Swap world-favourite holiday destinations for these lesser-known ‘identical’ places – save up to £1,800 & escape crowds

WHETHER it's sipping a cocktail on a tropical island or exploring snow-peaked mountains - we all dream of that perfect, once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

But with top tourist hot spots costing a bomb to travel to, that no-expenses spared vacation can seem out of reach for most - although there is a clever way you can achieve your dream break on a budget.

To get that experience without spending all your money, it's all about finding your dream destination 'dupe'.

Self-styled multilingual travel expert and Anna Spanish language specialist Anna Latorre says, “Dreaming of a luxury getaway doesn’t have to break the bank - travel dupes can offer the same magic at a fraction of the price!

"Travellers are increasingly swapping big-ticket destinations for affordable lookalikes that deliver on identical scenery, culture, and experience.

"Ultimately, travel dupes allow wanderlusters to experience the world - without sacrificing savings or adventure."

Here, Anna shares her top 'destination dupes', and how much you could end up saving per person based on a one-week trip including mid-range accommodation, food, transport, and local activity estimations...

If Mauritius is out of reach, Zanzibar offers turquoise waters, white sands, and luxe resorts, too.

The island is situated off the coast of Tanzania in Africa, and has also been dubbed the new Maldives.

It is an ideal summer holiday destination, with the best weather between June and October and temperatures as high as 34C.

All of this can come at half the cost - around £1,200 for a week compared to Mauritius’ £2,500.

Anna's top tips - wander through the Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO world heritage site - a place recognised as having "outstanding universal value".

Or you could simply relax on Nungwi Beach, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island, and snorkel at Kendwa, a village with spectacular views of the sunset - all low-cost or free activities to do while there.

Italy's Amalfi Coast certainly isn’t cheap, and boasts a whole host of luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and fancy bars for those who can afford it.

While it is possible to visit this stunning region on a budget, you could instead try Albania’s Riviera to make serious savings - where meals cost under £10 and accommodation averages £40 a night.

Anna's top tips: While in Albania, drive the Dhermi-Himarë coastal route, swim at Ksamil Beach in the southern region and enjoy fresh seafood meals for under a tenner.

As a rough estimation, you could save up to £1,400 per person with this swap, with Albania costing between £600- £800 per person, compared to a £2,200 trip to the Amalfi.

If you’re drawn to Bali, Indonesia, then Sri Lanka, situated in the Indian Ocean south of India, can deliver similar yoga retreats, surf spots, and rice terrace views for under £1,000pp, including flights.

Hot spots on its 1,300km coastline include Unawatuna, Bentota, Pasikuda and Arugam Bay – a surfer’s paradise.

Anna's top tips: Visit ancient temples in Kandy, hike Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, and take local trains for scenic rides and picture opportunities at £1-£3.

You could save up to £900 with this swap, with a holiday to Bali costing around £1,800 per person.

A super glamorous location, the French Riviera is great for everything from relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the gorgeous Cote d’Azur to celeb-spotting at exclusive resorts and marinas.

If looking to enjoy a similarly scenic spot for less, French Riviera fans can head to Montenegro’s coast instead, with Anna recommending the Bay of Kotor specifically, for under £800.

With the French Riviera costing around £2,300 by Anna's estimations, that's a saving of a staggering £1,500.

Anna's top tips: Explore Kotor Old Town, hike to San Giovanni Fortress, and take a boat tour around the bay for under £15.

While the Swiss Alps have long been considered the destination for mountain getaways in Europe, it is lesser known that Romania actually offers equally majestic mountains.

For a Swiss Alps experience on a budget, Romania’s Carpathian Mountains offer scenic hiking and chalet stays at a quarter of the price, which could save you up to £1,800.

Anna's top tips: Hike Bucegi or Făgăraș Mountains, visit Bran Castle for £10, and enjoy hearty meals for £5-£8.

If you've always fancied a trip to Tokyo, which can cost in the region of £2,500, perhaps consider Seoul, the capital of South Korea instead, where street food, city vibes, and tech culture await for as little as £1,300.

Anna's top tips: Enjoy free tours to palaces including Gyeongbokgung, the primary palace of the Joseon dynasty established in 1395, or Changdeokgung - located within a large park in Jongno District.

Also try street food for as little as £1-£3, or hike Bukhansan trails - a popular hiking experience with stunning views of the natural scenery and city.

With its beautiful landscape and famous volcanoes as well as the chance to see the Northern Lights, it's not surprising Iceland is a popular tourist destination.

However, while great deals can be booked, it's generally not cheap.

Instead, holidaymakers might therefore want to consider Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal comprising of nine major islands, set 950 miles off the coast.

The islands are a spectacular haven for adventurers looking to explore hot springs and waterfalls from just £700 per trip - which could save a staggering £1,500.

Anna's top tips: Swim in Furnas hot springs for £5, hike to Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island, and spot whales off the coast, with tours from £40.