NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - This is the truth about mass-market travel: It's hard to get away from the crowds in a place that's worth visiting. Especially in the Caribbean.

If you want to avoid the crowds, head for the Abaco Islands. They are less touristy and loaded with natural beauty and deserted beaches. Play video (Real or Windows Media)

Some 10 million American tourists will fly south to the islands this year, and most of them will use a package tour to get there. Those who seek seclusion usually travel great distances and pay dearly for it.

Which brings us to the Abaco Islands -- the exception that proves the rule. The fact that this archipelago, first settled by British loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, is the second-biggest island group in the Bahamas isn't saying much; just 13,000 people live on 650 square miles. Many of its cays and fine white sand beaches are uninhabited.

The airports are too small for jetliners and most of the hotels are too small to do business with tour operators. Vacations here remain affordable because it's just an hour's flight from Florida's Atlantic Coast.

But make no mistake: If you prefer not to escape the trappings of civilization entirely, you don't have to. At Nettie's Different of Abaco, guests leave telephones and televisions behind, but not relaxing massages or spacious and luxurious rooms; this is an ecologically oriented resort that emphasizes birding and bonefishing (doubles from $150; 242-366-2150; www.differentofabaco.com).

On Green Turtle Cay, the Green Turtle Club is known for its fine food, great location and the rum punch served at its Yacht Club Pub. The hotel's superior deluxe rooms have hardwood floors and Queen Anne furniture (from $210, but two-night winter packages offer a small discount, breakfast and dinner; 242-365-4271; www.greenturtleclub.com).

Best Places to Vacation • Palm Springs • Berkshires • Cocoa Beach • Abaco Islands • Cozumel • Park City

There are, of course, "attractions" here -- snorkeling, tennis -- but the real attraction is the absence of such obligations. The islands abound in opportunities to do nothing but lounge on the beach or in a hammock beneath the coconut palms. Treasure Cay, where the sand is as white and soft as powdered sugar, is still not crowded -- but if a few sunbathers are too much to bear, you can rent a boat and steer yourself toward more desolate shores.

Flights: Continental Connection offers flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, and from West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour. American Eagle, Bahamasair, Island Express and US Airways Express also fly between the Florida coast and Great Abaco. You may find lower fares on connecting flights through Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach on Southwest Airlines, but it will take some digging, since most computer reservations systems don't pair Southwest with other carriers.

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Packages: If you insist on buying a package to Abaco, Liberty, Expedia and American Airlines Vacations (800-321-2121; AAvacations.com) all do business with one or both of the islands' two biggest resorts, Treasure Cay Hotel Resort and Abaco Beach Resort.

For more: The Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board (800-688-4752; bahama-out-islands.com) can supply you with information about the Abacos.