It’s impossible not to fall under the spell of the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Equal doses of old-world elegance and contemporary comforts, this iconic pink hotel has been a touchstone of Cape Town's history since its launch in 1899.
10.04.2024 - 18:21 / thepointsguy.com / Paris Olympics
Destination dupes are one of the biggest travel trends of 2024. Some tourist hotspots experienced a surge of interest since pandemic restrictions were lifted. So, it's nice to find lesser-known alternatives that offer similar landscapes, vibes or cultural cachets without the hefty price tags or crowds.
Thanks to the Taylor Swift frenzy set to sweep the continent starting in May, Germany's Euro 2024 football championship in June and the Paris Olympics in July, summer travel to Europe is poised to be a pricey experience.
Unfortunately, for families with children in school, peak summer travel is often the only option for a sunny getaway. That's where destination dupes and undiscovered gems offer a perfect stand-in.
Most people think of Greece and immediately book a trip to Santorini or Mykonos. Others head straight for Mallorca or Ibiza when planning a Spanish island escape. However, Europe has hundreds of islands that are perfect alternatives to more tried and tested destinations.
Our take on "go here, not there" isn't written to discourage you from visiting the most touristy islands. Rather, the goal is to flag more affordable, underrated alternatives (in addition to) the more popular spots.
So, in lieu of those package holiday magnets, here are some of Europe's lesser-known islands you should consider visiting for this year's summer escape.
If you want to experience the Spanish sunshine in a luxurious, hip way, consider visiting Ibiza's blissed-out little sister Formentera. You'll still find cool bars, beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants — all without the frantic party vibe of Ibiza. Instead, Formentera has a decidedly boho-chic ambience for those who are mostly done with the raging party scene but still want to experience sexy Spanish coastlines, cocktail in hand.
Daytime activities include exploring the island — which is relatively flat — on bike. (The island boasts more than 62 miles of bike trails.) You can also visit some of the most gorgeous beaches in Europe, including the famous crystal waters of Ses Illetes and the hidden beach cove Calo des Mort. Evenings are for admiring the sunset and bar-hopping in the village of Es Pujols.
Related: 9 quirky destinations in Europe you have to see to believe
The good news about visiting Formentera is that you don't have to skip Ibiza entirely. You can spend a bit of time in Ibiza, then take a 30- to 40-minute ferry over to the paradisiacal island.
While Santorini's whitewashed, blue-domed buildings and magnificent sunsets are a call to the island, it can be crowded and often expensive — especially during the high season (summer). Paros, which is also home to whitewashed villages and stunning shorelines, is a solid alternative.
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It’s impossible not to fall under the spell of the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Equal doses of old-world elegance and contemporary comforts, this iconic pink hotel has been a touchstone of Cape Town's history since its launch in 1899.
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As a full-time digital nomad, I like to follow the sun: I spend part of the year enjoying summer in South America and the other part spending summer in Europe. This year, however, European summer will look slightly different, as Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics. Knowing I’d already be in Europe, there was no way I could miss an event of this caliber.
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