Few things can spoil your summer vacation like a spell of bad weather or overwhelming tourist hordes. Fortunately, travelers can find a slower pace and more room to spread their wings in these destinations.

May and June is shoulder season in St. Vincent & the Grenadines so visitors can expect fewer tourists and more affordable hotel rates in the early stages of summer ahead of hurricane season. The Caribbean island chain boasts awesome resorts as well as remote beaches.

Located in Canaveral National Seashore on Florida's Space Coast, Playalinda Beach is among the quietest you'll find and offers some of the best waves in the Sunshine State, making it a popular spot for local surfers. Book your stay in nearby Titusville for easy access and you'll be just an hour from Orlando and minutes from the Kennedy Space Center.

Beat the crowds to Hvar, Croatia by planning an early- or late-summer vacation. The weather and attractions will still be at their peak in May, June and September while visitors will have fewer vacationers to contend with.

Peak tourist season in the U.S. Virgin Islands begins to wind down in April and hotel rates also dip. Plus, travelers visiting St. Croix in May and June can capitalize on gorgeous weather and cheap airfare with Spirit Airlines set to expand service to the island at the end of May.

The summer months on this island off the coast of Cancun tend to be the rainiest and most humid but there's plenty of perks if you're willing to take the chance, including the potential to see whale sharks.

The Greek island of Naxos tends to draw fewer crowds than nearby Mykonos and Santorini. However, visitors won't have to sacrifice on beauty as the largest of the Cyclades island group is home to white-sand beaches, charming mountain villages and alluring ancient ruins.

Antigua's offseason begins in May so summer visitors will have ample opportunity to score an excellent package deal. Rain is more likely this time of year but the crowds will have vanished while temperatures in the 80s stick around.

Tourism in La Paz peaks at the start of the year and experiences its biggest dropoff in May when hotel rates tend to be at their lowest. If you can stand the heat, you stand to save money and stress brought on by large crowds, especially along the scenic Malecon waterfront promenade.

Easily one of the must-see places in Scotland, the majestic Isle of Skye is home to the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country as well as mountains, beaches and sprawling hillsides. Even during the peak tourism months of July and August, there's plenty of Highland features to explore at your own pace.

This group of mountainous islands off of the northwest coast of Sicily will reward visitors with beautiful scenery, more than manageable summer crowds and one-of-a-kind sights such as Palaeolithic and Neolithic cave paintings.

Often overlooked in favor of Aruba and Curacao, Bonaire is home to a slew of quiet beaches, some of which are among the best in the Caribbean. In addition to the lack of crowds, there are a handful of other reasons to consider this tropical island for your next summer vacation.

Underrated Bocas del Toro has something for every type of traveler, whether you prefer to relax on a beautiful beach, get closer to wildlife or revel in local nightlife. Plan a mid- to late-summer escape and beat the crowds.

Michigan's Mackinac Island is a very traditional summer vacation destination that offers an ideal mix of outdoor activities, shopping, nightlife, festivals and events as well as cozy accommodations. While it is most popular during the summer months, there are no cars on the island so getting around is far less stressful.

This charming commune in northeastern France is situated on the Alsace Wine Route and is a fantastic alternative to some of Europe's more crowded summer vacation destinations. Visitors can tour the old town's cobblestone streets and medieval architecture as well as sample some of the region's best wines.

Summer is as hot as it is long in Palm Springs but after a brutal winter, it's likely a welcome change. The heat keeps the crowds away for the most part from May through September. However, savvy travelers can keep cool by staying close to the pool during the day and heading out on the town at night.