Vacations are supposed to be a time to kick back, relax and forget about all the problems waiting for you at home. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Noisy tourists and crowded resorts can often make it impossible to get the peace and quiet you’re searching for and cleanse yourself of your woes.

Even if you want to explore more than sitting on a beach all day, you should be able to enjoy some relaxation on your next trip. If you’re hoping for not just a silent night, but a silent day on your next getaway, take a look at these suggestions.

Ithaca, Greece

The Greek way is slow and steady, and Ithaca exemplifies that lifestyle. This quiet island is the home of heroes of the great Greek epic poems, but there’s no pressure to embark on such a quest when you visit. This is a spot to let life pass you by.

Tourists haven’t quite caught onto Ithaca yet, making it a peaceful location to travel through even out of usually peak periods such as April and May. It has two distinct points, split between the North and South of the island. In the North, you’ll find tranquil village life and remnants of Greek history, while the South plays host to beaches and ports, ideal for watching the world over a glass of wine and meal.

The clear, still water provides the perfect backdrop for Ithaca, as some of the best areas to find some quiet can be found on the coast. Freedom Wanderers capture the seclusion of the island, perfect for a break from humanity as a whole.

Costa Rica

Central America might not be the first region that comes to mind when you think peace and quiet, but Costa Rice has developed into a must-see local for getting some much-needed peace amongst nature.

In recent years Costa Rica has reinvented itself as a tourist destination for both families and solo adventure travelers, with many visiting to take in the luscious landscapes and glorious abundance of wildlife. If you feel reinvigorated watching the wonders of nature before your eyes, this is the place for you.

The options are almost endless, from letting your mind wander as you take in the vivid blue of the Rio Celeste waterfall to enjoying a sunset on the tranquil beach of Montezuma. If you’re worried this sounds too slow for children, Anywhere has many Costa Rica family hotels, perfect for entertaining little ones on a group getaway.

Stockholm, Sweden

Feeling overwhelmed by don’t want to separate from society entirely? It’s possible to visit a city and find the peace and quiet you’re looking for. Stockholm is one of many cities to introduce calm spaces, areas within metropolitan areas designed to reduce noise pollution and allow people to enjoy the locations without overloading the senses.

There are a number of rural and urban quiet trails across the city and its outskirts that can be enjoyed on foot or by bike. Likewise, marine trails and even quiet hotels allow you to enjoy all the trimmings of Stockholm life  Stockholm has a stillness to it, and with these developments, you can really take in the beauty and majesty of the city.

From Hammarby lake to the gardens of Rosenhill, there’s something for every type of traveller.

Faroe Islands

I can almost guarantee these little islands have never been top of your must-visit list. They should be though, as the Faroe Islands is one of the most relaxing locations in the world to truly escape.

An island so sleepy, you can’t rely on the public transport. Located between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands is a collection of 18 mountainous islands devoid of the stress of contemporary existence. The islands can feel like an amalgamation of all the most peaceful elements of European life. The scenery replicates the rolling hills of coastal England, playing host to the tranquil lifestyle of Scandinavia. The landscape really is the Island’s most peaceful feature. It’ll be hard not to relax at the sight of shaggy sheep crossing over luscious green hills against tucked in tiny villages.

You may never want to leave the Faroe Islands once you experience its lifestyle. For just a break though, it’s worth it to isolate yourself with just 50,000 locals and a sizeable puffin population.

Provenance, France

Getaways to French vineyards are often hotspots for the most irritating kind of tourist, but Provenance has a variety that sets it apart and makes it a wonderful choice to get a silent night.

Yes, there are vineyards in abundance, but there are also captivating views of the alps, luscious pine forests and time-worn water mills gently lapping against streams. The region has a multitude of world-famous cities and towns to visit, but you’ll want to do nothing more than drive out to the countryside and let the tranquility wash over you. Take one of the many self-driven tours to soak in the culture of the region at your own pace/

This South-Eastern region of France is one of the finest areas in Europe to lose yourself in true peace and quiet surrounded by the setting of a French master’s oil painting.

Finding peace in tourist destinations is an almost impossible task. To be able to board the plane home feeling you actually escaped and got the silent nights you deserved, give these lesser-considered destinations a try.

Hollie Jones is an expert lifestyle blogger who lives for writing. Hollie’s drive, passion and background come from the arts and media sectors. You can read her latest blog posts on Hollie and the Ivy, where she shares tips and advice about her passions while having a lot of fun along the way.

Image courtesy of Nine Köpfer.