New Survey Finds Destination Dupes & Summer Swaps Trend Big

Image: Guatemala's scenic Lake Atitlan. (Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel)
Image: Guatemala's scenic Lake Atitlan. (Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Fri May 24, 2024

A new Harris Poll, announced by responsible tour operator Intrepid Travel, found that high travel prices are encouraging 66 percent of Americans to scale back their plans, with 74 percent choosing to swap their destination with a cheaper one. 

The survey asked over 2,000 Americans about their travel plans this summer: eight in ten are expecting to travel this summer, yet the majority of them show concern with the inflated economy driving up travel prices, leaving them to get creative. 

Forty-two percent of travelers will visit a new destination this summer, while another 40 percent will take a repeat vacation. Young adults aged 18-44 specifically are more likely to travel more often this summer, and make summer swaps. 

What are these summer swaps? Sixty-seven percent of Americans are expected to travel within the nation this year, with travelers choosing California’s Trinity Alps over Yosemite as a way to save money while still enjoying the vacation they want. 

South America is incredibly popular this year, with Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan trending as the “Lake Como of Latin America,” while interest in Southern Europe is waning by 25 percent, according to Intrepid. 

"TikTok popularized the idea of 'dupe' destinations and we believe the trend is here to stay," said Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel President, The Americas. "As we head into the busy summer travel season, Americans are more likely to choose an alternative, less-expensive trip due to increasing economic pressures. We are excited to help them experience the road less traveled."


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Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

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