8 destinations that are so off-the-beaten-path, there’s barely a path at all

Nothing ruins a trip quite like reaching an awe-inspiring landmark, an ancient ruin, or a thought-provoking museum, only to find yourself elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of other travelers who all had the same idea (Instagram vs. reality, anyone?). That’s why it almost always pays to go off the beaten path—way, way, way off, if you can help it.

For bucket-list inspiration, here are some of the most remote destinations around the world that many travelers only ever dream of visiting.

Located just 800 miles from the North Pole on the Norwegian-governed archipelago of Svalbard, Longyearbyen is the northernmost settlement in the world. This remote community—home to 2,500 residents from around the globe—offers unparalleled access to the Arctic tundra wilderness by way of skiing, kayaking, hiking, dog-sledding, boat excursions, camping, and other adventures. It’s a great place to see the Northern Lights, learn about the rich history of Arctic exploration, and even enjoy an upscale meal. On Svalbard, travelers should hire an experienced guide for any and all outdoor activities—there are more polar bears than people living in this region, which means everyone who leaves the settlement’s limits needs to carry a rifle.

In 1971, engineers were drilling for oil in the middle of the Karakum Desert when their mission went awry: Instead of hitting oil, they accidentally drilled into a cavern full of natural gas. As the legend goes, they lit the gas on fire to burn off the fumes—and the Darvaza Gas Crater has been aflame ever since. Located in central Turkmenistan, the fiery hole in the ground gives off serious underworld vibes to this day. Most travelers visit for just a few hours to take in the unusual sight, but it’s also possible to camp nearby.

Part of the U.S. national park system, Gates of the Arctic spans 13,000 square miles (8.3 million acres) of pristine wilderness in north-central Alaska. The landscape is totally undeveloped—there are no roads or trails here, just air taxis to get around—so daring travelers who make the journey can experience untouched valleys, winding rivers, craggy mountains, and dark skies totally free from light pollution. (In winter, it’s also a great place to catch the Northern Lights.) Because there’s an abundance of insects and plants here, it’s also a haven for wildlife, from majestic caribou to graceful Arctic tern.

Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean hundreds of miles from any other land, St. Helena is sparsely populated, home to a little more than 4,200 residents. And at just 47 square miles, it’s also small. But the volcanic island’s size and extreme remoteness are also what make it so special. For off-piste travelers, this tiny British territory is an ideal place to ditch technology (cell phone service only arrived here in 2015) and have liberating experiences in nature instead. Hike to Diana’s Peak, bask in the sounds of a roaring waterfall, and dive underwater to scope out historic shipwrecks or catch a glimpse of whale sharks and other fish. Just be prepared to stick around for a while: the six-hour flights to and from Johannesburg only run every one to two weeks.

After being closed for 60 years, the Trans Bhutan Trail is once again open in this scenic Buddhist kingdom. The 250-mile east-west walking and biking route passes 400 historic sites, offering a window into Bhutanese culture. The trail was originally part of the Silk Road and, for hundreds of years, it connected various fortresses, sacred sites, and Himalayan communities. But when the government began building a highway system in the 1950s, the historic route fell into disrepair. Today, however, it’s been carefully restored and links the town of Haa (near the country’s western border with Tibet) with Trashigang, a community in eastern Bhutan not far from India.

Coober Pedy looks like a movie set, but we promise you, it’s real. In this small town in South Australia, most residents live underground—and many of the hotels, shops, and churches are below the surface, too. The reason? Summers get unbearably hot here, so locals stay cool by hanging out in “dugouts.” It’s also the hub of Australia’s robust opal mining industry, which has helped shape Coober Pedy’s culture over the years. Visitors can tour several former opal mines, including one that’s been converted into a museum. The coolest way to get here? On The Ghan, a three-night, luxury train route that connects Darwin to Adelaide and travels through some of Australia's most desolate terrain, with a stop in Cooper Pedy.

The elusive seventh continent has been arousing curiosity since explorers first spotted it in the early 19th century. This cold, remote region in the Southern Hemisphere is a bucket-list destination for many travelers—and, with its distant location, extreme weather conditions, and the at-times treacherous journey to get there, it’s easy to understand why. Spots like King George Island, Deception Island, Paradise Harbour, and Port Lockroy give travelers a taste of the windswept, icy landscape—and, ideally, the opportunity to spot some of Antarctica’s most famous residents: penguins.

Cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, cozy hot springs, rocky cliffs, and reddish-pink beaches await travelers who make the trip to Westfjords, one of the most remote regions in Iceland. Jutting out from the island nation’s far northwest corner, the Westfjords are brimming with puffins, seals, whales, and Arctic foxes. Far from the crowds, you can also enjoy deep-sea fishing, skiing, kayaking, boat tours, horseback riding, or a soul-warming soak in a natural geothermal pool far from civilization.