Lonely Planet Can Help You Plan a Crowd-Free Vacation

It is no secret that our family loves adventures that are off the beaten path. So when Lonely Planet asked me to check out their 2024 Offbeat North America compilation… I was more than happy to do so!

At the risk of sounding like an egomaniac… I was really expecting that we would have visited most of the locations in the book.

I mean, offbeat is our jam.

I got out my pen, opened the table of contents…. And I was stunned! We’ve only been to 12 of the 100 locations!

Elliot posing in the North Dakota badlands... one of the selections in the book that we HAVE visitedPhoto byLesli Peterson

What???

It’s not often that something like this happens for us, so I was ecstatic! New places to visit!

I’ve been reading the book like a mad woman, studying the 327 pages of glorious gems… and I want to share a few with you.

I’m not going to give away secrets in the book… but I do want to tease you a little. To get you interested and excited in exploring the offbeat, like we are.

Reading about The Badlands in the book!Photo byLesli Peterson

There are seven sections in the book, each a region of North America. So here are the most intriguing to me in each region.

Canada

This destination is ideal if you like hiking in the rainforest, secluded coves, winter storms and local seafood. Anyone else?

You can see whales here… have a beer in a church…ebike along the coast and look for a local shipwreck

Sound appealing?

West USA

How about a pristine wilderness location where there are tons of wildlife?

Raft a river filled with salmon… soak in natural hot springs dotted along the river… and watch the stars like you’ve never seen them.

This is a Bortle 1-2 area, meaning it’s some of the darkest skies on the planet.

Southwest USA

You might enjoy this desert destination if you also like art, quirky towns, and the more touristy towns of Tucson or Santa Fe.

There are art gallery walks featuring works of Picasso, Worhal and more… and tons of public art that will capture your heart.

You can also see adobe ruins and learn about the Apache Wars.

Midwest USA

Do you enjoy wine tastings, hiking, rock climbing, Native American history…?

You can explore an 18th century outlaw/river pirate hideout, climb inside a massive stone furnace, and catch sight of 20+ species of migrating snakes.

I know… but they are interested in moving to the water. They are NOT interested in YOU.

Southeast USA

If you enjoy a visit to Memphis or Nashville… but hate the crowds… this city is for you.

It’s got soul music, soul food, a rich culture and harrowing history.

Tamales and hot wings? Yes! Visit during the Blues Festival, canoe the river, and take in the Blues Museum.

Northeast USA

You’ve heard of Bar Harbor and Montauk, right? Imagine visiting an area like that, without crowds.

Lighthouses, sea kayaking, bird watching, and sensational sunrises and sunsets.

Nosh on all the lobster you want. Explore the entire area without a car. Take a dip in the local swimming hole… and so much more.

Mexico and Caribbean

Is Disney’s Coco one of your favorite movies? Enjoy the history of Day of the Dead? This Mexican city is a must.

Climb the “newest” volcano in the Americas. Visit ruins that are over 1,000 years old. See a huge waterfall, and enjoy sensational monarch migrations once a year.

Grab your copy of Offbeat North America here.

Like me, you can take in the sites from your sofa… and then plan your next (crowd-free) escape.

And hey, if this inspires you to get on the road… grab our FREE Road TripPlanner.

Destinations (Spoiler Alerts)

• Canada - Ucluelet BC
• West USA - River of No Return, ID
• Southwest USA -Bisbee, AZ
• Midwest USA - Shawnee National Forest, IL
• Southeast USA - Clarksdale, MS
• Northeast USA - St George, ME
• Mexico and Caribbean - Michoacán, MX

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