Are you tired of the 9-5 grind and constant pings on your phone? Looking for a real escape? You need to experience off-grid travel ASAP!
Do you feel like your soul craves more than just another city tour? Do you wanna press the ‘mute’ button on the world’s constant noise and reboot? Are you super tired of your boss, your friends, and everything going on around you?
You’re not alone, and we’ve got just the remedy. We’re diving into the realm of off-grid travel — a one-way ticket to rediscovering what life’s really about.
Get ready, adventure travelers, because this will be a lifetime journey. You won’t find these off-grid destinations on your standard Pinterest travel boards. Nah, we’re going way beyond the #InstaWorthy spots.
So, if you’re game for places that are so off the grid, your phone will finally stop binging with annoying notifications; keep reading.
Table of Contents
What Is Off-Grid Travel?
Before we jump into the adventures, let’s clear the air — what the hell does “off-grid” mean anyway? No, it’s not a new Gen Z slang for something weird. Being “off-grid” is like flipping off the switch to mainstream life.
It’s a secluded destination, meaning you’re not physically hooked up to utilities, the internet, or the city’s noise. You’re relying on nature, your ingenuity, and perhaps some renewable energy sources like the sun and wind. Off-grid travel makes you work to be you more than you do at home, and it awakens your soul and free spirit (well it should, lol)
The Allure of Secluded Destinations: Where Solitude Meets Adventure.
Off-grid travel is your ticket to peace, solitude, and a bucket-load of adventure. It’s about going to secluded destinations where the Wi-Fi is weak, but the connection to nature and yourself is stronger than ever.
From desolate deserts to secluded mountaintops, we’ve handpicked nine destinations that offer a healthy dose of the three Rs: Rest, Relaxation, and Really awesome experiences.
Pro Tip: Planning Your Off-Grid Escape
Planning isn’t just for your Grandma’s knitting club!
Here’s what to ponder before booking an off-grid travel escapade:
- Budget: Your getaway can be a frugal DIY weekend or a baller experience, from $1,000 for domestic trips to $10,000 for international escapades.
- Interests: Adventure-seeker? Serenity chaser? Mix them up and decide your off-grid trifecta: adventure, hiking, and downtime.
- Duration: A two-week international trip gives you time to adjust and explore. For domestic trips, a week is just peachy.
USA Off The Grid
The deal is that you don’t need a passport but a set of Cahoonies, LOL! Where do you want to go?
Alaska – Denali National Park
Who It’s For: This is for the hardy explorers, the kind who don’t mind a bit of cold if it means unspoiled landscapes and majestic wildlife. If your idea of a perfect day involves strapping on hiking boots and maybe photographing a moose or two, then pack your bear spray and thermal socks—you’re going to Denali.
Where It Is: We’re talking deep in Alaska, baby!
Adventures: Between hiking to reach those money-shot views, wildlife photography that’ll make your Instagram followers envious, and stargazing that needs no filter, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
Where to Stay: Skip the standard hotels; go for private cabins to really soak in that rustic Alaskan vibe. The truth is, so much of Alaska is an off-grid travel experience; this is just one of many ways to grab the vibe, and it might reel you in for more. Speaking of hooking, let’s talk eats while in the Alaska secluded destination.
Food to Try: Fresh-caught salmon. Need we say more?
How Off-Grid: We’re talking no Wi-Fi, intermittent cell service—just the sound of your own thoughts (and maybe a bear or two).
Denali Park Smart Tips For Your Secluded Destination
Smart Tip: Invest in bear spray. You’re in bear country now!
Best Time to Visit: Late May to early September for accessible roads and trails.
Times to Avoid: Winter months when most of the park is inaccessible due to snow.
Currency and Payments: U.S. Dollar, baby! Credit cards are generally accepted but have some cash for remote locations.
Getting There: Anchorage is the closest major airport. From there, it’s about a 5-hour drive or train ride to Denali. Total travel time from the U.S. can be upwards of 10-14 hours, depending on where you’re flying from.
Moab, Utah
Who It’s For If your fitness tracker is your most prized possession and the scent of sweat mixed with earth is your favorite cologne, Moab is calling your name. It is perfect for adrenaline junkies who get thrills from conquering rocky terrains by foot, bike, or raft.
Where It Is Southeastern Utah—the land of red rocks and jaw-dropping vistas.
Adventures Whether you’re into rock climbing like Spider-Man, mountain biking like a Tour de France reject, or river rafting like you’re auditioning for a reality TV survival show, Moab’s got it all: it’s an amazing off-grid travel experience.
Where to Stay: Glamping. Because, let’s be honest, you’re not that off-grid.
Food to Try The local diners serve up Southwest cuisine that’ll have you rethinking your life choices.
How Off-Grid: Think spotty cell service and some areas where even Siri gives up.
Smart Tips For The Secluded Destination of Moab
Smart Tip: Sun protection is a must. Think hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for moderate temperatures ideal for hiking.
Times to Avoid: Summer. It’s blazing hot, y’all like it’s Swamp Ass season nonstop.
Currency and Payments: U.S. Dollar. Most places will accept credit cards.
Getting There The closest major airport is Salt Lake City. It’s a 4-hour drive from there to Moab. Overall travel time will vary, but expect around 8-10 hours from Eastern U.S. cities.
Adirondack Mountains, New York
Who It’s For: This is for the laid-back naturalists who can spend hours sitting by a lake, rod in hand, just enjoying the stillness. If you’re the type who knows the difference between various bird calls and can make a mean campfire stew, the Adirondacks are your spiritual home.
Where It Is: We’re going upstate, way upstate. New York isn’t all skyscrapers and Broadway shows, you know.
Adventures Between canoeing on glassy lakes, backcountry hiking where the only paparazzi are woodland creatures, and fishing so serene you’ll forget about Wall Street.
Where to Stay Secluded lakeside cabins. Imagine waking up to the sound of loons and not car horns.
Food to Try Maple products for breakfast and locally caught trout for dinner. Yep, it’s foodie heaven.
How Off-Grid Forget Wi-Fi. Hell, even your Phone will give you the silent treatment. This is a very secluded destination. Are you getting the vibe?
Secluded Destination Smart Tips for the Adirondack Mountains
Smart Tip: A compass or a GPS can be your best friend here. The area is vast, and it’s easy to get turned around.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for the foliage, spring for the wildflowers.
Times to Avoid: Mud season in early spring, typically April and early May.
Currency and Payments U.S. Dollar. Credit cards are generally accepted, but some campgrounds are cash-only, which is how off-grid travel can be because it is off the beaten path and not touristy!
Getting There Fly into Albany and drive about 2-3 hours to reach the heart of the Adirondacks. Overall, about 4-7 hours from major U.S. cities.
Big Sur, California, Where Secluded Destination Gets A Whole New Meaning
Who It’s For? The artistic souls will find their muse in Big Sur. If you appreciate the subtler aspects of beauty—like how cliffs give way to the roaring ocean—and maybe want to pen a poem or photograph it, this destination is your canvas.
Where Is It?: California’s Highway 1 is calling, and Big Sur is the answer.
Adventures: Cliffside hiking, tide-pool exploring, and whale watching; perfect for an episode of “This is Your Life, and It’s Freaking Awesome.”
Where to Stay: Treehouses or cliffside camps, depending on how bohemian you feel. Now, is that the kind of lodging that really seals the deal for a secluded destination, or what? We think so!
Food to Try: The farm-to-table coastal cuisine is so fresh it practically introduces itself.
How Off-Grid: Cell service? Cute. You thought.
Smart Tips For Baja Sur California, Your Off-Grid Travel Destination
Smart Tip:
If you plan to camp, book your sites well in advance. This is a popular spot, even if it feels like one of the world’s most secluded destinations.
Best Time to Visit: September to November for fewer crowds and still-pleasant weather.
Times to Avoid: July and August are peak tourist months, and the area can get crowded.
Currency and Payments: Good ol’ U.S. Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Getting There: The closest airport is Monterey Regional. From there, it’s about a one-hour drive down the coast. You’re looking at 5-6 hours of total travel time from major U.S. cities.
Passport Required: International Off The Grid
Prepare your passport, pack light, and head out to real places that mean a destination with seclusion and off-grid travel is defined!
The Atacama Desert, Chile: A Surreal Space on Earth Where Stars Steal the Show
Who It’s For:
Calling all otherworldly wanderers craving a secluded destination in an off-grid travel experience! If you like your travels served with a side of surreal landscapes and wouldn’t mind swapping out Netflix for a night of cosmic wonder, the Atacama Desert is your playground.
Where It Is:
Northern Chile, one of the driest places on Earth, offers a landscape that’ll make you wonder if you’ve landed on Mars…so yeah, it is that much of a secluded destination. Are you ready?
Adventures:
Think sandboarding down dunes and stargazing so epic it’ll make even Galileo jealous.
Where to Stay:
Luxury desert lodges that’ll make you forget you’re even in a desert, so that is not quite so much of an off-grid travel spot even though it is. Imagine roughing it, but make it fashionable.
Food to Try:
When in Chile, do as the Chileans do: devour empanadas and wash them down with wine because nothing says dessert like a delicious pastry and some vino.
How Off-Grid:
Say goodbye to Wi-Fi and cell reception; it’s just you and the endless horizon.
Smart Tips For Atacama Chile Secluded Destination
Smart Tip:
Hydration is key. Carry water like you’re a camel; the desert spares no one.
Best Time to Visit:
March to November—perfect for stargazing and sandboarding without turning into a puddle of sweat.
Times to Avoid:
December to February. Unless you like, your vacations served with a side of heatstroke.
Currency and Payments:
Chilean Peso—most places in bigger towns accept credit cards, but cash rules the remote roost.
Getting There:
A 20-hour commute from the U.S., including a domestic flight and a car ride, but trust me, it’s all worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Svalbard, Norway: The Arctic Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed
So when it comes to off-grid travel, we think Norway is a must; you might want that secluded destination experience here after you read a bit; keep going!
Who It’s For
Extreme adventurers who dream of being on a Planet Earth episode. If you are fond of frigid beauty, then Svalbard is your icy paradise.
Where It Is
Arctic Circle North. If you’re looking for it, you’ve found the world’s end.
Adventures:
From polar bear sightings to glacier hiking, Svalbard is like an Instagram filter for your soul.
Where to Stay At This Off-Grid Travel Destination
Ice hotels. That’s right, sleep like a well-insulated Eskimo.
Food to Try:
When in the Arctic, it’s reindeer or fish plucked fresh from icy waters.
How Off-Grid:
No phones, no lights, no motorcars. This isn’t Gilligan’s Island; it’s even more remote.
Svalbard, Norway Smart Tips For Your Secluded Destination
Smart Tip:
Layers are your new best friends. Go for wool and thermal fabric because frostbite is nobody’s friend.
Best Time to Visit:
Late April to late August when the Midnight Sun reigns and temperatures are less “Frozen.”
Times to Avoid:
Late October to mid-February unless you’re there specifically for the Northern Lights and can tolerate -30°C.
Currency and Payments:
Norwegian Krone. Credit cards are accepted, but some remote spots prefer cold, hard cash.
Getting There:
A roughly 15-20 hour trek from the U.S. via Oslo and into Longyearbyen Airport. Trust me, the off-grid travel experience is as unique as the names.
Faroe Islands, Denmark: The Hidden Gem Where Sheep Outnumber People
Did you kind of laugh with that heading about this off-grid travel spot? I hope so, because after a day of outdoor roaming, you will sleep without a counting sheet at this secluded destination! Fresh air is a feast!
Who It’s For:
Discreet travelers who prefer the roads not taken a(hello off-grid travel) and wouldn’t mind outnumbering sheep.
Where It Is:
Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, somewhere between Norway and Iceland. We’re talking remote with a capital R.
Adventures:
From bird watching that’ll make you feel like a Nat Geo photographer to hiking trails that redefine the term ‘scenic.’
Where to Stay:
Locally-run guesthouses that ooze authenticity and Faroese charm. Is this your dream of a secluded destination?
Food to Try:
Locally sourced lamb and seafood are so fresh they almost jump onto your plate.
How Off-Grid:
Limited Wi-Fi, mostly in towns. A digital detox served with a side of awe-inspiring landscapes.
Faroe Islands, Denmark Secluded Destination Smart Tips
Smart Tip:
Space is a premium on local transportation. Pack light but smart don’t worry; in your secluded destination, you don’t have to change clothes if you don’t want to; we aren’t telling anyone!
Best Time to Visit:
May to August—perfect weather for outdoor excursions and avoiding frostbite.
Times to Avoid:
Winters can be brutal. Stick to the milder months unless you enjoy the cold embrace of harsh climates.
Currency and Payments:
Faroese króna—credit cards are accepted but carry some local currency for those just-in-case moments.
Getting There:
Fly into Vágar Airport, well-connected to Denmark and Iceland. From the U.S., plan for a 20-24 hour journey, but the remoteness is the whole point, isn’t it?
Iceland – Laugavegur Trail: Your Detox Destination Amidst Fire and Ice
Who It’s For:
For the wellness wanderers out there. Suppose your idea of a vacation involves a digital and physical detox, and you’re up for challenging treks mixed with therapeutic hot springs. In that case, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is your rejuvenating retreat.
Where It Is:
In the highlands of southern Iceland. Picture an off-grid travel ethereal landscape where fire meets ice.
Adventures:
From trekking across what feels like another planet to dipping into natural hot springs, the Laugavegur Trail isn’t just a hike—it’s a bucket-list topper.
Where to Stay:
You’ve got choices between mountain huts or tenting it, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. Neither option skimps on the view.
Food to Try:
Dried fish if you’re brave, and skyr yogurt to wash it down. A culinary experience is as unique as the land itself.
How Off-Grid:
No Wi-Fi, no cell reception—just you and the land of fire and ice. Isolate from the digital world but connect deeply with nature. Hey, you asked for off-grid travel, and we are delivering!
Your Iceland – Laugavegur Trail Secluded Destination Smart Tips
Smart Tip:
Invest in a quality pair of waterproof hiking boots that offer ankle support. Trust us, this trail can get slippery, and you don’t want to slip up here as it is a secluded destination, and chances of screaming for help and finding it? Not a one!
Best Time to Visit:
Late June to September when the trails are clear and the days are long. Long days mean more time for soaking in those hot springs!
Times to Avoid:
Winter months, from November to April. The trail often shuts down due to extreme weather conditions. Unless you’re a White Walker, you’ll want to stay clear.
Currency and Payments:
Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit cards are a go, but having a little cash for those off-the-beaten-path moments never hurts.
Getting There:
Fly into Reykjavik, then catch a bus to Landmannalaugar, the trail’s starting point. From the U.S., expect a journey of around 12-16 hours. Long? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
New Zealand – Fiordland National Park: The Ultimate Water Lover’s Paradise
As a travel writer, I once was invited on a trek close to the Fiordland National Park area, but suddenly it got canceled (or maybe they just canceled me; it wouldn’t be the first time PR is flaky), and it’s been on my “I gotta list” for a few years now!
Who It’s For:
This off-grid travel space of for the ultimate water lovers. If kayaking, boat tours, and underwater exploration sound like your kind of party, Fiordland National Park is where you should be headed. Bonus points if you can’t resist a stunning waterfall photo op!
Where It Is:
Tucked in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Imagine scenic landscapes that seem plucked from a postcard, and no one else has seen them because this is a remote and secluded destination that not many dare go to!
Adventures:
Kayaking on waters so clear you won’t believe they’re real, jet boating for an adrenaline fix, and hiking the Milford Track, one of the finest walks in the world. You might even see a shark if you are lucky! This place is more than just water—it’s a full outdoor playground.
Where to Stay:
Eco-lodges for the sustainably minded. These aren’t just places to sleep; they’re part of the Fiordland off-grid travel experience.
Food to Try:
You can’t go wrong with local venison and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. This is a destination where the local cuisine reflects its natural bounty.
How Off-Grid:
Wi-Fi is a fairy tale, and mobile coverage is a myth. But trust us, you won’t miss it. If you’re looking for a digital detox, you’ve found it. It’s the way that this secluded destination remains an off-grid travel destination, so keep it that way!
New Zealand – Fiordland National Park Secluded Destination Smart Tips
Smart Tip:
Definitely pack a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone. You’ll be around water often, and the photo ops are too good to pass up, but you won’t get to post them; you are remote and experiencing off-grid travel, remember?
Best Time to Visit:
Summer in New Zealand runs from December to February. Think warmer weather and fewer layers for kayaking!
Times to Avoid:
June to August, which is New Zealand’s winter season. The colder waters might not be to everyone’s taste for water-based activities.
Currency and Payments:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Most places accept credit cards, but carrying some cash is advisable, especially if you’re exploring more secluded destinations.
Getting There:
Flying into Queenstown is your best bet; it’s a scenic drive to Fiordland. This isn’t just a location—it’s a total off-grid travel experience. The total journey time? Expect about 20-25 hours, but trust me, as soon as you hit those crystal-clear waters, you’ll forget all about the long haul.
Aysén Region, Chilean Patagonia: Nature’s Untamed Playground
Have you dreamt of visiting the Aysén Region, Chilean Patagonia, but never closed that travel circle? NOW is the time. This may be more for our athletes who can’t get enough of those remote, off-grid travel spots with stuff to do, and trust us, when we say “secluded destination,” it will teach you what that means!
Who It’s For:
For the hardcore hikers, kayakers, and anyone who thinks they can tame Mother Nature (spoiler: you can’t, but you can have a blast trying). Be careful, too; this is such a secluded destination. Medical care should not be a priority cause it ain’t!
Where It Is:
In the southern part of Chile, sharing space with the Argentine Patagonia. Imagine jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.
Adventures:
Think hiking in some of the world’s least-trodden trails and kayaking through icy blue waters. Oh, and let’s not forget glacier trekking. It’s an adrenaline junkie’s dream in this secluded destination.
Where to Stay:
Eco-friendly lodges and cabins are the norm here. Some even have the added luxury of a hot tub to soak in after a long day of adventuring.
Food to Try:
Get your hands on some local lamb dishes or freshly caught fish. The food here is as natural as the surroundings.
How Off-Grid:
We’re talking no Wi-Fi, limited phone coverage, and vast expanses where it’s just you and Mother Nature. Digital detox, anyone?
Aysén Region, Chilean Patagonia Secluded Destination Smart Tips
Smart Tip:
Invest in a high-quality rain jacket. When they say Patagonia is wet, they aren’t joking.
Best Time to Visit:
December to March for warm temperatures and fewer rainstorms.
Times to Avoid:
The offseason from April to November can get cold, wet, and downright miserable.
Currency and Payments:
Chilean Peso. While credit cards might be fine in larger towns, you’ll want to bring cash for the local spots.
Getting There:
After a flight to Santiago and another to Balmaceda, you’re looking at a scenic drive to Coyhaique and beyond. This isn’t just another point on the map; it’s where you challenge your limitations. The whole trip can take around 24-30 hours from the U.S.
Things to Consider Before Heading to Secluded Destinations
If you’re drawn to the allure of a secluded destination where the WiFi is weak but the connection with nature is strong, hold your horses! Off-grid travel is sexy, and if you are on the cusp of making a decision to try out a remote location like our picks for seclusion and adventure, well, read on.
Before you dive into your next isolated adventure, let’s run through some gritty details that could make or break your escapade to a secluded destination that offers off-grid travel adventures and use them to assess your readiness better.
Here’s a list that’s part wake-up call, part cautionary tale: off-grid travel
- Health: Do you have any chronic conditions that might flare up without a doctor nearby? Think twice.
- Closest Hospitals: The ambulance isn’t arriving in 5 minutes. Know where the nearest medical facility is.
- Fear of Heights: Cliffside lodges might offer the best views, but not if you’re terrified to look.
- Mobility Issues: Staircases and hilly terrains are the norm, not the exception.
- Bathroom Comfort: If the word ‘outhouse’ terrifies you, maybe rethink this. Expect pit stops to be…rustic.
- Creature Comforts: Bug-phobic? Not all secluded spots offer five-star pest control.
- Allergies: Some of these destinations could be pollen or mold havens.
- Communication: Expect spotty cell service. Emergency satellite phones might be a smart idea.
- Local Customs: You’re in their backyard. Respect local norms and traditions.
Simply put, a secluded destination might not be your cup of tea if you have issues ranging from spider phobia to a weak bladder.
If any of these are potential deal-breakers, better swipe left on that secluded destination getaway plan. Why? Because you’re not just escaping the city but also leaving behind many modern conveniences. Be prepared because that is what off-grid travel is. You leave the power grid and comforts behind!
Ready for Your Next Secluded Destination Adventure?
Okay, globe-trotters, you now have a killer list of destinations where the absence of Wi-Fi isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. In fact, travel is healthy and essential to our well-being it keeps our mind flowing with new options and revives our soul!
Whether you are trying to figure out who you are and want to test out the off-grid travel options, or if you are just so sick of society, your boss, life, and so much more, it might be time for a secluded destination where you can swear at the walls and worship your roots!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a solitude hunter or are considering just wanting to experience off-grid living, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s be real; the only thing your soul needs right now is a one-way ticket to Disconnectville.
Don’t Keep it to Yourself: If you’re vibing with these off-grid travel escapes as much as we are, why not spread the good vibes?
Click that “Share” button like you’ve never clicked before and tell others to go to a secluded destination then you don’t have too! And hey, your two cents matter. Comment below with your go-to hideaways for when life gets a tad too…well, life.~ Dana XO
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