In 2026, a smart new travel idea is spreading: skip the superstar destination and visit its “second city” alternative instead. GetYourGuide calls these places “destination dupes” — less crowded, culturally rich cities that offer a similar mood without the same pressure of mass tourism. In its 2025 survey of travelers in France, Germany, the UK, and the US, 38% said saving money was a reason to choose these alternatives, and among American travelers the number rose to 45%. The company’s 2026 list includes Philadelphia instead of New York, Hoi An instead of Kyoto, and Lecce or Matera instead of Italy’s biggest hotspots. (getyourguide.press)
This trend makes sense when you look at the bigger picture. Travel demand is still rising: UN Tourism said international tourist arrivals grew 5% in the first quarter of 2025, while Eurostat reported 1.279 billion overnight stays in EU tourist accommodation in the first half of 2025, up 2.3% from a year earlier. Famous destinations are feeling that pressure. Spain welcomed a record 96.8 million foreign visitors in 2025, and Venice expanded its day-tripper entry tax in April 2025 as officials tried to control overtourism. (unwto.org)
For travelers, the appeal is easy to understand. A second city can feel more relaxed, more affordable, and sometimes more personal. Instead of spending half your day in lines, you may have more time to notice local food, neighborhood life, and regional history. Hoi An, for example, offers historic streets and traditional craftsmanship; Lecce gives visitors grand Italian architecture with fewer crowds; and Medellín is praised by GetYourGuide for its spring-like weather and energetic city culture. (getyourguide.press)
There is also a deeper reason this matters. GetYourGuide says that in Italy, more than half of the 867 municipalities where its customers book experiences have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. In other words, tourism money may be spreading beyond the usual postcard cities. So “destination dupe” travel is not really about choosing a fake version of a famous place. It is about discovering that the world’s most interesting trip may be waiting just outside the spotlight. (getyourguide.press)










