14 Places to Escape the Crowds in 2019

Now is the time to begin your travel plans for the year ahead, but where to go? If 2019 is the year you want to seek a hideaway set back from the crowds and off the beaten path, we know exactly where you should go. Read on to find out which of these discrete destinations may become your next vacation location.

It's not just the birthplace of "Les Miserables" author Victor Hugo, but Besançon, France, is one of the great escapes you'll wonder why you haven't heard about. Around four hours away by car, or a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Paris, Besançon has its own 17th-century architecture and alluring museums (get a taste of both at the Citadel) for a culturally rich European experience. Visit in mid-fall to enjoy mild weather and avoid the chaos of high season.

Just 90 miles upstate of New York City, travelers looking to get away from the loud noises, never-ending traffic and saturation of the big city can find a secluded place of peace in New Paltz, New York. Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian-style, castle-like resort, was founded by the Smileys (the same family it's run by today) among the Shawangunk Mountain region in New Paltz as a place for people to re-energize and rejuvenate, without being shoulder-bumped by other pedestrians.

Places in Hawaii can often get overrun by tourists, especially Honolulu, the bustling go-to city for many visitors. While there are barely touched beaches all throughout the Hawaiian islands, for solitary serenity, visit Hanalei Beach on Kauai. With all of the best parts of Oahu, but with less tourism and more tranquility, Kauai is only a 40-minute flight from Honolulu. Look forward to local eats—usually from a small shop or food truck—and try to book an Airbnb for your stay, since you won't find any resorts on Hanalei Beach.

Though it's on the edge of Illinois, a visit to Galena—just a three-hour drive west of Chicago—will make you feel like you're on the edge of time. The buildings and homes look just as they would have in the 19th-century and all that red brick is surrounded by lush wilderness along the Galena River. Browse the charming shops, chill with a beer at a pub or take a hike. Whatever you do, you won't have to worry about long lines or large groups everywhere you turn. Imagine that—a place you can truly get some rest and relaxation.

For good reason, Franschhoek, South Africa, is a city that boasts itself to be "The Gourmet Capital of South Africa." An hour's drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is a more subtle getaway, priding its food culture and maintaining the calmness of a classic wine town. Come here for the food, stay for the stillness and don't leave until you've had your fill of both. The best part is that off season in Franschhoek is May through September—great news for U.S. residents who get time off during summer months, but prefer to steer clear of the summer rush.

Whether you're in Los Angeles or San Diego, a two hour drive eastward will bring you to idyllic Idyllwild, California. Besides a few shops and restaurants, this little sleepy town is nothing but nature. Lake Fulmor, cradled in Hall Canyon in the San Bernardino National Forest, is a well-kept recreational area. For those looking for a touch of action, try fishing, watching the regional birds fly by or hike around the lake. Welcome to your new happy place, with boundless views for you to cruise.

With all its diversity, Thailand is a country where you can easily find the largest crowds you've ever come across or the best-kept and most-secluded secrets on the map. For travelers looking for a more covert location, head to the island of Koh Lanta, located just off the coast of Krabi. Coral reefs make for excellent snorkeling and diving, but if you really want to escape it all, rent a moped and enjoy the open roads or take a low-key boat tour to see what this part of heaven looks like from sea.

Imagine a picturesque cabin set on an open lake with mild temperatures and the music of nature as your only soundtrack. You don't have to make-believe if you plan a trip to Lake Martin, Alabama, where there's tons of space unoccupied by humans. And it's only less than an hour by car from Montgomery! Stumble into a place dotted along Lake Martin, like The Stables at Russell Crossroads in Alexander City, where you can go horseback riding and sample the best of regional wines and cheeses. You shouldn't need much more than a clear mind and hearty appetite for this trip.

Leave the buzzing streets of Tokyo and take a two hour train ride to Nikko, Japan. Known for its impressive temples and shrines, Nikko has an even more astounding geology. Waterfalls are a big deal here, and if you know what's good for your bucket list, you'll visit one like Kegon Waterfall, said to be one of the most stunning in Japan. Spend time marveling at any shrine in town, especially the Toshogu Shrine where the intricate design will take your breath away. With so much extravagance designed by both nature and man, there's a good explanation for why it's quiet: Everyone here is left speechless.

It's not that Saguenay, Quebec, is free of tourists, it's that the fjord is so massive that even during peak season you can have your own piece of it to yourself. Saguenay Fjord, the only fjord in North America inhabited on both sides, stretches over 140 miles, which you can tour by driving or biking. Since any time of year is a good time to visit Saguenay, plan your trip around the activities you'd like to do. If you're into snow sports, Saguenay has everything from snowmobiling to dogsledding, but warmer weather is optimal for activities like sea kayaking and biking.

The detached island of Holbox, Mexico, isn't known for having a booming tourism industry. Accessible by limited air or ferry from Chiquila—a two-hour drive from Cancun—Holbox is a tiny fishing village where residents get around the roughly 26 mile stretch by foot, moped or golf cart. A lagoon acting as a sanctuary to pelicans, flamingos and other exotic birds separates Holbox from the mainland of Mexico. Beaches that look brand-new are filled with white sands and bathed in shades of blue from the ocean. The only thing it's missing is the crowd.

When you think of Florida beaches, Miami is likely the first place to come to mind. Yet just an hour north of Miami, is the smaller, more charming and far less crowded Delray Beach. Delray Beach has Atlantic Avenue, where waterfront, outdoor dining keeps patrons chewing and smiling. Resorts can be found in town, but if you're looking for something more toned-down, you'll want to check out the boutique hotels.

For some reason, León, Spain, isn't spoken of as much as Barcelona or Madrid, but with its ancient architecture, including some of Antoni Gaudi's greatest works, it should be in the conversation. Luckily for travelers looking for lesser-known cities, León keeps things on the hush. When in town try botillo, a regional pork dish that's a tasty sample of the local culinary scene. Don't fill up too much or you'll miss out on the free tapas, a treat for your belly—and your bank account!

The Indonesian island of Nusa Penida is larger than Bali, even though it's not well known and works more as a safe haven for regional birds. There's a daily ferry that goes from Bali to Nusa Penida, but it's likely only a day trip—especially since there are few lodging options. However, when you want to find your own beach or see marine life like manta rays and pufferfish, this is the place to come for amazing scuba diving and snorkeling. Travel to this natural retreat to rid yourself of people pollution, but remember to be careful and respectful of the sensitive ecosystem around you at all times.