Travel expert's guide to the world's 12 best 'destination dupes' - where you'll soak up the scenery, culture and vibe without the crowds - all for a MUCH lower price tag

We get it, Bali feels like a second home, Europe’s hotspots are bursting at the seams, and Japan? Let’s just say you’ll be lining up for ramen longer than it takes to fly there. Travel these days is starting to feel like an extreme sport, one that involves dodging crowds, battling for sun loungers, and paying peak-season prices for the privilege.

But what if you could have it all without the stress?. 'Destination dupes' is a term used to describe lesser-known travel spots that offer a similar experience to popular destinations, whether in scenery, culture or vibe, but with fewer crowds and (usually) a lower price tag.

They’re not carbon copies, but sometimes the alternative is even better - more culture, more adventure and more space to enjoy it all. So, if you’re ready to trade in the tourist traps for something a little more under the radar, we’ve got you covered. Because the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but how much space (and budget) you have to enjoy them.

Swap Melbourne for Hobart. Hobart is like Melbourne’s cool, laid-back cousin, the one who knows all the best spots but doesn’t have to fight crowds to enjoy them. While Australians flock to Melbourne for trendy bars, bistros, and street art, Hobart does its own thing with cosy wine bars, hyper-local dining, and, well, not much street art - though MONA has enough to make up for it (or, as its eccentric owner David Walsh might say, art up the wazoo).

Aussies understandably flock to Melbourne for its trendy bars, bistros and street art. But Hobart is a great, less crowded alternative, which is like Melbourne's 'cool, laid-back cousin'. Just a short drive away, the Huon Valley is packed with wineries and cider houses, while Freycinet’s white-sand beaches easily rival the Great Ocean Road.

Swap Tokyo for Matsumoto. Matsumoto is the perfect antidote to Tokyo’s chaos right now, offering a more relaxed vibe without losing any of Japan’s charm. There are no neon lights, but instead, you'll find a well-preserved castle and narrow, traditional streets that embrace a much slower pace of life.

While Tokyo is a must-see destination, its chaos can be overwhelming. Matsumoto is the perfect alternative to the chaos of Tokyo, its main draw being the food and the proximity to the Japanese alps. It might feel like the complete opposite of Tokyo’s hustle, but the real draw here is the food. Local specialties like soba noodles and fresh wasabi are hard to beat.

And with the Japanese Alps right on the doorstep, you get the best of both worlds, no matter the season. Swap Bali for Yogyakarta. For Aussies, Bali is pretty much a second home, so suggesting an alternative might feel like a tough sell. But hear me out - how about the complete opposite of Bali? Yogyakarta takes a quieter, more cultural route. It's often referred to as the cultural and artistic capital of Java.

Bali might be like a second-home to many Aussies, but how about a quieter more cultural alternative?. In Yogyakarta you can explore ancient temples and meander through art-filled markets. You can explore ancient temples like Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, meander through art-filled markets, and catch a famous sunset from HeHa Sky View. There's also a rich food scene.

Be sure to try gudeg, a Javanese sweet, savoury jackfruit stew. And if you’re a coffee lover, Java coffee is a must-try, with plenty of cafés around to sample it. Swap Phuket for Khao Lak. Phuket is often the go-to for a tropical getaway, but if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, Khao Lak is a great alternative.

It offers the same beautiful beaches and warm weather but without the big crowds and constant buzz of Phuket. Phuket is a great go-to for a tropical getaway. But Khao Lak is even more relaxing. Think quiet, pristine stretches of sand, lush national parks, and plenty of opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and exploring.

Accommodations range from affordable guesthouses to high-end resorts, much like Phuket. The slight inconvenience of flying into Phuket or Krabi and taking a two-hour drive or bus ride might be why it’s not as popular, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.

Swap Hamilton Island for Mackay. For those who love Hamilton Island but want to keep their budget in check, Mackay delivers similar stunning beaches and easy access without the expensive extras. While you won’t find the same posh beach resorts as Hamilton Island, Mackay has its own charm with boutique accommodations and self-serviced apartments that won’t break the bank.

Hamilton Island is full of fancy beach resorts, but anyone who has been will know it doesn't come cheap. Mackay is a fabulous, budget friendly alternative with gorgeous sunsets and kangaroos hopping in the sand. The beach is a major highlight. Casuarina Beach, in particular, is known for its gorgeous sunsets and occasional kangaroos hopping along the sand. You’ll also find hiking, an emerging food scene, and the chance to explore nearby islands.