Lower budget? Less crowded? Sounds good to us! Let’s check out our best destination dupes... 

Destination dupe for the Maldives... Turkey 

Swap the Indian Ocean for Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and you’ll still find the same dreamy, tropical-island vibes. Its stunning shoreline is peppered with white-sand beaches and luxurious hotels that feel like a slice of the Maldives minus the jet lag. Between Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon and Kas’s bougainvillea-draped streets, you can spend your days swimming, sunbathing and sunset-sipping.  

Destination dupe for the Caribbean... Sardinia 

Often referred to as the ‘Caribbean of Europe’, sun-blessed Sardinia is all about powder-soft sand, glistening waters and staggering scenery. The Costa Smeralda should be your go-to for days on the sand – it's beach heaven here. And the colourful fishing village of Castelsardo? Well, it could easily be the Crayola-coloured houses of Willemstad in Curacao. In terms of dining, just like the Caribbean, fish is a focus on many menus here, and but in Sardinia, it’s often washed down with a crisp wine and a limoncello shot – yum!  

Destination dupe for Hawaii... Madeira 

Just like palm-studded Hawaii, Madeira’s magnificent landscapes are a magnet for both adventurers and sun-seekers. Floating off the coast of north-west Africa, the island is all volcanic cliffsides, lush valleys and tumbling waterfalls. But while the scenery might scream ‘Hawaii’, the culture, cuisine and warm welcome is distinctively Portuguese – with an island twist! 

Destination dupe for Komodo Islands, Indonesia... Crete 

Want the untouched, adventurous feel of this Indonesian island but not the long flight? Make a beeline for the wild beauty of Crete’s south coast. Sail to remote beaches, hike your way through the breathtaking Samaria Gorge or tuck into fresh seafood in one of the postcard-perfect fishing villages. It’s got all the raw, natural beauty you’d find in Indonesia but with gorgeous Greek tavernas and ancient ruins on your doorstep.  

Destination dupe for Seychelles... Kefalonia 

Pine-covered mountains and seas so clear you can see the fish from the shore? Yep, that’s Kefalonia. Here lazy beach days melt into leisurely boat trips and the gentle pace of life makes it just as blissful as any other far-flung island. Like the Seychelles, Kefalonia’s unspoilt, tranquil and impossibly photogenic — only here, your sunsets come with a side of feta and a glass of local wine.