It’s that time of year again. The snow is thawing, temperatures are steadily climbing and colorful flowers are beginning to sprout. Spring is officially here and many are itching to ditch their winter wear and escape to warmer weather. But many of the popular spring break destinations are often overrun with tourists, making it difficult to truly unwind. Those who prefer a more relaxing vacation experience and avoiding the masses should consider one of these locations. Here are the top 5 spring break destinations to avoid the crowds.

1. TALKEETNA, ALASKA

Don’t put away your parkas just yet! If you’re looking for a truly relaxing experience in a remote location, consider venturing to Talkeetna, Alaska. This tiny town is located 90 minutes northwest of Anchorage and the drive there is beautiful. Be sure to stop at the lookout point for a picturesque view of Mt. McKinley then head down to the Talkeetna River Park and explore Alaska’s unspoiled nature.

It may be small, but there is still plenty to do. Downtown Talkeetna consists of a few square blocks, but don’t let its size fool you. Boutiques, local bakeries and several eateries are there for your enjoyment. At night, don’t miss the historic Fairview Inn Bar & Lodge, one of the town’s oldest establishments. Grab a cocktail and spend the evening listening to live music and dancing into the wee hours of the morning.

Talkeetna also offers several options for accommodations from private rentals to cozy cabins where you’ll find complete seclusion. My Russian and I stayed at the Meandering Moose Lodge, one of several bed and breakfasts in the area. This cozy, family owned establishment is nestled deep in the woods allowing guests to relax and feel right at home.

2. SAINT MARTIN

If warm weather is what you’re after, but you don’t want to fight the crowds, consider heading to the beautiful island of St. Martin. This Caribbean oasis is comprised of two different territories. The north being French (known as Saint Martin) and the south is Dutch (known as Sint Maarten). Both are equally beautiful, but the French side offers a bit more serenity because the Dutch side serves as a major cruise ship port where thousands of tourists arrive on a weekly basis.

There are plenty of hotels and rentals available throughout the island. Spend your days lounging on one of the many beautiful beaches, enjoy fresh crepes at Paradise View Café overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea and if you feel up for crowds, grab a fruity cocktail at one of the many beach bars found along Orient Bay. If you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation, be sure to visit before Carnival begins on April 14^th. This 2 ½ week festival consists of colorful parades and late night parties that attract thousands of visitors each year.

3. THE HAMPTONS, NEW YORK

Known as a posh playground for New Yorkers during the summer months, this thin stretch of land along the coast of Long Island may not come to mind as a spring break destination, but it should. Most visitors don’t arrive until the temperatures warm up, allowing you to enjoy the best the Hamptons have to offer without worrying about the heavy traffic and crowds experienced during the peak season. Schedule a tasting at one the Hampton’s many wineries, dine at award winning restaurants, shop ‘til you drop at the local boutiques and take long walks along the serene shores of the Atlantic. There are several charming Inns and vacation rentals available this time of year and prices are much more reasonable than they are during the height of the summer. You can check out my tips for planning a summer trip to the Hamptons here.

4. MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

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This historic island is located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas in Lake Huron. The island is only accessible by plane or ferry and no motor vehicles are allowed. Bikes are the main mode of transportation on this 3.8 square mile island. Though Mackinac is open year round, summer is its primary season. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the island’s lush scenery and partake in Mackinac’s various festivals. But if you want to avoid the crowds, spring is a great time to visit

Hop on your bike and enjoy the island’s many attractions. Explore Fort Mackinac, have an elegant lunch at the famed Grand Hotel or satisfy your sweet tooth with some local fudge. I visited with my family years ago and still have vivid memories of biking from our rental house into town and exploring the charming shops, restaurants and beautiful views of Lake Huron.

5. PUERTO RICO

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If you’re looking for warmer weather, but still want to avoid the masses, consider adding Puerto Rico to your spring break travel plans. Flights are very affordable and it’s easy to reach. Just a 4 hour plane ride from New York, this US territory provides visitors with rest, relaxation, culture and cuisine. Wander through the colorful town of Old San Juan, spend a day exploring the historic Castillo San Cristóbal fort or soak up the sun on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. If you want even more seclusion, board an island hopper and head over to Isla de Vieques on the east side of Puerto Rico. There you can enjoy deserted beaches, excellent snorkeling or take a unique tour of the bioluminescent bay.

What’s your go-to spring break destination? Do you prefer crowds or seclusion? Share your comments below!