If you are looking for a great getaway, maybe somewhere different to the usual sunshine package holidays deals you get offered, then why not consider a desert adventure? Desert holidays are extremely popular, and they are becoming more accessible too. At one time it was only the rich and famous who could afford to go on such an exotic retreat, but thanks to low cost airlines prices are much more affordable. Here we look at a few of the best places you can go and get great value for money.
The Atacama Desert, Chile. OK, so this one does take a bit of travelling to get to, but when you are there you will be so glad you did. You can enjoy the most comfortable temperatures between April and June making this the best time to visit. The terrain is considered very Martian like, with a backdrop of volcanoes, but it is the nights that you will find most breath-taking. The clear skies and lack of street lighting help to show millions of stars, and you even get to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. If this sort of spectacular sight interests you then you can also visit the nearby observatory which is the biggest in the world.
Why not try Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, it’s the largest salt flat in the world at 4,086 miles – it is thought there is about 10 billion tons (at least) of salt here. Because of this is are not likely to see much wildlife, not a lot can survive the salt flat, but you can see several species of pink flamingo You can stay at the salt hotel where the walls, tables and the bar are all made from salt and a salt water swimming pool.
The Mexican region of Baja California is desert with a difference. This long peninsula has miles of coastline meaning you are never far from a gorgeous beach. You can enjoy the desert heat while cooling off in the Pacific Ocean. You can surf, whale watch, visit a farmers market or even take a yoga class. Desert adventures have never been more luxurious.
Moving from South America we head towards Africa, Namibia to be exact. You are going to find a whole load of wildlife here as almost have the country is a conservation area, which includes the whole of the coastline, which is a whopping 1000 miles long. The desert area of Namib is a great place to stay, there are stunning lodges where you can view amazing sunrises and sunsets, plus the passing wildlife is enough to take your breath away.
Heading back to the Americas, this time North America, we have what is considered to be one of the most stunning desert locations in the world, Sedona in Arizona. Once well known for its hippy and new age vibe, it is now also popular with athletes including trail runners and mountain bikers who head to the desert trails – of which there are more than 100! After all that exercise in the desert heat you can relax in one of the cottages or lodges available to rental year round.
