Swap headline holiday hotspots for under-the-radar gems and you could save big on a five-night luxury escape without sacrificing style.
Luxury travel has long been synonymous with eye-watering price tags: Parisian suites, Roman trattorias and London’s polished five-star stays.
According to TripAdvisor, a luxury break to one of the Top Travel Spots for 2026 in its Travellers’ Choice Awards could set you back over £530 per day on accommodation and a single meal. That’s more than £2,650 for a five-night stay before flights and activities are factored in.
But a new breed of savvy traveller is rewriting the rules, swapping hotspot holidays for equally captivating counterparts that deliver the same aesthetic and atmosphere at a fraction of the cost.
Read more: These are the best European city breaks this spring — with return flights from as little as £45
Phuket, Thailand
Dupe for: Bali, Indonesia
Bali has long been the blueprint for affordable luxury with jungle villas, spiritual retreats and a food scene that blends Indonesian tradition with global wellness trends. Its humid, tropical climate and dramatic landscapes, from rice terraces to volcanic beaches, create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and escapist.
Phuket mirrors much of this appeal, with equally balmy weather, powder-soft beaches, and a thriving hospitality scene built around high-end resorts. The island’s culinary offering is just as compelling, with fresh seafood, Thai fine dining, and beach clubs that rival Bali’s best.
Architecturally, both destinations lean into indoor-outdoor living, with open-air villas and infinity pools designed to frame their natural surroundings.
- Bali: £172 per day, £860 for five days
- Phuket: £96 per day, £480 for five days
- Saving: £380
Read more: These luxury hotels give White Lotus vibes for less
Prague, Czech Republic
Dupe for: London, UK
A staycation may feel like a more affordable holiday option, but London’s prestige comes with a premium price tag. Royal palaces, Georgian townhouses and a dining scene that spans Michelin-starred institutions to cutting-edge concepts, the city’s appeal lies in its layered history.
Prague offers a strikingly similar sense of grandeur. Its skyline is a tapestry of gothic spires, baroque facades and medieval streets that feel almost cinematic. Like London, it’s a city steeped in history, yet its compact layout and slower pace make it feel more intimate.
The food scene is evolving rapidly, blending traditional Czech cuisine with modern European techniques, while its grand hotels deliver chandelier-lit luxury for less.
- London: £385 per day, £1,925 for five days
- Prague: £194 per day, £970 for five days
- Saving: £955
Read more: The best sleeper trains in Europe and the UK for affordable overnight travel
Hai Phong, Vietnam
Dupe for: Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a sensory overload in the best way. Its Old Quarter buzzing with street food vendors, colonial architecture and centuries of history. It’s a cultural heavyweight, where French influences meet Vietnamese tradition on every corner.
Hai Phong, just a short distance away, offers a quieter but equally authentic slice of Vietnam. Its colonial-era buildings echo Hanoi’s architectural heritage, while its coastal setting introduces sea breezes and waterfront views. Food remains central here, too, with fresh seafood and local dishes that feel less commercialised but just as rich in flavour.
The climate is similarly warm and humid, making it an easy swap for travellers seeking a more relaxed pace.
- Hanoi: £135 per day, £675 for five days
- Hai Phong: £81 per day, £405 for five days
- Saving: £270
Read more: These are London’s best spas under £100
Budapest, Hungary
Dupe for: Paris, France
Paris is synonymous with romance; Haussmannian boulevards, candlelit bistros and a culinary legacy that defines fine dining. Its architecture and cultural weight make it one of the world’s most aspirational destinations.
Budapest, however, delivers a remarkably similar experience. Its grand avenues, neoclassical buildings and cafe culture echo Parisian elegance, while the Danube provides a dramatic focal point akin to the Seine. The city’s famed thermal baths add an extra layer of indulgence and its dining scene is increasingly sophisticated, with Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish wine bars.
With warm summers and crisp, atmospheric winters, it offers year-round appeal.
- Paris: £530 per day, £2,650 for five days
- Budapest: £231 per day, £1,155 for five days
- Saving: £1,495
Lisbon, Portugal
Dupe for: Rome, Italy
Rome’s allure lies in its sheer historic magnitude. Ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and a culinary scene rooted in tradition — it’s a city where every street feels like a museum.
Lisbon channels a similar sense of history, albeit with a lighter, coastal touch. Its tiled facades, historic tramlines, and hillside viewpoints create a romantic, timeworn aesthetic that rivals Rome’s charm. The food scene is equally compelling, centred around fresh seafood, local wines and a growing number of fine-dining spots.
With long, sun-drenched days and Atlantic breezes, Lisbon offers a more relaxed experience.
- Rome: £423 per day, £2,115 for five days
- Lisbon: £278 per day, £1,390 for five days
- Saving: £725
Expert tips on luxury travel for less
Sarah Findlay, travel expert at Total Travel Insurance, shares her favourite insider strategies:
Check your bank
“You don’t need to fly business class to enjoy luxury perks”, says Sarah. “Many travellers don’t realise their credit card or even their bank account perks may include airport lounge access.”
Just ask
When it comes to upgrades, the trick is to ask politely about availability, not demand it.
Sarah explains: “A smart approach and good timing can go a long way. For accommodation, booking direct and sending a courteous email can often unlock extras like better rooms, late check-outs or a welcome drink, especially if you’re celebrating something.”
Consider alternative accommodation
“Don’t overlook five-star hostels, in places like Indonesia or Portugal, where you can get rooftop pools, designer décor and private suites for a fraction of what you’d pay at a luxury hotel,” according to Sarah.
Shift your main meal to lunchtime
When it comes to dining, lunch is the ultimate luxury hack.
Sarah explains: “Many Michelin-starred or fine dining restaurants offer lunchtime tasting menus at a fraction of the evening price, with the same quality and service. It’s an easy way to elevate your experience without blowing through your budget.”
Feature image: Pexels
