'Dupe destination' boom hits social media

BENGALURU -- In late 2023, Mysuru-based Ruchi Prasad and three of her friends decided to go on a last-minute trip to celebrate graduation. They had two criteria: The destination had to be outside India and include beaches. The Maldives fit the bill perfectly but was too expensive. They tossed around other ideas -- Bali, Mauritius, Sri Lanka -- but discarded them for the same reason. Then a travel agent suggested the Philippines, specifically Palawan Island.