11 Destinations Around the World for a Quiet Vacation

The Scottish Highlands is a brooding place, where the sloping landscapes seem endless and life—at least at first glance—carries on as it has for centuries. This makes it ideal if you’re seeking a little bit of space. Here, you can find uncrowded small towns for slow travel such as Plockton on Loch Carron, known as the “Jewel of the Highlands;” Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park; or remote Inverie, only accessible via a hike or boat.

Other options that let you take advantage of the Highlands’ quiet include exploring grand castles with relatively few visitors such as Castle Tioram and Kilchurn Castle, road tripping through the untamed wilderness, or just holing up in an inn on a self-made retreat of sorts.

If you’re looking for remote islands for a quiet getaway, off the coast of Belize you’ll find Caye Caulker, a tropical Caribbean island without traffic or high-rise hotels, where lazing on the beach really is the best way to spend your day.

Here, there are no paved roads; instead, expect to find clusters of small beachfront hotels, restaurants, and scuba diving shops, making it one of those elusive peaceful beach towns for relaxation. Besides enjoying the slow pace of life, the best things to do on the island include snorkeling or diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visiting the tarpon feeding dock, or catching the sunset from the shore.

The region of Patagonia—which spans more than 260,000 square miles (673,000 square kilometers) in Chile and Argentina—has long captured the imagination with its windswept plains, towering mountains, and mammoth glaciers.

And although the area has gotten more popular in recent years, it’s still so vast that you can always find a quiet spot to soak up the power of nature. Road trip through Torres del Paine National Park, where you can scan the skies for condors, stand in awe of Grey Glacier (here, the only sound is of the ancient ice calving), and hike deep into the Patagonian Andes.

If you’re looking for low-key European destinations without crowds, the Canary Islands are a great option. These seven islands are located just north of Africa but belong to Spain, and are known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring” for their year-round pleasant weather.

During your visit, expect otherworldly volcanic landscapes on Tenerife, outdoor adventure on Lanzarote, and unique local culture and cuisine on Gran Canaria. Whichever island you choose, opt out of the energetic resort areas of the islands and go for a secluded getaway instead—whether on the laid-back and sunny Fuerteventura or untamed El Hierro and La Gomera—where nature dominates.

Insider tip: On many of the islands, you’ll even find off-the-beaten-path wellness retreats.

Italy is known for la dolce vita, or the sweet life, which manifests in the slow pace of living that makes the country ideal for a restful sojourn. But now that Italy is a popular vacation destination, especially in the summer, it can feel hard to find a bit of peace and quiet.

However, in the region of Umbria, you can get the same rolling hills, wine and food culture, and idyllic small towns as neighboring Tuscany—but with far fewer crowds. In this “Green Heart of Italy,” sip Sagrantino on a wine tour in Montefalco, try truffle hunting in the woods outside of Assisi, or visit small towns including Spello or Trevi.

Related: 9 Quieter Alternatives to the Most Crowded Tourist Attractions

The Faroe Islands offer an escape from the modern world, and a quieter alternative to increasingly popular Iceland. This self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark has dramatic green landscapes, powerful waterfalls, strong local culture … and few visitors.

While there, you can take a hiking tour, experience the traditional Nordic food scene, go on a puffin safari, or learn about local culture, which has been influenced by Irish, Norse, and other historic and current presences. (And because of its remote nature, this archipelago is one of the best places for digital detox vacations.)

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, and the wilderness of Mongolia is a great place to do so. In the untouched nature traversed by nomadic peoples, you’ll find space that may just help you enjoy the presence of your own thoughts.

This is the place to enjoy unparalleled stargazing, visit some of Asia’s clearest freshwater lakes, ride a horse through national parks, or join in local cultural festivities such as July’s National Naadam Festival. Head to the historic Orkhorn Valley for ancient ruins and striking natural beauty, experience remote adventure in the Gobi Desert, or visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park for mountain scenery.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula—a stretch of coastline dotted with quiet nature lodges and eco retreats—is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It’s also home to one of the country’s most significant protected spaces: Corcovado National Park.

There you can spot wildlife such as toucans, scarlet macaws, tapirs, and maybe even anteaters; hike through dense jungle; and visit idyllic hidden waterfalls. And once you’re done exploring Corcovado, stay in small towns such as the laid-back Drake Bay, surf hub Cabo Matapalo, or remote Carate, and soak up the Costa Rican pura vida philosophy, with a focus on gratitude and positivity.

A 1.5-hour drive north of Quebec City (easily close enough to be a day trip, if preferred), you’ll find Charlevoix, a region known for its diverse mix of ecosystems in a UNESCO–recognized World Biosphere Reserve.

Bonus: It’s also one of Quebec’s best mountain retreats for rest and relaxation, especially in the winter, where you can pursue your favorite winter activities without waiting in long lines. In addition to skiing, hiking, and whale watching (from late May to October), you can also soak up local culture, known for farm-to-table dining concepts and a thriving arts scene.

As a travel destination known for vast landscapes, secluded getaways, and uncrowded experiences, Namibia is the ideal spot for a quiet vacation. Start in the Namib Desert, home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world down which you can sandboard, then spend some time in Sandwich Harbor on the remote Skeleton Coast.

Finally, book a tour of Etosha National Park to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and other species, or visit with the semi-nomadic Himba people. And definitely make sure to take the time to see Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan framed by red sand dunes.

Related: 9 Red Destinations Around the World To Add to Your Bucket List

With its otherworldly landscapes, excellent stargazing opportunities, and apparent emptiness, the Atacama Desert in Chile is often compared to Mars. So if you’re looking for a vacation that’s the next best thing to hopping on a spaceship, spend a few days exploring the natural wonders around San Pedro de Atacama.

Start in the dramatic craters and spires of the vast Moon Valley, then witness the spooky Tatio Geysers shoot up into the sky or spot flamingoes, who seem out of place in the Chaxa Lagoon. You’re sure to find plenty of solace in these wide-reaching desert landscapes framed by imposing mountains.