Falklands
These Islands, claimed by Britain and contested by Argentina, are a natural wildlife sanctuary on the edge of the antarctic circle. Many of the landholdings have stopped raising sheep or cattle and have moved on to create nature reserves and accommodation. The landscape is bleak and windswept, even in the summer months. But to sit on a beach with the wind at your back watching penguins surfing or elephant seals demonstrating their machismo, is like nothing else.