7 of the Driest Places in the World ...

By Neecey

7 of the Driest Places in the World ...

The UK has had so much rain this winter (oh and the summer, and spring, and fall too, when I think about it), but instead of thinking about building an ark, maybe we should just take off to visit some of the driest places in the world. But then again, I’m not sure the driest places in the world would be much fun either. It’s a hard choice, isn’t it? Be sopping wet or parched dry?

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1

Antarctica

Antarctica It may seem counter-intuitive, considering all that snow and the icebergs and all, but Antarctica is actually one of the driest places in the world, as it gets under 10cm of rainfall per year. If you’re looking for an amazing adventure, cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, which is the world’s southernmost city. During the cruise, you will get to see humbling glaciers and icebergs, as well as say hello to the seals and elegant little penguins roaming around. And maybe you’ll even get to see some orcas doing a back flip most athletes would envy!

2

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert The Sahara Desert is probably the world’s most famous desert and the hottest one on average overall as well. Spreading for almost 4 million sq. miles, it’s almost as large as the US and covers large parts of Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Niger, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan and more – basically almost all of North Africa. If you want to see what being in one of the world’s driest places looks like, take a safari trip through Sahara and visit local villages, see oases and experience your own Fata Morgana. Or you can take a camel ride and pretend to be a Bedouin. Just don’t forget to bring a lot of sunscreen. Oh, and plenty of water.

3

Gobi Desert

Gobi Desert Gobi is a rain shadow desert created due to the Himalayas’ egocentric side – the world’s tallest mountains block the passage of rainfall-producing weather systems, thus casting a shadow of aridity behind them. On a Gobi tour, you can learn to milk a camel (I’m sure this has always been on your to-do list) and to brew local drinks, as well as see what nomadic life is like.

4

Atacama Desert, South America

Atacama Desert, South America The Atacama Desert is another one of the driest places in the world – actually, it is the driest hot desert on Earth. It spreads over 600 miles and crosses Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina.On average, it gets about 15 mm of rainfall per year, though weather stations in some regions of the desert have never, ever seen rain. And another fact you might find interesting is that Atacama is believed to be the oldest desert on Earth. Though its description doesn’t make it seem the most welcoming place, it actually attracts quite a lot of tourists every year, drawn to its unique geography. You’ll be surprised to learn that Atacama is one of Chile’s top 3 tourist destinations!

5

Yuma, Arizona

Yuma, Arizona Though Yuma is not exactly the driest place on Earth, it is the most arid US town. And it is the sunniest as well – locals spend almost all year round bathed in sunshine. I can only imagine the success sunscreen manufacturers must have here! But if you ever get to Yuma, don’t spend all your day sunbathing, as there are plenty of things for you to see here. I recommend you to pay a visit to the Yuma County Historical Society, the Organ Pipe Cactus Monument and the Imperial Sand Dunes.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Australia’s Deserts

Australia’s Deserts Australia’s desert areas – mostly described as the Red Center – though pretty harsh environments, are home to a very diverse flora and fauna. If you’re in the area, don’t forget to go to the superb Uluru (Ayers Rock), and maybe you’ll even get a chance to see bilbies, red kangaroos or warrus.

7

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah This is a dense salt pan located in Tooele County, Utah. A remnant of the prehistoric Bonneville Lake, it is the largest salt pan in the area and one of the driest places in the world. The place attracts a lot of tourists every year, but surely not for camel rides. It is actually where 5 famous land speed events are held every year, including “Speed Week” and “World of Speed,” for trucks, bikes and cars, as well as the “BUB Motorcycle Speed Trial,” which is for bikes only.

The world’s driest places have their uses, even if it’s only a feature of nature that has become a tourist attraction. I think I’ll put up with Britain’s rain rather than live in one of these places. What about you?

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