Destination Dupes: The Best Alternatives to Popular Family Travel Spots

While there’s no denying that Paris and Kauai are bucket-list destinations, choosing to visit such popular spots also means contending with crowds and high prices. For many parents, it’s not just about pushing a travel stroller through heaps of selfie-stick-wielding tourists but also the decision of whether or not to contribute to the growing problem of overtourism. So, what are parents to do when kids start begging to kick it with Mickey Mouse at Disney World or visit the Grand Canyon?

Well (depending on the age of ​sprouts), it might be a well-timed opportunity to sit down and have a discussion about travel vs. tourism and the importance of respecting the places you go. The next step? Start researching less popular travel picks—AKA what social media calls “destination dupes”—that provide a similar experience (whether that’s immersing yourself in local culture, seeing stunning landmarks, or enjoying gorgeous scenery) to more obvious, well-trodden locations but without the masses and marked-up costs.

Why Opt for Destination Dupes

Traveling with kids is such a special way to bond and make core memories. Of course, family trips aren’t without stressful moments either. Selecting a less popular travel destination helps to mitigate stress and make the entire experience that much better for everyone. As any parent will tell you, overwhelming crowds and long lines are a recipe for disaster with impatient LOs. Trading perennially packed landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum for more manageable sightseeing makes it easier for tots to see and for parents to wield a travel stroller.

Another major consideration? Cost. Traveling with kiddos is already expensive. So, why add stress to your wallet? Second cities and less touristy destinations typically have lower prices, so you’ll save money on activities, dining, and hotels. Picking a less popular travel destination that doesn’t come up as the first or second result in a Google search also allows families to discover unique places and experiences and supports businesses and communities that aren’t flooded with tourism dollars, so it’s often a more sustainable and responsible way to travel.

Scroll on for 10 kid-friendly travel dupes that are awesome alternatives to busier, pricier destinations.

10 Best Alternatives to Popular Travel Destinations

Editor’s Note: When researching or booking international family travel, it’s important to be cognizant of the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to view all current travel advisories.

1. Disney World, Florida → Dollywood, Tennessee

It’s fair to say that virtually every kid asks to visit Disney World at some point. While we’re not suggesting you should dash those dreams at every turn, there are some fun-filled amusement park alternatives that pack a punch without the exorbitant costs and unyielding crowds.

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, supplies exhilarating rides like the Barnstormer and Daredevil Mountain, plus plenty of pint-sized thrills for tots thanks to the Busy Bees and Firehouse Fun Yard. Add to that interactive children’s play areas, themed dinner shows such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and an entire water park. Dollywood also runs special promos and discounts throughout the year, so be sure to check what’s available during your trip!

2. Kauai, Hawaii → São Miguel, Azores

The Azores is often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe” due to its lush scenery. The autonomous Portuguese archipelago smack-dab in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. São Miguel Island, the largest island and easiest access from the United States, welcomes direct flights from Boston and New York. The prospect of a shorter flight and less of a drastic time difference than a trip to Hawaii are, no doubt, huge selling points.

Once families touch down, it’s all about nature-based tourism. Think: whale watching, chasing waters, hiking through the volcanic scenery, and seeing the famous twin crater lakes up close. Crews who crave relaxation will find plenty of that, too. Furnas is famous for its natural hot springs. Stay at a family-friendly hotel like Senhora da Rosa to take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and kids club.

3. Paris, France → Lyon, France

There’s no denying that Paris is enchanting no matter the season. It’s also expensive, and many of the marquee attractions are better suited for older kids and adults (security at the Louvre doesn’t take kindly to unruly tots around priceless art). Located just 1 hour and 45 minutes from the French capital by train, Lyon is a much more manageable and moderately priced city for families.

A trip to admire LEGO creations and create mini masterpieces at the Art of the Brick Lyon is always a good idea. Ditto goes for visits to Musée des Confluences and the Lyon Zoo. It’s nice to amble around the cobbled Vieux Lyon before heading up to Le Jardin des Curiosités for sweeping views. Lyon is a gourmet Mecca with everything from fine dining (probably better to leave the kiddos at home) to cozy taverns serving traditional Lyonese dishes and Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a food hall with many vendors and casual eateries. InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu caters to crews with discounts on adjoining rooms and complimentary breakfast (because no one wants to start the day with a hangry toddler).

4. Tulum, Mexico → Nosara, Costa Rica

Tulum was already on the precipice of becoming too touristy before it got an international airport. Now, it’s easier than ever to flee the cold in search of sand and sea in Riviera Maya’s trendiest vacation spot. Nosara provides pristine beaches​, untamed jungle scenery​, and a wellness-y side akin to Tulum but without the hordes.

Th​e Blue Zone destination on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is favored among surfers. ​Kids as young as 4 years old can take surf lessons​. While toddlers will be content just watching the waves and playing in the sand at the beautiful beaches. It’s also a haven for eco-adventures, from horseback riding and hiking in biological reserves to zip lining and kayaking. There are many yoga studios and healthy eateries​, too. Don’t be surprised when your toddler devours a smoothie bowl packed with local fruit. The Gilded Iguana is a well-priced, family-friendly choice with comfortable rooms, a pool, a kids club, and a knowledgeable guest relations team to take the guesswork out of booking activities.

5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona → Moab, Utah

The Grand Canyon National Park is a bucket-list vacation for many families. Adventure-seeking broods who prefer empty trails and space to let intrepid mini travelers roam would be better served by skipping the world-famous Arizona landmark. Moab, located in eastern Utah, is a great alternative because of the incredible scenery, access to not one but two national parks (pro tip: Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District is great for low-effort, high-payoff hikes and scenic drives), and adventure activities galore.

If you’ve always wanted to give a family glamping getaway a shot, Ulum Moab has tricked-out canvas tents, dipping pools, and fire pits for roasting marshmallows. It’s also prime for stargazing. Admittedly, getting to Moab requires a connecting flight or a lengthy drive to reach. But given that’s the same for the Grand Canyon, we’re guessing that’s not a deal breaker.

6. Nashville, Tennessee → Savannah, Georgia

Savannah gives travelers plenty of urban excitement but without all the bar-hopping and bachelorette parties on Broadway that have become synonymous with hard-partying Nashville. A slower pace and heaps of family-friendly attractions—including the Children’s Museum of Savannah, trolley tours, the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, and Kessler Charters river cruises—give the Hostess City of the South the edge for an easy family weekend away.

Forsyth Park has grassy lawns for kids to run around on and a playground. Plus, it hosts a weekly farmers market. The paved riverfront pathway is stroller-friendly. Older kids who aren’t afraid of spooky stories might enjoy nighttime ghost tours of some of the repurposed haunted historic mansions. With everything from biscuit and gravy bowls at Goody’s and burgers at Sly’s Sliders and Fries to table-side guacamole at the Savannah Tequila Company in the Plant Riverside District and food trucks slinging Neapolitan-style pizza at Starland Yard, plus sweet treats at Leopold’s Ice Cream and River Street Sweets, the culinary scene makes going out to eat with littles pretty enjoyable.

7. Aruba → Roatan, Honduras

Aruba is a fan-favorite Caribbean vacation. Snowbirds flock to the sun-splashed island each winter, driving up costs and making it tough to find affordable accommodations. Roatan, the idyllic island off the northern coast of Honduras, very much flies under the radar—some have called it one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. That translates to a great value for families in search of sunshine, white sand, and turquoise water. Sure, it requires connecting flights, but once broods arrive in laid-back Roatan, the relaxed pace, breezy atmosphere, and tropical scenery.

Snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world promises unforgettable experiences. Little ones who might be a bit too young to dive in a swim with colorful fish can still join in for the fun of boat tours. Perched on West Bag Beach, Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa is a family-friendly stay with a prime beachfront location, spacious villa suites, and a breezy atmosphere to make guests of all ages feel at ease.

8. Newport, Rhode Island → Ogunquit, Maine

Newport is a storied seaside escape that’s lured oil tycoons and well-to-do travelers since the industrial age. Today, the coastal stalwart continues to draw crowds with its lively events like seafood fest and jazz fest. For all the New England charm but a lot of business and better prices, consider Ogunquit.

Besides its hydrangea-framed cottages, this town on Maine’s southern coast has one of the best beaches in the country, a stroller-friendly cliff walk called Marginal Way that winds from Shore Road to Perkins Cove, bike rentals, and boat rides along the river, plus plenty of lobster and ice cream (Big Daddy’s scoops 40 homemade flavors). The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is a great place to take kids to admire the sculptures and paintings. Families looking to save cash and skip crowds might want to think about an off-season trip to explore the dune-backed peninsula and eat fresh seafood solo.

9. Capri, Italy → Ischia, Italy

Not all families have aspirations of vacationing in Europe. For those that do, the prospect of jetting off to make family memories in Italy is likely to ignite wanderlust. The glittering Mediterranean hotspot of Capri boasts dramatic scenery and wallet-draining prices. For a more low-key Italian escape with plenty of coastal charm and delicious cuisine (even picky toddlers can’t resist hand-made pasta and local “Zingara” sandwiches), set your sights on Ischia.

Accessible by ferry from Naples (children under 2 years of age ride for free), the beautiful Italian island offers sandy beaches with shallow water, cultural activities for all ages—including the fan-favorite Aragon Castle—hikes to Mount Epomeo, and thermal hot springs for parents, tweens, and teens. Wondering where to stay? Check into Regina Isabella for generous suites, tennis courts, a thermal spa, and a guests-only beach club.

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany → Leavenworth, Washington

With its cobbled lanes and preserved medieval architecture, Rothenburg ob der Tauber continually ranks among the most charming towns in Europe. But with notoriety come costs and crowds. Not to mention, it requires some long-haul travel. Thankfully, families don’t have to journey to Germany for a taste of Bavarian culture. Leavenworth, a quaint village in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, has alpine-style architecture along with cozy, casual German restaurants (because everyone loves pretzels, and spaetzle aren’t a hard sell). It’s an especially magical Christmas town during December with twinkling lights and holiday markets.

Travelers can go tubing and fat biking at Leavenworth Ski Hill and do sleigh rides all winter long or opt to visit during the warmer months for nature walks, picnics, and camping in Lake Wenatchee State Park. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to carve out some time for the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Kiddos will love learning about and hand-feeding the protected species.

Tips for Enjoying Hidden Gem Destinations

Popular destinations typically have the infrastructure set up to support tourism, whether that’s placing ATMs near cash-only restaurants or stocking the shelves of corner stores with overpriced comforts of home. So you may have to do some extra planning and preparation to enjoy traveling to a destination dupe.

Pack Strategically

Less-plodded places don’t often have all the same conveniences. So it’s important to pack intentionally to ensure you’re covered.That might look like packing a couple of tubes of reef-safe sunscreen for a beach trip or tossing a few extra pouches in a bag if you’re not sure of the snack situation. Babies live everywhere. So it’s typically not an issue to find changing supplies. With that said, if you’re going to a very small island or somewhere remote, it’s a good idea to bring enough diapers and wipes. No matter the destination, it’s always smart to come prepared with family travel must-haves, like children’s Tylenol, bandaids, and ointment.

Do a Little Extra Research

There are hundreds of blog posts and articles about what to do in major cities like the Big Apple. Less flocked-to locales require a bit more research to find family-focused attractions, kid-friendly dining options, and activities that cater to all ages. It pays to put in the legwork ahead of departing for a destination dupe to make things easier on the ground. And, of course, when kids are involved, it’s a lot more about adaptability and flexibility in planning. Think of an itinerary as a rough guide and go with the flow, seek out new areas, and go off the beaten path (but always trust your gut when it comes to safety).

Enjoy the Unexpected

Traveling with LOs is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some crews thrive in a city environment while others prefer a beach escape. No matter when or how you choose to travel, it pays (sometimes quite literally) to venture to lesser-known destinations for more rewarding adventures. Whether it’s booking a trip to ride rollercoasters at Dollywood or eat sandwiches by the sea in Ischia, picking a family-friendly dupe for your next vacation guarantees more quality time exploring with the kids and fewer wasted hours queuing up and contending with crowds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsay Cohn, Contributing Writer

Lindsay is a freelance writer and avid traveler who has visited 46 countries across six continents—and counting. She writes articles for The Everymom about all things travel, from the best family-friendly destinations to tips for traveling with kids and beyond.  When she’s not writing, you can find her doing yoga, spending time with her sons, and planning the next trip on her bucket list.

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