Places with Space

Botswana

Located in southern Africa, Botswana is a country high on the list for safari and wildlife enthusiasts. Unlike other national parks where there are a large number of lodges, camps and consequently game vehicles, Botswana offers a different experience. The Okavango Delta is an impressive 15,000 square kilometres – the largest inland delta in the world. Botswana also homes the Makgadikgadi Basin which is an expansive salt pan located in the north-eastern part of the country. Both the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans attract thousands each year, but because of their huge size, it is often the case that you will not see another person in sight during your entire day of game driving.

Russia

When you think of countries offering ‘space’, of course Russia comes to mind as it is the largest country in the world by area. The country is proud of its grand palaces, majestic parks and expansive areas of lakes, rivers and forests. There are a range of tours and routes you can travel around Russia, the most popular being visiting Moscow and St Petersburg, but there are also untouched areas of Russia that are worth visiting if space is what you are looking for. River cruises are also a good way to enjoy the landscapes and with small numbers on cruises, it won’t feel busy or overwhelming.

Slovenia

While it may often be overlooked, Slovenia is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. Located at an intersection of Italian, German and Slavic worlds, it’s an exciting blend of cultures while offering a diverse and stunning landscape from the coast to the soaring Julian Alps.

A nature lover’s paradise of jewel-like lakes and aquamarine rivers that flow through rugged canyons, jagged snow-capped peaks and idyllic beaches, there’s a host of outdoor adventure that can be enjoyed too. The opportunities for active pursuits are nearly endless, including hiking and biking in the mountains, canyoning, river rafting, horseback riding and caving. Of course, one could always simply soak up the sun along the Adriatic.

In between look forward to plenty of tasty food and drink. Slovenian cooking borrows something from Hungarian, Austrian, Italian and Balkan fare, creating inventive dishes with unique tastes on more traditional cuisine.

It’s a place where it’s easy to find farm-to-table meals with almost every restaurant using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The signature Slovenian dish is struklji, rolled dumplings enjoyed here since the 16th-century, often followed by gibanica for dessert. The country produces some outstanding wines too, including regional reds and whites that perfectly complement local specialities.