srsy07Deciding on a holiday destination can be almost as much fun as the holiday itself. There are a myriad of lovely choices but one must decide if they want to follow the much travelled path or if they want to head out on the road less traveled, much less traveled…
Outlined below are a few destinations worth consideration when planning that summer holiday to get away from it all but they are probably not the best choices for last minute holidays. Some require advance permission, fees, permits or they are downright unfriendly to outsiders but do tolerate them. Is it worth all the trouble? That is something that each person must decide for themselves but all offer the chance to escape the crowds, at least for a while.
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Pitcairn Island
The fantasy of being a swashbuckling pirate is entertained by most of us at some point. On Pitcairn Island visitors will meet the actual descendants of the mutinous crew of the HMAS Bounty!
This tiny island, located in the South Pacific Ocean, has a population of roughly 50 people but don’t let that fool you! Pitcairn Island is well equipped to entertain visitors. After spending three days sailing from neighbouring island Mangareva, a pleasant surprise awaits. Tour operators are ready to escort visitors on quad bike and snorkeling expeditions or exploring the island on foot on the well-marked walking trails.
Nauru
Another remote island located in the Pacific but a bit closer to its neighbors is Nauru. Slightly south of the Marshall Islands, this tiny island paradise sits just below the Equator. Nauru has a population of some 10,000 people and is one of the smallest countries in the world. Tourism is still new to the island and the people of Nauru are very protective of their country so be sure to treat it with respect.
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
For this destination it’s a good idea to pack a good selection of thermal knickers! Svalbard, after all, means “cold coasts” and it definitely lives up to its name. Located at the halfway point between Norway and the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard is where Austfonna, the largest glacier in Norway, is found.
The island of Svalbard is considered a winter wonderland and depending on the season there is plenty of fun to be had! Visitors can participate in dog sledding, skiing, kayaking and other outdoor sports. For the less adventurous a visit to the Svalbard Museum or the Longyearbyen Church might be a better choice. There are also several hotels to choose from for those who would like to stay and explore this beautiful island.
Kamchatka, Siberia
For those who have a passion for Arctic wilderness and wildlife, this might be the perfect getaway, but again, pack up the thermals. Possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth, Kamchatka is a pristine wilderness located in eastern Siberia. Until 1991 and the fall of the Soviet Union, it was shrouded in secrecy and mostly inhabited by military personnel who eavesdropped on the U.S.
Today visitors can travel to Kamchatka but it is a difficult journey, not only due to poor or nonexistent roads, but also because of less than enthusiastic officials that can make it a very difficult journey. Those who have successfully made the trek claim that it is a truly amazing destination.