Top Affordable Alternatives to Sydney, Dubai, and New York for Travelers

Travel analysts at 1st Move International have delved into the latest trends in travel by examining search data, Instagram, and TikTok data to uncover the most popular holiday destination substitutes.

For those unfamiliar with the term ‘destination dupe,’ it refers to a more affordable alternative to a desired location. One prime example is Perth, touted as a great substitute for Sydney, with a dupe score of 7.01. Perth has been gaining traction in the past year, attracting over 20,300 visitors. Known for its stunning landscapes, Perth has amassed over 12.4 million Instagram posts and has been viewed 1.2 million times on TikTok.

Valencia is hailed as the ultimate destination dupe, offering a fantastic alternative to Barcelona with an impressive dupe score of 9.24/10. Despite being the third largest city in Spain and garnering over 74,000 Google searches, Valencia remains a hidden gem compared to its more popular counterpart. Travelers to Valencia can enjoy a similar experience to Barcelona while saving around 25 percent on essentials like groceries and local transportation, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Kuala Lumpur emerges as a top substitute for Singapore, boasting a dupe score of 7.92/10. Kuala Lumpur stands out for its diverse street food scene that rivals Singapore’s renowned culinary offerings. Additionally, while Singapore is known for its beautiful beaches, Kuala Lumpur is in close proximity to breathtaking Malaysian islands with picturesque beaches. Interest in Kuala Lumpur is on the rise, evident from over 16 million Instagram posts dedicated to the location.

Among the additional insights revealed, Baku takes the crown as the number one destination dupe on social media, with a massive 36.98 million posts on Instagram and TikTok. Taipei has experienced a significant surge in search interest from 2022 to 2023, experiencing a notable 57 percent increase.

For more details on all the destinations discussed, you can check out the information provided on the 1st Move International blog.