vacation - DAILY WAFFLE

Where to Find the Best Holiday Homes for a Relaxing Stay in Menorca

September 16, 2026 Entertainment Queen 0

Menorca has a wonderful knack for slowing you down the moment you step off the plane. This Balearic gem offers a rich mix of seaside […]

Know your rights: What passengers should know following UK air traffic control disruption

September 16, 2026 Guest Writer 0

A technical fault at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) last week has caused widespread delays and cancellations at the UK’s biggest airports, including Heathrow and […]

The rise of the 'destination dupe' trend means many travellers are swapping Europe's busiest tourist hotspots in favour of lesser-known destinations. With peak holiday season upon us, these hidden gem alternatives offer a similar atmosphere and experience with a more relaxed pace and less crowds. To help holidaymakers discover their next getaway, travel experts at eShores have revealed the underrated European destinations that offer all the appeal of some of the continent's most popular holiday spots. 6 popular European destinations and the underrated alternatives worth visiting: Paris Paris remains one of Europe's most visited destinations thanks to its famous landmarks, rich history and renowned food scenes. However, travellers often encounter large crowds and long queues, especially during peak travel periods. Destination dupe: Toulouse Known as 'The Pink City' thanks to its distinctive terracotta architecture, Toulouse offers much of the charm and romance associated with Paris. Visitors can combine elegant boulevards, bustling café culture and beautiful riverside views with a more relaxed atmosphere. Wander historic streets, enjoy local markets and dine al fresco along the Garonne River. London London is packed with iconic landmarks, cultural attractions and a vibrant nightlife scene. But, its popularity means many visitors can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the pace and scale of the capital. Destination dupe: Manchester For travellers looking for a UK city break with culture, history and a vibrant atmosphere, Manchester is a fantastic alternative to London. Known for its iconic music heritage, impressive Victorian architecture and thriving food and nightlife scene, the city offers plenty to discover without the scale and pace of the capital. Visitors can explore world-class museums, browse independent shops in the Northern Quarter and enjoy everything from live music venues to renowned sporting attractions. Rome Rome remains one of Europe's most iconic city-break destinations. However, its global appeal means many of its most famous attractions can become extremely busy. While these attractions are must-sees, some visitors find the crowds and queues can make it harder to fully soak up the city's atmosphere. Destination dupe: Verona For travellers looking to experience Italy's culture and romance without the intensity of Rome's busiest tourist areas, Verona is a charming alternative. Best known as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the city offers beautiful piazzas, Roman architecture and a rich cultural heritage, all within a compact and walkable centre. Athens Athens' popularity and extreme heat during summer months can mean key attractions, such as the Acropolis, become particularly busy and uncomfortable. This is a concern, especially when exploring the city's historic sites and steep streets. Destination dupe: Thessaloniki For travellers looking for a Greek city break filled with history, culture and Mediterranean charm, Thessaloniki is an excellent alternative. Set on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, Greece's second-largest city is known for its rich Byzantine heritage, vibrant waterfront and thriving food scene. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks, wander through colourful neighbourhoods and enjoy bustling cafés and tavernas while taking in sea views along the city's famous promenade. Lisbon Lisbon has become one of Europe's most sought-after city-break destinations in recent years. However, its growing popularity means visitors can encounter crowded viewpoints and busy attractions during peak travel periods. The city's famously steep hills can also make exploring on foot more challenging, particularly during the warmer summer months. Destination dupe: Coimbra For travellers looking for the history, culture and colourful streets that make Lisbon so popular, Coimbra offers a quieter and more authentic alternative. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the city is packed with historic architecture, charming alleyways and traditional Portuguese character. Visitors can explore centuries-old libraries before wandering along the Mondego River without the crowds often found in the capital. Vienna Renowned for its grand palaces and rich musical heritage, Vienna has long been considered one of Europe's most elegant city-break destinations. While the city offers an abundance of historyand world-class museums, some visitors find that the most well-known areas can feel crowded and heavily geared towards tourism. Destination dupe: Graz The city of Graz offers a charming alternative with a more relaxed atmosphere. Austria's second-largest city is known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Renaissance courtyards and colourful buildings create a similar sense of grandeur to the capital. Visitors can enjoy a thriving food scene, explore independent boutiques and galleries, and take in panoramic views from the iconic Schlossberg Hill. Gavin Lapidus, Company Director, at eShores comments: "While iconic destinations like Paris, Rome and Lisbon remain popular for good reason, many travellers are starting to look beyond the obvious choices in search of more authentic and less crowded experiences. The rise of destination dupes reflects a growing desire to experience the culture and atmosphere of a place without the queues, inflated prices and packed tourist hotspots that often come with the most famous cities. What's particularly appealing about these alternative destinations is that they're not compromises. Cities such as Toulouse, Verona and Graz offer their own unique character while delivering much of what travellers love about their more famous counterparts. These lesser-known destinations often allow visitors to experience a place at a more relaxed pace and connect more closely with the local culture." For more information on eShores, and how they can help you plan and book your dream holiday, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/

Europe’s best-kept travel secrets: the hidden gems replacing tourist hotspots

September 12, 2026 Guest Writer 0

The rise of the ‘destination dupe’ trend means many travellers are swapping Europe’s busiest tourist hotspots in favour of lesser-known destinations. With peak holiday season […]

The hidden cruise cost first-time solo travellers almost always miss — and it can nearly double your holiday price

September 8, 2026 Guest Writer 0

Cruise holidays are one of the easiest ways to see the world, with all-inclusive amenities, endless buffets and the chance to visit multiple destinations without […]

Adventure travel brand for 18-30’s reveals name change and major rebrand

August 27, 2026 Guest Writer 0

A leading travel specialist for 18-30’s has undergone a major rebrand and name change, reflecting changing youth travel trends. Founded in 2011, Gap 360 is […]

5 sanity-saving tips for travelling with kids

August 10, 2026 Guest Writer 0

With summer getaways fast approaching, for many parents, long queues, airport delays and mid-journey meltdowns may leave them overwhelmed before they even reach their destination. In fact, one contributor to a public Mumsnet discussion […]

Surprising travel laws that could cost Brits over £400 in fines

August 5, 2026 Guest Writer 0

Taking a selfie could land you in trouble in Sri Lanka, while wearing board shorts in a French swimming pool could see you turned away […]

From FOMO to Slow-mo: Why travellers are slowing down in the Nordics

July 31, 2026 Guest Writer 0

After years of racing to tick destinations off the bucket list, travellers are taking a different approach. They’re still booking the once-in-a-lifetime trips they’ve always […]

Europe’s best ‘water wellness’ destinations – and where to get the same fix in the UK

July 27, 2026 Guest Writer 0

Britons are choosing staycations over holidays abroad in record numbers this summer, with current trends data even suggesting that for the first time, more of us are […]

Europe’s top hook-up destinations

July 20, 2026 Entertainment Queen 0

New research from Superdrug Online Doctor has revealed the European destinations Brits most associate with hook-ups and holiday romances, with party destination Ibiza taking the top […]

Travel expert reveals how to avoid airport queues this summer

July 15, 2026 Guest Writer 0

With peak summer travel underway and all international airports in 25 EU member states using EES, airports across the country are reaching full capacity with […]

Not a football fan? Citalia reveals where to escape the World Cup madness

July 14, 2026 Guest Writer 0

As the World Cup reaches its final stages, with the semi-finals taking place on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 July before the final on Sunday […]

How to Get £150+ Back on Your Next Summer Holiday (Without Changing Your Booking)

July 14, 2026 Entertainment Queen 0

Think about the last time you booked a holiday. You likely spent hours comparing flight times, reading hotel reviews, and finally inputting your card details […]