14 Remote Destinations That Will Push You Outside Your Comfort Zone
This isn’t a trip for the faint of heart—or the lovers of all things predictable.
This is for the bold, the curious, the ones who crave adventure with a side of adrenaline. Here, comfort zones don’t just stretch, they shatter.
I’ve created a list of remote destinations that promise not only to push you outside your comfort zone but also to captivate your senses.
This journey doesn’t just change your location—it changes you.
Pack your bags and leave your hesitations behind!
1. Socotra, Yemen
This isn’t a sci-fi movie set. It’s a remote island off Yemen, waiting for you! Feeling a thirst for the unusual? The experience that Socotra offers cannot be found anywhere else!
Feel the breeze as you hike through its rough terrains. The island’s biodiversity is astounding, with many species found nowhere else. You might feel you’ve stepped into a different world.
The untouched beaches invite you for a dip, though the real treasure lies in its caves and mountains. Socotra is a paradise for nature lovers. It promises a trip filled with surprises.
2. Oymyakon, Russia
Welcome to Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited place on Earth. Here, temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -58°F. Fancy a challenge?
Visit this Siberian village and experience life at its most extreme. The locals have adapted to this icy world, living off reindeer meat and fish. But, can you? Don’t forget to try the local delicacy, stroganina, thinly sliced frozen fish!
Snow-covered trees and frozen rivers make this a photographer’s dream. Bundle up, as even the air feels brittle. Oymyakon is not just a destination, it’s an endurance test for the brave-hearted.
3. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic
Ever wondered what isolation truly means? Tristan da Cunha is the answer. Labeled the world’s most remote inhabited island, it’s a place where fewer than 300 people reside.
Reaching here is an adventure itself! It involves a six-day boat journey from South Africa. Once on the island, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of volcanic cliffs and unspoiled nature. The island’s charm lies in its simplicity and the warmth of its community.
If you are the type of person that seeks solitude from time to time, Tristan da Cunha is perfect for you!
4. Easter Island, Chile
I’m sure you’ve seen these mysterious statues somewhere on the Internet. But, the question is: why haven’t you ever visited this amazing gem in the Pacific? Moai statues are really something you have to see in person.
The island whispers tales of history, as the stone figures stand guard over the landscape. The air is filled with a sense of mystery. Are you ready to uncover its secrets?
I recommend you to hike across the island to find hidden caves and petroglyphs. Or to really soak in this location, participate in traditional dances. Hungry? They offer a very unique cuisine. Stay as long as you need to savour it all!
5. Pitcairn Island, Pacific Ocean
Pitcairn Island is a tiny speck in the vast Pacific Ocean. It’s a home to fewer than 50 residents. Can you imagine living here? I definitely can!
This isolated paradise offers limited modern conveniences, making it a real challenge for those used to urban comforts.
You can engage with the tight-knit community, learning about their unique way of life. The lack of regular transport connections means you’ll have to plan your visit meticulously.
Here, isolation isn’t loneliness—it’s freedom. A place where the world fades away, and all that’s left is the wild, the waves, and the wonder.
6. La Rinconada, Peru
La Rinconada is the world’s highest permanent settlement. Life here is anything but easy, with thin air and sub-zero temperatures.
Gold drives life here. Thousands of miners work beneath the icy ground, hoping to strike it rich. The conditions are tough—freezing temperatures, no running water, and little oxygen. Yet, the city is full of energy, with busy streets and market stalls packed with supplies.
Reaching La Rinconada is no easy task. There are no direct roads, only steep trails leading into the mountains. Life here is harsh here, that’s for sure! But for those who stay, it is a place of both struggle and opportunity.
7. Bouvet Island, South Atlantic Ocean
Bouvet Island is the most isolated island in the world. It’s uninhabited and covered in ice, presenting a desolate yet captivating landscape.
It is so far from civilization that it feels like the edge of the world.
There are no cities, no ports, and no permanent residents—only endless ice, volcanic cliffs, and the roar of the ocean. The island is mostly covered by glaciers, making it nearly impossible to land. Only a few scientific expeditions have ever set foot here! Do you want to be added to this list?
For most, Bouvet Island is just a tiny speck on a map. But for adventurers, scientists, and dreamers, it is a symbol of pure, untouched wilderness!
8. Alert, Canada
At the very top of the world, Alert, Canada stands as the northernmost permanently inhabited place on Earth.
Life here is extreme, I’m not going to lie. Winter plunges temperatures below -40°F, and the sun disappears for months during the long polar night. On the other hand, in summer, the sun never sets, casting an eerie, golden glow over the frozen landscape.
Not many places on Earth make you feel like an explorer, but Alert does just that. Few have made it this far—will you be one of them?
9. Antarctica, Various Stations
If there’s a place that truly screams remote, extreme, and awe-inspiring, it’s Antarctica.
This frozen continent is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It has no cities, no permanent residents—only a handful of scientific research stations. Only the toughest and most curious minds on the planet go here. Do you see yourself in this description?
Scientists and explorers endure months of isolation, subzero temperatures, and the ever-present challenge of survival. But they also witness things few ever will! So, are you ready to go where few have gone before?
10. Barrow, Alaska, USA
Welcome to Barrow, Alaska—now officially known as Utqiaġvik! This isn’t just another remote town! It’s a place where the sun disappears for 65 days in winter and refuses to set for nearly three months in summer. Imagine stepping outside at 2 AM and still needing sunglasses!
But the extreme environment is just the beginning. Barrow is home to the Iñupiat people, one of the oldest Indigenous cultures in North America. Their traditions like whaling, ice fishing, and crafting have been passed down for thousands of years.
Utqiaġvik isn’t just another cold town! It’s a world apart! A place where time, light, and survival itself take on a whole new meaning.
11. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is one of the hottest places on Earth. Playing it hot or cold? I choose hot!
Temperatures can soar above 122°F, making it a test of endurance even for seasoned adventurers.
The landscape is an otherworldly mix of active volcanoes, sulfur springs, and salt flats. This harsh environment is home to the Afar people. They have adapted to the extreme conditions. Everything is possible, right?
Ready to visit Mars on Earth?
12. Lake Turkana, Kenya
Some places don’t just call for adventure—they demand it. Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake, is one of those places.
This desert lake offers a stark contrast to its surroundings, with its emerald waters providing a lifeline to the region’s wildlife.
For those who dare to venture here, the rewards are immense. Visit the fossil-rich sites of Koobi Fora! You’ll get to see where some of the oldest human remains have been found. The name says it all – “Cradle of Mankind.”
And if you want to hear how it is possible to adapt to these harsh conditions, chat with people from Samburu communities.
No easy roads, no crowds, just the thrill of adventure in one of the most remote and untamed places on Earth!
13. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a marine paradise.
Its islands boast white sandy beaches, vegetation, and coral reefs. The crystal-clear waters just invite exploration! Fishing for locals or diving to swim? Both sound amazing!
Here, adventure awaits at every turn, just within your grasp! I know you won’t be able to decide what to do first. I would start with hiking through the dune. And from that,move on to bird watching. I think this sounds like a solid start.
Are you ready to set sail for the ultimate island escape?
14. Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Some landscapes take your breath away—the Simien Mountains do it literally.
Here, adventure isn’t just an option—it’s the only way forward.
The area is home to unique wildlife, including the gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf. Don’t forget the ultimate hiking experience! I know what you are thinking – another hiking recommendation! Think again! You would be hiking through a UNESCO World Heritage Site! If you go, just keep in mind that I’m jealous!
Here are three words to describe your future adventure: raw, remote and majestic!