For thrillists and adventure enthusiasts, exploring otherworldly landscapes and hauntingly beautiful ruins floats at the top of the travel list.
Abandoned Places Exploration
Urban explorers are drawn to desolate or abandoned locations, such as deserted amusement parks, ghost towns, and old factories. The thrill of discovering decaying architecture and imagining the stories behind these forgotten places creates a strange mix of adventure and nostalgia. These explorations offer a unique way to connect with the past and experience the eerie beauty of places left behind by time.
A trip to the ghost town of Kolmanskoppe, a former diamond mining town in Namibia, offers an eerie and surreal journey into the past, where nature and history collide in a hauntingly beautiful way. The buildings, many of which are in surprisingly good condition considering they’ve been abandoned for almost a century, are partially filled with sand dunes that have slowly crept in over the years. You’ll see once-opulent German-style homes, a hospital, a ballroom, a bowling alley, and even a theater — all slowly being overtaken by the desert.
The ghost town stands out for its unique desert-meets-ruins charm, making it one of the most striking and bizarre travel experiences in the world.
Pyramids and Mummy Tourism
For those with a sense of adventure and a fascination with ancient history, pyramids and mummy tourism offer a unique experience. Travelers flock to destinations like the Valley of the Kings in Egypt or the Nazca Mummies in Peru to see real mummies up close. These ancient remains provide a profound connection to human history, though the experience can be eerie and macabre. The allure of stepping back in time and uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations draws many to these storied sites.
Polar Bear Safaris in Norway and Canada
Polar bear safaris take tourists into the Arctic Circle to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Tours in Svalbard, Norway, and Churchill, Canada, offer a rare opportunity to get close to polar bears, often from the safety of specialized vehicles or even icebreaker ships. These adventures are not for the faint of heart but provide an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of these magnificent animals as they roam the icy wilderness.
A polar bear safari in Canada, specifically in the town of Churchill, Manitoba, offers a thrilling and intimate glimpse into the lives of these majestic Arctic predators. Churchill, often referred to as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, is one of the best places on Earth to see polar bears in their natural habitat.
For more ideas for off-the-beaten-path activities on safari, check out our blog post here.
Extreme Glamping in Antarctica & Mongolia
Not your run-of-the-mill: Glamping, or luxury camping, has been taken to new extremes in places like Antarctica and Mongolia. In these remote and harsh environments, travelers can enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Cozy yurts, gourmet meals, and heated tents provide a level of luxury that seems out of place in such rugged settings. Whether surrounded by the icy expanse of Antarctica or the remote deserts of Mongolia, extreme glamping offers an extraordinary way to experience some of the world's most isolated landscapes.
Experiences like an ultra-luxury glamping adventure with White Desert Antarctica is exclusive to private jets and only twelve guests. In the otherworldly landscape of Antarctica, the domes (which include sleeping pods, a library, bespoke cuisine by award-winning chefs, and an Art Deco lounge) are inspired by astronauts and used by explorers.
Storm Chasing in the American Midwest
If you're an adrenaline junkie or a weather enthusiast, storm chasing in the American Midwest might be the ultimate adventure. In Tornado Alley, people sign up for tours that take them into the heart of severe weather, where they can witness tornadoes, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather phenomena up close. While undeniably dangerous, these tours offer a high-stakes experience that allows participants to observe (and photograph!) the raw power of nature in real-time.
Ready to get out there?
