This archipelago consists of 27 picturesque islands adorned with powdery sands and surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs.

For accommodation options, consider Fragata Island House, where a sea-view room can be secured for less than $200 per night. This establishment allows guests to step out of their hotel door and indulge in snorkeling and paddleboarding within minutes.

Alternatively, staying closer to Cartagena on Tierra Bomba, accessible via a convenient 25-minute boat shuttle from the city's port, leads to Blue Apple Beach House on the island's western shore. Here, guests can enjoy a beach-club day pass for $25 (inclusive of transfers), with room rates starting at $159 per night.

Additionally, Blue Apple Beach House operates a residency program, offering musicians and artists the opportunity to showcase their talents in exchange for complimentary stays.

A Ski Weekend

Dreaming of: Big Sky, Montana

Try This Affordable Alternative: Morzine, France

When it comes to ski resort prices, almost any European destination tends to offer more budget-friendly lift ticket rates compared to those in the U.S., particularly if you bypass well-known locations like Chamonix, France, and opt for lesser-known spots such as Morzine, just an hour to the north. As part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area that spans the Swiss border, Morzine provides a diverse range of skiing experiences, from gentle groomers to challenging off-piste terrain.

For instance, while a three-day lift ticket at Big Sky in the U.S. can cost as much as $644 in March (excluding additional fees for tram access to certain terrains) with its 5,800 skiable acres, a three-day pass at Morzine is priced at less than $200 and grants access to all 12 resorts within Portes du Soleil, boasting nearly 100,000 skiable acres in total.

Furthermore, dining in France is renowned for its culinary delights. Rather than spending $20 on average food-hall tacos, visitors to Morzine might choose to indulge in a more satisfying culinary experience, such as enjoying a wood-fired beef rib for two at the charming mountain hut Chez Nannon, priced at around $35.