Forget Tuscany — there’s a hidden gem across the Adriatic that’s stealing the hearts of savvy travelers looking for charm without the crowds or sky-high costs. Travel bloggers Alicia Walter and Nate Stark, known as The Passport Couple, swapped out their Italian daydream for the ancient city of Berat, Albania — and haven’t looked back since.
With its cascading Ottoman-era architecture, sun-drenched vineyards, and quiet cobblestone alleys, Berat delivers everything you’d want from a European getaway — minus the tourist buses and inflated price tags. Walter and Stark discovered just that on their 2023 trip, where they shared a slow lunch with friends at a local restaurant — food, wine, laughter, all for just $55 total. And the icing on the cake? Sleeping inside a 2,500-year-old castle for just $60 a night, breakfast included.
“Tuscany will always be iconic,” Walter says, “but Berat delivered the same old-world charm and hospitality at a fraction of the price. And honestly? It left an even bigger mark on us.”
Berat is part of a growing trend of “destination dupes” — off-the-radar places that offer similar vibes to world-famous hot spots. These alternatives are becoming a lifeline for travelers juggling wanderlust with tighter wallets. With inflation on the rise and more than half of Americans planning to spend less on travel, dining, and entertainment this year, places like Berat are having a serious moment.
According to a Bank of America survey, 92% of travelers are open to these lesser-known destinations. The reasons? Lower stress, smaller crowds, and the thrill of discovering something new. And let’s not ignore the social media appeal: exploring a place your friends haven’t heard of is a flex that fits perfectly into the age of Instagram.
Mary Hines Droesch of Bank of America puts it simply: “It’s the same cultural experience without the same cost.”
This isn’t just a Europe thing either. Love Santorini? Try Paros, Greece. Dreaming of Taipei? Consider Taiwan’s coastal Taitung instead. Even Mexico’s buzzy spots like Tulum have their dupes — Puerto Escondido offers surf, sand, and authenticity for a fraction of the price.
For Americans skipping overseas flights, domestic swaps are trending too: swap Miami for Vero Beach, or NYC for Toronto — same urban energy, fewer dollar signs. Even business travelers are hopping on the trend, trading in San Francisco for Portland, and Chicago for St. Louis or Atlanta.
At the end of the day, it’s not about where the crowd goes. It’s about where the story takes you. Berat just might be the destination that makes your summer — and your wallet — happy.
So next time you’re mapping out your dream vacation, look past the postcard. The best adventures often begin where the guidebook ends.