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You might be someone who enjoys solo travel. However, there are certain attractions that prohibit independent travelers and require you to join a group.
You are an individual who enjoys solo travel for the freedom to be creative, explore, and challenge yourself. However, there are certain attractions that prohibit independent travelers and require you to join a group.
- DMZ MILITARY-FREE ZONE
The DMZ Military-Free Zone is situated in Panmunjeon Village, 50km north of Seoul, on the border between North and South Korea.
This area is a testament to the Cold War history, as the village lies right on the front line of the 1950-1953 Korean War and has become a common security area for both sides.
According to the Armistice Agreement in 1953, both South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war. Both sides maintain military bases at the 38th parallel to guard against potential attacks. Both South and North Korea have withdrawn 2km to create a 4km-wide, 256km-long Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is considered the largest military-free zone in the world.
Visitors to the DMZ Military-Free Zone from around the world will travel by bus to various attractions such as Imjingak Park, Dora Observatory, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and more.
From August 1st to September 11th every year, the DMZ Military-Free Zone holds the Peace Festival in Paju near the inter-Korean border to promote peace.
2. THE SOUTH POLE
You are not allowed to set foot on the South Pole alone. Only large tourist companies are permitted to bring passengers there. Each visit requires obtaining permits.
The fastest and easiest way to reach the South Pole is to travel from Argentina to the southernmost center of Ushuaia, then board a cruise ship and embark on a journey to explore the Antarctic. From the deck of the cruise ship, tourists can also admire many beautiful natural scenes, cute penguins waddling and playing clumsily on the islands, sparkling drifting icebergs, small ice floes floating on the Pacific Ocean, ...
3. CHERNOBYL
In the early morning of April 26th, 1986, a nuclear disaster occurred at Chernobyl, turning the area into a restricted zone isolated from the outside world. By 2011, the Ukrainian government recently decided to open the 'restricted zone' within a 30km radius around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant for tourists to visit.
However, the only way you can set foot here is to go with a tour guide and be over 18 years old. Tourist visit applications must be submitted to the Ukrainian government at least 10 days before the visit, and there will be more chances of approval if submitted through tour companies.
4. HEARST CASTLE
Perched atop a barren hill in the San Simeon region, along the Central Coast of California, stands a castle envisioned by architect Julia Morgan and constructed between 1919 – 1947.
Once the residence of William Randolph Hearst, who named it “La Cuesta Encantada” or “The Enchanted Hill”, the castle has been part of California State Park since 1954. Hearst Castle offers visitors a sense of awe as they marvel at the intricate architecture of one of America's most peculiar homes.
5. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
North Korea prohibits independent tourism. The easiest way is through Chinese travel companies, and the only route is via the Chinese border.
According to regulations from the North Korean government, all tourists must purchase a tour package to explore the country. These tours are closely monitored by North Korean government representatives. This is also the only way to obtain entry visas to this nation.
6. BHUTAN
Unless you are from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, solo travel to Bhutan is not permitted. Therefore, the only way to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan is by registering through an official Bhutanese tour operator or one of their designated partners. The best times to visit Bhutan are in the spring from March to May and in the fall from September to November.
7. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Solo travelers are not permitted to roam around the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as it is home to endangered mountain gorillas and various other wild species. You must explore the forest in groups, as it is unsafe to wander alone in this area.
Posted by: Hiếu Nguyễn
Keywords: 7 tourist spots only accessible in groups
