You know what they say, right? If someone tells you that you can’t do something, then you’ll only want to do it more. If you’re a person that’s especially susceptible to this fact, then this may not be the list for you. That’s because we’ve collected 10 of the most exotic travel destinations in the world that also happen to be closed to virtually all travellers.
The reasons for the forbidden nature of these destinations vary. In some cases, it’s simply because the terrain, for one reason or another, is too dangerous. For example, there’s a destination on this list that’s home to hundreds of species of poisonous snakes. In other cases, it’s because various governments have an interest in preserving the destination. For example, there’s one on this list that’s home to a tribe of humans who’ve been out of contact with the rest of the world for tens of thousands of years!
Provided you can control your desire to visit these places, come check out ten places where travellers are almost always forbidden. (And, while you’re checking them out, we’ll let you know which ones you might be able to finagle a visit to if you play your cards right!)
1. Surtsey Island (Iceland)
Though small, this amazing island is home to an insane number of bird species. If you want to swing a visit, you’ll have to become an academic and go for “research”.
2. Albatross Island (Australia)
Speaking of birds, we bet you can’t guess how this island got it’s name… Anyway, it’s a nature preserve and the public is strictly forbidden from entering!
3. White’s Gentleman’s Club (London)
It’s a gentleman’s club, so obviously no women allowed. But there’s more! You either have to be supremely rich, powerful and influential, or you have to be a member of a royal family.
4. Coca Cola Recipe Vault (Georgia)
Coca Cola is perhaps the most recognizable brand in the entire world, and their flagship product is the reason for that. While you can go near the vault, you cannot enter!
5. Heard Island Volcano (Australia)
If you ask really nicely, you might be able to swing a visit to this active volcano and its pristine surroundings. But, don’t hold your breath.
6. Niihau (Hawaii)
This one is known more widely as the Forbidden Island. Only the island’s owners (the Robison family) and government officials are allowed to set foot on it.
7. The Jiangsu National Security Education Museum (China)
Basically, this is like the coolest spy museum in the entire world. Unfortunately, you have to be a Chinese national to go there.
8. The Bottom Of The Marianas Trench (Pacific Ocean)
Unlike every other destination on this list, there are now laws preventing you from going to the bottom of the Marianas Trench – except for the laws of pressure and physics, that is.
9. North Sentinel Island (Bay of Bengal)
It looks beautiful doesn’t it? Well, you’re not allowed to go, because there’s a tribe that lives there, which has been cut off from the rest of the world for over 60,000 years.
10. Snake Island (Brazil)
As the home to thousands of poisonous snakes, it’s hard to think of a reason why anyone would want to visit this island. But, it doesn’t really matter, because only researchers are allowed.