North American Travel Destination Alternatives To European Vacations
29 Jul 2024 by Pedro Aristes in Caribbean, Cuisine, Escape, General, Home, Hotels, Latin America, Money, Pleasure, Power, Restaurants, Spirits, USA
Every summer, people feel major FOMO when European vacations flood their TikTok and Instagram feeds. To help get over the funk, Expedia highlights destination dupes that are just as trip-worthy as their tried-and-true doppelgängers but offer more savings and fewer crowds. Here are some of the top summer alternatives for travelers looking to stay stateside:
Boston (dupe for Dublin)
- Boston is a great alternative for Dublin due to its rich history, walkability, strong Irish heritage and ample green spaces. Both cities offer a similar atmosphere with charming streets, historic landmarks and many Irish pubs where you can enjoy a perfect pint of Guinness.
- Experience major savings by choosing Boston for your summer escape. NYC > Boston avg is $57 vs. NYC > Dublin avg is $316.
Martha’s Vineyard (dupe for Menorca)
- Martha’s Vineyard is an ideal substitute for Menorca, offering stunning coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere just an hour’s flight from New York. Both destinations feature excellent seafood, picturesque harbors and plenty of opportunities for water activities.
- NYC > Martha’s Vineyard avg is $115 vs. NYC > Menorca avg is $562.
Québec City (dupe for Geneva)
- Québec City is an excellent North American counterpart to Geneva. It blends European charm with historic architecture, quaint towns and lively cultural offerings. Both cities feature diverse dining choices and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
- NYC > Québec City avg is $279 compared to NYC > Geneva, which averages $512.
Napa (dupe for Nice)
- Napa is a good dupe for Nice because both destinations offer a blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness. Napa’s vineyards and countryside resemble the Mediterranean scenery of Nice, which boasts gorgeous beaches, vibrant markets and delicious cuisine.
- Enjoy big savings on time and costs, with an hour’s flight from LA > Napa averaging $130 compared to LA > Bordeaux, which averages $654.
Catalina Island (dupe for Capri)
- Catalina Island is a perfect substitute for Capri, offering breathtaking coastal views, clear waters for snorkeling, a relaxed atmosphere and seaside towns with delightful shops and cafes — ideal for those on the West Coast seeking a Mediterranean-style escape closer to home.
- Soak up the allure of an island retreat for a fraction of the price (Portland > LA averages $106 vs. Portland > Capri averages $746).
Solvang (dupe for Copenhagen)
- Known as the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang features Danish-style architecture, boutiques and cozy tasting rooms. Travelers can enjoy traditional Danish pastries at Mortensen’s Danish Bakery and explore the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.
- Solvang is a quick flight from major West Coast cities like Seattle ($199) and Portland ($189). California residents can opt for a scenic drive to Solvang, taking in coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), compared to LA > Copenhagen, which averages $520 with stops.
Gen Z-Approved Hotel Experiences to Add to Your Summer Bucket List
This summer’s travel is all about crossing experiences off the bucket list. Gen Z travelers are increasingly picking their stays based on the uniqueness of the experience. From aesthetics to elaborate dining and shows, here are some of the more unique hotels that travelers can experience.
- Clear Sky Resorts offers uniquely decorated sky domes near the Grand Canyon, where you can experience the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of being inside.
- For the music lover, Hotel Magdelena offers a vinyl listening bar with Japanese-inspired cocktails.
- Carter Creek Winery Resort in Texas Hill Country offers an original selection of wines made in their winery just steps away from their stays for travelers looking for an immersive wine-tasting experience.
- The Noelle Hotel brings the iconic sounds of Nashville to its guests with live entertainment from up-and-coming musicians from Thursdays to Saturdays. Their bar, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” also offers immersive dining experiences such as “Mad Hatter Tea.”
- Hotel Ändra in Downtown Seattle offers cooking classes that allow travelers to try their hand at making a range of cuisines, from pizzas to paella. Visitors can also watch the taping of the live radio show.
BYOBoat: Best Vacation Rentals for Water Lovers
Bring your own boat to these top Florida vacation rentals situated on or near the water. Each home offers must-have amenities for the ultimate warm-weather getaway. Whether boating, kayaking, jet skiing or simply enjoying the breathtaking water views, these homes are still available to book this summer with your friends and family.
- St. Andrew’s Bay Home (Panama City, FL)
- Make Your Mark (Panama City, FL)
- Floating Home (Bradenton, FL)
- Castle On The Bay (Sarasota, FL)
- Brightwater Blue (Clearwater, FL)
- Holiday Isle Home (Destin, FL)
- Holiday Isle Condo (Destin, FL)