The perfect "dupe" for the 5 most visited tourist destinations in the world.

The picturesque canals of Venice, the charming old town of Dubrovnik, and the pristine white-sand beaches of Ko Phi Phi are sure to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. However, the overwhelming number of tourists has inadvertently become a nightmare not only for travelers but also for locals.

Your trip will be more comfortable and enjoyable if you try the options below instead of crowding into the world's five most popular destinations. Is there anywhere more romantic than Venice? And where else could trekking enthusiasts go besides Machu Picchu?

Instead of Venice (Italy), go to Annecy (France).

It's no coincidence that the beautiful city of Venice consistently ranks among the world's most crowded tourist destinations. Its charming canals, impressive art and architecture, and friendly locals leave a lasting impression on visitors. However, the soaring number of tourists and overexploitation of tourism have put Venice in a critical situation, forcing local authorities to take action to promote sustainable tourism.

So instead of Venice, consider a trip to the small French town of Annecy – you won't regret it. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Annecy embraces the shores of Lake Annecy – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its colorful 16th-century architecture peeking out from along the canals.

As summer arrives, the town becomes busier, but still relaxed enough to enjoy a coffee at La Barista Café, stop on the Point des Amours bridge, and explore the museum – the former Palais de l'Isle prison. You can rent a small boat and immerse yourself in the romantic scenery, which is no less picturesque than Venice.

Instead of Ko Phi Phi (Thailand), go to El Nido (Philippines).

Since appearing in the movieThe BeachCreated by Danny Boyle in 2000, Ko Phi Phi now welcomes up to 5,000 visitors daily, mostly for boat tours. The once beautiful Maya Bay has become a must-see destination for every traveler; however, its popularity has had an impact, particularly on the ecosystem and coral reefs.

For a similar experience, head to the paradise island of El Nido, located at the northernmost tip of Palawan Island, Philippines. It serves as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago and is home to the country's largest marine reserve.

Island exploration tours will include an ecotourism development fee aimed at conserving the area's natural habitat, protecting over 400 coral species, 850 fish species, 5 sea turtle species, and 100 wild bird species. So feel free to enjoy your trip, because whether you choose to swim, snorkel, or participate in any other activity, you are doing your best to preserve the ecosystem here.

Instead of Cinque Terre (Italy), visit the village of Tellaro.

If you frequently scroll through Instagram and happen to come across images of white waves gently lapping against the shore, with colorful, interconnected houses nestled beneath, then that's the famous Cinque Terre in Italy. This village, built in the 19th century, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

But instead of crowding there, why not choose the fishing village of Tellaro in Southern Italy for your exploration? Don't miss the ancient pink St. George's Church on the rocky peninsula, where the Sagra del Polpo (Octopus Festival) takes place every August. Stroll down the narrow alleys between wooden rowboats and enjoy the town's magnificent yet tranquil atmosphere. At the end of the day, find a bar and enjoy dinner with the locals, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Instead of Dubrovnik (Croatia), go to Muscat (Oman).

It serves as the setting for the hit series.Game of ThronesHowever, even without that, the ancient beauty of the city walls stretching all the way to the medieval Onofrio Fountain is enough to make Dubrovnik (Croatia) attractive to tourists. Nevertheless, due to the overwhelming number of tourists, this ancient town is at risk of losing its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Where else can you find such a rich history as Dubrovnik? A visit to Muscat (Oman) would be perfect. You'll enjoy getting lost in Mutrah Souq – one of Oman's oldest markets, offering a plethora of goods from Arabian perfumes to daggers and Omani sweets.

The 16th-century Al-Mirani Fortress, located next to the harbor in Old Muscat, is an ideal stop for history buffs. Interestingly, don't be startled by any clicking sounds; those delightful noises are made by friendly dolphins as they dive into the sea.

Instead of Machu Picchu (Peru), go to Choquequirao.

Getting a ticket to Machu Picchu – one of the world's most famous tourist destinations located in South America – is not easy. During peak tourist season, you have to book months, even a year in advance, to visit this destination, and of course, you can't avoid long queues with millions of other tourists.

Meanwhile, Choquequirao, dubbed the "brother" of Machu Picchu, is a much better alternative. Here, the remaining Inca architecture from the 16th century will truly make you feel like you're at Machu Picchu, but beware of uninvited guests: the wild boars that roam around.

You can reach Choquequirao by trekking, a two-day hike if traveling from Cachora, or opt for the cable car for a more time-saving option.

Huong Thao