A popular trend for this summer season in 2024 is ‘duping’, a favoured place for an underrated counterpart. Many travellers these days are ditching tourist hotspots and seeking offbeat destinations to visit to gain unique experiences and duplicate what major cities offer without the crowds and cliches. Destination duping is the latest travel trend set in 2024. According to several industry leaders, it is a version of the offbeat travel trend.
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Destination duping – An Overview
Destination duping is when travellers choose an option that is offered and is less expensive and somewhat similar to expensive destinations. It is a trend of seeking a comparable atmosphere that is without expense and overcrowding. According to Rajeev Kale, “For example, travelers can explore the lively markets, camel safaris, and delectable cuisine of Bikaner, providing a cultural immersion similar to Jaipur. Instead of Kolkata, one can explore Guwahati’s cultural diversity and rich history”.
Also, as per a representative of Edinburg-based travel agency Skyscanner,“Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus 2023 report found that over 47% of Indian travelers are willing to switch their itineraries when presented with better travel deals. With Indians getting increasingly savvy with their travel planning, it is not surprising that the ‘dupe destination travel’ trend is on the rise,”.
This trend of skipping a well-known popular destination for a less expansive and affordable offbeat destination is not new. The Expedia Group’s Unpack ’24 report and American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations : Off the Beaten Path report have predicted that this trend will spread as people begin to settle into the warm season.
Also Daniel D’Souza explained “The surge in destination duping reflects a profound shift in travelers’ preferences, driven by a quest for genuine cultural immersion and value-driven experiences, particularly discernible among the younger demographic seeking authenticity,”. He also added “This trend is substantiated by robust data showcasing a clear inclination towards unique, offbeat destinations,” .
Travellers can opt for Kalpa Village instead of Shimla.
Travellers can now choose Kalpa Village by skipping Shimla, as it is heaven above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district. You can enjoy Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek and the intricacies of Tibetan pagoda architecture, and you will enjoy the atmosphere owing to the absence of overcrowded tourism in this beautiful riverside town.
Opt for Gokarna instead of Goa
Gokarna is an offbeat destination in the Southwestern township on The Arabian Sea. It is a pilgrimage destination for people seeking religious sites. Visitors can enjoy the Mahabaleshwar Temple, beach trekking on Kudle Beach, and learning to surf on Crescent Beach. Compared to Goa, Gokarna offers a crowd-free coastline where you can spot dolphins.
Opt for Khimsar village instead of Jaipur.
Khimar is a village off National Highway 62 in Rajasthan where you can enjoy and admire clear Jaipur’s all-year-round touristic football. You can go for a camel ride here to Khimsar Fort and explore the local man-made oases, also known as Rajasthani Dhani.
Opt for North Sikkim instead of Ladakh.
North Sikkim, the most offbeat destination with many landmarks, runs through mountain ranges. The place is best for natural and culinary landscapes and trekking to high latitudes like Green Lake, GuruDongmar Lake and Tso Lhamo Lake. You must also visit the Rhododendron Sanctuary during spring and a visit to Kaziranga National Park for a wild yak.
Opt for Vagamon instead of Ooty.
Vagamon is an endless stretch of tea estates similar to Ooty but a less busy hill station. It is a year-round destination where you can enjoy fresh tea at Vanilla Country Heritage Plantation House and then explore Vagamon Falls, Bartien Hills, etc.
