As a New Yorker, there is nothing better than going to the city, walking around, going to cool stores, restaurants, seeing a show, catching a Knicks game, or even going to my internship. Yet, there are also times I feel like I need to escape the fast past metropolitan area. I have been fortunate with my travels and seen some amazing places. These 10 destinations are low key the coolest places to get an escape.

10. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Located in Southwest South Dakota, the Badlands are home to some of Earths natural wonders. The rocks and valleys prove to be a sick place for hiking and seeing wildlife. Because you're basically in the middle of nowhere, you can get a great escape from life due to virtually no cell service

9. Banff, Alberta

Head northwest to Banff, Alberta and you will find clouds literally on the ground. Being at such a high elevation, you'll realize how thin the air is up there and how much colder it actually is. In Banff, you can enjoy a tour of a glacier, bottle glacier water, and observe the snowcapped mountains.

8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Back in America, Yellowstone National Park is a place every American should see. The park is primarily in Wyoming but also spans to parts of South Dakota and Idaho. In the park, you'll see wildlife such as Bison and Bear, but you'll also see amazing waterfalls, Old Faithful Geyser, hot beds, and other strange, unknown scientific things.

7. Vancouver/Whistler, British Columbia

Whether you want to ski in the summer, go mountain biking through the woods, cross the world's longest suspension bridge, or chill in an Olympic Village, you'll have an amazing time in Vancouver/Whistler. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the village features a ton of cool stores and restaurants as well as an extremely fun scavenger hunt throughout the entire town.

6. Juneau, Alaska

Obviously going to Alaska is no easy trip, but it is really worth it. Juneau, the capital of the largest state (true fact) has some of the most amazing seas. While on an Alaskan cruise, you'll pass through the glaciers and see the crisp, blue water and the land masses popping out of the water. When in Juneau, you can go whale watching, truly one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. You don't realize the size and amazing traits these mammals have until you're that close to them.

5. St. Johns, US Virgin Islands

Okay, the Big Easy might be a city that is also insane, but it is a great escape from New York. Walk around the French Quarter and you'll see party animals on the terraces begging for beads, street performers all over, live music in every bar, and the amazing French history in the city. Just be prepared to return with little memory of what happened on your trip to the Gulf.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

Okay, the Big Easy might be a city that is also insane, but it is a great escape from New York. Walk around the French Quarter and you'll see party animals on the terraces begging for beads, street performers all over, live music in every bar, and the amazing French history in the city. Just be prepared to return with little memory of what happened on your trip to the Gulf.

3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

An easy 32-minute plane ride northeast never hurts! Check out Nantucket, the tiny summer island in Massachusetts for some fun time on the beach, walking around the cobblestone town, watching the yachts bigger than the ferries pull in and our, or even to see some of the world's most elite vacation. Nantucket will sure make you relaxed (even if you go with your entire family) and make you count the days until you return again.

2. Maui, Hawaii

Like Alaska, Hawaii is also a bit of a hassle to get to. Between the 11 hour plane ride there and the 10-hour flight back, you'll want to be resting between those rides. In Maui check out the amazing sunsets, surf or banana boat next to the dolphins, walk along the path of the hotels and go shopping, or just lay on the beach with your Maui Jim's, Hawaiian Tropics, and drink out of a coconut.

1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Although the majority of Lake Tahoe is in California, you can't forget about the Nevada side where hands down the best sunsets in the world (which will get you a ton of "Likes" on Instagram) can be seen. In Lake Tahoe, there is nothing more enjoyable than taking out a boat, waterskiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or even skiing in the winter. Enjoy the 75 degree days and the 50 degree nights and enjoy the wilderness around you. There is no place as calming as Lake Tahoe as the lake is huge and you can for sure find a spot that is secluded.