The founder of Migrant Musings & Co, a group travel firm based in Noida, Niyati Saxena, argues that although the idea of visiting a destination that is significantly less expensive while maintaining the same style is not new, 'we have a term for it' today.

"Two places may have very similar terrain, landscapes, and even general atmospheres and social configurations," she states. When a location bears striking similarities to another, typically more well-liked one, it is called a "destination dupe."

The CEO and creator of Dashmesh Voyage Private Limited, Ashish Ahuja, goes on to say that another characteristic of these destination dupes is that one may offer comparable landscape or attractions but isn't as "crowded or expensive."

What precisely is meant by "destination duping"?


It occurs when tourists choose less costly alternatives to similar, pricey locations that evoke the same sense of attraction. Put simply, it seeks a similar environment free of exorbitant costs and crowded conditions. For instance, visitors can experience a cultural immersion akin to that of Jaipur by exploring the vibrant markets, delicious cuisine, and camel safaris of Bikaner. Guwahati's rich history and cultural richness can be explored instead of Kolkata, according to Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited.


Why do Indians choose to travel as dupes?

Indians are renowned for being "jugaadus (make-shifters)", and destination dupes are just an improvised way to go somewhere that is considerably less expensive and congested.

Joking aside, experts believe that Indians visit locations that are ruses for far more well-known locations for a variety of reasons.

As Dangi notes, Indians are choosing destination dupes more frequently since they are more affordable, easier to get there, and have a growing need for short vacations because of their hectic schedules.



According to Skyscanner's Travel in Focus 2023 research:

More than 47% of Indian tourists are open to changing their plans if they find a better offer. With Indians getting increasingly savvy with their travel planning, it is not surprising that the ‘dupe destination travel’ trend is on the rise,” said a representative of Edinburg-based travel agency Skyscanner.