Are you a true globe trekker? Collect rare passport stamps from the most unusual and challenging destinations in the world – adventure and exploration awaits!
They say you’re not a true globe trekker until you fill your passport with stamps from all around the world. But hey, instead of attempting to collect every single stamp the world has to offer, challenge yourself with the most difficult ones first!
Here are the 11 rarest and coolest passport stamps in the world:
1. Easter Island
Though Easter Island is well-known among many (thanks to its famous and mysterious Easter Island Heads), it’s not exactly the most accessible destination.
There’s only one daily flight into the island, and you have to travel to Santiago, the capital of Chile to board the 6-hour flight. To obtain an Easter Island passport stamp, head over to the island’s Rapa Nui post office and you’ll be given one with the iconic Easter Island Heads (moai statues) design.
2. Machu Picchu
One of the new seven wonders of the world and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is a fortress city built high up in the Andes mountains.
You can attempt the classic Inca Trail hike which takes up to 4 or 5 days, among a few other alternate routes, or just take a train and bus to Machu Picchu directly. Once here, you’ll find the passport-stamping station to the left of the entrance.
3. Bhutan
Not only is the magical kingdom known for its spectacular monasteries and extraordinary landscapes, Bhutan also has one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
Nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, pilots must manoeuvre the plane through narrow valleys, and rely on visual landings. No wonder only a selected few pilots are authorised to land here! You’ll receive Bhutan’s passport stamp as you pass through immigration at the airport.
4. Chichijima
Chichijima is the largest of the Ogasawara Islands in Japan. The mountainous island is known for its lush forests and pearly beaches, and it’s no wonder travellers brave the 24-hour ferry from Tokyo to get here.
The ferry departs once every six days, and once every three days during the peak season. If that’s not restrictive enough, the ferries are subjected to weather conditions as well. You wouldn’t want to be caught in the rough seas during a typhoon! After spending 24 hours at sea, this is definitely one passport stamp you can brag about.
5. North Korea
Arguably the most reclusive country in the world, its feel like travelling back in time to the 1950s when you visit North Korea.
Though tourism is tightly controlled by its government, travellers can still purchase guided tour packages and experience the quasi-communist state under the watchful eyes of the tour staff. While in North Korea, you should remain vigilant and not commit any offences, as tourists are not spared from its harsh laws.
6. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
No, my cat didn’t walk across the keyboard! The name of this place in Wales is so long that it may not even appear fully on your mobile phone’s screen.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll for short, is the name of a small, quiet Welsh town. Though not difficult to get to (and apparently also not difficult to pronounce – watch this weatherman nail the super long name), many travellers pass through this town and get their passport stamped with the town’s full name at James Pringle Weavers shop.
7. Antartica
There’s no official passport stamps in Antartica because this freezing southernmost continent is managed by over 50 countries under the Antartica Treaty System.
However, you can still get souvenir passport stamps when you visit the research stations and museums. You definitely deserve a passport stamp for your bravery in this harsh sub zero climate!
8. Tristan da Cunha
How about visiting the most remote island in the world?
Tristan da Cunha is a group of volcanic islands in the south Atlantic Ocean and the boat ride takes between five to ten days from Cape Town, South Africa. The 24-hour ferry to Chichijima doesn’t seem too bad now, does it? This is truly one of the hardest passport stamps to get in the world.
9. One Foot Island (Aitutaki)
One Foot Island is one of the most popular islands within the Cook Islands.
The white powdery sand and pristine waters attract many tourists annually, and has one of the most sought after passport stamps. Reason? One Foot Island’s passport stamp is really in a shape of a foot!
10. Ushuaia
Nicknamed the “End of the World“, Ushuaia is an Argentinian city that sits at the southernmost tip of South America, hence it’s also known as the “southernmost city in the world”.
With a population of 60,000, the city remains a popular gateway to Antartica due to its strategic geography. Getting a passport stamp at the “End of the World” is certainly another level of bragging rights.
11. The Marshall Islands
Situated between Hawaii and the Philippines, The Marshall Islands are a popular diving site for travellers looking to admire shipwrecks. Due to climate change over the last decades, The Marshall Islands are now at immediate risk of sinking below sea level.
Even though the government are working towards countermeasures such as fortifying shorelines, the risk of The Marshall Islands disappearing into the sea remains very real. With an undecided fate, globe trekkers should collect the stamp its stamp in their passports soon.
🎉 PERKS & GIVEAWAY 🎉
YouTrip has teamed up with bespoke travel curator Anywhr to give you the best travel perks! Use <YOUTRIP88> to receive SGD $88 off any travel plans with no minimum booking. Valid from 12 July to 30 September 2019.
What is Anywhr?
Anywhr is a bespoke travel curator that plans personalised trips for each traveller. Forget recycled holidays, and enjoy the pure joy and freedom in exploring an unchartered destination handpicked just for you. The journey starts when you discover your destination at the airport!
Plus, stand a chance to win 5 x SGD $188 Anywhr e-Vouchers* for your next travel plan. Here’s how you can participate:
1. Follow @SGTravelHacks on Telegram
2. Invite two friends
3. Tell @SGTravelHacksBot who you invited
Invitation period ends on 26 July 2019, so hurry and invite now! 5 lucky winners will be picked.
*Anywhr SGD $188 e-Voucher requires a minimum booking of SGD $1,200. Terms & conditions apply.
Read: Budget Holiday Plans Gone Wrong
Read: Travel Bucket List: 11 Surreal Destinations You Must Visit
Read: 7 Best Holiday Booking Hacks to Score Best Deals
Read: How to Plan For a Working Holiday | Step-by-Step Guide
Read: How I Conquered 14 Countries in 4 Months on Exchange
Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!
