There’s no doubt about it: the world is a pretty big place. But though there are 196 countries that make up planet earth, a large chunk of earth’s land mass is actually covered by a few giants who take up a lot of space. On the one hand, this can make traveling through them rather annoying, purely because they’re so large. On the other hand, though, the diversity and sheer scale of these nations mean it’s not possible to be bored when you’re at these places. Here are five massive countries worth visiting.
LEATHER TRAVEL WALLET
The United States
Let’s start right in the United States. If you’ve never taken a road trip from east to west, north to south, then you’ve missed large chunks of what makes this country great. The diversity doesn’t lie in the culture – the cultural differences between places are more subtle than when compared to, say, Europe – but the landscapes. Start in the dizzying concrete jungle that is New York City and head to California; along the way, you’ll find rivers, woods, canyons, and much more, sometimes even in the same state!
Russia
As the largest nation on earth, there’s a lot to discover in Russia, though many people usually focus on the big cities and a few select natural areas. The vast majority of Russia is comprised of wilderness, so try not to take a wrong turn! As you might expect from a country of the size, you can do just about any outdoor activity. One underrated highlight is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the country’s most eastern town, which is a hot spot for mountain hikes and kayaking, as well as delicious food.
Canada
When we talk about traveling through Canada, we’re usually talking about the 100km close to the United States, which is where nearly all Canadians live and where the cities are. Canada is pretty sparse when it comes to population, and a lot of its appeal lies in the natural beauty of the country. If you take a road trip through Alberta and on to British Columbia, you’ll be passing some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain and lake views. Take a camera!
Australia
Australia is another country that is big in size, not so big in population. This is a mecca for adventure lovers; Australia vacations can include sampling some of the world’s best cities, exploring the world’s most beautiful underwater regions, testing yourself in rugged terrain, or simply enjoying the country’s pristine beaches (and laid back beach life). It’s Adventureland, basically, and those who take on its gigantic size will be happily rewarded.
Brazil
Like the other countries on this list, diversity abounds in Brazil. You can get lost in the excitement of Rio or Sao Paulo, take yourself away from the crowds and enjoy the country’s extensive coastline, or you can prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime trip deep into the Amazon Rainforest, the largest such forest in the world. Whether you’re a nature lover, beach bum, or city dweller, Brazil’s large size ensure that it caters for everyone.
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