Memorial Day is around the corner and it’s time to plan your summer vacation. But, traveling to far-flung destinations is not always feasible due to work, financial responsibilities, and other commitments.
Destination dupes are the perfect alternative. These are duplicate travel destinations, that are closer and more affordable. These locations offer similar experiences, vibes and scenery as their popular counterparts.
Most don’t require a passport and are easier to reach. They maintain more of the local culture and charm without the commercialization of high-profile spots. There are fewer crowds, meaning more relaxed visits.
The following are five destination dupes I recommend having visited them all.
Instead of Paris, France ➤ Montreal, Canada
Montreal is the second largest French speaking city in the world. It is their official language, yet English is spoken by everyone.
Perched on a 30-mile-long island at the convergence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, Montreal is the perfect blend of modernity and stunning historic architecture. I spent a week there and felt like I was in Europe! Why cross the Atlantic to France, when her beautiful twin sister resides in Northeast Canada?
Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) features cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture reminiscent of Paris’ Marais and Latin Quarter.
Like Paris, Montreal has a thriving cafe and bistro scene with terrace seating, espresso culture, fresh croissants and a deep love for wine and cheese.
It’s a creative hub with world-class art galleries, fashion designers, and music festivals – echoing Paris’ reputation for high culture and style.
Getting around Montreal is easy and fast on the metro, which is similar to Paris’ underground. There are 68 metro stations and four different lines. Art installations decorate the walls of most terminals. I don’t recommend renting a car during your Canada trip because driving can be tricky. Also, the street signs are in French and parking is expensive.
Montreal’s scenic riverfront mimics that of the Seine. Stroll it’s banks, bike the paths, or have a picnic. The entire city has a slower pace, lending itself to a relaxed vacation.
Instead of Capri, Italy ➤ Catalina Island, California
Capri and Catalina are small, scenic islands off the coast, known for being relaxing escapes with a mix of nature and luxury. They are reachable by ferry and feel like a world away from their frenetic mainland cities despite being close.
The ferry ride to each of the islands is even the same — one hour and 20 minutes from Naples to Capri. One hour and 30 minutes from Dana Point Harbor to Catalina Island. This makes both popular day trips and weekend getaways.
Avalon, Catalina’s charming town center, is reminiscent of Capri’s Piazzetta. It’s quaint, walkable, has boutique shops, restaurants and a laid-back pedestrian atmosphere. It’s the jumping off point to myriad activities available on Catalina.
The 26-square mile California island was purchased by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. in 1919. The entrepreneur’s vision quickly came to fruition in making the place a vacation destination.
In 1929 the iconic casino was build at a cost of $2 million. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a casino. Rather a movie theater and ball room that hosted big bands.
A circular, 1,500-square foot dance floor on the upper level boasts views to the horizon. Ornate columns surround the ocean promenade. Nine 25-foot tall murals on the facade were designed by John Beckman of Graumans’ Chinese Theater fame.
Today the casino continues to host movies and private events. It’s open for general admission or VIP backstage tours. I highly recommend either. The space is a living example of art deco at it’s finest.
Like Capri’s Centro Caprenes Ignazio Cerio, Catalina Museum for Art & History showcases the past with its well curated exhibits. Most are permanent, documenting Catalina from the 1880’s. Displays like the present Catalina clay exhibition are on view only until January 4, 2026.
Wrigley’s El Rancho Escondido recently opened to the public for the first time, giving a glimpse into the family’s historic Arabian horse farm and nearby winery. These are just a few of the island opportunities for a getaway of seaside splendor and inland excursions.
Tours of the island are available here: http://vi.me/hC95D
Instead of East Asia (Japan & Korea) ➤ Los Angeles, California Little Tokyo & Koreatown
One of the largest Asia populations in American lives in Los Angeles, California. The diaspora of immigrants has brought with them their customs, foods, and lifestyle rivaling their Eastern counterparts.
LA’s Little Toyko and Koreatown combined make up about three square miles. Their popularity has prompted a celebrity chef scene, restored hotels and cultural endeavors.
The Nippon nucleus distilled the best of Japan into a thriving Little Tokyo neighborhood. Issei (immigrants) and Nisei (children born in America) live and work in the area.
Japanese Village Plaza has numerous ramen “shops”, as they’re know in Asia, and Hiroshima style okonomiyaki restaurants serving delicious 11-layer noodle, veggie, and meat mountains prepared by Japanese chefs. Top it off with a caramel Mochi puff dessert at Yamazaki Bakery.
Shopping is just as plentiful. Japan’s iconic Hello Kitty Sanrio boutique is always fun. Stop in and see what the fashionable feline is up to.
Tokyo, Japan has museums such as the National Museum of Japanese History which touches on the Japanese-American experience. But, a more comprehensive view is in LA’s Little Tokyo Japanese American National Museum. Here documents, photos and objects show the racial discrimination they endured in the USA, the evacuation of 120,000 Japanese to internment camps in 1942, and present-day relationships.
For a lighter excursion, stop at the James Irvine Japanese Garden. It’s a pocket of peace where paths wind through bamboo, sequoias and cedar bridges throughout the one-fifth-acre zenscape.
LA’s Koreatown (K-Town) has a bustling atmosphere just like Seoul, Korea. Second-generation American’s are operating walking tours, karaoke rooms (noraebang) late night dining and trendy cafes serving bingsu, dalgona lattes and open past midnight.
The place runs 24/7, and the Metro’s Purple Line will take you along the main artery.
Roy Choi, of Kogi BBQ food truck fame, has a cult following in K-Town. Born in Seoul and raised in LA, you’d swear you’re at the Korean Gwangjang Market when biting into his kimchi.
Walking throughout K-Town, Korean language signs and ads are everywhere, just like Seoul. Many locals speak Korean and Korean media is often playing in public spaces. Just like Little Tokyo, the authentic atmosphere makes for a wonderful experience.
Instead of Cotswold, England ➤ Newport, Rhode Island
Both these regions have long histories of riches and high society. The Cotswolds were home to wealthy wool merchants and aristocrats, while Newport was the summer playground for America’s Vanderbilts and Astors with grand mansions like The Breakers and Marble House.
The Cotswold’s offer rolling hills and pastoral views with stone cottages, manors, and centuries-old villages of preserved Medieval and Tudor history.
In that same vein, Newport provides natural beauty, yet it’s views are of the dramatic Atlantic coast. It’s old-world charm is from the Colonial and Gilded Age. Both vacation spots showcase architectural beauty rooted in history.
Touring Newport’s landmark mansions is a must. Count on spending the day there. Start with The Breakers. It’s the crown jewel. Cornelius Vanderbilt who inherited the New York Railway system from his grandfather in 1885, commissioned the 70-room luscious residence for approximately $7 million.
A few rooms were built in Europe, shipped to the USA and reassembled in the estate. The Breakers name was given because of the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crashing into the cliffs below.
Often the Vanderbilts hosted large parties with 350 or more guests. They would all convene in the music parlor for dances and recitals. Cornelius and his wife, who were talented violinists and pianists, would entertain throughout the evening.
Another favorite is The Elms estate built for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind. The conservatory is fabulous. Floor to ceiling windows, an ornate fountain depicting horses and riders, plus plants and flowers spilling from every corner blend perfectly with the manicured gardens in the distance.
This Newport mansion’s formal landscaping is reminiscent of Kiftsgate Court Gardens in the Cotswolds.
Treat yourself to lunch at Castle Hill Inn about four miles away. It was established in 1875 — before the nearby mansions. The Lawn Terrace restaurant is perched on the seaside bluffs.
Should you want to embrace the entire Newport experience, Castle Hill Inn has cottages and beach house rooms to rent.
A guided tour of Newport will treat you like a queen with provided transportation and pick up at your hotel. Reserve here: http://vi.me/ZFX8V
Instead of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador ➤ Channel Islands, California
In the hazy distance off Ventura California’s coast lies five islands that comprise the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. It’s thought this archipelago 11-miles out to sea was part of the mainland millions of years ago.
Likewise, the Galapagos Islands dot the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These sit 600 miles out and were never part of South America’s land mass, rather born of volcanic eruptions. This is the rare difference between the two island chains.
With limited development and strict tourism controls, both are ecological treasures with endemic species found nowhere else. Surrounding waters are marine protected zones, rich in biodiversity.
The Galapagos are famous for giant tortoises, blue footed boobies and coral reefs. Western gulls, brown pelicans and 21 different species of kelp call Channel Islands’ home.
Channel Island’s closest isle is Anacapa. It’s accessible by Island Packers 64-foot boat, Vanguard. They’ve been transporting visitor’s from Oxnard and Ventura since 1968.
Lodging on the island consists of a campground with seven campsites. You’ll need reservations for the boat and camping.
In the warmer months, park rangers with special microphone-equipped dive masks and underwater video cameras descend into the kelp forest and interact with you on a virtual underwater “hike” through the shaggy fringes. This can be viewed on numerous devices.
The Q&A with the divers teach first hand how to keep the world’s ecosystem in balance.
Hiking is so peaceful as you take in sweeping views of Inspiration Point and the 40-foot Arch Rock while listening to the distant horn of the island’s lighthouse.
Tranquility is the result whether visiting the Galapagos or Channel Islands. One is just a tad easier to get to.
Next time you dream of traveling far and wide, remember amazing destination dupes are another alternative.
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