At some point we’ve all dreamt about escaping to a no drama destination where day-to-day worries and responsibilities vanish and social media doesn’t exist.
But where in the world is left to explore? It’s nigh impossible to find an untouched location far from the madding crowds. These days everyone fancies themselves as explorers, looking for the the next ‘niche’ destination.
We’ve already seen many once-remote places become overwhelmed by tourists. Machu Picchu was once an abandoned site on the top of a distant Andean mountain peak. Now bus-loads of travellers, backpackers and group tours visit the location every day. The same goes for the Greek island of Santorini. It was once hardly known about. Now it finds itself gridlocked with millions of visitors every year.
So why are remote vacations in the wilderness so much more popular these days than they ever were in the past?
A Chance To Get Away From It All
Travelling to a city or resort has its advantages. There’s that ‘home from home’ feeling that’s always comforting. But there are drawbacks to package holidays or group vacations. You can’t just do whatever you want. There is little opportunity to explore and really get to know a place.
Wilderness vacations are a chance to escape from the trappings of civilisation and live as ancient humans once did. You get to enjoy the setting of the sun without notifications going off on your phone . It’s just you and the environment – a purer way of living.
It’s Less Congested With Tourists
While you will see the odd tourist here and there as you travel through the wilderness, it’s a rare experience. Most of the time, you’re completely by yourself or with your group. It provides lessons in survival and teamwork like nothing else. You can’t fall back on the rest of society when things get tough. It’s just you against the elements.
Getting away from tourists also makes you feel more like it’s your holiday, not somebody else’s. You know that once you get out into the wild, you have full ownership over the experience. Nobody is telling you what to do or where to go. You’re the master of your own destiny.
You See Unspoilt Landscapes
Brochures make tourist hotspots look great with creative photography, but the reality is often very different on the ground. Nature, though, is often at its best when left to do its own thing. And that’s precisely what you get when you go to the wilderness. Nobody is manicuring the environment or funnelling you along set walking routes. It’s entirely up to you how you travel – you’re completely free to choose your own path.
