Remote Places to Travel Once the COVID-19 Pandemic Ends

Bermuda's Elbow Beach. (photo via alwekelo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Sat May 2, 2020

Distant Locations

1/21
Strict travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders and expert-backed social distancing guidelines implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have forced would-be travelers to put their plans on hold for now. However, there are still plenty of ways to stay inspired by travel from the safety of home, including the hope of one day uncovering one of the world's most remote places.

Madagascar

2/21
Situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southeastern Africa, Madagascar is one of the world's largest islands and is often celebrated for its one-of-a-kind nature and wildlife such as the Avenue of Baobabs.

Tuvalu

3/21
The tiny island nation of Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific and is one of the world's least-visited places partly because of how challenging it is to reach. Those fortunate enough to experience it though often rave of its unspoiled beauty and fascinating culture.

Dominica

4/21
With so many incredible islands to choose from in the Caribbean, it's easy to overlook Dominica. But that would be a mistake as The Nature Island is an adventure seeker's dream, boasting the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean and the world's second-largest hot lake.

Easter Island, Chile

5/21
While Easter Island has battled overtourism in recent years its remoteness can't be denied as the Chilean territory famous for its hundreds of carved human statues known as moai is located more than 2,000 miles west of South America.

Marshall Islands

6/21
This isolated island chain in the Pacific Ocean is perhaps best known for its role in World War II and the site of nuclear testing in the mid-20th century. With a total area of just 70 square miles, a vast majority of the Marshall Islands' territory is comprised of water.

Bermuda

7/21
Located more than 600 miles off of the East Coast of the U.S. and nearly 1,000 miles north of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda is relatively isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean but an attractive destination nonetheless, offering everything from beautiful beaches to engaging cultural sites.

Longyearbyen, Norway

8/21
Longyearbyen is located on Norway's remote Svalbard archipelago situated between mainland Europe and the North Pole. Its unique location makes it one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights.

American Samoa

9/21
With a total land area slightly larger than that of Washington, D.C., American Samoa flies under the radar in the South Pacific despite its robust history and culture, friendly locals and pristine natural wonders.

Suriname

10/21
Although it's one of South America's smallest countries, Suriname boasts one of the world's most ethnically diverse populations and is home to vast tropical rainforest, which covers the southern four-fifths of the nation.

Bhutan

11/21
There's a lot to love about this tiny Asian nation, including its prioritization of happiness and its otherworldly landscape in addition to diverse wildlife. Sacred sites such as the Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest Monastery stand out as well.

Antigua

12/21
This remote island in the Caribbean benefits from an unbeatable climate and features a slew of tourist-friendly sites ranging from stellar beaches like Darkwood and Ffryes and charming cultural heritage stops such as Nelson's Dockyard.

Cook Islands

13/21
The Cook Islands comprises more than a dozen islands in the South Pacific situated between Hawaii and New Zealand. This untainted paradise might lack sprawling resort complexes but it also lacks crowds. Instead, rewarding determined visitors with awesome white-sand beaches and inviting crystal clear lagoons.

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

14/21
Greenland's most isolated town was founded nearly a century ago and today possesses a population of just 450 residents. Getting there won't be easy but there's much to experience, from dog sledding to the world's largest national park in nearby Northeast Greenland National Park, which is 77 times larger than Yellowstone.

Tristan da Cunha

15/21
Tristan da Cunha consists of a group of volcanic islands located more than 1,500 miles from the coast of Cape Town, South Africa in the southern Atlantic Ocean and boasts the distinction of being the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world.

Deception Island, Antarctica

16/21
The product of a volcanic eruption over 10,000 years ago, the horseshoe-shaped Deception Island off of Antarctica's northern tip was once one of the world's top whaling spots but has since emerged as a popular tourist destination and an important location for scientific research.

Nunavut, Canada

17/21
This vast territory of northern Canada is the country's largest and youngest, having been established as recently as 1999. The region is popular for northern lights chasers, whale watchers, nature lovers and culture seekers who stand to learn a lot about the indigenous Inuit people.

Andaman Islands

18/21
The remote and mostly uninhabited Andaman Islands can be found in the Bay of Bengal between India and Myanmar and have a lot to offer despite being lesser-known, including spectacular beaches, coral reefs and tropical rainforests that support an array of wildlife.

Nauru

19/21
Only Vatican City and Monaco top Nauru when it comes to the world's smallest countries. With a total area of just eight square miles, this Micronesian island country isn't easily found on a map.

Sakhalin, Russia

20/21
Russia's largest island offers visitors a variety of unique experiences certain to be a hit with open-minded travelers, starting with its wealth of natural beauty and the charming sites of its capital, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Cape York Peninsula, Australia

21/21
The Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland is one of Australia's most remote areas and an ideal escape for adventure seekers and those looking to try something new, whether it's soaking under a waterfall or navigating rugged landscapes.

If being cooped up has you dreaming of a faraway destination, consider one of these remote places for your first post-pandemic getaway.

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CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me