Escape the crowds: 20 peaceful summer destinations to visit

When I lay my head down at night, I pray for two things: a stress-free tax season and a fast-forward button to get us to summer. With warm weather and mai-tais on the brain, I know I can’t be alone, already researching the best places to travel in the summer. Especially, places that aren’t overcrowded with tourists, which sounds more like work than a relaxing vacation. 

Last year’s worldwide surge in travel demand shows no signs of slowing down this 2023 summer season. Fortunately, there are many uncrowded travel spots to choose from that offer a hassle-free experience for you and help curb over-tourism in already popular destinations.

Here are a few summer travel destinations you can enjoy without the crowds:

1. Anguilla’s remote location offers beautiful islands in the Caribbean and highly-rated beaches, like Mead’s Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Shoal Bay East.
2. Sanibel Island in Florida is located off the coast of Ft. Myers, and offers a quieter escape from mainland destinations, with beautiful sunsets. 
3. Molokai remains the least-visited of Hawaii’s major islands, with residents resisting large-scale tourism, avoiding cruise ships and new brand-name hotels.
4. Nevis sees far fewer tourists than other Caribbean islands, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking seclusion with long stretches of deserted beaches and private villas.
5. Healy, Alaska is a secluded yet convenient, offering many comfortable log cabins for rent, including the historic Wood River Lodge founded in 1898 and only accessible by plane.
6. Kefalonia in Greece has a natural beauty is comparable to other popular islands like Crete and Rhodes, with emerald-green mountains, clear waters, and breathtaking beaches.
7. Cappadocia, Turkey is famous for its picturesque hot air balloon rides, drawing tourists worldwide. Compared to popular destinations such as Istanbul and Bursa, this historic region tends to be less crowded. 
8. Isle of Skye in Scotland is 50 miles in length and 25 miles in width, but not as busy as other popular tourist spots in Scotland, despite its reputation for its naturally incredible beauty.

Find more quiet summer travel inspo here. 

For an even more secluded vacation away from crowds, consider visiting isolated states like Alaska or Idaho, or consult our list of Europe’s best second and third cities. Your ideal destination will depend on your travel preferences, budget, and desired activities —whether you seek breathtaking sights or quiet beaches. Happy vacation-ing!