Cheaper, cosier and just as beautiful: Five destination dupes for an unforgettable holiday

From Amsterdam to Paris and Venice - many popular destinations are often overcrowded, overpriced and therefore not very inviting for a relaxing city break. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives that are just as beautiful and authentic as their famous doppelgangers - but without the crowds. According to Expedia, these so-called destination dupes are particularly popular this year. Discover five charming destinations that are on a par with their great role models. 

Chioggia instead of Venice 

Picturesque canals, narrow alleyways and colourful fishing boats - Chioggia offers authentic Venetian flair, only cosier than Venice. The quaint town of 50,000 inhabitants lies south of Venice in the lagoon. Like its popular doppelganger, the city stands on stilts and is characterised by historic buildings, many bridges and a rich maritime history. It is clear that it is nicknamed ‘Little Venice’. Incidentally, you can see its big sister from the popular Vigo Bridge. A must-do: Take a boat trip across the canals and enjoy the fresh catch of the day at the famous fish market or at the annual fish festival (in July). After your sightseeing tour, you can relax on the neighbouring beaches of Sottomarina and Isola Verde.  

Bucharest instead of Paris  

A triumphal arch, wide boulevards and magnificent buildings - the French influence on the neo-baroque architecture and urban planning of the Romanian capital is hard to miss. This similarity has earned Bucharest the nickname ‘Paris of the East’. But there are also many other architectural styles to discover: Art Deco, Jugendstil, Bauhaus, Zuckerbäcker and Brâncoveanu styles as well as socialist prefabricated buildings and Ottoman influences. So architecture fans will get their money's worth, even if the ravages of time have taken their toll on many of the buildings. The gigantic Parliament Palace, which was built by dictatorial President Nicolae Ceaușescu, is particularly impressive. Today, it houses the Romanian Chamber of Deputies and the National Museum of Modern Art, among other things. You can find more inspiring art in the Lipscani neighbourhood. It is known for its galleries and lively nightlife. 

Lucca (Italy) instead of Florence 

For many, Florence, the largest city in Tuscany, is a must on the bucket list. But it can also be smaller and just as beautiful: Lucca is around 80 kilometres away. With its winding alleyways, cosy squares and impressive architecture, Lucca's old town exudes an authentic Tuscan atmosphere. It is surrounded by a historic city wall that dates back to the 12th/13th century and is still completely intact. A wide circular path invites you to take a stroll. It is also worth visiting the imposing 12th-century San Martino Cathedral, which is reminiscent of Florence Cathedral. You can get a view over the city and the picturesque hilly landscape from the Torre delle Ore clock tower - 207 steps lead to the top. Another tower will also catch your eye: a hanging garden with holm oaks crowns the Torre Guinigi. Before you say goodbye to Lucca, you should definitely try a buccellato, a sweet yeast bread with sultanas, aniseed liqueur and lemon zest. Because as the Lucca saying goes: ‘If you come to Lucca and don't eat buccellato, you haven't really been there.’ 

Ghent, Belgium instead of Amsterdam, Netherlands  

Amsterdam is particularly famous for its picturesque canals - but it is also a favourite with tourists. For a similar setting, a trip to neighbouring Belgium is worthwhile. Ghent offers equally picturesque canals in its medieval city centre. The Graslei and Korenlei canals stretch along the Leie, boasting opulently decorated merchants' houses and small bridges. Perfect for a stroll or a canal cruise. The Sint Michielsbrug offers one of the most beautiful views of Ghent's historic city centre. To top it all off, you should try the typical double-fried Belgian fries and the famous Belgian waffles. 

Pula, Croatia instead of Rome, Italy 

From the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon and St Peter's Basilica - the so-called ‘Eternal City’ is rich in historical attractions and is therefore popular all over the world. But well-preserved sights from antiquity can also be discovered on the other side of the sea in Pula, Croatia. There is a Roman amphitheatre there, which was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian. He also had the Colosseum built in Rome. The amphitheatre in Pula dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved in antiquity. Today, films are shown there, for example at the large Pula Film Festival in July. Less opulent than the triumphal arches of Rome, but just as photogenic, is the Sergio Arch in the small harbour town. The city wall with Hercules Gate and Porta Gemina as well as the Temple of Augustus are also reminders of Roman rule.  

Five gadgets that will make your Dupe trip even more comfortable 

Road trips are a great way to get to know the country and its people. As you make your way to Lucca or Ghent, the landscapes pass you by and get you in the mood for the flair. Take a break to sample local specialities and chat to the locals. To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we recommend five practical gadgets. Planning your holiday can be stressful. The Mapstr app helps you get organised. Here you can save must-sees in advance and browse through tips from friends and other users. To save money on the road, use digital services/apps where you can find petrol stations and compare prices.

Arrived at your destination but can't find a parking space? There are many apps that show you parking options, such as Parkopedia. Once you're there, it helps you to order coffee in the local language. Apps like Duolingo help you learn the basics in a fun way. But to get you rolling and enjoy the local cuisine, the all-in-one gadget CS FREE from CTEK is a must. The fully automatic charging and maintenance device is also a high-tech power bank and not only supplies discharged vehicle batteries with power, but also laptop, smartphone and tablet batteries as well as electric coolers via a USB connection. If your car doesn't start, the CS FREE gets your battery ready for use again in just 15 minutes. So nothing stands in the way of an uninterrupted destination trip.