Namibia has the darkest skies I have ever seen. After having dinner in our chalet, my wife and I turned off the lights and watched the Milky Way rise. Once it was in the perfect position, I convinced my wife to stand still for 30 seconds in the cold for a long exposure. The light from the chalet is actually a very dim bedside lamp covered in a black t shirt to stop the highlights blowing out! We somehow managed to stay still despite shivering. I then had to go hunt for my camera and tripod while hearing hyenas in the distance!
There's something about the combination of travelling and photography that inspires you to push yourself, not just outside your chalet, but also outside your comfort zone.