Off-grid escapes. Wellness travel. ‘Microadventures’. Is there any theme you scan spot here? These travel niches have been trending the pasdt few years, which seem to show that people are hungry for an escape from technology and instant gratification. More and more of us are looking for ways to disconnect, to strip back the digital noise and reconnect with the world – and in turn, ourselves. At the heart of these trends is the desire to step outside of everyday life, and what better way to do that than by venturing to some of the most remote places on Earth? Surrounded by untouched wilderness or never-ending oceans, your mind clears, and you become grounded in the sheer beauty of your environment.
So, we’ve picked out some of the most unique destinations where you’ll have the chance to gain a new perspective on life and your place in the world. We’ve also chosen places which aren’t -so- remote that they’re completely impractical to visit (unless you’d like to spend your vacation on a research lab or military base). Here are some of the most awe-inspiring remote locations you can travel to, places that will make you feel small in the best way possible.
Iceland’s Westfjords
Iceland has long been a travel hotspot, but if you’re seeking true isolation, the Westfjords region is as remote as it gets. Only a small percentage of Iceland’s tourists ever visit this rugged and wild area, which is full of jagged coastlines, towering cliffs, sleepy fishing villages, majestic waterfalls, and natural hot springs. Get ready for epic natural beauty which’ll help you unplug from society: where you can hike for miles without seeing another soul, watch puffins along the coastline, and catch sight of the northern lights from some of the darkest skies on Earth.
Natural Wonders of Iceland is a great tour to get a good taste of the rest of Iceland. You could take this tour to see the island’s best sights, like Reykjavík and the Golden Circle, and then head to the Westfjords afterwards for a more remote retreat.
Patagonia: Argentina and Chile
Straddling the southern tip of South America, Patagonia is the ultimate adventure playground. Its sweeping landscapes include snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and sprawling glaciers, making it a dream destination for hikers and nature lovers. In some areas, you can travel for hours without encountering another human being—just endless mountains and vast steppes. The region’s isolation has preserved its wild beauty, allowing you to experience nature in its most raw form. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are two of the most spectacular parts, where you’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
The Moroccan Sahara and Atlas Mountains
If you’re looking for remote adventure, the endless sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara will take you far from civilization. Trekking by camel under the vast desert sky, you’ll encounter towering dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Spend your nights in traditional Berber camps, where the only light comes from the stars overhead, and the silence is absolute. It’s an experience that allows you to tap into the rhythms of nature in a way that feels timeless, ancient, almost biblical.
By contrast, the Atlas Mountains offer a completely different side of Morocco. These rugged mountains “some of the wildest, most remote places in North Africa”, home to small Berber villages that have changed little in centuries. Trekking through the mountains takes you along ancient mule paths, past terraced farms and hidden valleys, with snow-dusted peaks always on the horizon. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, far from the modern world.
Explore the Best of Morocco with Insight Vacations and tour through the iconic cities and unique locations across the Moroccan Sahara. You’ll trek through these rugged places with expert guides, conquering the Atlas Mountains and seeing unmissable sights like Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Morocco. Another place is Erfoud, a beautiful little oasis backdropped by the Sahara, where red sand buildings flanked by desert palms provide a welcome respite from the desert heat. The night you visit Erfoud, you’ll have the chance to meet nomadic desert dwellers and take in the glorious Sahara sunset while on a four-wheel drive across the desert.
At the very top of Europe, Finnish Lapland is an untouched wilderness of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and magical winter nights. During the long winter, the region is bathed in soft light, creating an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for solitude and reflection. With reindeer herds and husky teams as your only companions, this is a place where you can truly escape from modern life. Whether you’re exploring the Arctic Circle, staying in a glass igloo to watch the northern lights, or enjoying the simplicity of a log cabin deep in the woods, Lapland’s remoteness will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Adding to its uniqueness, Lapland is also home to the Sámi people, the only remaining indigenous group in Europe. The Sámi have a rich cultural heritage that is closely connected to the land, especially through their traditional practice of reindeer herding. This connection to nature offers an even deeper sense of place, making a visit to Lapland not only a retreat into the wilderness but also a journey into the heart of one of the most ancient cultures of Europe. On Grand Scandinavia, you’ll get to see the Sámi parliament, meet local guides and even go to the Sámi museum: the largest cultural heritage collection of indigenous Sámi people.
Canadian Arctic
For those truly craving isolation, the Canadian Arctic offers a surreal kind of remoteness. This is a land of polar bears, icebergs, and vast tundras that stretch on for hundreds of miles. Take a visit to Baffin Island, explore the rugged wilderness of Nunavut, or embark on an Arctic cruise through the land where few travelers venture. The sheer scale of the landscape, the freezing winds, and the untamed beauty make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the Earth.
Australian Outback
The Australian Outback is as remote as it is vast. Covering the majority of Australia’s landmass, this rugged desert landscape offers endless horizons, dramatic red cliffs, and the iconic Uluru standing tall in the heart of the country. The Outback’s isolation makes it a place where silence reigns supreme, with only the sound of the wind or the calls of wildlife to accompany your journey. Driving through the Red Centre, camping under the Milky Way, or seeing ancient Aboriginal rock art are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you won’t soon forget, delivering a unique sense of freedom and detachment from the modern world.
The Himalayas, Nepal
The towering peaks of the Himalayas have long attracted those seeking both adventure and spiritual enlightenment. Home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the Himalayas offer remote trekking routes that take you through valleys, across high passes, and into isolated villages that seem to exist in another time. On top of all of this, you have a deep sense of spirituality which permeates this ancient mass of land, making it as tranquil and peace-giving as it is exhilarating. The silence of the mountains, the thin air, and the breathtaking vistas make this one of the most awe-inspiring and remote places on Earth.
On Classical India with Nepal, you’ll get incredibly close to the Himalayas, and even meet a woman who summited Mount Everest. However, if you want to venture into the Himalayas you’ll have to go at it outside the tour dates. You could combine your trip, starting with a peaceful retreat in the mountains and then taking this tour (which conveniently starts in Kathmandu), to go on to explore India after your remote retreat.
Remote Pacific Islands
Scattered across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, islands like Easter Island, the Pitcairn Islands, and Kiribati are the epitome of remote travel. These tiny specks of land are surrounded by thousands of miles of open ocean, and visiting them requires a serious commitment to journeying off-grid. Waiting for you are the mysterious Moai statues of Easter Island, the crystal-clear waters of the Cook Islands, and the penguins of South Georgia, offering a rare chance to disconnect and experience life at a slower, more elemental pace.
Traveling to these remote corners of the Earth is more than just an escape—it’s a chance to reset, reflect, and reconnect with the world in its most untouched form. While these journeys may take you far from the familiar, they bring you closer to a deeper understanding of nature, the world, and yourself.
