How I Actaully Escaped the Secona Crowds (After 3 Visits)

Sedona can be chaotic… but if you go during the right window, avoid the Instagram traps, and hit sunrise instead of sleep-in hours, it becomes one of the most peaceful places in the Southwest. “How I Actually Escaped the Sedona Crowds (After 3 Visits)”

Things to do in Premium Explorers Locations

1. Oregon Coast – Cape Meares Area, OR

The California Mud Caves

So Idrk how to really write these but I wanted to say the Mud Caves in Anza Borrego are super cool and not many people go. It’s like big tunnels made from mud and you can walk inside them. Bring a flashlight because it gets dark fast. I went around 9 AM and only saw one other group. Just don’t go if it rained the day before.

Why does nobody talk about Port Orford in Oregon!?!?

I found Port Orford completely by accident while road-tripping down the Oregon Coast, and honestly I’ve been confused ever since that this place isn’t packed with people. It feels like the coastline before everyone discovered social media. The beauty of Port Orford is how quiet the beaches are compared to Cannon Beach or Lincoln City. I walked for almost a mile on Battle Rock Beach without seeing another person just driftwood, cliffs, and the sound of waves hitting the rocks. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon, when the fog drifts in and makes the whole coastline look straight out of a movie. If you’re worried about places to stay, don’t there are Airbnbs tucked around the bluff and a few small hotels right in town. But the town itself? Totally chilled out, super slow, and perfect if you want the ocean without the tourist chaos. If you want a calm coastal escape, Port Orford is honestly one of the last truly quiet ones left.

How to Visit the Batanes Islands

Visiting Batanes is amazing, but because of the strict tourist limits, you need to plan ahead to actually get there. To be on the list, you usually have to book your flights or ferries well in advance sometimes months ahead since only a set number of tourists are allowed per day. Most travelers coordinate with accredited tour operators or local accommodations, as they help reserve your spot and ensure you meet the government’s requirements. You also need to provide personal information and sometimes submit identification to confirm your booking, so the local authorities can keep track of visitors. By planning early and booking through official channels, you can secure your place on the islands, which makes the experience much smoother and ensures you enjoy the secluded beauty without worrying about hitting the daily visitor cap.

Go to Okuida instead of Hakone

I have visited japan so much and I swear most of the famous spots are crowded year-round. But if you want an actually peaceful mountain area with insane scenery, Okuhida (near Takayama) is where locals go. The entire area is surrounded by deep forests and mountains, and it’s known for its outdoor hot springs. The best part? Almost zero foreign tourists. Even Japanese tourists come in small numbers compared to Hakone or Nikko. My go-to tip is to visit the Shinhotaka Ropeway around 4 PM. The daytime crowds are gone, and the top platform gives you a view of the Japanese Alps with barely anyone around. You can stay in ryokans, small inns, or Airbnbs in the surrounding villages tons of options without big tourist traffic. If you want that quiet, traditional Japan feel with mountain air and hot springs, Okuhida is honestly unbeatable.

How to find Peace in Sintra

Sintra doesn’t have to feel crowded. A little planning, some curiosity, and willingness to explore beyond the main attractions is all it takes. Trust me wandering the quiet gardens and empty streets at your own pace is how Sintra really feels magical. Sintra is magical seriously, it feels like walking into a fairy tale. But if you’ve been there before or seen photos online, you know the main attractions can get insanely crowded, especially Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. I went there last month and wanted to enjoy the beauty without the crush of tourists, so I tried a few things that worked really well.…

How to visit Whistler without getting stuck in a swarm of tourist

I’ve been going to Whistler every winter since I was a kid, and I swear the crowds get thicker every year—especially around the Village and the gondolas. But if you’re willing to shift your timing a little and avoid the obvious routes, Whistler can feel surprisingly quiet. Here are the tricks I use every single trip:

Avoid those Queenstown Crowds!

Queenstown is absolutely stunning, but everyone knows it gets super crowded, especially around the main lakefront and the adventure spots. I found the best way to avoid the crowds was to hit the quieter side trails of the Ben Lomond Track and walk around Lake Hayes early in the morning, perfect light for photos and barely anyone around. I also took day trips to smaller towns like Arrowtown or Glenorchy on weekdays, and it made a huge difference; I could check out local cafes, rivers, and scenery without feeling rushed or squished by tourists. Even during the busy season, just exploring short hikes outside the main area or stopping at lesser-known viewpoints along the roads felt peaceful, like I was discovering the mountains and lakes on my own. Staying at a lodge a bit farther from the center helped too. I could get an early start, hit hidden spots the locals love, and actually enjoy the quiet beauty of the region. With a little planning on timing and where to go, you can enjoy…

The Teshima Island In Japan

If you’re ever around the Seto area, Teshima Island is super underrated. I rented a bike and rode around and barely saw anyone except like 3 locals on scooters. The art museum is weird but kind of sick too. Morning was the best time imo, the whole island felt quiet.

Avoid those Cinque crowds

I grew up an hour from Liguria, so I’ve spent more weekends in Cinque Terre than I can count. It’s beautiful—no doubt—but if you go at the wrong time, the crowds make it feel like you’re shuffling through a postcard instead of actually experiencing it. Over the years, I’ve figured out some ways to get the quiet, authentic version instead. Here’s what works every time:

Finding Solitude in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloons and unique rock formations, but it can get very crowded at the main tourist spots. To avoid the crowds, I woke up before sunrise and hiked to viewpoints just outside Göreme, where I could watch the balloons drift over the valleys without fighting for space. Exploring Love Valley and Pigeon Valley early in the morning made a huge difference there were almost no other tourists, and the quiet allowed me to enjoy the scenery and hidden cave churches in peace. Staying in a smaller boutique cave hotel near Uçhisar also helped, as it put me within walking distance of off-the-beaten-path trails, letting me see secret viewpoints before the tour buses arrived. Midweek visits are key, as weekends are packed with day-trippers, while exploring early or late in the day ensures you experience Cappadocia’s magical landscapes without the usual crowds. Even during peak season, a little planning and choosing quieter paths make the experience completely…

Skip Lagos.. Aijezur is the place to visit

Everyone goes to Lagos or Albufeira and thinks they’ve “seen” the Algarve. I live in Portugal, and trust me—those aren’t the spots you go to if you want actual peace. Aljezur is a whole different story. It’s tucked into the hills on the western Algarve, so it misses the massive tourist waves. The town feels slow, old, relaxed—white houses, a castle on the hill, and almost no noise besides wind and church bells. The real magic is Arrifana Beach. While the big Algarve beaches get crowded, Arrifana feels like a hidden cove. Go at sunrise and you’ll have the entire cliffside glowing orange with barely anyone around. Accommodations are easy—Aljezur has small boutique hotels, surf lodges, and Airbnbs scattered around the hills. The area gets travelers, but nowhere near the chaos of the southern coast. If you want the Algarve without the crowds and noise, this is the place.

Cloudland Canyon in Georgia

so i went to cloudland canyon last wk and omg no one was there lol. hiked the west rim trail around 8:30 and saw like 2 ppl tops. waterfall was sick n empty. def a chill spot if u dont wanna deal with crowds. bring water lol.

Mud Caves is a MUST VISIT!!!

I just went to the mud caves in Anza Borrego and honestly idk why more ppl don’t go here. It’s like giant tunnels made of sand/mud and you can walk super far in. Bring a flashlight tho lol. I went around 9ish and barely saw anyone, just one couple leaving. Super cool spot if you want quiet.