Fewer crowds and lower prices: a little-known Caribbean destination that is a real alternative to St. Martin

You've probably heard of duplicates or copies of clothes, cosmetics, or decor. They are a more affordable, but very similar alternative to expensive cult goods. But what about tourist look-alikes?

Some vacation destinations are undoubtedly more expensive than others, given the prices of airfare, hotels, and popularity among tourists. According to a recent report by Expedia, travelers often end up choosing copycat tourist locations that have a similar atmosphere to the originals," writes Travel+Leisure.

"In Expedia's Trends in Travel report, duplicates are destinations that are a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, but just as great as the tried-and-true places travelers love," said Melanie Fish, chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands, in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure.

Expedia did a little digging into the data and found several popular travel duplicates, not least of which is the Caribbean island of Curacao as an alternative to St. Maarten (or St. Maarten). According to Expedia, the number of requests for flights to Curacao increased by 228 percent.

Both islands are known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, European-style architecture, and Euro-Afro-Caribbean cuisine. While St. Maarten is half French and half Dutch, Curaçao has a Dutch heritage.

Curacao in particular is also known for its spectacular diving sites. In terms of differences, Curacao is a much larger island with fewer visitors, so it doesn't feel as touristy as St. Martin. Thus, if you're interested in visiting St. Martin but prefer a smaller crowd, Curacao is a solid option for your next Caribbean vacation.

Other Expedia duplicates include Taipei, a Seoul duplicate that shares a tech culture with vibrant culinary and nightlife. Quebec is a duplicate of Geneva. They are similar in their cobblestone streets, multilingual culture, and proximity to the mountains.