Because we all need a break sometimes.
In an ever-plugged-in world, it can be hard to break away from the hustle and bustle. Between the commitments and inescapable technological ties, not to mention the time and money required, finding some peace often feels impossible.
If you’re determined to detach from the real world for a little while, there are some secluded vacation spots you should have on your list of possible destinations.
Home services provider Window Gnome released a report ranking the top states in the U.S. for a tranquil escape — and you might be surprised to find the South overwhelmingly ranked the highest on the list. Seven states, including Texas and Georgia, were rated the best destinations for travelers looking to escape the daily grind. Meanwhile, smaller states like Rhode Island and Nevada landed near the bottom of the list.
This list evaluated all 50 states based on four key categories: access to remote vacation rentals, guest ratings, average nightly rates, and the number of outdoor attractions.
Wondering what other states made the cut? We took a closer look at some areas you might want to consider if you’re looking to go off the grid — and which to avoid.
Which states are the best for a remote getaway?
Tennessee scored first place, with 8,279 remote accommodations, and 84 outdoor attractions. (In case you forgot, it’s home to the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park.)
North Carolina placed second. Though it doesn’t have as many fun things to do outside, it boasts more accommodations off the beaten path (8,498) — 814 of which are top-rated by travelers. Next up is Texas, which has 100 nature attractions, ranging from South Padre Island to Big Bend National Park. Georgia and Arkansas rounded out the top five, with overall scores of 52 and 48, respectively.
While they place very high on the list, Minnesota (No. 12) and Nebraska (No. 25) ranked high for their low natural hazards and great air quality. That said, they also lag behind other states when it comes to access to remote accommodations with good reviews.
What are some of the worst states for a remote getaway?
New Jersey was ranked as the worst state to venture to for a secluded trip, followed by Nevada, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. “These 5 states lack many remote accommodations and ideal environments for travelers seeking a trip that’s both rustic and relaxing,” Window Gnome said in its findings.
But even some states that boasted wide-open spaces and plenty of outdoor activities fell short. For instance, Alaska came in No. 37 with fewer remote rentals and the 10th most expensive rates.
There were some other surprises from the report — despite an overall lower cost of living, Wyoming has the most pricey average nightly stays at $442.16. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Louisiana ranked No. 41 but it’s the most affordable when it comes to lodging at $159.66 per day.
All that to say, there are a bunch of states worth considering, so we rounded up the list of the top 20 picks below.
Top States for Remote Getaways
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Georgia
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- California
- Kentucky
- Washington
- Virginia
12. Minnesota
- Montana
- Ohio
- Iowa
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
- Idaho
- Michigan
- West Virginia
