Top 10 Apocalyptic RetreatsAs Sting once sang: “When the world is running down, you make the best of what’s still around.” Face it - we’re not just going to plod around indefinitely; some major stuff is bound to hit the fan someday. And when it does, you’re going to need an apocalyptic retreat in which to take refuge and regroup. We’ve spun the globe and narrowed down 10 such spots. Most, though not all, happen to be worth seeing any time, not just when Armageddon rolls around. But what makes them ideal apocalyptic retreats is their combined remote/limited-access locations, natural shelter, natural sources of sustenance, and more. Iceland
Your willingness to accept Iceland as a retreat probably parallels your will to live (through winter and a heck of a lot of darkness, anyway), but Icelanders do keep cozy with the Blue Lagoon and other hot springs that work miracles. Unless you’ve been to Iceland, you can’t quite explain the nation to the uninitiated or properly describe its value as an apocalyptic retreat. But, then, that could certainly work to your advantage.Head here when: You’re escaping Björk-intolerant factions.
Washington Island, Wisconsin
We don't imagine Wisconsin will be a big, fat sitting duck when the end comes - unless beer and bratwurst become highly prized weapons of mass destruction. And, despite warnings from those who say they already are, Sconny is safe. Even safer is Washington Island, our apocalyptic retreat off the Door County Peninsula. Even in the best of times, not all area visitors are up for the six-mile, half-hour ferry ride it takes to get there. As a result, there’s a sense of independence and sustainability here not found on the mainland.Head here when: The oppressors have no naval fleet.
New Zealand This beautiful island nation is a little off the radar for some, and that’s an asset. The nearest highly populated neighbor is Australia, and even that’s across the Tasman Sea some 1,250 miles away (still too close for some Kiwis’ liking). The richly diverse geography and resources seen in The Lord of the Rings films provide everything you need in an apocalyptic retreat.Head here when: The nastiness obliterates the Northern Hemisphere.
Tora Bora Now you know why we said that most apocalyptic retreats are worth seeing any time, whether the world is coming to an end or not. If you could waltz right into this Afghan cave system, you would want to simply for kicks. Its inclusion on this list is based on the assumption that it would be unoccupied and undefended, offering you a sparse yet complex hideout.Head here when: The previous occupants are gone and you have a thing against creature comforts.
Galapagos Islands Tourism is on the rise in this Ecuadorian island group, but Galapagos is still sparse enough to hide out in and fight extinction with some of Darwin’s subjects. With 13 main islands, half a dozen minor islands and dozens of islets, you probably won’t have much trouble settling on an apocalyptic retreat here. The equatorial location also means you won’t be greatly affected by seasonal temperature swings.Head here when: Ecuador isn’t the focal point of the trouble.
Switzerland
If it’s a great place to hide money, it can’t be all that bad a place to hide yourself; here’s to hoping all that neutrality isn’t forgotten. The “I’m OK, you’re OK” attitude naturally helps the country rank as an apocalyptic retreat. One factor knocking the European nation down, however, is its potential for chilly winters. Head here when: Winter’s over and currencies aren’t coveted.
Key West, Florida
Four horsemen versus an island full of “Parrotheads”? Sounds like an attraction on Mallory Square, or at least it’s in line with the spirit of Key West. So far, most of our apocalyptic retreats have been all about remoteness and isolation, but not everyone would want to spend their last days alone, so you can count on the Conchs to throw a great going-away party.Head here when: You’ve built up a tolerance for Jimmy Buffett and nasty floral-print shirts. Gibraltar Gibraltar is that little corner of Spain’s Iberia Peninsula under British control. Look at it this way: you’re on the Mediterranean and have desalination plants for abundant potable water; you have tons of pubs; and you have free entertainment from the Barbary Apes (Macaques, actually) on and around the Rock. The territorial motto is “No enemy shall expel us.” Not a bad way to go, if you think about it.Head here when: You’re feeling casually European about your final days.
Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado
Colorado Springs’ population growth sprawls like other major cities, but one place in this area isn’t expanding because it simply can’t. This locale is our runner-up apocalyptic retreat, Cheyenne Mountain -- one of the best-known military top secrets. Located deep within Cheyenne Mountain (imagine that), this Cold War-era nerve center makes an ideal hideout for when all hell breaks loose, only you can’t wander inside without some serious fed creds.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Under world-ending circumstances, it would be plausible that Cabo San Lucas’ catch-and-release laws for their renowned game, fishing, would be out the window. So, while that would probably change, some things would remain quintessentially “Cabo.” The Corridor would still be full of pretty people; and the clubs would still be full of party people. And to help you cope with the end of days -- mas tequila!Head here when: You want things hedonistic with your apocalypse. |
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