It’s called “extreme travel,” and it’s for those types who REALLY want to butch it up during a vacation. Five star service and all-inclusive hotels are fine for the beginners, but a few hardy souls out there want to go places where everything isn’t manicured down to the last inch. But on a planet as thoroughly “done” as ours, where in the world (literally) can you go? A lot of places, actually. Here are a few I’ve come across over the years:
South Georgia
No, not the state. South Georgia is wind-swept, ice-scoured island deep in the southern Atlantic off of Tierra del Fuego in South America. Technically part of the United Kingdom, South Georgia was once a major whaling station but is now a sub-Antarctic wildlife sanctuary given over entirely to nature. Primordial and pristine, this one rates high on the “Where?” index. sgisland.gs
Papua New Guinea
Speaking of primordial, this tropical nation due north of Australia is so impenetrable—thanks to jungles, weather, wild terrain, the occasional landslide—that much of it hasn’t been mapped from the ground. The main cities are along the coast, and are, no offense, blah. But brave the interior and you are in a wonderland of birds, waterfalls, and tribes whose way of life remains true to their Stone Age roots. papuanewguinea.travel/usa
Mount Hua Shan, China
One of the most vertigo-inducing mountain trails (and I use that term broadly) in the world, this mountain in China’s Shaanxi Province is tailor-made for people with a very secure relationship with 1) God or 2) gravity. One of the nation’s Five Great Mountains and revered in Taoism, Hua Shan’s ascent routes are so narrow that you are seriously screwed if you come upon somebody already coming down. ccpit-shaanxi.org
The Sahara
Unfortunately, one of the most extreme—and spectacular—environments in the world is occupied by some of the most unstable governments on Earth, but few places are more endowed with forbidding beauty than the Sahara Desert. Surprisingly abuzz with life—human and otherwise—the Sahara is a good example of how once life stars, it is very difficult to get rid of. Morocco has the safest slice of desert territory; it’s a great place to start. visitmorocco.com
A word to the wise: Extreme travel is just that. This is definitely a for-grown-ups kind of deal. People often get injured on extreme jaunts, even those with years of experience. It a rewarding experience, but prepare, prepare, prepare. Steele Luxury Travel can assist with the planning of your next extreme itinerary. Visit www.SteeleTravel.com for more information!