Every motorhome or campervan owner has bucket list destinations they’re waiting to tick off, but with rising fuel prices driving up air fares, frequent travel disruptions and tighter budgets, it’s no surprise that many are rethinking their travel plans. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice incredible scenery or miss out on memorable experiences; you just need to be a little more selective about where you go.
Here are some destination dupes that offer all the beauty and adventure of their more famous counterparts, minus the hefty price tag and overwhelming crowds.
Montenegro instead of Croatia
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It wouldn’t be a destination dupes list without mentioning Montenegro. This up-and-coming gem has been gaining a lot of recognition, and it’s easy to see why, with its crystal-clear Adriatic waters, mountainous landscapes and array of charming and historic towns. While Croatia has long been a favourite, Montenegro offers a very similar experience at a fraction of the cost, and with far fewer crowds.
That said, Montenegro is still in the process of developing its tourism infrastructure, so you should be prepared for fewer service stops and a less extensive campsite network. However, if you’re after a more adventurous experience, especially in the mountains (which cover over 80% of the country!), this is absolutely the place to be. Though if you’re wanting a coastal experience similar to that of Dubrovnik that’ll keep your wallet happy, head to Kotor or Budva.
If you’d like to know more about road tripping in Montenegro, visit our dedicated blog which covers many practical tips and things to know before your trip.
Slovenia instead of Switzerland
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Dreaming of driving through Switzerland’s famous landscapes? Consider heading to Slovenia instead. You’ll still get the mountain scenery and turquoise lakes, just without the premium prices of one of Europe’s most expensive destinations. Not only is Slovenia a gorgeous and affordable place to visit, but it is also incredibly motorhome-friendly, with well-maintained roads and a wide range of affordable campsites and motorhome stopovers, known locally as Parkirišče za avtodom (PZA).
Whilst admittedly, Switzerland is tough to beat in terms of truly breathtaking beauty, Slovenia offers many similarly stunning sights with even greater variety, from Lake Bled in the Julian Alps to coastal towns such as Piran along the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia is also tough to beat in terms of crowds, although both countries saw record tourism in 2025, international overnight stays in Slovenia were 50% less than that of Switzerland, making it easier for visitors to experience the beautiful sights of this country at a more relaxed pace.
If you’d like to know more about campervanning through Slovenia, you can visit Slovenia’s official page for campervan travellers here.
Puglia instead of the Amalfi Coast
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The Amalfi Coast is an iconic destination, but it’s also notoriously expensive and difficult to navigate in a motorhome or campervan, with most roads and towns restricting access to large vehicles and only being accessible by either public transport, on foot or by car. Puglia, on Italy’s southeastern coast or Italy’s ‘heel’, is a fantastic alternative. Although the region has grown in popularity in the last few years, it is still less well-known and far less crowded than the Amalfi Coast.
Destinations in Puglia such as Bari and Lecce boast stunning architecture, whilst regions such as Otranto and Porto Cesareo are well regarded for their beautiful white-sand beaches and warm waters. Not least of all, it is also significantly more affordable with the combined cost for campsites, meals and activities around 30%-50% cheaper than the Amalfi Coast. Puglia without a doubt is a much more laid-back, road-trip-friendly slice of Italy, and most definitely worth visiting if you’re planning on road tripping through the country.
Annecy instead of Venice
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If you’re after a calming stroll along the canals, consider visiting Annecy over Venice. Whilst the two destinations are unique, Annecy is often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps”, with its similarly winding waterways, pastel-coloured buildings and busy promenades. Crucially, however, Annecy is far more accessible by campervan or motorhome, with plenty of campsites and parking options available nearby that allow you to explore the area with your vehicle. Venice, on the other hand, is a completely car-free city, meaning you would need to leave your campervan behind and navigate the city by public transport and walking.
In terms of visitors, unfortunately Venice is widely known for its overcrowding and for being one of the busiest tourist destinations in Europe, attracting around 30 million visitors each year, whereas Annecy receives only a fraction of that amount, with approximately 3 million tourists every year. When it comes to cost, as always, booking in advance and staying away from tourist hotspots will give you the greatest chance of securing the most competitive prices, though the costs of fuel, campsites and dining in Annecy will generally work out to be cheaper than in Venice.
Valencia instead of Barcelona
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Barcelona’s energy is undeniable, from the historic and iconic works of Antoni Gaudi to its vibrant cultural scene, it is a city that is more than worth visiting. However, Barcelona’s visitor numbers are also incredibly high – around 16 million each year – and with the structural completion of La Sagrada Família, this is unlikely to be slowing down anytime soon. Valencia, on the other hand, offers a very similar mix of culture, beaches and cuisine yet receives around four to five times fewer tourists than Barcelona, with roughly 3-4 million visitors each year.
In Valencia, you’ll still find plenty of architectural landmarks, such as the City of Arts and Sciences and Valencia Cathedral and it is generally a great option for travellers who want a slightly slower and more authentic Spanish city experience. The amount you spend in the city will depend on the kind of experience you’re after, as both cities can be both affordable and expensive to travel to, depending on the activities you do and how much you choose to eat out. However, with careful planning, Valencia should make your pound stretch further.
Lake Maggiore instead of Lake Como
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Lake Como may be world famous, but Lake Maggiore is just as beautiful, and as you might have guessed, considerably less crowded. The two lakes share plenty of similarities, being just 1.5 hours apart, including charming lakeside towns nestled in between mountains, colourful houses overlooking cliffs and that quintessential Italian holiday atmosphere. Due to being so well-renowned, Lake Como’s tourist prices run high, especially in the peak months between June and August, but Lake Maggiore, although still popular in the summer, comes with a much friendlier price tag.
In terms of accessibility, both locations have narrow and winding roads, though those of Lake Como are more difficult to navigate due to its steeper cliffs, limited parking and greater number of tourists visiting the area. There are also plenty of budget friendly campsites around Lake Maggiore, which are less likely to be fully booked during the summer period. Whilst you won’t get a completely like-for-like experience, Lake Maggiore will offer a very similar adventure that will give you a bit more breathing room to enjoy it.
Isle of Harris instead of the Isle of Skye
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Scotland’s Isle of Skye has become incredibly popular for its moody and dramatic landscape, but that popularity has led to congested roads and overpriced and busy campsites. That is not to say that the isle isn’t worth visiting; it is full of scenery and historic landmarks that are one of a kind, however, its estimated 650,000 annual tourists make those places increasingly difficult to access, especially during the peak summer months. The Isle of Harris, on the other hand, gets under 70,000 visitors per year, making it far less crowded and easier to explore. This, coupled with pristine white sandy beaches that will have you convinced you’ve landed on the Australian coast, is what makes the trip worthwhile.
The Isle of Harris, located in the Outer Hebrides, is accessible via ferry going from either Uig on the Isle of Skye or Ullapool, both going to Tarbert on Harris. Whilst the cost of the ferry will set you back a little more initially, once you arrive, you can expect to spend far less than what you would on Skye. The two isles are distinctive and have their own unique charm, but if you’re looking for a more peaceful and secluded getaway, Harris is the one to choose.
Get Covered for Your Upcoming Adventures
Accidents or breakdowns abroad can get expensive, so having your vehicle fully covered for accidental damage and unforeseen incidents is essential to avoiding any unexpected expenses while travelling. With our Aviva-backed motorhome and campervan policies, you can rest assured that all your adventures will be protected by one of the most comprehensive specialist insurance policies on the market, including our Horizon policy rated 5 stars by Defaqto. If you’d like to get a quick and easy quote for your vehicle you can do so here on our website, or if you prefer, you can speak to a member of our friendly team on 0208 984 0666 who will be happy to assist you with completing one.
