15 Adventure Destinations That Will Make You Want to Go Home Early
We sometimes want to go to adventure destinations to break the mold, to push the boundaries, or to get that daring bucket list item off the list. Occasionally, some places present unexpected challenges that make us reconsider our ‘adventurous spirit’. These aren’t your normal vacation spots, it’s places where patience, courage, and sanity get tested. You’ll often hear how thrilling and unforgettable they are, but here’s the inside scoop: There are some experiences so far out of your comfort zone, that you’ll be booking a flight home before you know it.
These places are no easy ride—weather conditions from extreme to tricky will batter you, terrains will stymie you, wildlife will ambush you, and unexpected roadblocks will frustrate you. Join us as we venture into some adventure destinations that might make you long for the familiar comforts of home.
Nepal Mount Everest Base Camp
The trek to Everest Base Camp pushes your limits. The dizzying altitudes, low oxygen, bone-chilling temperatures, and tough, rocky terrain are enough to send anyone packing. It’s undeniable that the Himalayas are beautiful, but after days of fighting to breathe and battling the weather, you may start to crave the warmth of home.
Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth. In the land of bitter winds and freezing temperatures, this desolate landscape is a real survival experience. You might visit for the penguins and glaciers but then a few hours into the icy grip of Antarctica, the desire for warmth and civilization might send you packing.
Death Valley, California
Death Valley is hot, barren, and endless, and the name says it all. It’s like stepping into an oven during summer when temperatures soar above 120°F (49°C). The landscapes are dramatic, but so is the heat. Air conditioning and a cold drink will sound like a gift before too long.
Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater
The fiery pit in Turkmenistan, which burned for more than 50 years, is called the “Door to Hell.” The flames are hot and the sulfuric stench is overwhelming. It may seem thrilling to stand near this crater surrounded by a vast desert, but once you realize how hot, smelly, and isolated it is, home will start to sound like paradise.
Snake Island, Brazil
Snake Island is off-limits to visitors, but for the truly daring it’s the thrill of facing thousands of deadly snakes. It’s said that there’s a snake every square meter, and all are venomous. Even the hardiest adventurers might decide a snake-free, comfortable home sounds better than a slithery, venomous island getaway.
New Hampshire, Mount Washington
Mount Washington is relatively accessible but has some of the most extreme weather on Earth. Among the many treacherous mountain hikes known for hurricane-force winds and unpredictable conditions, the mountain is a much more daunting hike even for the experienced hiker. One moment, you’re enjoying the view, the next you’re caught in chilling winds that’ll make you wish you were in a warm, cozy cabin.
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Even the most prepared trekkers will find the rugged terrain and elevated altitudes of the Simien Mountains challenging. The scenery is incredible and the thin air and hard climbs can deplete your energy quickly. The views are breathtakingly beautiful, but the thought of flat land and easy breathing back home will start to seem pretty tempting.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Many nature lovers add the Amazon to their bucket list, but living in the world’s largest rainforest is not a walk in the park. There will be high humidity, unrelenting heat, and insects swarming you relentlessly. You will see majestic and jaw-dropping wildlife but there is also a chance you would get lost in a tangle of greenery.
The Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Namibia’s desolate coastline is famous for shipwrecks, dense fog, and endless dunes. It’s hauntingly beautiful, but the Skeleton Coast has no mercy. The idea of being a bit closer to modern comforts will sound appealing after a few hours spent on this unforgivable terrain.
Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Boiling lava lakes, hot springs, salt flats, and the Danakil Depression are among the hottest and harshest places on Earth. Although visually appealing, the experience feels like a test of endurance rather than a holiday with extreme heat and dryness in arid conditions. After a while, the escape back to a cool, air-conditioned room may begin to sound ideal.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Given the alien-like landscape, the Atacama Desert is among the driest places on the planet. It is beautiful but isolated and there is no comfort to be found in its harsh climate. After a few days without humidity, a glass of water at home sounds better than gold.
Norilsk, Russia
Sitting in Norilsk, one of the coldest, most polluted cities in Russia, is an exercise in resilience. A bleak atmosphere, frigid temperatures, and limited sunlight will make you long for the fresh air and warmth of your home. Even after just a few hours in Norilsk, you might miss your hometown’s fresh air and warm spaces.
K2, Pakistan
One of the world’s most challenging peaks, K2 has no easy paths and no forgiving slopes. It’s grueling to climb and the weather is notoriously unpredictable. Conquering K2 is an incredible achievement, but halfway up, you’ll be dreaming of solid ground, familiar surroundings, and the warmth of home.
Marshall Islands (Bikini Atoll)
Despite crystal clear waters and the most fabulous marine-life, Bikini Atoll has had a darker past. Some areas at this former nuclear testing site are still radioactive, and it’s a strange and eerie place to visit. The lagoon is as beautiful as its always been, but the knowledge of its history may make home seem especially comfortable.
Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Exploring the ghost town of Pripyat with its abandoned buildings feels surreal. It’s fascinating and eerie, as it paints a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic world kept in this state due to the ever-present radiation. A few hours here will make you want to miss home.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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