Survivor is a fun game to watch, but not always so fun to actually play. Contestants are stuck on an island for at least three days (39 days for the final three), eat very little, sleep outside, suffer from the elements and take part in extreme physical challenges, among other things.
Luckily, rewards are there all along the way to keep them going. Some of the rewards on Survivor are horrible, but some are definitely worth playing for and Redditors can all agree that they would feel amazing after 30+ days on a hot island.
Sean's Dad
A lot of things from the first season of Survivor seem primitive today - including the rewards. For one, contestant Sean Kenniff was able to see his father, who had traveled all the way to Borneo to visit his son.
As Reddit Loved Ones show up every season but it was totally unexpected at the time and in that moment, probably felt like the greatest reward ever." Fans can all agree that there's no greater reward than a visit from a loved one.
Shane's Cigarette
Shane Powers is one of the most memorable contestants from Exile Island - and one of the most chaotic to ever play the Survivor. For those who don't , Shane was extremely hostile and aggressive throughout much of the season, which he chalked up to sudden nicotine withdrawal (he had quit cold turkey before coming to the island).
One reward saw Shane's tribe visiting a local Panamanian village, and he managed to finagle a cigarette from one of the locals. As Sue-yee writes, "The cigarette Shane powers got from the islander" is one of the greatest rewards in the show's history.
Shaolin Temple
Survivor: China made expert use of its setting, and that included a visit to the famed and historic Shaolin Temple. Built in the fifth century, the Shaolin Temple is located in Dengfeng and is known as being the home of Chan Buddhism. On night 27, the reward was a visit to this very temple.
As Reddit arctos889 writes, "The Shaolin Temple visit is such a once in a lifetime reward." This, combined with being on Survivor in the first place, certainly made for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those involved.
The Yacht
One of the rewards on All Stars was a beautiful trip on a yacht. This reward is particularly memorable owing to what happens on it. As picked out by dunkinbagels, "The yacht in All Stars that Kathy went on with Chapera" was the best reward on the show.
This is elaborated on by Boston Rob is a fan favorite Survivor contestant, and it's due to goofy moments like this.
Swimming With Whale Sharks
When most people think of Survivor rewards, they probably think of delicious food. But Survivor is also concerned with showing its contestants a good time, and that includes doing the "touristy" stuff. As one Reddit states, "I always think about Malcolm swimming with whale sharks. How amazing would that be[?]"
PageofSteel agrees, writing, "This is what I was looking for. When I think of bucket list items, it's high up there for me." Along with appearing on Survivor, it seems like Malcolm may have ticked a few things off his bucket list.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Survivor will probably never return to Africa, both because of their seemingly permanent home in Fiji and because the hot and dry climate of Africa wreaked havoc on the contestants. But it makes for one beautiful setting.
Reddit mgusedom writes, "Big Tom and Lex got a hot air balloon ride over the savannah, a meal with plenty of booze, and an overnight stay (all on Jeff’s credit card!)" This is a personal favorite of PrettySneaky71 as well, who writes, "I don't personally think they've ever topped this reward."
Jellyfish Lake
Yet another once-in-a-lifetime event is swimming with bright jellyfish. As Reddit worst rewards in Survivor history.
Swimming with jellyfish is obviously fantastic and memorable, but the reward also contained Mai Tais and Pringles. It was won by the starving Ulong tribe, and the last thing they probably wanted was alcohol and salty chips.
Goat Trading
Even though Survivor: Africa wasn't looked on favorably, it contains some memorable rewards. As stupidtyonparade writes, "What about when they had to go to that village and barter with the goat? That was pretty rad."
This opinion is mirrored and eloquently critiqued by PrettySneaky71, who states, "In of an emotional impact, I love the reward where Ethan and Lex go to the village to trade the goats. Maybe not as glamorous as some other rewards in later seasons, but I mean, what an awesome chance to authentically interact with the locals and their culture."
Governor's Retreat
Tocantins is fondly ed for giving the fandom Coach Wade. That, and J.T.'s impeccable win. However, it also houses an amazing reward in the visit to the Governor's Retreat.
As Reddit ianisms10 writes, "The Governor's Retreat in Tocantins. The food looked amazing and they got to stay in a mansion." Delicious food and sleeping in anything that isn't a bamboo hut is exactly what the soul needs after 30 days on a remote island.
Volcano Expedition
Many Reddit fans love the expedition-style rewards - probably because it makes for more entertaining television. Eating a hamburger after consuming nothing but rice and beans must be heavenly, but it doesn't make for the most exciting viewing.
As Disi22 writes, the best rewards are "the ones were they get to have a unique experience, as the volcano expedition from Vanuatu [sic]." Vanuatu isn't a widely beloved season, but there's no denying that that trip looked spectacular.