Counting Countries – Details, episodes & analysis

Phillips has traveled to every country in the world   Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian.  Today, we are speaking with Phillips Connor.  I had the pleasure of meeting PC in Singapore with a group of extreme travelers and I am very pleased that he will be attending the ETF in Bangkok.  Phillips is extremely well traveled, nearing 1000 regions on the NomadMania list.  Phillips shares it all on this episode … starting travel early with a corporate job, moving to Singapore and Chasing 193.      Time is definitely running out!  Don’t get #FOMO with over 225 extreme travelers attending this event.  The Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok.  Use discount code BANGKOK for $60, so please purchase your ticket today to lock in your savings at the . I’ll give an ETF recap at the end of this episode. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons.  You know them, you love them!  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williamsi for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with PC that you will not hear.  You might have heard me speaking about the Maverick Show podcast.  Well, I am now a guest on the show.  So please take a listen and check out my conversation with host Matt Bowles.  We cover a lot of ground.   I was in Bangkok for this recording while PC was in Singapore.. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Phillips Connor  Counting Countries 

Hey now, I am your host Ric Gazarian on the 10th update for the Extraordinary Travel Festival.  We have a lot of news to share with you today.  So grab that coffee of if in Thailand, grab a chamanow and please listen in. The event is now about a month and a half a way.  But still time to join, use code BANGKOK to save at . Some quick updates ... we have added three new speakers, Luisa Yu, Matt Bowles and Sabbatical Tommy.  Luisa is well known in the community for her determination and her multi-decade quest to visit every country in the world.  She finished at age 79! So impressive.  Matt is the host of the super entertaining the , where he speaks with amazing travelers from around the world.  He will be speaking on his 10 plus years of being a digital nomad.  Tommy is a travel content creator on and also a polyglot!  That's cool. Are you scared of ghosts?  Did you know that ghosts play a cental role in Thai culture?  We have partnered with Bangkok Haunts to provide you with an introduction to ghosts and spirits in Thailand.  We offer a half day tour on November 14 and 18.  Check it out! First, I speak with Professor JP.  I think so many of us love lists and rankings.  So I am excited to share a new travel index will be premiered at the ETF.  The index is called the ETF/ABS Magellan Traveller Index.  This will rank the top 100 travelers in the world.  We will be sharing this list and announcing the top 3 ranked at ETF.  I want to thank both Most Traveled People and NomadMania for partnering with us and sharing their data. I also speak to 2 great individuals and partners of ETF.  These two people are sponsors of ETF and deserve a special thank you for supporting our event.  First up is Baba the founder of   Baba has been welcoming and introducing travelers to this amazing Saharan country.  Many members of the extreme travel community know and have traveled with Baba.  Please consider Baba if you are travelling to Mauritania.  Baba will be exhibiting at ETF as well as moderating a session on Mauritania to answer all of your questions. I also speak with Ahmed, the founder of Aknaf Alsawary.  Ahmed was my guide when I visited Iraq the other year.  Ahmed is a virtual sponsor of ETF.  Ahmed offers fixed date group tours to Iraq, and he is raffling a 50% off coupon to one of these trips at ETF.  In addition, ETF is pleased to announce that we can offer a $150 off these fixed date trips.  Contact me to get your $150 off his tour.  ric @ globalgaz.com And after I speak with Ahmed, I will do a little recap on the ETF and the ! Up first is Baba, please listen in and enjoy.    

Nabil Kazi has traveled to 129 countries   Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I am excited to share my conversation with Nabil Kazi.  I connected with Nabil Kazi back in 2021 when he suggested a guest (Nick Butter - episode 95) for Counting Countries.  I guess everything comes full circle as Nabil is a guest on this episode. Nabil and I have been in contact ever since and even connected in person for dinner in Bangkok at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Charlie Browns.  Nabil has had two distinct chapters in his adult life.  Chapter One, an executive in the land of Hollywood and Chapter Two, as a full time traveler.  Maybe we can get some behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights.   Some of you might have heard the tragic news from Bamiyan in Afghanistan.  Nabil and I touch on this but while editing there are some greater details.  Apparently, a tour provider from our 193 community brought a group to Afghanistan.  Three Spaniard travelers and three Afghan locals were shot and killed.  In additional six travelers and Afghans were also injured.  Just a reminder when you ask in a conversation or online, “is it safe?” and many people respond, “I just went it is very safe, just go!”.  Remember it was very safe for that traveler, on that specific day, time, and location.  This is a country of 40 million and 250,000 square miles.  That traveler is not a security expert on Afghanistan.   If you are a listener, you have heard this before … the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok.  Discount code BANGKOK of $100, so please purchase your ticket today to lock in your savings at the . Just a reminder for those who are coming or thinking of coming that we will be hosting the NomadMania Awards live in Bangkok on Sunday evening.  This is the great event that NM has been streaming on YouTube for the last several years.  This is a great opportunity to get together and recognize some travelers who are making a difference.  Don’t forget, Sunday evening, November 17 this year.   I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Adam Hickman, Barry Hoffner, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Steph Rowe, Lori Pastorelli, Gin, Philippe Izedian, Sunir Joshi, Jorge Serpa, Justine Kirby, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sonia Zimmermann, Katelyn Jarvis, Carole Southam, Per Flisberg, and Sam Williams for supporting this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to .  My patrons will hear extra content with Wee Cheng that you will not hear.   And remember, we have a new feature on Counting Countries.  The idea is to celebrate wins in the 193 community and involve more people.  The inspiration came from my friends at Club 100 from Sweden.  They have been recognizing milestones on their great IG account - .  So make sure you follow along.  Today, we will get updates from Ted Nims, Justine “off the beaten path” Kirby, Raiiq Ridwan (former guest and ETF speaker).  You will hear their updates throughout the podcast.  Let’s listen to one now.     I will be asking for travelers to submit audio files to recognize travel accomplishments.  To learn more follow the Counting Countries on and accounts and I will be making future call to actions.  Here are a couple of milestones to recognize now.  And take a look at Nabil’s page on GlobalGaz.com Counting Countries page.  I share his Pakistani passport from when he was a small kid.     I was in Boston for this recording while Nabil was in Cali. Please listen in and enjoy.    Thank you to my - you rock!!  ….  Adam Hickman, Barry Hoffner, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Steph Rowe, Lori Pastorelli, Gintaute Liutkeviciute, Philippe Izedian, Sunir Joshi, Jorge Serpa, Justine Kirby, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sonia Zimmermann, Katelyn Jarvis, Carole Southam, Per Flisberg, Dale Wursten, and Sam Williams.        And now you can listen to ! And Alexa!   And write a review! About Nabil Kazi Counting Countries 1.  129 countries (not including Kosovo, Vatican, Palestine and Taiwan) 2.  I was born in Kuwait City, Kuwait 3. I hold a USA Passport 4. Favorite Travel Book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 5. Favorite Travel Film is Eat Pray Love 6. Must Carry Item when Traveling AirPods and Canon Camera 7. Favorite Food is Lebanese 8 Favorite Drink is hot latte with oak milk  9. Favorite Airline is Emirates 10. Favorite Hotel is Aman Resorts 11. Instagram handle is About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by .  About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask!  The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are . The Nomad Mania The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 . SISO says there are .     Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Nabil Kazi Counting Countries 

Arvi is nearly finished in completing his quest to travel to all 193 countries, and has had some amazing experiences on the way. Arvi only has 15 countries left and is hoping to finish this quest in the next year.  During his travels, he has visited both Antarctica and the North Pole.  He sailed around Antarctica from New Zealand to Chile, stopping and visiting McMurdo Station via helicopter during his 30 day cruise.  He joined a Russian nuclear ice-breaker as it journeyed to the North Pole.  Arvi shares with us why he is fond of Macedonia, thinks Paris is overrated, and why Nigeria is not one of his favorites.  Arvi tells us about crossing the border from India to Bhutan as he motor-biked in Bhutan in the early 1970s, when tourism did not even exist.  And Arvi will most likely be our first guest who travels to outer space.  He has placed his deposit with Virgin Galactic and heopes to be traveling to space in 2019.  Arvi shares with us what it is like hanging out with Richard Branson who he has met through being a client of VG.             Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Arvinder Bahal: Born in: Agra, India Passports from: USA Favorite travel film: Must carry: My camera and insect repellant Favorite food: Italian Food Favorite drink: Black Tea Favorite Airline: Used to be Continental Airlines, now I fly everyone. Favorite Hotel: Airbnb Facebook:   About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Listen to Nina’s inspiring story to learn how an offhand comment by a friend set her on the path of becoming one of the approximately 10 women who have visited every country in the world. Nina grew up in Frankfurt in a single parent home. As a child she dipped her toe in the water and traveled within Europe, visiting England on a language exchange program. She began to travel and explore more after university visiting a couple dozen countries.  At the age of 36, she quit her job in the corporate world so she could focus more on counting countries.  Nina shares with us her love of and passion for travel, of speaking multiple languages, witnessing beautiful wildlife, and meeting and interacting with locals. Nina shares her love of safari, the beauty of the Serengeti, and watching the wildebeest migration. She talks about the remoteness of the Orkney islands, and her frustration getting visas...for iran, turkmenistan, and equatorial guinea.  She tells us a story of watching a gorilla slap a tourist in Rwanda.  She talks of petting a cute domesticated warthog in south africa. Nina is also a twice published author, with a third book on the way.  Her first book stayed on the german best selling list for 70 weeks.   Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Nina Sedano: Born in: Frankfurt, Germany Passports from: Germany Favorite travel book:  I love the book about all Unesco-World Heritage Sites     Favorite travel film:  The film 'Out of Africa' with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, although not a travel film, had a special impact on me when young regarding the black continent Must carry: Female sanitary stuff, handkerchiefs, books and in most countries toilet paper, a torch, camomile tea for my stomach Favorite food:  Thai green curry with beef, lemongrass, eggplant or tortellini with ham+cream sauce Favorite drink: Tea in all varieties      Favorite Airline: Lufthansa/Emirates Map: About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Ella made a drastic decision after graduating university and starting her first corporate job.  She quit on her 89th day.    Despite having a great opportunity in the corporate world, she realized quickly that she craved a life of independence and freedom.  She ended up living in Rwanda working for a NGO for 6 months.  And this started a transition to becoming a digital nomad and beginning a career as an elite success coach.  This new role allowed her the flexibility to live where she wanted to live as she grew her business.   As she gained more success, she began to travel and explore more often.  Ella shares with us why she loves Thailand, believes Paraguay is interesting, and why she is not fond of Dubai.  We also talk about her upcoming road trip to West Africa.    During this conversation, Ella joined me from Spain while I was in Chicago on Skype.  Please listen in and enjoy. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Ellany Lea: Born in: Montreal, Canada Passports from: Canada Favorite travel book:       Favorite travel film:   Favorite travel site:   Must carry: Favorite food:  Authentic Pad Thai    Favorite drink: Thai iced tea       Favorite Hotel: Four Seasons Jimbaran, Bali Favorite Airline: Singapore Airlines Website:   Facebook: Instagram: Map: About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

A family that travels together stays together.  Jakob travels frequently with his girlfriend and two young children.   Jakob travels often with his girlfriend and two young children.  Family vacations include overland West African road trips, visits to Somaliland, and family excursions to Afghanistan.  His children aged 10 and 8 respectively have traveled to 72 and 55 countries respectively. Jakob also hits the road solo as well.  He recounts witnessing a secretive Satanic ritual in West Africa.  He overviews his attempt to travel overland from Antarctica to the Arctic over 10 months.  Jakob was fortunate to visit Cambodia in the early 90s when the Khmer Rouge still reigned.  He visited Angkor Wat when there were virtually no tourists.  Cambodia was a bit lawless, where travel sometimes required armored cars where the machine gunner's bullets cost extra and where marijuana came for free at your guest house. During this conversation, Jakob joined me from Copenhagen while I was in Chicago on Skype.  Please listen in and enjoy. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Jakob Øster: Born in: Denmark Passports from: 2 Danish passports (one valid for 10 years and one valid for 2 years.) Favorite travel book: by Khaled Hosseini (about Afghanistan, by the author of The Kite Runner and Under A Thousand Splendid Suns  and by Hemingway.= Favorite travel film:   (because it is funny, has beautiful locations and brilliantly portrays the contrast between everyday working life and adventure). Favorite travel site: App: Google Maps (and Check My Trip, Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor) Website: flightconnections.com – Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, Wikitravel. Wikipedia. Must carry:  Solo: I almost always carry my extremely small and thin travel pillow and my sarong-sleeping-bag (good for when it is hot or not too clean). Family: We always carry a deck of cards and a game of (and play a hell of a lot).   Favorite food: Two national Danish dishes that my girlfriend cooks very well: “Stegt flæsk og persillesovs” (fried pork belly with potatoes and a parsley sauce) and “flæskesteg med brun sovs” (Danish version of roast pork with gravy). I also like Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Mexican food (I eat pretty much everything). Favorite drink: “BMW” (Baileys Mitt Whiskey) alcohol mixed with alcohol what more can one wish for and Carlsberg because it is probably the best.   Favorite Hotel: There are many. I don’t like fancy, traditional hotels very much since I think they usually have no soul. I usually prefer guesthouses in historical buildings and with the possibility to meet other travelers. One example: , Jaisalmer, Indien – 200 year old “Haveli”. Favorite Airline: Turkish (for being the airline with routes to most individual countries) and for their fresh orange juice (that they have now tragically abandoned!) Website:   and Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Map: About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Maurizio was a travel outlier at a young age.  Riding the rails in Europe independently as a 13 year old.   At 17, he left Italy to travel the Trans-Siberian to visit his penpal in Mongolia.             After university in the UK, be began an international career as a journalist and NGO worker.  This allowed ample opportunity to travel and lives overseas.  Maurizio has spent time living in Haiti, Brazil, Mali, Sudan, Afghanistan, Central African Republic amongst others.  Maurizio shares with us why he loves Gabon and Cameroon.  Maurizio has traveled to Tokelau, one of the remote places in the world in the Pacific, and recounts his journey.   Maurizio lived in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban.  He met his future wife in Kabul.  And he had his wedding in Kabul, but yet he and his wife were traveling with the wedding held in their honor.  Maurizio spent time in Saudi Arabia on a pilgrimage to Mecca.   Maurizio in 2004 held the Guinness World Record for being the youngest traveler to visit every country in the world.  In August 2013, James Asquith, a Brit, became the youngest,  Eric Nguyen, who has been on this show previously, has claimed to be the youngest, beating James Asquith’s record.   Please listen in and enjoy. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Maurizio Giuliano: Born in: Milan, Italy Passports from: Italy and UK Favorite travel book: Favorite travel film: Favorite travel site: I use all of them, but don’t have a favorite.   Must carry:  At least five passports lol 😃 as well as ink pads in case immigration officers don’t have enough ink, and a mousepad to make the stamping more even. Favorite food:  Anything ethnic. Favorite drink: Like trying everything. Favorite Airline: KLM Favorite Hotel: IHG Facebook:   Twitter: Map:  No point as it’s all red except Western Sahara 😃 About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Fabio is closing in on his goal of 193 countries as he narrows down the list! Fabio was born in Milan and spread his wings as a model as he travelled to Miami and then moved to East and Southeast Asia before he was even 20 years old.  Before he knew it, he had visited dozens of countries and he was on his quest.  Fabio shares with us why Kabul and Caracas are the most dangerous cities in the world.  Fabio recently visited Libya, and explains how he wrangled a visa and what his experience was like visiting Tripoli.  Fabio has visited the Pygmies of Burundi and the Maasai of Kenya.  Fabio tells us why he loves both Hong Kong and the Cheesecake Factory.  He shares with us why he doesn’t want to visit Djibouti City or Belize City again.  And Fabio tells us why Uzbekistan is an underrated country. Fabio joined me on Skype today from London, while I was in Boston.  Please listen in and enjoy! . Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. More about Fabio Cao:   Born in: Milan, Italy Passports from: Italy Favorite travel book: Any motivational book or biography. Favorite travel film: Any film with Al Pacino or Johnny Depp. Favorite travel site: Favorite food: Chocolate Favorite drink: Lemonade Favorite Airline: Emirates Favorite Hotel: Marina Bay Sands Instagram: Map: His Hostel: About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and . Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Drew is 26 and has already been to 110 countries and holds two Guinness World Records.   As a ten year old, Drew spun a globe in his room and memorized the countries of the world.  As a college student, he did a semester abroad in Prague and visited 20 European countries.  After college, he moved to a small town in South Korea to teach English and started his travel blog.  Drew now travels full time professionally and works with brands and tourism boards who support his travels.  He details during the podcast how he makes a living as a travel blogger.  He shares with us why he has been to McDonald's in over 50 countries and what his favorite food is.  Drew tells us what his favorite beach is in the Philippines and why he is not fond of Egypt.  He shares with us why he believes Kyrgyzstan will become a popular destination.  And Drew recounts how he survived a fatal bus crash in India.   Drew joins me on Skype today from the Philippines while I am in Boston,  Please listen in and enjoy. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. And take a look at .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.   More about Drew Binsky: Born in: AZ, US Passports from: US Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who’ve spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter’s Dance, written, performed, and provided by . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania states that there are . Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Check out our partner and sponsor: Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.