Swap the Maldives and Amalfi for these stunning dupes that can save you thousands
Hands up who's dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives? Or visiting the charming Italian Riviera with its cliffside villages and postcard views?
Though these spots have long been dream destinations, they do come with a few downsides: higher prices and bigger crowds, to name two.
Thankfully, there are some great travel 'dupes' out there - destinations that deliver the same magic, without the downsides of overtourism.
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El Nido, in the Philippines is a cheaper alternative to the Maldives. Getty
Swap the Maldives for El Nido, Philippines
Why go: White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and private-island vibes without Maldives prices.
El Nido, located on the northern tip of Palawan Island in the Philippines, is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty.
Think island-hopping, white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, coral reefs, and snorkelling or kayaking to your heart's content. Basically, it's what you get in the Maldives, but for a much more reasonable price.
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The water around El Nido is unbelievably clear. Getty
"A luxury villa in El Nido costs from $215 per night compared to $1,000+ in the Maldives," Tristan Dakin, ANZ Country Manager at Wise tells 9Travel.
Flights to Palawan start at less than $400 - compared to $727 to the Maldives.
And with the AUD currently stronger against the Philippine Peso (compared to USD, which is used in tourist areas of the Maldives), Australians can enjoy greater value for money.
People head to Bali but forget about the other parts of Indonesia. Getty
Swap Bali for Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Why go: Bali vibes without the crowds.
"For those seeking a less overdeveloped alternative, while still having some of the amenities that Bali has to offer, Labuan Bajo, on the nearby Flores Island, is a great option to consider," says Tristan.
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo Island, a must-see for its dramatic cliffs, pink sand beaches, and the chance to see Komodo dragons in the wild.
Accommodation ranges from $40 hostels to $550 luxury villas.
"Travellers can save on activities by joining group tours and booking early, and the region's remoteness means fewer crowds and more authentic encounters," says Tristan.
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Albania is a budget traveller's dream. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Swap the Amalfi Coast for the Albanian Riviera
While Italy's Amalfi Coast is famous for its picture-perfect charm, it's also one of Europe's most expensive coastal destinations.
Meanwhile, just across the Adriatic, Albania has been steadily increasing in popularity, especially for budget travellers.
"For travellers seeking similar vibes without the price tag, the Albanian Riviera offers a compelling alternative. Towns like Vlorë, Himarë, and Sarandë boast turquoise waters, beach clubs, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife – all at a fraction of the cost," says Tristan.
The beaches in Albania are beautiful and typically quiet. Getty
"Accommodation in Vlorë starts from $80–$160 per night, compared to $300+ in Positano or Ravello. Meals are also significantly cheaper, with a seafood dinner costing around $44 compared to $100 in Positano, and beachside cocktails under $10."
Budgeting tips for Australians travelling abroad
A few small tweaks to the way you travel can actually save you a lot of money, says Tristan.
Choose where to save, where to splurge
"Smart budgeting starts with knowing your priorities," says Tristan.
For example, maybe you're happy staying in budget hotels, so you can splurge on great tours and experiences.
Once you've set those goals, you can map out how much you need, and start to save.
Pay in the local currency. Getty
Always pay in local currency
"When paying or withdrawing money overseas, always choose the local currency, not AUD," he warns. "This helps avoid unnecessary conversion fees often added by ATM providers and merchants."
Don't just accept any old exchange rate
You'll quickly learn that some banks and currency exchange spots give you much weaker rates, and pocket the difference.
"At Wise, we use the real mid-market exchange rate, the same one you see on Google, and charge a transparent, low fee," Tristan says.
Budget travel isn't about cutting corners, it's about making smart choices. Getty
On average, he says that translates to a saving of up to 7x when compared to using a bank for international transfers or spending abroad.
"At the end of the day, budgeting isn't about cutting corners, it's all about making smart choices that let you enjoy more of your trip without the financial stress," says Tristan.
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