Top Crowd-Free Destinations for Holiday Travel

Crowd-Free Destinations for Holiday Travel
Amid the pandemic last year, many workers scrapped holiday vacation plans—a move that made perfect sense during a global crisis. But here we are approaching the final months of 2021 and while things aren’t completely back to normal, the travel world has opened considerably—which means there are far fewer reasons to let vacation days go to waste again. For those who’d like to squeeze in some last-minute holiday galavanting, but still prefer to maintain social distancing, there are plenty of intriguing options. With input from Expedia and Travelzoo experts (and a few suggestions of our own) here’s a look at destinations where you can enjoy a fun holiday getaway and also find opportunities to escape the crush of crowds.

Maui, Hawaii
While Hawaii is a perennially popular destination, there are plenty of less busy areas to explore in this famous paradise, says Gabe Saglie, senior editor for Travelzoo. “I’d suggest Maui here, which does offer a lot of tourist-friendly creature comforts, but where there’s a swelling push to spotlight and conserve the natural environs and landscapes,” says Saglie. The Fairmont Kea Lani resort for instance, recently announced its latest restoration initiative to plant 100 trees along the slopes of the Haleakala volcano in celebration of the property’s 30 year anniversary. Saglie says this is one of many examples on Maui of eco-inspired initiatives that allow travelers to immerse in nature and escape the crowds. “The island also offers plenty of secluded, private spots to discover—from beaches to forests teeming with wildlife and waterfalls,” continues Saglie. “There’s also a lot of snorkel and scuba activities along some of the most pristine waters in the world and plenty of opportunity to connect with wildlife.”

Santa Barbara, California
An hour and a half outside of the urban bustle of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a world away, says Saglie. It’s also another destination where there’s a big focus right now on sustainable and eco-friendly activities, including sustainable dining. Santa Barbara’s geography also makes it a favorable winter choice. “Its south-facing orientation—a rarity along the entire west coast of North and South America—creates a unique geological and environmental reality here, which offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore superb hiking along the Santa Ynez Mountains, individualized ocean experiences, including access to the super secluded Channel Islands, and private nooks and crannies along the coast to unplug and escape,” says Saglie.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Destinations that feature an abundance of outdoor recreation are a solid choice for those seeking fun without facing crowds, says Anna Brown, PR manager for Expedia U.S. One of Expedia’s top choices is sun-drenched St. Croix. “This warm weather destination continues to be a great option for crowd-averse travelers,” says Brown. “With plenty of white sandy beaches to explore, visitors can enjoy the outdoors and steer clear of crowds.” As an added bonus there are plenty of solitary activities to enjoy when visiting St. Croix including private sailing tours and night horseback riding.

Monteverde, Costa Rica
With average temperatures around 80 degrees for the holiday season, Monteverde is a great option for those who prefer to stay warm while exploring the outdoors. “Nothing says crowd-free quite like zip-lining through a Costa Rica rainforest,” says Brown. Indeed. Monteverde is famed for its cloud forests, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and experience one of the country’s most progressive conservation and eco-tourism opportunities. The entire Monteverde region, located at the central point of Costa Rica’s continental divide, is known for attracting outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and artists.

Boulder, Colorado
With several ski resorts opening in mid-to-late November, Boulder is a great destination for travelers looking for outdoor recreation in the winter months, says Brown. While all those resorts may sound like a magnet for overtourism, Expedia data shows that Boulder has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels of visitation for the months of November and December 2021, meaning there’s still availability for travelers looking to book and you won’t necessarily find the same crowds here that you’d experience in other popular ski destinations. Beyond hitting the slopes there’s a long list of outdoor activity options in Boulder including hiking, mountain and road biking, and rock climbing. When you’re ready to mix with the masses again, don’t miss taking in Boulder’s dining scene. Named “America’s Foodiest Town” by Bon Appetit, there’s a variety of award-winning restaurants to sample.

Cherokee, North Carolina
Just a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains’ beautiful views and waterfalls, Cherokee is a place rich in history and yet remains slightly under the radar, says Brown. “Travelers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Cherokee while seeking a path less traveled,” she explains. Located in the heart of western North Carolina, Cherokee is a sovereign nation and a base camp for hiking the Smoky Mountains. There are more than 800 miles of hiking trails here. The region is also home to at least 200 species of birds and six state-recognized birding trails. Arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, and fishing are still more top options.

Oregon Coast
Nothing says escaping it all like renting a car and hitting the open road. The Oregon coast is one of the most picturesque places to do that. “The coast of Oregon is breathtaking and worth a visit,” says Brown. “Cannon Beach, Gold Beach, Tillamook Bay – you really can’t go wrong, and there’s plenty to enjoy for families, couples, or solo travelers, from scenic views, mountains and trails to lighthouses and more.” While December is one of the rainiest months in this region, travelers can still experience the beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer, adds Brown. In fact, the seasonal changes here often make the vistas and forests even more picturesque.

Arkansas Ozarks
Another destination known for its expansive natural beauty where visitors can escape it all, the Arkansas Ozarks offers a little something for everyone. The area includes numerous state parks, caverns, hot springs, hiking, and more than a few scenic byways to strike out and explore (don’t miss the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, a portion of which Car and Driver magazine named one of the top 10 driving experiences in the country). When you’re ready for a change of pace, the options include agrotourism, history and culture tours, and beer and wine tours.

Dominica
A small, remote island in the eastern Caribbean, Dominica is a nature-filled destination where visitors can spend days enjoying the substantial park system and some of the best hiking in the world. There are vast swaths of unspoiled rainforest in Dominica, as well as waterfalls, an active volcanic caldera, and deep river gorges. The island is also well-known for its diving offerings, yet another activity that allows for peaceful communing with nature. Because of the island’s volcanic origins, the waters surrounding Dominica are filled with tall pinnacles, and you’ll find vertical coral reefs crammed with marine life. Lodging choices on the island allow visitors to choose from accommodations focused on hiking and diving to those designed with eco-tourism in mind.

Galapagos Islands
With tourism not quite back up to full-speed, now is a great time to visit this fascinating and remote destination where days will be filled with diving explorations to take in marine life and walks on nearly barren islands that are home to some of the most unique reptiles and birds in the world. The Galapagos Islands are governed by special laws designed to promote conservation and preservation of this special and remarkable environment, meaning the number of visitors is limited and you’ll never find yourself sharing a space with too many other people.

East Africa
Think: game drives by day, stargazing by night. A region that includes Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and more, the African continent’s tourism took a big hit amid the pandemic and that dealt a huge blow to wildlife conservation efforts, which rely a great deal on funding from tourists. But rest assured, the region is ready to welcome visitors again and the most intrepid travelers have already begun making their way back. Because the region is so diverse, there’s something for everyone here, from hot air balloon safaris to visiting the remote island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, where you can enjoy wide white-sand beaches, often all by yourself.

Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec
Montreal and Quebec City often get all the attention when people think of this Canadian province. But if its pastoral scenic drives and peace and quiet you’re after, take the path less traveled and explore the Gaspe Peninsula. A region is known for its contrasting landscapes (including sea and mountains), small towns and villages, and rugged wilderness, driving tours are the best way to soak it all in. Named by National Geographic Traveler as one of Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, Gaspe is home to four national parks, lighthouses, and Chaleur Bay, which is said to be one of the most picturesque bays in the world.

Hvar, Croatia
During the height of the overtourism crisis (way back before the pandemic arrived on the scene) Croatia had developed a bit of a reputation for being heavily traveled—at least certain parts of the country anyway. Which is why you’ll want to put Hvar on your radar for a blissful holiday retreat. A small resort island in the Adriatic, Hvar is said to be the queen of the Dalmatian islands, and features a port town with walls dating back to the 13 th century. There’s also a hilltop fortress and a charming main square (featuring Hvar Cathedral), which you won’t want to miss. To get even further afield, take a boat trip to the uninhabited and car-free Pakleni Islands where there are hidden beaches and deserted lagoons.

Valdez, Alaska
A destination that’s often overlooked on many Alaska itineraries, Valdez is a place that beckons you to slow down and spend some quality time exploring natural treasures including tidewater glaciers, rainforests, and wildlife. Just getting here is an experience of its own (the drive along the Richardson Highway is said to be breathtaking.) Once in Valdez, there’s fishing, aerial tours via helicopter, glacier cruises, and wildlife cruises, to name just a few of the options.

Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Located about 340 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica, it’s hard to find more tranquility than what Cocos Island offers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. The waters around the island meanwhile are famous for being teeming with sharks, rays, tuna, and dolphins. The island is a national park, only inhabited by rangers—meaning you can’t stay overnight here, but you can spend a blissful day exploring this secluded destination crowd-free.

Acadia National Park, Maine
If you don’t mind the cold, or if cold weather explorations are your thing, the remote, 47,000-acre Acadia National Park is a showcase of natural beauty. There are 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage here, which allows plenty of space for unspoiled solitude. Come winter, there’s still plenty to explore here. The park’s Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road remain open past December 1, and many scenic areas of Acadia are accessible from the public roads that pass through the park. The park’s carriage roads are also perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. When you’re ready to come in out of the cold, spend your time in charming Bar Harbor, which is the gateway to the park and features cozy bed and breakfast inns, boutique hotels and some of the region’s best dining.

Nevis Island, Caribbean
Need we say more than this island is not reachable by commercial airlines? (Just smaller regional aircraft, and private planes can fly here.) That alone diminishes the crowds to be found on Nevis. But those who do make the journey will reap the rewards. Part of the nation of Saint Kitts, this island is known for its long empty, beaches, and its relaxed vibe. If you’re up for more activity, take in the Georgian buildings of the island’s capital, or spend some time cycling, fishing, horseback riding or hiking.

Orcas Island, Washington
Known affectionately as the “gem of the San Juan” islands, this picturesque 57-square-mile island offers arts, culture, and plenty of outdoor activity options. There are 38 miles of hiking trails or come winter you may want to opt for the picturesque drives (to stay a little warmer) along the island’s curving roads, which passes through forests, many of the island’s hamlets, and one pastoral scene after another. There are also quiet beaches to stroll here, spas to unwind and relax, and for yet another view of it all, take a seaplane tour.