Jaw-Dropping Travel Spots Where You Won’t See Other Tourists (Hidden Vacation Gems)
Vacations tend to be the highlight of the year for many, so it's important to choose a destination that's perfect for you. While some prefer an adventure in a crowded city, others want to get away from it all to enjoy some alone time. Places such as Napa Valley, Fiji, and Costa Rica all have certain areas where visitors can get some much-needed space. Here are some unique vacation ideas for people who want to be isolated. Keep reading and make sure to add these destinations to your bucket list!
Calistoga, California
One of the most secluded areas in California is a small city in Napa Valley called Calistoga. The photo shows a replica of a medieval castle called the Castello di Amorosa, which is one of their most popular attractions. Calistoga is also known for its relaxing hot springs and mud baths.
Visit Calistoga mentions that visitors who wish to see a bit more of the town can check out the downtown area with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. One of the best ways to view the city is biking or hiking through the mountains.
Laucala Island, Fiji
Those looking for a private island getaway should think about staying at Laucala Island in Fiji. The area is known for its vast rainforest landscapes, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs. The island resort is one of the most luxurious in Fiji with only 25 villas atop coconut plantations.
Although the island is very limited in capacity, that doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Visitors can take a rainforest tour, go horseback riding, surf the waves, play a round of golf on their 18-hole course, or get to know the natives.
Playalinda Beach, Florida
Playalinda translates to "beautiful beach" and that's what the tourists think of Playalinda Beach, Florida. The beach can be found in the Canaveral National Seashore on Florida's Space Coast, so rocket launches are often seen at the beach.
Playalinda Beach is a popular spot for surfers because they have some of the best waves in the state. According to Travel Pulse, it's also one of the quietest beaches in the area. The beach is open from six in the morning to eight at night and is free on certain days such as Veterans Day and National Public Lands Day.
Piha, New Zealand
According to The Travel, New Zealand is one of the least populous countries with only about 4.8 million residents. Even the city of Miami, Florida has over a million more people. One of the most beautiful and isolated spots in New Zealand is Piha.
Piha, a seaside village close to Auckland, is known for its black sand beaches and clear blue water. They have some of the best surf spots and rugged surrounding forests. The peak time to visit Piha is during the summer months.
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama is often considered a hidden gem among South America. The town is both part of the mainland and archipelago and is close to the border of Costa Rica. There are hundreds of beautiful islands surrounded by lush rainforests that are almost completely uninhabited.
The beaches are undeniably one-of-a-kind with turquoise waters, white sands, and palm trees filled to the brim with coconuts. If you love the water, then you'll find plenty to do including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing. Visitors tend to be quite diverse with retirees, young ex-pats, and more.
Cocos Island, Costa Rica
It's guaranteed that you won't find many others at Cocos Island in Costa Rica. Cocos Island is technically a national park, so no one is allowed to live there. One of the reasons it's protected as a national park is because of the wide variety of wildlife on the island such as whales, dolphins, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks.
The photo shows the crater of the Poás Volcano, which is an active stratovolcano that has erupted 40 times over almost two centuries.
Isle Of Skye, Scotland
According to Travel Pulse, the Isle of Skye in Scotland is home to the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country. This coastal town is known for its majestic landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and rich history. Some explorers have even found dinosaur fossils there.
The Isle of Skye is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. There are several picturesque spots for walkers and climbers including The Cuillin Range and The Trotternish Ridge. Many animals can be found around the isle such as otters, seals, whales, dolphins, red deer, and various varieties of birds.
Chitrakoot, India
While India is one of the top three most populous countries in the world, there are still plenty of spots that aren't too crowded. Those looking for a quiet getaway in India should head to Chitrakoot. The Travel says, "It's hallowed ground for Hindus, who respect it for its significance in their legends and its location along the iconic Ganges River."
Not only do people come there for religious purposes, but others stop in for cultural or archaeological reasons as well. Chitrakoot translates to "hill of many wonders," so the views can't be beaten.
Half Moon Island, Antarctica
People who want almost total isolation should visit Half Moon Island, Antarctica. It's on the least populous continent and doesn't have Wi-Fi, stores, cars, and a lot of other everyday necessities. The Travel says this a great place for camping with incredible views of the coastline.
Half Moon Island is only accessible by sea and helicopter because there is no airport. Animal lovers will appreciate the wide variety of wildlife on the island including chinstrap penguins (pictured), Weddell and Antarctic fur seals, and Antarctic terns. Peak visitation is usually from November through March.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres, Mexico is just across the bay from Cancun, but the vibe is a lot different. The island is a lot more laid-back, friendly, and diverse. Visitors can gaze at the crystal clear turquoise water or take a walk on the white, sandy beaches.
One of the coolest attractions on the island is the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum. This photo of the VW Beetle is one of the sculptures divers can find down there. Isla Mujeres also has a sea turtle farm, which includes other sea creatures including tropical fish, seahorses, and manta rays.
Ketchum, Idaho
According to Best Life, Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of time enjoying the city of Ketchum, Idaho. The region is adorned by some of the most majestic mountains, which lead to incredible hot springs and watering holes. Those who love the outdoors can enjoy tons of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing, and biking.
One of their special events is called the Trailing of the Sheep. It's held annually in October and its purpose is to move flocks of sheep off the mountains to where they're supposed to graze in the winter.
Shropshire, England
The province of Shropshire, England takes pride in the fact that not a lot of people know about them. Some believe that it looks similar to some of the locations used in the Harry Potter films. Most of the area is private property, but anyone is welcome to explore.
The Travel states that it's unusual to see a lot of people walking around, but very common to run into herds of sheep grazing in the fields. There are also some castles that date back to medieval times, including the Stokesay Castle (pictured) and the Ludlow Castle.
Tillamook, Oregon
Those looking to find the tranquil Tillamook Coast in Oregon will only need to travel about an hour west of Portland. Visitors can drive along the Three Capes Scenic Loop, hike through the coastal rainforest in Oswald West State Park, and find plenty to eat along the North Coast Food Trail.
One of the most unique spots is the Tillamook Creamery where guests can try their world-famous cheeses and eat some delicious ice cream. Locomotive fans can ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad in a 1910 Heisler Steam train along the bay.
Cluny, France
Paris is one of the top European tourist destinations, but there are numerous cities throughout France that are just as beautiful. One of those happens to be Cluny. It has some of the most scenic hilltop views, an old chalet castle, and is rarely noisy.
Cluny is famous for its "Tour de Fromages," where guests can taste all of the delicious cheeses from various regions of France. The tour also gives tourists a chance to work on their French. Some may not know that Cluny was founded by Duke William I of Aquitaine in 910.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
The Southwest has some of the best national parks in the country, but it can be difficult to find a time when there won't be a lot of other visitors. Moab and Zion tend to be the most crowded, but right next door is the underrated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah.
Best Life says that land belonging to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is some of the last area to be mapped in the United States. Travelers can explore the towering red rock formations, slot canyons, prehistoric villages, and old Western movie sets.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island, Michigan has been a go-to summer travel destination for decades. It has a classic small-town feel with a friendly community and plenty of outdoor activities. Those who want to get away from city life will appreciate that the island doesn't allow cars or hotels.
Visitors can find tons of Victorian architecture around the island because most of the buildings are over a century old. Families can explore Mackinac Island's famous museums, which feature costumed reenactments of 19th century American history.
Hvar, Croatia
Celebrities such as Prince Harry, George Clooney, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé have spent some time enjoying island life in Hvar, Croatia. The panoramic views of the historic cobbled streets, clear blue lagoons, and red-roofed buildings of the old town are something that can't be experienced anywhere else.
There's plenty to do around the island including watching the sunset at the Tvrdava Napoleon Fortress, visiting the lavender farms, and taking in the scenery at the sacred St. Stephens Square. Some of the residents think the island has been a bit run-down because of tourists, so it's important to respect their culture and community.
Stratton, Vermont
Ski enthusiasts looking for a peaceful getaway should check out Stratton, Vermont. It's one of the top ski destinations in the country with far less people than most slopes. The area is also a great place to stay during the summer. The scenery is filled with lush green mountains and forests.
Some of the most popular summer activities in Stratton include taking a gondola ride to their summit yoga deck and mountain biking through the scenic trails. It's highly unlikely that visitors will run into many other people because their population is only a little over 200 residents.
Lana'i, Hawaii
While Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there are certain areas where tourists don't usually go. One of those places is Lana'i. Best Life says it's Hawaii's smallest inhabited island and it's located about nine miles off the coast of Maui.
The northern side features Shipwreck Beach, which is known for an offshore wreck of a World War II tank. The northwest side includes the secluded Polihua Beach, which is a perfect spot to see green turtles and humpback whales. Visitors can stay at one of their luxurious resorts that feature gorgeous views of the beaches.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland, Finland has a lot to offer its visitors. During the summer months, people can experience both the Aurora Borealis and Northern Lights and get 24 hours of sunlight every day. Since it's on the other side of the equator, the summer months are cold and snowy, but it makes for some gorgeous wilderness scenery.
Other fun outdoor activities in Lapland include dog sledding, hiking in their national parks, and staying in a secluded igloo. According to Visit Finland, Lapland has some of the cleanest air and water in the world.
