Some people’s holiday plans are out there – really out there! While most travellers tend to stick to well-worn tourist destinations or perhaps an offbeat backpacking spot, a brave few get a kick out of voyaging to the lesser-known and even lesser-travelled antipodes of the globe.
If you want to get away from it all, then adding one of these places on your to-see list is a great way to do it. You can reap the travel prestige of exploring a place that few others have seen while learning more about how truly diverse the world is. Remote travel is not for the newbie traveller, and you should always make sure that you have ample travel insurance coverage before you head out to such a location.
But if this sounds intriguing to you, let’s look at five of the most remote places in the world that you can actually visit.
Iqaluit, Canada
If you can handle the cold, then you might stop by Iqaluit in Canada’s northernmost province of Nunavut. Home to several very small settlements of mostly Indigenous peoples, the region is absolutely breathtaking for its natural beauty. If you dare to head out on the water, or the sea ice, then be sure to look for some of the marine wildlife that populates the area, including narwhals and beluga whales.
If a trip to the Arctic sounds interesting to you, then you are sure to find places to stay in some of the region’s municipalities.
Svalbard, Norway
For another Arctic adventure, you need to consider Svalbard in northern Norway. As one of the world’s most northern settlements, the region is surprisingly easy to access using planes several times per week. The unique and colourful settlement is interesting to explore, though you will certainly enjoy getting on the water and looking at glaciers and the natural beauty of the place. As a popular stop for cruise ships, you can also book your ticket to arrive on the water.
Travelling to the middle of the desert might be preferable for some travellers than venturing into the far north. The remote Crescent Lake in China is perfect in that case. Like a desert oasis, the small crescent-shaped lake sits in the middle of the Gobi Desert. Fortunately, though it is remote, there are buses that transport eager tourists to the location with ease.
St. Helena, British Territory
You may be familiar with St. Helena already from your history classes. Napoleon was once confined to the island, though these days it is much easier to access, or escape from! Given its remoteness, there is an abundance of wildlife and unique flora. The diversity is something that even the traveller who “has seen it all” will appreciate.
Easter Island, Chile
You have likely seen images of the stunning Moai statues on the famous Easter Island. What you might not know is that this tiny island is thousands of kilometres off the coast of Chile. Its extreme isolation only adds to its mystery and charm, however. While flights to the island are limited, which is to be expected, you can easily manage to find a way there, if you dare. The island also features several volcanoes that have shaped the landscape into what it is today.
Into The Unknown
These locations are just a sampling of the many remote places that are accessible by brave travellers. If you need to mix up your travel plans and make them a bit more exciting, then consider adding one of these stops to your itinerary.