Top 10 Destinations for Travelers Looking to Escape the Crowds
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Michael Wynands
Get away AND give yourself some elbow room. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Destinations for Travelers Looking to Escape the Crowds.
For this list, we're looking at fun, unique and interesting destinations that aren't overcrowded with tourists nor jam-packed with locals.
For this list, we're looking at fun, unique and interesting destinations that aren't overcrowded with tourists nor jam-packed with locals.
Top 10 Destinations for Travelers Looking to Escape the Crowds
Get away AND give yourself some elbow room. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Destinations for Travelers Looking to Escape the Crowds.
For this list, we’re looking at fun, unique and interesting destinations that aren’t overcrowded with tourists nor jam-packed with locals.
#10: Belize
Located on the East coast of Central America is a criminally underrated gem of a country. Overshadowed by its neighbors Mexico and Guatemala, Belize only received approximately 400,000 overnight tourists in 2017. While this is a significant increase from years past, the country remains the least visited in Central America. For travelers looking for an authentic trip to this area of the world however, these low numbers are an absolute blessing. Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, beaches that stun, world-class scuba diving spots (including the Great Blue Hole), and a diverse cuisine. And yet you’ll likely never wait in a line, or have to navigate a crowd. Welcome to paradise!
#9: Oman
While travelers looking to explore the Middle East generally tend to gravitate towards modern bustling hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or ancient attractions like the “Lost City” of Petra, such destinations might not be the best choice for tourists who get nervous in a crowd. For a more old-timey Middle Eastern experience, visit the fascinating coastal nation of Oman. In place of grandiose displays of wealth, Oman makes an impression with its focus on culture, history and its proud sense of identity. Thanks to the glittering distractions of its northern neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, Oman’s many attractions, as well as its beautiful and diverse landscape, are yours to explore, unblemished by overcrowding.
#8: Cluny, France
Sure, Paris is great and all, but it’s admittedly rather hard not to get lumped in with the countless other tourists that overwhelm France’s capital city. For a slower pace, but a nonetheless authentic French experience, leave the city behind and embrace the expansive, beautiful countryside and the smaller towns that dot it. Standing out from the pack in both its appeal and distinct lack of crowds, is the town of Cluny. Best known for its famed Benedictine abbey which dates back to the year 910, the town is quaint, charming and quiet; and the surrounding countryside is beautiful and serene. With other attractions and towns nearby, Cluny makes a great homebase.
#7: Madagascar
There’s nothing like going to an island roughly 250 miles from the coast of the mainland to escape the crowds! Madagascar is a stunning green gem floating in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. Isolated from the rest of the world, this island is home to number of unique and marvellous creatures that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. Though it can be a bit pricey to get there, Madagascar’s incredible landscape, pristine beaches, and opportunity for adventure make it worth every penny - especially since, with so much space, you can really feel like the experience is yours alone.
#6: Vis, Croatia
In recent years, Croatia has become of the trendiest destinations in the world. This once relatively well-kept secret is now welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors. For those of you who prefer a little space to explore, however, don’t worry, your chance to hit up Croatia hasn’t disappeared just yet. Vis is a small Croatian island occupying about 35 miles of land in the Adriatic Sea, with a population of around 3,500 people, Here, unlike in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, things continue at a slower pace, as it’s not even on the radar of most tourists. Vineyards, quaint fishing towns, great food, quiet beaches and plenty of space - this is Croatia on your terms.
#5: Liechtenstein
This tiny nation, sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, gets very little attention. In fact, it’s the second least visited country in all of Europe. And for the many travelers who skip over it on their European tour, that’s a real shame, because Liechtenstein has a lot to offer. For those looking for an unforgettable European vacation without the crowds however, it’s a fantasyland. Despite occupying just 62 square miles of land and a small population, Liechtenstein packs in an incredible amount of charm and culture. It’s got great skiing and hiking, a breathtaking landscape, hilltop castles and picturesque towns all wrapped up in an overwhelming fairytale vibe.
#4: Scottish Islands
Scotland might be known for its Highlands, but for those looking for a truly unique Scottish experience that deviates from the most well-trod of tourist paths, the islands await. Hundreds of islands dot the Atlantic ocean off the western Scotland coast; and on your own personal island hopping tour, you’ll quickly come to appreciate their diversity. Many of these islands, like Jura, only have a handful of residents and limited services, but what they lack in infrastructure, they make up for in natural, untamed beauty. From castles and distilleries to hikes and beaches, these islands are a veritable treasure trove of unique experiences.
#3: Huacachina, Peru
It’s like something out of a dream. And when you first approach it… you might very well think it’s a mirage, but Huacachina is the real deal: a desert oasis where you can go experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of opportunity for adventure. This natural desert oasis is home to just 100 permanent residents, but it welcomes tens of thousands of tourists each year. Depending on the time of year, your hotel or hostel bar might get busy, but with so much surrounding space, you’ll never feel crowded. Desert walks, sandboarding, dune buggy rides - you’re in for quite the trip.
#2: Upolu, Samoa
The problem with the idyllic fantasy beach vacation is that pretty much everyone is chasing that dream. As such, most of the world’s most talked-about beaches are usually overcrowded, overpriced and far from the paradises they once were. Thankfully, there are still some places, like the island of Upolu, that continue to fly under the radar - relatively speaking. With its white sandy beaches, pristine blue lagoons, rich rainforest and picturesque waterfalls, this Samoan island is everything you could ask for, and yet the average person has never even heard of it - let alone thought to visit.
#1: Negril, Jamaica
The atmosphere, landscape, music, culture and cuisine give this Caribbean island nation an enduring and undeniable appeal. Unfortunately, its popularity also means that travelers who value personal space might struggle to experience this country in a way that they can truly enjoy - especially if they’re staying in the top resort destination, Montego Bay. Thankfully, there’s hope on the island’s westernmost point: Negril. Negril is consistently listed as one of the world’s best beaches, yet the resort development there has been kept to a minimum, preserving the natural beauty of the area (and keeping the crowds down). Even if it does get busy, with 4 miles of beach to explore, you can always find your own little slice of paradise.
Get away AND give yourself some elbow room. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Destinations for Travelers Looking to Escape the Crowds.
For this list, we’re looking at fun, unique and interesting destinations that aren’t overcrowded with tourists nor jam-packed with locals.
#10: Belize
Located on the East coast of Central America is a criminally underrated gem of a country. Overshadowed by its neighbors Mexico and Guatemala, Belize only received approximately 400,000 overnight tourists in 2017. While this is a significant increase from years past, the country remains the least visited in Central America. For travelers looking for an authentic trip to this area of the world however, these low numbers are an absolute blessing. Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, beaches that stun, world-class scuba diving spots (including the Great Blue Hole), and a diverse cuisine. And yet you’ll likely never wait in a line, or have to navigate a crowd. Welcome to paradise!
#9: Oman
While travelers looking to explore the Middle East generally tend to gravitate towards modern bustling hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or ancient attractions like the “Lost City” of Petra, such destinations might not be the best choice for tourists who get nervous in a crowd. For a more old-timey Middle Eastern experience, visit the fascinating coastal nation of Oman. In place of grandiose displays of wealth, Oman makes an impression with its focus on culture, history and its proud sense of identity. Thanks to the glittering distractions of its northern neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, Oman’s many attractions, as well as its beautiful and diverse landscape, are yours to explore, unblemished by overcrowding.
#8: Cluny, France
Sure, Paris is great and all, but it’s admittedly rather hard not to get lumped in with the countless other tourists that overwhelm France’s capital city. For a slower pace, but a nonetheless authentic French experience, leave the city behind and embrace the expansive, beautiful countryside and the smaller towns that dot it. Standing out from the pack in both its appeal and distinct lack of crowds, is the town of Cluny. Best known for its famed Benedictine abbey which dates back to the year 910, the town is quaint, charming and quiet; and the surrounding countryside is beautiful and serene. With other attractions and towns nearby, Cluny makes a great homebase.
#7: Madagascar
There’s nothing like going to an island roughly 250 miles from the coast of the mainland to escape the crowds! Madagascar is a stunning green gem floating in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. Isolated from the rest of the world, this island is home to number of unique and marvellous creatures that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. Though it can be a bit pricey to get there, Madagascar’s incredible landscape, pristine beaches, and opportunity for adventure make it worth every penny - especially since, with so much space, you can really feel like the experience is yours alone.
#6: Vis, Croatia
In recent years, Croatia has become of the trendiest destinations in the world. This once relatively well-kept secret is now welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors. For those of you who prefer a little space to explore, however, don’t worry, your chance to hit up Croatia hasn’t disappeared just yet. Vis is a small Croatian island occupying about 35 miles of land in the Adriatic Sea, with a population of around 3,500 people, Here, unlike in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, things continue at a slower pace, as it’s not even on the radar of most tourists. Vineyards, quaint fishing towns, great food, quiet beaches and plenty of space - this is Croatia on your terms.
#5: Liechtenstein
This tiny nation, sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, gets very little attention. In fact, it’s the second least visited country in all of Europe. And for the many travelers who skip over it on their European tour, that’s a real shame, because Liechtenstein has a lot to offer. For those looking for an unforgettable European vacation without the crowds however, it’s a fantasyland. Despite occupying just 62 square miles of land and a small population, Liechtenstein packs in an incredible amount of charm and culture. It’s got great skiing and hiking, a breathtaking landscape, hilltop castles and picturesque towns all wrapped up in an overwhelming fairytale vibe.
#4: Scottish Islands
Scotland might be known for its Highlands, but for those looking for a truly unique Scottish experience that deviates from the most well-trod of tourist paths, the islands await. Hundreds of islands dot the Atlantic ocean off the western Scotland coast; and on your own personal island hopping tour, you’ll quickly come to appreciate their diversity. Many of these islands, like Jura, only have a handful of residents and limited services, but what they lack in infrastructure, they make up for in natural, untamed beauty. From castles and distilleries to hikes and beaches, these islands are a veritable treasure trove of unique experiences.
#3: Huacachina, Peru
It’s like something out of a dream. And when you first approach it… you might very well think it’s a mirage, but Huacachina is the real deal: a desert oasis where you can go experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of opportunity for adventure. This natural desert oasis is home to just 100 permanent residents, but it welcomes tens of thousands of tourists each year. Depending on the time of year, your hotel or hostel bar might get busy, but with so much surrounding space, you’ll never feel crowded. Desert walks, sandboarding, dune buggy rides - you’re in for quite the trip.
#2: Upolu, Samoa
The problem with the idyllic fantasy beach vacation is that pretty much everyone is chasing that dream. As such, most of the world’s most talked-about beaches are usually overcrowded, overpriced and far from the paradises they once were. Thankfully, there are still some places, like the island of Upolu, that continue to fly under the radar - relatively speaking. With its white sandy beaches, pristine blue lagoons, rich rainforest and picturesque waterfalls, this Samoan island is everything you could ask for, and yet the average person has never even heard of it - let alone thought to visit.
#1: Negril, Jamaica
The atmosphere, landscape, music, culture and cuisine give this Caribbean island nation an enduring and undeniable appeal. Unfortunately, its popularity also means that travelers who value personal space might struggle to experience this country in a way that they can truly enjoy - especially if they’re staying in the top resort destination, Montego Bay. Thankfully, there’s hope on the island’s westernmost point: Negril. Negril is consistently listed as one of the world’s best beaches, yet the resort development there has been kept to a minimum, preserving the natural beauty of the area (and keeping the crowds down). Even if it does get busy, with 4 miles of beach to explore, you can always find your own little slice of paradise.
