Skip to main content

Discover affordable alternatives with these ‘travel twin’ destinations for 2025

Swap out expensive destinations with a more affordable alternative.

Copenhagen
Amanda Teague / The Manual

When many people dream of a European vacation, they envision strolling through the busy streets of London, marveling at Rome’s ancient ruins, or gliding through Venice’s romantic canals. However, while these iconic destinations are on most travelers’ bucket lists, their popularity often comes with a hefty price tag and overwhelming crowds.

But what if you could experience similar culture, history, and scenery, all while spending less and avoiding the masses? Mastercard’s new Economic Outlook report highlights a fascinating travel trend for 2025: “travel twins.” Unlike obscure “travel dupes” or hidden gems, these destinations mirror the charm and attractions of their more famous counterparts but come at a lower cost and offer a more relaxed experience.

Recommended Videos

Get the same experience for less

Copenhagen
Amanda Teague / The Manual

Mastercard dove into some of the most popular travel twins to help you experience the same magic as top destinations, but for a fraction of the cost.

If your dream trip involves biking along charming streets and enjoying delicious pastries, Copenhagen could be your perfect alternative to Amsterdam. While it may not have Amsterdam’s iconic canals, Copenhagen boasts beautiful harbors with some of the world’s cleanest waters, not to mention a thriving bike culture. 

Craving the tropical vibes of Tulum? Head to Bacalar instead. This southeastern Mexican gem, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, is known for its stunning blue and turquoise waters. It offers the same laid-back charm and natural beauty minus the thousands of tourists. 

If you’re drawn to Bali’s beautiful nature, Lombok provides a refreshing alternative. You’ll enjoy the same tropical paradise vibe but without the overwhelming crowds that Bali often attracts. 

Here are a few more travel twins to consider:

  • Valencia instead of Barcelona
  • Lucerne instead of Geneva
  • Dublin instead of London
  • Seville instead of Madrid
  • Athens instead of Rome
  • Sharjah instead of Dubai
  • Tbilsi instead of Istanbul
  • Budapest instead of Prague
  • Fukuoka instead of Tokyo
  • Stockholm instead of Venice
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
This European country is the No. 1 fall travel spot, says Pinterest
Switzerland took the number one spot
Switzerland

Fall travelers are craving cozy escapes, and Pinterest’s 2025 Fall Trend Report reveals exactly where they’re headed. The platform analyzed search data to uncover this year’s top seasonal travel trends, and the results show a clear preference for European countryside getaways filled with charm, culture, and calming scenery.

Leading the pack is Switzerland, which saw a 367% surge in searches for countryside escapes. It’s easy to understand why. The country is dotted with storybook towns like Gimmelwald, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful Swiss Alps retreat near hiking trails. In Lavaux, the autumn wine harvest draws travelers to terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, while culture seekers can head to Zurich for the city’s annual film festival. Meanwhile, Basel’s centuries-old Autumn Fair transforms the entire city into a lively celebration of tradition, rides, and food.

Read more
Think twice before booking—travel expert warns against these 5 hotel types
Think twice before booking that airport hotel
A hand opening a hotel room door with the room interior in the background

Have you ever scored what seemed like an unbelievable hotel deal, only to show up and realize it wasn’t quite the dream stay you imagined? The truth is, not all hotels are created equal, and sometimes those bargains come with hidden downsides. 

To help travelers avoid a rough night’s sleep (or worse), I spoke with Javier Sobrino, Founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform that curates one-of-a-kind stays in stunning destinations. He shared with me the five types of hotels you should never book, no matter how tempting the price tag looks.

Read more
Explore Thailand in five-star comfort on the new Blue Jasmine train
Explore the Thai countryside by luxury train
DTH Travel

Thailand is raising the bar for rail travel with the debut of The Blue Jasmine, a new luxury train set to launch later this year. Designed to reimagine the country’s sleeper network, the nine-night journey will take passengers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, weaving through lush countryside and five provinces along the way.

With curated stops in Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai, travelers will experience some of the country’s best scenery, all from the comfort of a rolling five-star retreat.

Read more