Where To Go To Escape a Cliche Family Holiday
Features & Advice Ryan Rudnansky December 30, 2013

Fogo Island in Newfoundland is one of the most out-of-the-way destinations you can pick if you need refuge from the in-laws. (courtesy Wiki Images)
It would be nice if all families weren't dysfunctional, but, let's face it, that's living in a dream world.
While most people spend the holidays with family, some are tired of the constant bickering and arguing, or the fact that that "adorable" little cousin keeps on putting gum in your hair.
Some people just want to kick back and enjoy the end of the year without the eggnog and ornaments, sacrificing "quality family time" for independence.
So, if you are looking for a remote getaway during the holidays, check out these destinations. You may come back a different person.
Heck, you might even start spending more time with your family.
Maybe.
Mt. Aspiring National Park (South Island, New Zealand)
Located in the Southern Alps at the South Island of New Zealand, Mt. Aspiring National Park is a great destination for those who want to get away.
It's no wonder this is a popular hiking (or tramping) and mountaineering spot, given its geographical location. You'll want to keep an eye out for the breathtaking peaks in the area, including Mt. Aspiring, Mt. Pollux and Mt. Brewster.
You'll find beech forests and ribbonwoods—a deciduous tree of New Zealand—littering the valleys and mountains. There are plenty of birds, as well as deer, chamois, stoats, trout and bats (New Zealand's only native land mammal).
You may also recognize Mt. Aspiring National Park if you're a "Lord of the Rings" fan, as it was a location during the series' filming.
Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas Territory)
Located in between South America and Africa, Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, about 1,750 miles from South Africa.
Tristan da Cunha is the main island and is surrounded by several smaller islands. It is marked with volcanoes and mountains, with the highest point being the volcano of Queen Mary's Peak.
The Tristan da Cunha chain is known for its wildlife, flora and fauna. There are about 15 species of birds in the area, leading it to be named an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International back in 2012.
The main island houses a grand total of 264 inhabitants.
You can take a tour of the island here.
Fogo Island (Newfoundland, Canada)
Fogo Island in Newfoundland should not only be noted for its natural beauty, but also for its culture and community.
The town of about 2,400 people is becoming a greater tourist destination, sporting local art, museums and plenty of events like the world-famous Brimstone Head Folk Festival.
There are also plenty of walking trails for you to wander, whether you want to check out the whales and icebergs through Oliver Cove or hike to a spectacular waterfall through Waterman's Brook Trail.
Hey, you may be tired of hanging around your family, but Fogo Island's community can be your family away from home…without the incessant noise.
Ittoqqortoormiit (Greenland)
You may find yourself straining to pronounce the name of this settlement in Greenland, but that will be the last of your worries.
Ittoqqortoormiit (Ittoqq for short) was mapped in 1822 by Arctic explorer and whaler William Scoresby. You will not only find breaching whales here, there is an assortment of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, walruses, arctic foxes and narwals.
In fact, the population of 472 people thrive on hunting. And, yes, they also hunt polar bears, a unique practice which has added to the location's intrigue.
Combined with the nearby Scoresby Sound, Ittoqqortoormiit makes up the largest fjord complex in the world, as well as the longest fjord.
In winter, travel by dogsled and snowmobile. In summer, local inhabitants travel via private boats.
Tierra Del Fuego (Patagonia, Argentina)
Besides having an awesome name, the Tierra del Fuego (or "Land of Fire") archipelago sports sweeping glaciers, clear lakes, grand plains and peat bogs. It's also, you know, surrounded by the Andes.
On top of that, there is plenty of wildlife to discover, from bird species like penguins and eagles to land mammals and rodents like the red fox and tuco-tuco.
The wealth of trees has made a name for the archipelago, as Tierra del Fuego houses six different species. The high winds have twisted a lot of these trees into unique shapes.
Sheep farming and fishing make up a big part of Tierra del Fuego's economy, as well as energy production.
Tierra del Fuego from rlciq on Vimeo.
Deception Island (Antarctica)
No, this isn't the name of another reality TV show.
This is the island located in the South Shetland Islands archipelago off the Antarctica Peninsula.
Noted for being the caldera of a destructive active volcano, Deception Island certainly lives up to its sinister name. But that hasn't stopped from being a tourist destination, whether visitors go to see the Chinstrap Penguins or discover the many historical flora.
The volcano activity in the area makes it hard for anyone to live here, but it's just the kind of spot that would appeal to those who want to get away from it all and experience a new and interesting land.
Mt. Kailash (Tibet)
Mt. Kailash is known for its religious significance, from Hinduism to Jainism to Buddhism. The peak in the Kailas Range (parallel to the Himalayas) is believed to be the home to many gods, from Lord Shiva (the destroyer of ignorance and illusion) to Buddha Demchok (who represents extreme bliss).
The peak has an elevation of 21,778 feet and a prominence (or height) of 4,327 feet. It is also surrounded by five monasteries, complete with aged and historic sculptures.
Don't expect to get there easily though. There are only four land routes to the mountain, generally traveled through for a few days by jeep.
Easter Island (Chile)
Easter Island is a well-documented tourist destination located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, with the nearest inhabited land being Pitcairn Island (about 1,290 miles away).
The island is most known for the stone work of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization. Nearly 890 stone statues have been inventoried from the island. Many of the statues—or moai—feature large heads and bodies that end at the top of the thighs. They are said to resemble deified ancestors. The tallest moai is called "Paro," which stands 33 feet high and weighs 82 tons.
Volcanoes also litter the area and it has been dubbed a distinct ecoregion by scientists, sporting the lush Rapa Nui subtropical broadleaf forests.
Masoala National Park (Madagascar)
Boasting 2,300 square kilometers of rainforest and 100 square kilometers of marine marks, the nature lovers will enjoy Masoala National Park thoroughly.
It is an important protected area designated as a World Heritage Site, shielding forests, marsh, mangrove and coral reefs. It also features a great deal of flora and fauna, as well as 10 different species of lemur. Wildlife also includes: the Madagascar day gecko, chameleons, a variety of birds and rare species like the Red Owl and Tomato frog. From July to September every year, Humpback Whales pass by during their long migration.
Kayakers and snorkelers will be in bliss here.
Sakhalin (Russia)
Sakhalin, Russia's largest island located off the east coast of Russia and just north of Japan, is a prime destination for the mountain and flora lovers of the world.
About two-thirds of the island is made up of mountains, highlighted by the Eastern and Western Sakhalin Mountains and the grand Mt. Lopatin. Dense forests spread across the landscape, from spruces to firs to willows.
Those fascinated in rocks and stones will also find plenty to explore, from the Cretaceous limestones to various sandstones.
Wildlife includes bears, otters, sables, reindeer, hares and squirrels.
Additionally, Sakhalin is one of the remote getaways that is relatively easy to get to, with travel being an important part of the economy.
Anything I missed? Hit me up at rrudnansky@travalliance.com. Follow me on Twitter @RyanRudnansky.
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