12 Remote Travel Destinations That Feel Like the Edge of the World
Looking for remote travel destinations you can visit? You don’t need to disappear into the wilderness for six months, own a private helicopter or become best friends with a polar explorer.
There are remote places around the world that you can visit without being an extreme adventurer. Some need more planning and some need a few extra buses.
In this travel guide, you’ll find 12 remote travel destinations that are worth the effort, including several I’ve visited.
Your Solo Travel Roadmap
Section | ⏱️ Read Time |
🌍 What Makes a Destination Remote? | 2 min |
🗺️ 12 Remote Travel Destinations | 8 min |
💸 How to Travel to Remote Places | 2 min |
🛡️ Remote Travel Safety | 2 min |
Remote Travel Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
Remote travel works well for solo female travelers, but the preparation varies a lot. Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan and the Faroe Islands can be easier starting points, while Antarctica, the Pamirs and Svalbard need more planning or organised activities.
What Are the Best Remote Travel Destinations You Can Visit?
I picked these destinations based on how isolated they feel, how difficult they are to reach, the landscapes and experiences they offer, and how far they are from typical mass-tourism routes.
Some are difficult to reach. Others are easily accessible once you know what you’re doing. And that’s what makes them interesting.
Destination | Best for | Remote factor | Budget level |
🇬🇱 Greenland | Icebergs & Arctic landscapes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
🧊 Antarctica | Polar adventure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
🇸🇹 São Tomé & Príncipe | Tropical nature | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
🇧🇹 Bhutan | Mountains & culture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
🇲🇳 Mongolia | Vast landscapes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan | Mountains & adventure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ |
🇹🇯 Tajikistan | Pamir Mountains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ |
🇫🇴 Faroe Islands | Dramatic islands | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
🇳🇴 Norway/Svalbard | Arctic wilderness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
🇫🇰 Falkland Islands | Wildlife & isolation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
🇳🇦 Namibia | Desert & wilderness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
🇨🇱 Patagonia | Mountains & glaciers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
The budget varies depending on flights, season, accommodation, activities and travel style. These symbols refer mainly to typical daily costs once you’re there.
Budget potential: $ = generally lower daily costs, $$ =moderate, $$$ = higher daily costs.
Who Is This Remote Travel Guide For?
This guide is for travelers who look at a map and want to know:
“Okay… but what’s over there?”
Maybe you’re tired of the same city-break destinations. Maybe you want different landscapes, fewer crowds and somewhere that feels special.
Or maybe you just want to come home with a story that isn’t:
“We went to Barcelona and spent three days drinking Vermut”
No judgment if you did. I love Barcelona. 😉
Remote travel takes more effort, but that’s also what makes it memorable.
I’ve traveled to 67 countries across 7 continents, including Antarctica, Greenland and Kyrgyzstan. The places that need more effort to reach often end up being the ones I remember most.
Why Visit Remote Travel Destinations?
For me, remote travel isn’t about going somewhere where nobody has ever been.
It’s about going somewhere where the landscape, culture, infrastructure or distance makes the experience feel different.
You might get fewer crowds, smaller communities and a slower pace.
And sometimes the journey becomes part of the story, too.
Greenland
Greenland is one of those places where you look around and immediately want to take a million photos.
Icebergs, glaciers, colourful little settlements and huge Arctic landscapes. And then you look around and realise there isn’t much else around you.
I traveled through Greenland in 2025, including Ilulissat, Nuuk and southern Greenland, and I realised that you can’t plan Greenland like a normal European holiday.
There aren’t roads connecting most towns, so you’ll often be looking at boats and flights to get around. That can make the trip more expensive and a little more complicated, but it’s also a big part of why Greenland still feels so remote.
I wrote a guide about how I managed the costs because, yes, I’m sorry but Greenland can make your wallet cry.
Read Next: Greenland on a Budget: How I Traveled the Arctic Without Breaking the Bank
Category | Details |
Best for | Icebergs, glaciers & Arctic landscapes |
The vibe | Wild, quiet & otherworldly |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Tip: Leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Arctic weather affects flights and boats, and you don’t want one delayed connection to mess up your whole trip.
Antarctica
If we’re talking about remote travel, Antarctica obviously has to be on this list.
There are no normal roads, no supermarkets and definitely no “I’ll just quickly go get something.” 😂
I traveled to Antarctica solo in 2024 on an expedition, including a night at an ice camp.
And yes, seeing penguins in real life is just as cute as you imagine.
The whole trip felt removed from normal life. No traffic. No shopping. No endless notifications.
Just ice, wildlife, ocean and a lot of layers.
If Antarctica is on your list, I’ve written several guides, including what it cost, what solo travel was like and what I wish I knew before going.
Category | Details |
Best for | Polar landscapes & wildlife |
The vibe | Wild, quiet & surreal |
The pace | Expedition mode |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Tip: Antarctica is not a budget destination. Compare expedition operators and travel dates carefully. The cheapest-looking option isn’t automatically the best deal.
Read Next: My Solo Travel Antarctica Adventure
Also Read: Is Antarctica Worth It? My Honest Solo Traveler Experience
Your final budget will depend on the route you choose, permits, accommodation, guides and transport.
If you’re planning a trek, research the route before booking. The cheapest option isn’t always the easiest or safest option, especially at higher altitudes.
And your flight to Nepal can be a bigger part of the budget than your daily spending once you’re there.
São Tomé & Príncipe
If you want a tropical destination that still feels pretty far removed from mass tourism, São Tomé & Príncipe is worth looking at.
You’ve got rainforest, beaches, volcanic landscapes and a much quieter tourism scene than many of the better-known tropical destinations.
You can spend the morning exploring and the afternoon swimming.
Category | Details |
Best for | Nature, beaches & culture |
The vibe | Tropical & laid-back |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Tip: Don’t expect European-style transport infrastructure. Give yourself some extra time between places and don’t plan every hour of the trip.
Bhutan
Bhutan is in the Himalayas and is very different to the kind of trip where you try to see 14 sights before lunch.
I visited Bhutan and realised that rushing around here makes no sense.
Mountain valleys, monasteries, prayer flags and traditional architecture are a big part of the experience. And the famous Tiger’s Nest hike was one of my highlights.
Category | Details |
Best for | Culture, mountains & hiking |
The vibe | Traditional & calm |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Budget reality: Bhutan is not one of the cheap destinations on this list. Check the current tourism fees and requirements before planning your trip.
Read Next: [Is Bhutan Worth Visiting? My Solo Female Travel Guide]
Mongolia
Mongolia is the answer to:
“What if I just want to be surrounded by nothing but open space?”
The country is big, with grasslands, desert, mountains and nomadic communities spread across it.
You can visit the Gobi Desert, stay in a ger and spend hours travelling without seeing much more than landscapes.
Category | Details |
Best for | Nomadic culture, deserts & adventure |
The vibe | Wild & open |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Tip: Distances are big. Something that looks close on a map can take hours to reach, so don’t plan your route like you’re traveling around a European city.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is one of my favourite examples of a remote destination that doesn’t need a big travel budget.
I traveled through Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park, Chon-Kemin Valley and Song-Kul Lake, and there were many moments when I thought:
“How is this real?”
Mountains, horses, yurts, alpine lakes and huge open valleys make Kyrgyzstan feel like a different world.
Category | Details |
Best for | Mountains, hiking & adventure |
The vibe | Wild & open |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Tip: One of my favourite experiences was spending the night in a yurt at Song-Kul Lake at more than 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
I woke up surrounded by mountains, horses and almost nothing else.
That’s the kind of morning that makes you forget about your work inbox.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan takes remote travel up another level.
The Pamir Mountains, high-altitude landscapes and long drives between places make this a destination for people who don’t mind a bit of adventure.
It was one of the most challenging countries I’ve visited, but also one of the most memorable.
The further you get into the Pamir region, the fewer people you see and the bigger the landscape seems to become.
Category | Details |
Best for | Mountains, road trips & adventure |
The vibe | Rugged & remote |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Tip: Don’t underestimate the distances, road conditions or altitude. Give yourself time and leave some space in your itinerary.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🍜 Best for | Culture, food & adventure |
| ✨ The Vibe | Colorful & energetic |
| 🐢 The Pace | Busy but flexible |
| 💕 Solo-Friendly Score | 8/10 |
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are easier to reach than some of the places on this list, but once you’re there, they can feel really isolated.
Big cliffs, small villages, green mountains, waterfalls and roads winding through the landscape.
It’s a great option if you want that remote feeling without traveling to the literal middle of nowhere.
Category | Details |
Best for | Hiking, landscapes & photography |
The vibe | Dramatic & quiet |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Tip: The weather changes quickly, so layers and waterproof clothing are always a good idea. You can get decent hiking clothes without spending a fortune. Decathlon is always an option.
Norway/ Svalbard
Svalbard is about as far north as many travelers will ever get.
Longyearbyen is the main settlement, and outside it you’ve got Arctic wilderness, glaciers and a whole lot of empty space.
So, this is not your normal city break…
It’s an Arctic adventure, and you need to plan everything!
Category | Details |
Best for | Arctic landscapes & wildlife |
The vibe | Extreme & adventurous |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Tip: Many activities outside Longyearbyen require organised tours and specialist equipment. This isn’t somewhere I’d recommend wandering off on your own.
British Overseas Territory/Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are in the South Atlantic and are interesting if wildlife is your thing.
Penguins, wide-open landscapes and small settlements make you aware of how far away you are from pretty much everything.
Getting there takes more planning than a typical trip around South America, which is why they belong on this list.
Category | Details |
Best for | Wildlife & isolation |
The vibe | Quiet & wild |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 5/5 |
Namibia
Namibia isn’t difficult to reach, but once you start travelling through the country, you really notice the scale.
The Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Etosha and big open landscapes mean you can drive for hours surrounded by pretty much nothing but desert and sky.
And sometimes that’s what you want, right?
Category | Details |
Best for | Deserts, wildlife & landscapes |
The vibe | Vast & adventurous |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Argentina/Patagonia
Patagonia stretches across southern Argentina and Chile and is a dream for anyone who likes mountains, hiking and big landscapes.
There are glaciers, turquoise lakes and huge national parks, but don’t assume remote means cheap…
I’ve been to Patagonia, and that was one of the things I noticed quickly.
You can save money with local accommodation, public transport and independent hikes, but some parts of Patagonia are expensive!
Category | Details |
Best for | Hiking, mountains & glaciers |
The vibe | Wild & dramatic |
The pace | Slow |
Remote factor | ⭐ 4/5 |
Tip: Weather changes fast. Like, sunny one minute and different the next. Pack layers and a proper waterproof outer layer.
How Can You Travel to Remote Destinations Without Losing Your Mind?
Remote travel needs more planning than a city break.
You might have fewer flights, limited accommodation and only one or two transport options.
Here’s what I’d do:
- Don’t schedule tight connections
- Build buffer days into your itinerary
- Check seasonal transport before booking
- Carry some emergency cash
- Download offline maps
- Keep copies of important documents
- Don’t assume your phone will have signal
- Check local weather conditions
- Research entry requirements
- Have a backup plan
The more remote the destination, the more useful flexibility becomes.
Read Next: And if you’re trying to keep the overall trip affordable, my solo travel budget guide helps you work out what your daily budget needs to be.
How Can Solo Travelers Stay Safe in Remote Destinations?
Remote doesn’t mean dangerous but being far away from help means you need to be more prepared.
How to stay safe:
- Sharing your itinerary with someone at home
- Checking current travel advice before departure
- Carrying enough food and water for longer journeys
- Keeping emergency contacts offline
- Having travel insurance suitable for your activities
- Downloading offline maps
- Avoiding risky solo activities without proper preparation
- Checking weather and transport conditions
- Telling accommodation staff about your plans
Travel Tips & Booking for Remote Destinations
| Need | Try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Cheap flights | Skyscanner | Compare airlines, dates & routes |
| 🏨 Hotels | Booking.com | Hotels, guesthouses & apartments in all price ranges |
| 🛏️ Hostels (solo travel) | Hostelworld | Great for hostels & meeting other travelers |
| 🏔️ Tours & activities | GetYourGuide / Viator | Day trips, guided experiences & excursions |
| 🧳 Multi-day group tours | TourRadar | Compare organized small-group tours |
| 🛡️ Travel insurance | Safetywing | Make sure it covers skiing, hiking, trekking & your planned activities |
Mini FAQ: Remote Travel Destinations
Here are the most common questions about traveling solo to remote places.
What is the most remote travel destination you can visit as a solo traveler?
Antarctica is one of the most remote destinations accessible to travelers. Greenland, Svalbard, the Falkland Islands and parts of the Pamir Mountains also offer remote travel experiences.
What are the cheapest remote travel destinations?
If you want a remote trip without an Antarctica-sized budget, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are two of the best options on this list. Mongolia also offers good value once you’re there, although transport can add up because the country is big.
Your biggest costs will depend on flights, transport, accommodation and activities, so compare the full trip rather than looking only at daily prices.
What is the easiest remote destination to visit?
That depends on where you’re traveling from. The Faroe Islands and Greenland have established tourism infrastructure, while destinations such as the Pamirs or remote parts of Mongolia need more logistical planning.
Where can I find hotels and hostels for a solo trip?
For hotels, apartments, and guesthouses, I check Booking.com to compare prices and locations. If I’m traveling on a low budget, Hostelworld is a good way to find hostels and checking reviews from other travelers.
Where can I book tours and activities for a solo trip?
I use GetYourGuide and Viator to find and compare activities, day trips, guided tours, and experiences at my destination. They are useful when you want to book something in advance instead of figuring it out after you arrive.
Where can I book multi-day tours as a solo traveler?
For multi-day group tours and organised trips, TourRadar is a useful place to compare different itineraries, destinations, tour operators, and prices in one place.
Where can I find cheap flights?
I start with Skyscanner to compare different airlines, dates, and routes. If your dates are flexible, checking a few different departure days can help you find cheaper fares.
Final Thoughts – Last Stop Before Takeoff!
For me, remote travel isn’t always about finding somewhere nobody has ever heard of.
It’s about going somewhere where the journey takes longer, the roads get bumpier and your phone stops receiving notifications. 😉
I’ve traveled to places like Antarctica, Greenland, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and some of my strongest travel memories came from those moments when everything felt a little further away from normal life. So if you’re dreaming about somewhere wild, unusual and far away from the crowds, don’t assume it’s impossible.
Do the research, plan properly and give yourself enough time. The journey might be half the adventure.
Adventure on, I’ll see you on the road!
Read Next: Best Affordable Travel Destinations for 2027 for Solo Travelers
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Feven is a solo female travel mentor who has visited 67 countries, 7 continents and helps women travel with confidence. She creates resources to help women overcome fear and plan their first solo trip. Follow her adventures on Instagram.