Dream holidays to Japan, California, Australia and the Maldives are increasingly being swapped for cheaper European alternatives as Britons look to cut the cost of travel.New research by Go Compare found almost four in ten (39 per cent) Britons planning a summer holiday have changed their original travel plans because of budget pressures, with holiday costs emerging as the biggest factor.A third (33 per cent) said rising travel costs had prompted them to rethink where they go, opting for destinations such as Italy, Greece and Spain instead of far-flung hotspots.From Tuscany as an alternative to California’s Napa Valley to Germany’s ‘Little Tokyo’ instead of Japan, these European destinations offer similar experiences without the hefty long-haul price tag. Nick Parkhouse, travel insurance expert at Go Compare, said: ‘What we’re seeing is that travellers are adapting their plans rather than giving up on holidays. While they still want memorable experiences, many are looking at different ways to make those trips achievable.’European destinations are providing an attractive alternative for those who may have originally dreamed of long-haul travel, offering the opportunity to explore somewhere new while balancing cost, convenience, and value.’Here are some of the best European dupes to head to instead of expensive long-haul spots.Swap California’s Napa Valley for Tuscany, in Italy Tuscany has rolling hills of vineyards just like California’s Napa ValleyLocated on Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany offers charming villages and rolling countryside. Its renowned vineyards offer an alternative to California’s Napa Valley without a high price tag.Many flock to the American destination to experience its top-class wineries and luxury, but Tuscany can offer just that. Well-known wines like Chianti and Vernaccia di San Gimignano originate from the region and with 60,000 hectares of vineyards, visitors will be spoilt for choice for their next wine tasting tour.Price difference? Return flights to Tuscany in September can be found from around £105 and hotels cost from as little as £70 per night. California is considerably more expensive, with flights costing from £755. As for accommodation in Napa Valley, be prepared to spend around £200 a night. Head to Germany’s ‘Little Tokyo’ Instead of jetting off to Tokyo, Japan, head to Düsseldorf for a taste of Japanese culture in its ‘Little Tokyo’ communityDüsseldorf is home to the third-largest Japanese population in Europe and is known as ‘Little Tokyo’.Bustling with restaurants dishing up Japanese cuisine as well as ramen snack joints and bars, travellers won’t struggle to get an authentic experience in Düsseldorf.Visitors can also explore the Japanese Garden in Nordpark and the gardens at the EK? House of Japanese Culture in the Niederkassel district. Price difference? For holidaymakers looking to save the pennies, Düsseldorf is definitely a cheaper option to Japan. Return flights in September can be found for as little as £86, which is a fraction of the cost of jetting off to Japan, with prices around £570.Accommodation in both cities is similarly priced per night, starting from around £60 depending on the quality of stay you’re looking for. The Maldives of Europe Albania is often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’ and costs a fraction of the price Crete is a beautiful alternative too with crystal-clear waters and sand beachesIf you don’t have hundreds of pounds to splash on flights and don’t want to sit through a ten-hour journey, Albania – often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’ – could be the destination for you. Albania is sunny 300 days a year, with temperatures above 18C (64F) well into November. It has crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. Or, Greece could offer an escape with a similar tropical feel. Crete has plenty of luxury hotels and golden sandy beaches, making it an attractive alternative. Price difference? Getting to Albania is a quick and affordable trip – costing just £46 for a return flight in September, with each way taking around three hours. Alternatively, Crete is a slightly more expensive journey at £122. But both are cheaper than the Maldives which costs between £500 and £600. Overwater villas there often cost hundreds of pounds a night whereas Crete and Albania both offer options for much less, though they aren’t rooms perched over the sea.Find Australia’s surf in Spain Surfers don’t need to trek it to Australia for good waves, nearby Zarautz in Spain has them tooHordes flock to Australia for its globally-renowned surf culture, but you can find waves much closer to home.Brits can get their surfing fix at Zarautz, a coastal town often described as Spain’s most famous surf spot.It has a beach stretching 2.5km along the Basque coast.Price difference? Return flights in September to San Sebastian Airport, near Zarautz, cost £106, whereas a return trip to Australia’s Gold Coast will set you back around £870. Accommodation near Zarautz beach ranges between £80 and £100 a night, with hotels in Gold Coast sporting similar prices.New Zealand in northern Europe… Gorgeous landscapes can be found in Norway, instead of New ZealandWith beautiful landscapes and a rich history to explore, it’s no wonder New Zealand is at the top of many bucket lists. But for holidaymakers hoping to avoid the 24-hour long flight to the destination, Norway could be a closer and more affordable alternative. With glaciers, mountains and dramatic fjords, Norway is also only around two hours away.Price difference? Return flights from London to Norway can be secured from just £34. New Zealand is a much pricier adventure, costing around £800.