Arnie Weissmann
Last week I wrote about "dupes," the trend that is pivoting travelers away from overcrowded and overpriced destinations and toward places with similar attributes, but which are less pricey, have fewer visitors and feel less "touristy."
And just as destinations half a world apart may have commonalities, disparate people likewise can share a strong connection based on parallel interests. If you work in the tourism industry, it's not hard to find a kindred spirit who, like you, takes a very special interest in some aspect related to the profession, be it as broad as cruising or as narrow as collecting travel posters.
For me, that interest manifests in a desire to explore places where the odds are great that I won't see another tourist. Some of these places are simply a little off the tourist track, others may be in countries whose guidebooks have yet to be written. I won't go through the entire alphabet of nations that I've found satisfying in this regard, but beginning A through D, I've had my passport stamped in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Central African Republic and Djibouti.
In this regard, there's no one I enjoy swapping travel stories with more than Signature Travel Network's senior advisor, Ignacio Maza. His sense of adventure is matched only by his ability to clearly convey the excitement of wherever he has just returned from. Ignacio is my travel dupe (or rather, he's the original and I'm the dupe).
Sure enough, the morning after my column on recommended dupes was posted, he sent me a list of five dupes he recommends. They were spot on, and I asked if he could come up with five more. He did so, with impressive speed.
Here, in the order he sent them, are Maza's destination dupes:
Instead of Versailles, Fontainebleau.
Older than Versailles, Fontainebleau was home to French kings for over 800 years, and it's one of Europe's largest and most important chateaux. Admire the spectacular art and architecture, wander through the vast gardens and don't miss the Gallery of Francis I. It can be visited on an easy daytrip from Paris.
Instead of Capri, Ischia.
This volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples has been a hot spot for jet-setters and movie stars since the 1950s. Enjoy the mineral-rich waters, spend days on the beach and visit the Aragonese castle. Make a reservation at the elegant Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, the place to stay in Ischia.
Instead of Prague, Olomouc.
Moravia's majestic former capital has much to offer, including charming architecture, cobblestone streets, ornately decorated churches and a justly famous astronomical clock. Visit the Archdiocesan Museum, marvel at the Trinity column in the main square and stop at one of many celebrated microbreweries.
Instead of the Algarve, Comporta.
Portugal's answer to St. Tropez, Comporta comprises seven villages and dune-fringed beaches. It's a mecca for sophisticated travelers. Enjoy delicious Portuguese seafood at restaurants along the coast, shop chic boutiques, ride horses on the beach and stay at the design-forward Sublime Comporta resort. All just a 90-minute drive from Lisbon.
Instead of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore.
Authentic and charming Lake Maggiore has crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains. Hike, kayak, swim, visit the Borromean Islands and stay in great hotels like Villa e Palazzo Aminta for far less than similar five-star hotels on Lake Como.
Instead of Mykonos, Naxos.
The largest Cycladic island has enchanting whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, green valleys and superb beaches, including Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. For outdoor enthusiasts, hike to the summit of Mount Zeus, the highest point in the Cyclades. Stay at the elegant Naxian Collection resort.
Instead of the Dolomites, the Piedmont region.
Piedmont, along Italy's northwest frontier, has the highest peaks and largest glaciers in the country. Visit Monviso for breathtaking Alpine panoramas and sip some of Italy's finest wines, including Barolo and Asti, right at their source. Stay at Relais San Maurizio, a former mountaintop monastery that's been turned into an elegant hideaway.
Instead of Barcelona, Valencia.
Spain's third-largest city has over 2,000 years of history. There are countless Gothic and art nouveau landmarks as well as the ultramodern City of Arts and Sciences, designed by native son Santiago Calatrava. Shop the Mercado de Colon, explore El Carmen neighborhood and taste paella where it was invented.
Instead of Tuscany, Umbria.
Umbria, the self-proclaimed "green heart of Italy," offers Etruscan sites, rolling hills, charming medieval villages and Perugia's superb art collections. Orvieto and Assisi, St. Francis' hometown, get all the attention, but Todi and Gubbio will steal your heart. Taste delicious cuisine and excellent white wines from the region.
Instead of Iceland, Faroe Islands.
A self-governing archipelago owned by Denmark, the Faroes attract intrepid travelers searching for dramatic peaks, stunning landscapes, green valleys and countless waterfalls. Hike, bicycle, fish or ride a Faroese horse. Stay in Torshavn, the islands' charming and tiny capital and the best base camp for adventures.