Travel agents at eShores are urging people to swap crowded and expensive destinations for those somewhat off the beaten track – and they’ve come up with some “lookalike” alternatives where people can get a similar experience for a significantly lower price.
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, said: “The magic happens when you step off the beaten path. Look for locations that capture the essence of popular destinations but add their own unique character. The key is finding spots with solid infrastructure, sustainable practices, and genuine local culture.”
Venice
Venice is a staple in many people’s bucket list as the canal-traversed city offers a getaway like no other – except for Annecy, France. The experts revealed this town is often dubbed “Venice of the Alps” as it has similar intricate waters running through the town but with the added benefit of snow-capped Alps in the background.
In terms of savings, the experts analysed some of the top deals showing flights to the historic town are on average £25 cheaper than to Venice while hotels will also save you £30 to £40 and your food costs could also be up to £5 less per person in local restaurants. The travel agents also suggested adding Annecy’s weekly markets and crystal-clear lake to your budget itinerary.
Barcelona
Sticking within the same country for this budget alternative, the experts recommended heading to Valencia instead of the tourist-dense Barcelona for a more relaxed getaway. Valencia is also the 3rd largest city in the country so you can still get all the cultural riches and exciting itineraries you’d expect in Barcelona.
In total, this trade could save you over £200 for a weekend getaway as flights to Valencia are £25 cheaper. Hotels average around £80 less per night and dining locally can save you £10 more than heading out to eat in Barcelona.
The Maldives
A seemingly unexpected comparison, the experts recommended travellers consider heading to the Con Dao Islands in Vietnam for a similar but less expensive feel of the Maldives. The former prison island has been revamped into a pristine getaway with overwater villas and coral reefs not unlike those in the Maldives.
Flights to Con Dao Islands instead of the Maldives can cut your holiday costs by £150 alone, while accommodations are roughly £220 cheaper per night and restaurant dining is also drastically more budget-friendly, saving around £43 per person, offering a £263 saving every night you’re there. Additionally, the island offers a few things the Maldives don’t such as its unique historical twist and rare sea turtles that nest on its beaches.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is another bucket list destination for many but the lengthy flight from Europe often means it’s out of many people’s price range to begin with. The experts noted eager travellers can get a similar experience in The Azores in Portugal.
The 9 islands in The Azores each have their own distinct appeals, making an island-hopping holiday a bit more accessible than heading across the Atlantic. Flights are around £240 cheaper, accommodation roughly £140 less and dining cuts £15 from your holiday spend per person on average.