How To Save This Summer With Destination Dupes
You’ve probably heard of the concept of ‘dupes’ as they apply to fashion. But now more people are applying the concept to traveling to new destinations.
“Dupes” (short for duplicates) are affordable alternatives to high-end, luxury, or designer-branded products that offer a similar vibe or purpose for a fraction of the cost. Think luggage, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, etc. But as travel costs continue to rise, many vacationers are taking a more budget‑conscious approach to their summer plans—as long as the end result is delivered. According to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook, vacationers are increasingly focused on getting more value from every trip by choosing ‘destination dupes,’ being flexible with travel dates, and bundling their hotel and flights to make their summer budgets go further.
Given the ongoing energy crisis, geopolitical tensions, and inflation, airfares are up nearly 15% year over year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Travelers are now swapping iconic hotspots for more affordable alternatives that deliver similar experiences at a lower cost. The good news? Many of the best dupes are already desirable to the LGBTQ+ vacationer.
Top Domestic Destination Dupes
- Los Angeles → Palm Springs
Known for its desert escapes, poolside resorts, and vibrant arts scene, searches for Palm Springs are up 25% year‑over‑year, with hotel rates averaging $211 per night, 25% less than Los Angeles. - New York → Philadelphia
Up 80% year over year, Philadelphia offers world‑class museums, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving dining scene. Average nightly hotel rates are 30% lower than New York, averaging $300 per night. - Miami → Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is up 40% year over year and delivers wide beaches, waterfront dining, and a relaxed coastal vibe, with hotel rates about 20% less than Miami, averaging $240 nightly. - Seattle → Portland
Up 25% year over year, Portland offers Pacific Northwest charm, access to nature, and vibrant summer festivals, with hotel rates 55% lower than Seattle, averaging $160 per night. - Honolulu → Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico continues to gain traction, up 25% year over year, offering tropical beaches and rich culture at 40% lower hotel rates than Honolulu, averaging $195 nightly, without leaving the U.S.
Top International Destination Dupes
- Cancun → Belize
Belize is up to 20% year over year, drawing travelers with Caribbean beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and a relaxed, nature-forward feel. Average daily hotel rates are $269 per night, about 36% lower than Cancun. - Punta Cana → Curaçao
Up 30% year over year, Curaçao blends Caribbean beaches with colorful architecture and cultural depth. Average hotel rates are 10% lower than Punta Cana, at $345 per night. - London → Dublin
Dublin is up 10% year over year, delivering walkable neighborhoods, historic pubs, and easy coastal escapes, with hotel rates 10% lower than London, averaging $330 nightly. - Rome → Naples
Naples is up 25% year over year and offers iconic Italian cuisine, historic streets, and access to the Amalfi Coast — at 30% lower hotel rates than Rome, averaging $225 per night. - Paris → Brussels
Brussels is up 40% year over year, drawing travelers with historic squares, elegant architecture, and a well‑known food and beer scene, with hotel rates 40% lower than Paris, averaging $229 nightly.
Best Times to Save This Summer
- Cheapest Days to Fly Domestically: June 3 and 4
- Cheapest Days to Fly Internationally: August 11 and 17
“Summer travel still matters deeply to travelers, but how they travel is changing,” says Melanie Fish, Expedia Group Travel Expert & Spokesperson. “With airfare under pressure, travelers who stay flexible, stay closer to home, and look beyond the obvious destinations can still unlock meaningful savings without compromising the experience. Travelers can also find added value by booking flights and hotels together. It’s about doing more with every travel dollar.”
This year’s best beach vacations according to Expedia are here. The best all-inclusive vacations selected by Expedia for the year are here.
