Motorized vehicles aren’t really permitted at these travel destinations, which is a good thing — because you’ll want to drink in these gorgeous sights very slowly (aka by foot):

Mont St. Michel, France: This one was settled by hermit monks in the 6th century, who likely were flooded with peace each time the tide rolled 8 miles in over the mud flat and put a sea between them and the mainland. Back then, pilgrims who tried to reach the island via that flat had to be mindful not only of the rising tide that could sweep them away, but of quick sand and thick fog, according to Rick Steves. These days, there’s a causeway, so you can reach the base of the island by car (just be careful you don’t park that car below the causeway, where the tide will wash it away). Otherwise, this island is one you’ll walk — up a narrow, winding street lined with tourist shops to the Gothic-style abbey at the top.

Mont St. Michel at night (iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

Hydra, Greece: Nearly everything with wheels — cars, motorbikes and bicycles — are banned from this Greek island, which is just 45 miles from Athens. You’ll get around the island by water-taxis, which run up and down the coast. Donkeys wearing carnations and trolleys-pulled-by-people will carry your luggage up cobblestone streets. The New York Times recently described this island as “the latest stop on the art circuit” and a “stronghold of contemporary art.” But it’s really always belonged to the artist, attracting people like song-writer Leonard Cohen and writer Henry Miller.

The port of Hydra (Renaud Visage/Getty Images)

Herm Island, UK: This one’s part of Channel Islands off the coasts of France and England, and is found between Guernsey and the Isle of Sark (see aerial shot). It’s about a mile and a half long with just 50 inhabitants, one restaurant and one pub, according to The Independent. Not only are cars forbidden, but so are bicycles. But no worries about lugging your bags; when you arrive on the island via ferry from Guernsey, a “luggage porter” will take your luggage and transfer it to your hotel or cottage on a tractor. There’s no TV here, but who needs TV when you can drink “restorative pints” at The Mermaid Tavern and enjoy sand, sun, turquoise waters, kayaking, walking and even an historical tour of the island that includes ghost stories? In 2008, the 40-year lease on the island was sold form the Heyworth family to John and Julia Singer, who fell in love with each other on the island and would like to keep it pristine and free of cars for as long as they reign.

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