For those of us with an insatiable thirst to discover the unknown, traveling is a staple. We yearn to meet new people, explore new cultures, and try new cuisines. For us, a life without traveling would be obscenely dull. The experience of standing in a queue for hours just to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa is not foreign to us. We embrace tourist culture, and we adore crowded cities like Paris and Rome.
Amongst us, however, is a group that shares our passion for traveling but despises crowds. For them, the perfect travel destination promises both memorable experiences and relaxation. If you’re one of these travelers, keep reading below. We’ll be sharing four places that guarantee both peace and fun for travel lovers.
1. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is undoubtedly one of the best travel destinations for families since it has something to offer all ages. Adults will be pleased to discover a scaled model of the legendary Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction. Children, on the other hand, will not be disappointed by the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
However, Pigeon Forge is also an excellent travel destination for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Located at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge promises a mature and refined travel experience – if you look for it. Accommodation is readily available, and you’ll find a good assortment of Smoky Mountain cabins with stunning mountain views. Trust us; there’s something majestic about relaxing in an outdoor hot tub at altitudes of several thousand feet.
Several guided sightseeing tours begin from Pigeon Forge and take you deep into the woodlands of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll encounter hundreds of chestnut oak, maple, magnolia, and tulip trees along the way. Near the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meditate at one of the many streams and rapids that flow through the mountain valleys.
After that, we’d recommend heading down to one of Pigeon Forge’s four wineries and spending the rest of the evening gazing at the stars as you sip on some local red wine.
2. Lucerne, Switzerland
As far as beautiful scenery and breathtaking views go, Switzerland never disappoints. Lucerne, located at the very heart of the country, is no exception. Mountain ranges on all four sides surround the city. Particularly notable are Mount Rigi, Mount Stanserhorn, and Mount Pilatus.
Lucerne owes its name to Lake Lucerne, one of the principal lakes in Switzerland. This lake spreads over an area of 113.6 square kilometers and is one of the most beautiful lakes you’ll encounter. The color of the water itself is a deep yet elegant shade of blue, and the neighboring greenery casts a green shadow on it. No trip to Lucerne is complete without a relaxing cruise on a majestic paddle steamer as you indulge in some fine Swiss cheese and wine.
Colorful, picturesque town squares also characterize Lucerne. These squares aren’t as crowded as some of the more popular tourist destinations. The cobbled, dimly lit streets are incredibly peaceful in the evening. You’ll find small, cute cafés and bakeries selling fresh bread and pastries on every corner.
We’d recommend finding accommodation right next to the lake itself. The experience of reading a good book while you dip your feet in the cold water is worth writing home about.
3. Ubud, Bali
Over the years, Bali has emerged as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for newlyweds. Although the locals have kept true to their customs, Bali’s beaches can get crowded.
Ubud, on the other hand, is a different story. It’s still characterized by the rice paddies and rugged terrain that defines Bali, but it’s more restrained and secluded. Yoga is trendy here, and you’ll often spot locals meditating near the Tegenungan Waterfall.
Among all the temples and spiritual centers, there are plenty of fun attractions. You can explore the Ubud Art Market or spend some time with macaws and cockatoos at the Bali Bird Park. If you’re interested in history, the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and the Blanco Renaissance Museum should be on your list. We’d recommend unwinding by getting a relaxing massage at the end of a long tiring day.
4. Cape Elizabeth, Maine
New York is one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from all over the world. However, it’s far from what we’d describe as peaceful. This city never sleeps, and you’ll encounter crowded streets even at night.
On the contrary, Cape Elizabeth’s local population is a mere 9000 people. The city is famous for its grand lighthouses. The Portland Head Light, the city’s oldest lighthouse, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America.
We’d recommend grabbing your tanning lotion and relaxing at the Cliff House Beach or Crescent Beach, which aren’t crowded. Cape Elizabeth is also famous for its seafood – lobster in particular – so you’ll want to head over to the Lobster Shack afterward.
Conclusion
From the taxi ride to the airport to the unexpected flight delays, traveling can be stressful. Most travelers have popular travel destinations like Tokyo and Venice on their bucket lists. For others, however, traveling is an escape from the stresses of their daily lives; they can’t stand long queues and huge crowds. For them, the travel destinations that we’ve mentioned above are perfect. Pigeon Forge and Lucerne have gorgeous views, Ubud has a spiritual charm to it, and Cape Elizabeth’s beaches can hold their own. We’re sure that these travel destinations may become as popular as Berlin or London in the future. But for now, they’re excellent options for those who want their travel experience to be peaceful. So enjoy them till they’re just that!