Our Team on The Best Destinations Without Crowds

Year after year, those once ‘little walked’ corners of the world are being overrun, with tourists driven by Instagrammable beaches and yoga centers (Bali), buzzy TV shows (Sicily and Koh Samui) or just the drive to see something before it disappears (or before everyone else does). And with high season ever-lengthening in European hotspots and traffic worse than ever in our home cities, many Indagare members are longing for the untouched, unspoiled and uncrowded. Luckily, the Indagare team feels the same way, and our intrepid trip designers, editors and beyond have taken to the skies and the seas to find just that.

Ancient cultures and ice reign in Greenland, the world’s largest island. Glaciers cover nearly 80 percent of its landmass, which is home to both the Inuit people and wildlife like polar bears and muskoxen (offshore, unicorn-like narwhals swim the freezing waters). The swaths of wilderness are best explored by cruising the coastal fjords, where travelers can view wildlife and staggering glaciers shedding ice chunks, embark on dogsledding or kayaking adventures and learn about the history of the island and its people. “Greenland has been getting a lot of attention lately—not just politics, but also the addition of direct flights to Nuuk on the west coast,” says Indagare’s Peter Schlesinger, who ventured here in fall of 2024. “Fewer travelers make it to the island’s east coast, which is even more rugged and far more sparsely populated. Here, via ship, it’s possible to visit isolated settlements (where grocery stores get fresh deliveries only twice a year) and hike along the world’s largest fjord system. The eastern region is the only part of Greenland with polar bears, too, plus other iconic northern wildlife like the muskox, arctic fox and arctic hare.”

Beyond Greenland, travelers seeking an even more remote and novel travel experience can head to the North Pole on an icebreaker. “The most powerful icebreaker in NATO, French cruise line Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is currently the only way travelers can get to the North Pole,” Says Peter. “It also happens to be an exceedingly comfortable ship, staffed by expert expedition leaders and an all-French team on the bridge. Standing on the frozen ocean at the world’s northernmost point was a surreal experience. We had close sightings of polar bears a whopping 10 times during sailing. And yes, we did meet Santa.”

Recent years have seen headlines about over tourism in Hawaii, especially Oahu and Maui. But for those anti-crowd travelers still seeking the lush volcanic islands and rich underwater worlds of the most far-flung U.S. state, Lanai may be the place for you. With only three paved roads and not a stoplight in sight, Lanai is the second-least touristed Hawaiian island, with 18 miles of unspoiled beach, plus green forests and windswept, orange rocky terrain nicknamed the Garden of the Gods. Outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback-riding and whale-watching can all be paired with the luxury at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai: “Their beautiful beach is a short stroll downhill and is set in a protected marine reserve, so it offers calm swimming waters and a reef that is nice for snorkeling at the end of the resort’s cove,” says Indagare’s Michael Barattini. “It's a bit more ‘posh’ than might be expected of Hawaii, but Lanai as an island feels traditional and offers a laid-back experience, even if the Four Seasons does not fit into the classic Hawaii vibe.”

“Fogo Island is convenient for no one and close to nowhere, and that’s part of what makes it so special,” says Indagare contributor Amelia Osborne Scott. “The tiny Newfoundland island could be a subject of a study in remoteness, particularly in how it creates an incomparable sense of community among its population. The chance to see this firsthand would be a draw on its own, but the world-class Fogo Island Inn can also stand up to hotels of excellence. Go, as I did, in late spring to see icebergs float past your room’s windows. Depending on the season, hiking and boat excursions whenever possible are definite highlights.” Read more about Fogo Island Inn and its commitment to the island and its history in this insider Q&A with founder Zita Cobb.

The Caribbean Islands are as known for their expansive resorts as they are for their aqua waters and sandy beaches, but a few islands have managed to stay more under-the-radar. “The sense of wild nature is ever present on Nevis,” says Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley. There is one Four Seasons Resort Nevis on its western side, as well as several charming inns and cottages, like Relais & Chateaux’s boutique Montpelier Nevis or Golden Rock Inn. These two are nestled further inland, where the lure of unspoiled nature is at its strongest. Unlike much of Central and South America, Nevis is one of the few destinations home to a rainforest that is actually expanding, and it is ripe with adventure—“You can hike [and zipline] in mountains filled with vervet monkeys,” Melissa says, or even trek up the dormant volcano. Despite the many available activities, the island is imbibed with a laid-back spirit, and days can just as easily be spent wandering through gardens, indulging in fresh cuisine and sunning on the sand.

“Few places in the world feel like discovering your own little secret anymore,” says Indagare associate editor Trey Ross. “But that’s what North Jutland, the northernmost region of Denmark, reveals itself to be. Aalborg is the largest city in the region, with a walkable Old Town filled with cobblestoned streets lined with brightly painted, centuries-old row houses, while Skagen (the Hamptons of Denmark) promises pastoral hillside views, quaint yellow houses (a mixture of French ochre and Danish chalk achieves this amber hue), antique shops and an overarching sense of laid-back, beach-chic glamour—it’s also the preferred vacation spot for the Danish Royal Family... But for foodies, the breads and pastries of North Jutland have earned a spot of recognition all on their own—homemade sourdough, whipped butter, flaky crusts, fruit fillings. It seems that the baked goods of the region exemplify the simplicity of what makes a visit here so special—it’s natural, it’s original and it’s just not trying too hard.”

Explorers who dream of traipsing the Scottish Highlands and sailing the Norwegian Fjords will relish the remote natural wonders of the Faroe Islands, an archipelago midway between Iceland and Scandinavia. Its isolation has allowed this self-governing Danish territory to preserve its cultural roots and rich oral linguistic tradition. Visitors may be just as enchanted by the lyricism of ancient hymns and an immersive schooner journey as by the striking gorges and cliffside waterfalls, grottos and colorful villages scattered across a dramatic landscape. “The Faroe Islands are ‘the land of maybe’ (kanska), where conditions are always unpredictable,” says Indagare’s Diana Li. “What remains forever constant here is the deep-rooted pride and fierce commitment of the roughly 55,000 inhabitants across these 18 islands to Faroese cultural traditions and a seafaring way of life that stems from their Norsemen ancestors. I loved feeling small against the backdrop of otherworldly ocean cliffs, technicolor sea caves, horizons dotted with puffins and sprawling sheep farms run by sixth-generation local families.”

An unassuming Portuguese archipelago 320 miles off the northwestern African coast, “Madeira is still largely undiscovered by American tourists,” says Indagare’s Wellsley Lowther, who traveled there in summer 2022. “While that means some experiences could use a polish, it also means you’ll have a chance to explore an island that has been largely untouched by the luxury traveler. Belmond’s Reid’s Palace is a stunning historic property—I could easily have spent all my days relaxing by the pool or in the loungers on the ocean’s edge, reachable by cliffside steps. But the option for exploration is endless. A highlight for me was the sunrise jeep tour of the 6,000-foot-high Pico do Ariero, Madeira’s third-highest mountain, followed by a picnic breakfast, which is not to be missed! Though most people might think of it as a summer destination, Madeira is also home to one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world.”

A champion of sustainability, Slovenia is a natural wonderland that has yet to accumulate the crowds of other European destinations. “It’s great for hikers who are interested in new, beautifully designed hiking and biking trails with stunning views of glacial, turquoise lakes and rivers,” says Indagare’s Diana Li, the first staffer to scout the country. “The natural beauty and island castle of Lake Bled has attracted visitors for centuries and is worth the trip, as is a morning hike on winding wooden bridges and walking paths through the waterfalls and cascades of Vintgar Gorge. Slovenia’s charming capital Ljubljana has a lovely cobblestoned Old Town and a hilltop castle, and less than a two-hour drive away are the romantic coastal towns of Piran and Portoroz. Piran resembles a smaller, more intimate Dubrovnik thanks to its Old City protected by fortress walls—but without any crowds.” See four of Diana’s favorite spots in Slovenia.

An Avatar-esque archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores beckon the adventurer with its volcanic crater lakes, hot springs and black sand beaches paired with adrenaline-inducing activities like scuba diving, hiking and surfing. Not yet a player in the luxury market, the Azores have a more undiscovered quality—and are accessible via a five-hour flight from New York. “The Azores offer vast, untouched landscapes that act as a reminder of how small we all are,” says Indagare’s Sydney Dohrmann. “Within minutes, you can go from sun-soaked beaches to misty mountain trails, often with no one else in sight—only natural beauty in every direction. The Azores is hard to beat if you’re looking for a destination with panoramic nature views and not a tourist in shot.”

The Mediterranean’s islands are no secret. Every year, people flock to spots like Capri, Santorini and Mykonos (and, after the wildly popular second season of White Lotus, Sicily), flooding the beaches and villages. But those aren’t the only islands, and for those seeking solace from the crowds, this archipelago off the coast of Sicily may be the answer. “The Aeolian Islands, and specifically the island of Salina, are one of the most beautiful, wild and undiscovered island groups in Italy,” says Indagare trip designer Victoria O’Leary, who traveled here in spring 2022. “This is a destination whose name many travelers won’t recognize, but when you mention that you are visiting to nearly any Italian, their reaction is immediate awe followed by expressions of love for the island and its beauty. From the moment you step off the boat onto Salina, it is like entering an oasis of lush vegetation, striking mountainous terrain and sparkling blue waters. Take advantage of your time here by renting a scooter to traverse the island, and explore the various pebble or black sand beaches, quaint coastal villages and rugged green peaks.”

“Namibia is home to one of the driest deserts in the world and is one of the least-populated countries per square mile—though it has been inhabited by the indigenous San, Damara and Nama people since prehistoric times,” says Indagare’s Elise Bronzo, who ventured to the southwest African country in 2022. Here, towering ochre sand dunes, Mars-like red rock landscapes and coastal deserts are home to desert-adapted elephants and lions and smaller critters like gerbils and weavers. “In my time here, I felt as though Namibia had entered my system intravenously... The extreme elements, the expanse, the colors and the topography had blended into a tincture that downshifted my thoughts and nervous system, enabling an ease that I hadn’t felt—maybe ever."

One her most powerful recollections is of her experiences with the people. “While in Swakopmund, we visited a local Himba market, where women had traveled from the nearby countryside to sell their craft to support their communities...we began connecting with the women, giggling as we tried to pronounce each other’s names, curiously studying facial features, reactions and hairstyles. We stood together, mirroring each other’s movements until someone initiated a clap, then a stomp, a spin, followed by the hum of a song. As we drove back to the lodge, we realized we hadn’t asked a single question from the list we had made. Instead, we had learned something far more important: how to be utterly present.”

“I had read a tremendous amount about the Tunisia—both distant history (Roman and Phoenician) and more recent (French colony and Arab spring),” says Indagare contributor Simone Girner. “And still, every day, Tunisia managed to utterly surprise me. First of all, its varied landscapes—around Tunis, there are parts that look like Ireland; down south, you have the gateway to the Sahara. Tunis was more cosmopolitan than I had pictured, and it has one of the world’s oldest medinas. But as on so many journeys, what stayed with me the most were the people met and conversations had, especially about the country’s burgeoning democracy. There was a sense that especially young people recognized how fragile it was, how much it would take to protect and nurture it. On my last day, I told one restaurant owner how beautiful I had found his country, and he threw his arms wide open and said, ‘But Madame, it is your country, too.’ It was a reminder of how connected we are—as travelers, as global citizens, as humans—a lesson of hope that I returned to time and again in the coming months when the world as we knew it ceased to exist.”

Safaris, by their very nature, are designed to be an immersive wilderness experience. Still, peak wildlife-viewing seasons often bring with them full camps. But every African country with safari has its off-season—that time of year the crowds don’t target because of the interpretation that safari is “worse.” But many members of the Indagare staff have experienced off-season safari, and they have a different take:

Lizzie Eberhart, Indagare Trip Designer: “I often make the argument to our members that you can travel on safari most months out of any year. While there’s a lot to be said for traveling in the peak season, my experiences on safari in Botswana, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe during ‘green season,’ or the shoulder seasons, have been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did I avoid the crowds and multiple vehicles in the national parks (and airports), I also had the opportunity to experience the incredible natural encounters on game drives that often occur during these times of year: I’ve seen mating lions and leopards; antelope, wildebeest and giraffes giving birth and more newborn animals than I can count. There are few things more joyful than a weeks-old elephant calf clumsily trudging along behind its mother.”

Rose Allen, Indagare’s Senior Director of African Safari: “Off-season on safari means that the bush is thicker and water sources plentiful, so the animals are more spread out than during the dry season, when they must congregate around watering holes to drink. This means, instead of stumbling upon sighting after sighting without really having to try, you have the opportunity to learn to track animals with your guide. You learn to use your eyes to look for footprints, dung or even other animals in the area—impalas that are spooked have likely recently seen a predator. You learn to use your ears to listen for alarm calls from birds, monkeys, antelope and more. When properly tracked, lion footprints on the road will eventually lead you to a pride of lions resting near a termite mound a few hundred feet into the bush. You feel like you’ve worked for and earned such a great sighting. You feel proud! And at the same time, you become more in tune with nature and come to appreciate its wild way of working.” Another plus: instead of drought-stricken landscapes, expect beautiful, verdant scenery, teeming with migratory birds.

The beginnings of Bhutan’s history are shrouded in myths of flying tigers and battles with demonic spirits—a fitting start for a country that for so long has been cloaked from the outside world. Today, Bhutan has some of the strictest tourism regulations, enforcing a daily tourism fee in an effort to protect its culture and sites from the gradual destruction seen in places like Peru’s Machu Picchu and Italy’s Roman Forum—and all these efforts have been well worth it. I traveled to Bhutan in March of this year, and from the moment I stepped off the plane, I was struck by the sense that I had entered a destination that was decidedly “other,” and better for it. The setting is only part of mysticism—surrounded by the Himalayas, every valley of Bhutan feels cut off from the rest of the world, and even from each other, many connected only by winding mountain roads. Despite the brutality of the landscape, the place itself is indescribably peaceful and the people, impossibly welcoming. There are few places remaining in the world where one can step into a cliffside monastery or an elaborate fortress and find that they’re the only tourists present. It’s the kind of magic that is not to be taken for granted.

Between the wintery tundra of Siberia and the plains of northern China, Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world—a frontier of grassy steppes, arid desert and snowcapped mountains where nomadic traditions live on. “The cosmopolitan capital Ulaanbaatar allows one to rest up (at the luxurious Shangri-La) from their overseas flight before setting off for the countryside,” says an Indagare traveler on our 2022 Insider Journey to Mongolia led by Indagare’s Diana Li. “It has an energy to it and a rawness that sets the stage for things to come...The Three Camel Lodge was just far enough away from the town we flew into to make one feel immersed in the beautiful Gobi Desert...The excursions were a blast, and just the drive across the steppes getting to the different excursions was so much fun. Stargazing at night delivered an unbelievable show. The second half of the trip was just as memorable. The camp was more rustic, but the view even more scenic. Meeting the different nomadic people was truly an opportunity of a lifetime, and they could not have been more hospitable! This trip is an adventure. It is a bit rustic and so not for everyone, but for those who love being outdoors and having safari-style dirt road drives and adventures, this is the trip for you!”

“As you sail out into the Komodo Islands, you can almost feel your worries being swept away with the breeze,” says Indagare’s Jenny Schroder, who traversed the islands of Indonesia in October 2022. “Reaching the outermost tip of the archipelago, all you’re left with is the expanse of the horizon, the flourishing ocean below and an immense sense of peace and tranquility. The boats do technically have WiFi, but connection is spotty at best, forcing you to really disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself and with nature. While I knew to expect spectacular diving and unique landscapes (and the destination certainly doesn’t fall short here), my trip to Komodo was so much more than that. There are few places left on this earth that feel as removed and untouched, and there is something truly magical about getting to experience a place like this firsthand.” Travelers seeking additional stops to their unspoiled Indonesia itinerary should consider the vibrant underwater world and jungles on the archipelago of Raja Ampat or the rugged natural beauty of Sumba, home to rescued wild horses and the sustainability-focused NIHI Sumba.

Too often dismissed as an add-on to India, Sri Lanka is a destination unto itself, with palm-lined beaches, verdant tea hills, ancient capitals and national parks known for their leopards and elephants (of which Sri Lanka has its own species). To do it properly, you need at least ten days, and to see it all, quite a few days more. While most travelers head straight to the cultural triangle, I began my journey here on the Southern Coast, simultaneously a soft and somber entry point as the sandy beaches offer important context on the country’s recent history, most importantly the 2004 tsunami—but this tragic event has instilled a mindset in the country’s people that is infectious: live for today, because you never know what’s coming tomorrow. There’s also a pervasive commitment to protecting both their environment and history, and as such no trip is complete without stopping at at least one ancient city: “The sacred city of Anuradhapura, where the ruins of this first kingdom of Sri Lanka still stand,” is a must says Indagare Alexandria Branam, who like me, visited Sri Lanka in September 2024. “Also still standing is the famous 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a branch of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Sunset here provides a magical backdrop to accompany the chanting of Buddhist pilgrims.”

“The Galápagos are a slow-burn destination,” says trip designer Colin Heinrich. “They’re not like the Sistine Chapel and the Eiffel Tower, confronting travelers with their startling beauty. The Galápagos creep up on you. They lull you into a false sense of familiarity—here a cactus, there a seagull—and for a second, you wonder if all those years of anticipation were mistaken...But that’s when the slow burn kicks in. Once you’ve acclimated to the landscape, you begin to see the subtle otherworldliness of the place... There might be a sea lion sleeping on a bench by the waterfront, unremarked by the locals walking past, or crabs so bright and uncamouflaged that they seem to defy the laws of natural selection for which this archipelago is known. Once you get used to these small glitches in your perception of nature, the Galápagos really turns it on... During my trip, we saw the red cliffs of Rabida, swam with penguins off Sombrero Chino, walked with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, hiked over the lava fields of Santiago and snorkeled with dolphins and sea lions. But even on that first day, by midafternoon, any semblance of disappointment had disappeared like a reef shark into the deep.”

“Many travelers to Brazil stick to the coastline,” says Indagare’s Peter Schlesinger, who ventured into the South American wilderness in 2021. “But the country’s interior is home to two of the world’s natural wonders: The Amazon, obviously, but also the Pantanal, the planet’s largest wetlands. Heading to the Pantanal, which is 95 percent privately-owned, is a unique opportunity to witness how locals work to coexist alongside wildlife, including the massive jabiru stork, adorable capybara and critically endangered jaguar. The Amazon, on the other hand, is a chance to witness one of the last remaining true wilderness areas, largely untouched by human forces. It is a striking (and tragically shrinking) place to marvel at nature on her own terms. Both regions are a trek to get to, but that’s partly the point.”

“{Rapa Nui} was incredible,” says Indagare’s Kial Church, who scouted the far-flung island in January 2023. “I remember thinking the first time I saw Easter Island as a kid on a clip on the Today Show’s ‘Where in the World is Matt Lauer’ how unique of a place it was...Since it is a solo island and not part of a greater archipelago, it is considered one of the most (if not the most) remote, inhabited islands in the world, and its small size means you can cover the whole island in a meaningful way with just four or five days. Rapa Nui’s Chilean influence combined with the island’s Polynesian roots and one-of-a-kind history gives it an identity that is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. The morning of our departure, we woke up at 5:00 a.m. to see sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, the site of 15 upright moai statues. By this point, we had seen nearly 100 moai statues—there are over 800 on the island—and learned about their mythical nature. But sitting in the long shadows of the moai, watching the stars fade and the sun rise along the horizon, illuminating the island and the massive statues slowly, you can't help but feel the magic. The mystery, uncertainty and awe that is Rapa Nui sinks into you as daylight approaches, leaving you with a feeling of pure wonderment.”

“The landscape of Salar de Uyuni is an ethereal Mad Max fantasy,” says Indagare’s Elise Bronzo. “Part-moon, part-post apocalypse, it offers the perfect canvas for photographers and otherworldly adventure for wilderness lovers. A famous Bolivian artist and Indagare Insider works with our team to surprise our members with land art installations throughout the salt flats—as you rip through the terrain in a Toyota, a colorful felt cactus might appear, seemingly out of nowhere. Most travelers come for the salt flats and are surprised by Bolivia's ecological and cultural diversity. I spent 24 hours in La Paz, one of the highest cities in the world, and visited the witches’ market, hiked the Valle de la Luna and enjoyed one of my most memorable meals rooted in ancestral indigenous cuisine at Gustu, co-founded by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer.”

It doesn’t get more untouched than the great white continent at the bottom of the world. Most travelers to the icy frontier will explore via a boat-based itinerary with zodiac safaris, sea-kayaking and ample opportunities to view the landscapes and wildlife. But boat or land-based, Antarctica is not just about the activities. “Antarctica demands everything you have physically, mentally and spiritually,” says Indagare COO Eliza Scott Harris, who embarked on the only available land-based Antarctic experience with White Desert in late 2022. “In return, you have access to a holy place that few have gone or will ever go, a beauty and grandeur that are unsurpassed, a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world...It’s also incredibly fun, and we laughed pretty much all day. The myriad activities reconnect you with your inner child. I thought the trip would be about the landscape, but it was just as much about the bonding and camaraderie with my fellow travelers and the extraordinary staff. There are certain precious days in your life where you are confronted with the full mystery and majesty of the world, leaving you overcome and emotionally fulfilled. White Desert gave us those moments every day. We felt everything so intensely: intimidation and relief, joy and awe, our own fragility and above all, a profound sense of just being so awake and so alive. What a gift.”