Author: Maria Alfano
Never thought of planning a desert vacation before? There are so many reasons why you should rethink it and give it a try. There are so many thrilling things to do in the desert that you won’t be bored. Staring at miles of nothing but sand can be somewhat hypnotic but you simply won’t have time to do that. Your days will be filled with fun, sun, and great people. You would hardly believe that you are actually in the desert.
What exactly is a desert? Did you know that desert refers to a vast area of land where very little vegetation grows? Most deserts have less than 10 cm of precipitation per annum. Most people are familiar with hot dry deserts that lie around the equator like the Sahara, Las Vegas, or Dubai. But there is also a cold desert that spans the arctic circle encompassing places like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. The cod desert referred to as tundra is permanently frozen.
Visiting a desert is a unique experience in itself especially if you are coming from a thriving metropolis that experiences different weather patterns throughout the year. Somethings can only be done in these environments that may be considered a freak of nature.
Staying cool in a hot desert is challenging because, at its peak time when the sun is high in the sky, temperatures can reach 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas cold deserts may have warm summers but the winter is bitterly cold and temperatures can dip as low as (-40) Fahrenheit. The ground never really gets warm enough to thaw and the vegetation can be very sparse.
8 Surprising Desert Vacation Things To Do You Never Imagined
There are so many things you can do on a regular vacation to the beach or a ski lodge. These include swimming, surfing, skiing, or snowboarding. What if I told you that you could actually do some of these cool activities in the desert too! This post is all about the surprising desert vacation things you never imagined you could do in both hot and cold deserts.
Hot Desert Vacation Things To Do
Sandboarding – so you have done snowboarding, wakeboarding, and even surfboarding. Sandboarding is the same but different. This is done completely on sand dunes in the middle of the desert. Have no fear, the adrenaline pumps just as hard and the thrill is just as extreme as in conventional boarding sports. The hardest part is carrying yourself and the board right back up that slippery, sandy slope after each run.
Bodyboarding – is similar to sandboarding only this is done with a smaller board. You lie down onto the board and push off down the hill. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose to avoid eating the flying sand as you glide downhill.
Camel racing – probably the most interesting thing I ever did while in Africa was ride a camel. They can be a little temperamental but the experience was out of this world. The view from up there is amazing. As awkward and weird-looking as a speeding camel looks, they reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Let that sink in for a moment. You are sitting at least 7-8 feet off the ground, holding onto a leather harness and speeding through the desert on the most uncoordinated-looking animal ever at super high speeds. If that doesn’t get your blood pumping, not sure what will.
Off-roading – takes on a new meaning when you are riding the sand dunes. Be careful not to spin your wheels and get stuck in the sand. Approach the hills at just the right speed to get your vehicle up, over, and around to the next dune. If you like rollercoasters, you will love off-roading on the desert sand.
Cold Desert Things To Do
Wrap yourself up in many layers to stay warm. Avoid frostbite. And, enjoy activities that you wouldn’t normally do on a regular vacation. A cold desert vacation is an unlikely adventure that you may choose to experience only once in your lifetime.
The polar race – is not for the faint of heart. This is a grueling 400-mile race that leads you through the arctic circle across Canada. You will be carrying your own food and shelter with you across the ice-cold terrain. Have no fear, you are not in this alone. You are part of a team of up to 4 people. Test your endurance and be one of the first to cross the finish line. Similar races are run in Sweden and Finland. Surround yourself with snow dunes and run the race of your life.
Nature watching – spot cold weather animals like polar bears, snow leopards, or an arctic fox. These animals are not found anywhere except perhaps at a local zoo. Seeing them in their natural habitat is spectacular. Keep your distance from them, don’t provoke them, enjoy the rush, and stay safe.
Photography – for the avid picture taker whether amateur or professional, you will witness the best scenery and capture amazing snapshots. There is nothing like the perfect candid shot when you discover that a few feet away from you is a creature or vegetation you have never seen and possibly will never see again.
Glamping – is a fancy name for camping with all the comforts of home. Stay in the wilderness. Sleep on a comfy bed with heat, and watch the stars in the clear night sky.
In Summary
This post was all about some amazing things to do on desert vacations. Whether hot or cold deserts, there is something for everyone. Either way, protect yourself with sunscreen, face coverings, sunglasses, and the proper clothing. Sun and windburn are really painful. Don’t destroy your vacation by being careless. Having fun starts with the right protection.
Visit exotic places like the Sahara, Dubai, or the arctic tundra in Greenland. No matter where you go, there is something uniquely special to get your adrenaline going.
We would love to hear from you. Have you been on a desert vacation? Where did you go? What did you do when you were there? What is your favorite activity to do on a desert vacation?