The world’s most remote places (and why they’re worth the distance)

How far is too far? For some, it’s the ends of the earth—as long as the journey leads to the paradise they’ve always dreamed of. Traveling to far flung destinations has a certain cachet, too, earning you bragging rights as a true global adventurer, willing to do anything to get there—take a seaplane, rickety boat, 20-hour flight or whatever. For those who have vowed to travel all corners of the world, here are eight of the world’s most remote places that are totally worth the trip:

Turtle Island, FijiIf you’re flying from Los Angeles International Airport, it’s nearly 11 hours to Fiji. When you land, expect to transfer via boat or most likely seaplane for another half-hour or so trip to Turtle Island. Once there, be ready to have your breath taken away. Remember, the 80s flick, The Blue Lagoon? That’s Turtle Island. Now you get the picture. You and your honey will feel like the world is your oyster. Only 14 couples are on the island at a time, so you’ll have a Bure (Fijian villa) and private beach all to yourselves. Scuba dive, horseback ride, fish, sail, bike, picnic on the beach, or just chill. You’ll enjoy dining like never before: Imagine dinner for two on a floating, lantern lit pontoon.

Bora Bora, French PolynesiaSome say Bora Bora wins the contest for the most romantic island in the world. Think neon-lit turquoise lagoon waters, flowers, flowers and more flowers, then add white-sand beaches and the abundance of colorful fish that call the coral gardens home. The hard part will be deciding where to stay. There’s ample choice in luxury resorts with overwater bungalows, thatched roof villas and spas. Bet if you’ve never seen a stingray swimming beneath the see-through floor of your villa, you can in Bora Bora. When you’re done oohing and ahhing, hit the water in a canoe, snorkel, dive, jet ski or take a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran sailboat. Hike and shopping are other options: Bora Bora’s got plenty of art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils.

Fulidhoo, MaldivesSure, everyone knows the Maldives are all about luxury, but there is a developing budget travel scene that’s under the radar. Take for example Fulidhoo. After taking two ferries from the capital city of Malé (the trip takes about four hours and costs around $4), you’ll find a few great inexpensive options, including the Thundi Guest House, with prices starting at $79 per night. Snorkeling trips are available at Thundi, too, and like elsewhere in the Maldives, the waters are crystal clear turquoise. Take a boat ride to spot whale sharks and manta rays. If you’re feeling like you’re missing the pampering of resorts, you can purchase a day pass to one of them.

Pico, Azores Pico is part of The Triangle, an island cluster that’s part of The Azores archipelago. Picture a lush, greendormant volcano named for its imposing stature and for the fact that it’s the highest point in Portugal. Anthony Berklich, travel expert and founder of Inspired Citizen, a luxury travel platform, says Pico is the perfect place for those who want to step back in time and see how Portugal once was. He gives it kudos for its incredible wines, Unesco vineyards and delicious Portuguese food. Hiking, walking, swimming in natural pools, and fishing are popular. The adventurous and ambitious will relish the joy of climbing Pico Mountain.

Samoa, South Pacific
You may as well throw away your GPS if you’re looking for Samoa. It’s off the grid and the ideal place for peace and tranquility in the cocoon of nature. It’s nearly three hours from Fiji, six hours from Hawaii and four hours from New Zealand. But you won’t be bored: Enjoy the uncrowded beaches, kayaking and snorkeling. Favorite attractions include the Afu Aau Waterfall, Alofaaga Blowholes and Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. If you’relooking for that over water experience, Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa is for you. Consider too, Seabreeze Resort. It’s located on a private cove and offers snorkeling and glass-bottom kayaking. Dining options are plentiful, too. For starters, check out Paddles Restaurant, which combines Samoan and Italian cuisines, and Scalini’s Restaurant, where you’ll feast on the family farm’s produce and enjoy a menu that artfully brings together local flavors in dishes like lamb meatballs and seared spiced tuna fillet.

Isabela Island, Galapagos National ParkYou’ll immediately realize that Isabela is unique. It’s shaped like a sea horse and is the largest island of the Galapagos, and the youngest—a mere one million years old. It was formed with the merger of six shield volcanoes. It is one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s charming and only settlement has sand streets and palm trees everywhere. There are more wild tortoises than all the other islands together. And if you’re looking for whales, there are 16 species and Isabela is the best place for whale watching in the Galapagos. For amazement there’s Volcan Chico and Sierra Negra, the second largest crater in the world, which you can trek by horse or on foot. You border the crater until you reach Volcan Chico where you’ll observe fumaroles and craters that will make you think you’re on Mars. There is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station, deep sea fishing, caves to explore and more.

Rarotonga, The Cook IslandsIf you’re not into “commercial,” Rarotonga is one of the least commercialized of the Pacific Islands, according to Elizabeth Avery, who launched SoloTrekker.com and has traveled to 66 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In the capital island, she says you’ll get a lot for your money. With horseback riding on the beach several days, the island music, and barbecues, she had a great time. Fish, swim, golf, snorkel, or simply hang out in a hammock. Four-star hotel rates range from $174 to around $742 a night. When hunger strikes,no worries, there are a multitude of cafes and restaurants.

Easter Island, (Rapa Nui National Park), ChileYou’ve seen those gigantic Moai statues that Easter Island is famous for: Huge stone blocks, carved into a head and torso. They are intimidating, and no one really knows why they were built by the Rapa Nui who carved and erected more than 900 Moai. Their mystery is part of the magic of Easter Island, which is extremely isolated, about 2,300 miles west of South America and 1,100 miles from the nearest neighboring island. If you want to explore Easter Island, be patient, it’s a long, long flight, from New York, around 15+ hours. Bring comfortable shoes, you’ll be trekking rugged archaeological sites. When you’re done soaking up the cultural history, reflect on it all as you chill on the beautiful beaches, scuba dive, horse back ride or bicycle.

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