Counting Countries

Download Episode! An intrepid traveller who has travelled to over 100 countries and has a special place in her heart for the continent of Africa. Lillie is a Peruvian native who arrived in the US as an exchange student. Avoiding the violence of the Shining Path in her home country she opted for a new life in America. She began her international travels with a group bus trip across Europe and quickly graduated to more challenging adventures. She toured multiple countries in South America on the back of a motorcycle. Lillie traveled overland with her mother between Cameroon and Central African Republic. She is very fond of Africa and has traveled to this vast continent 12 times. And finally, listen in, on how Lillie kissed a South American president. Please enjoy this episode of Counting Countries. Subscribe on iTunes today! Check out our partner and sponsor: Chasing 193, Volume II: The Quest To Visit Every Country In The World. 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. More about Lillie Echevarria: Born in: Lima, Peru Passports from: USA Favorite travel book: Investment Biker Favorite travel film: The Motorcycle Diaries Favorite travel site: Tripadvisor, Booking.com Must carry: Smartphone, visor, debit/credit cards Favorite food: Hard to choose … but Italian and Peruvian are at the top of the list Favorite drink: Wine Favorite Airline: Nowadays whoever has the best price and route Favorite Hotel: Sun City, Las Casitas de Colca, El Monasterio, Mt Nelson Travel Map: Most Travelled People Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 226 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: Chasing 193, Volume II: The Quest To Visit Every Country In The World. 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.

Stefan has been able to strike a great balance between life and travel. Stefan has a full time job and is married, yet still has managed to travel to 186 countries. Stefan's passion for the Chinese language in school led him to studying, working, and living in China for eight years. He also managed to visit every province in the country. With detailed planning and with an expertise in travel hacking, Stefan has managed to live a life of travel and exploration. Despite working full time has has managed with business trips and his vacations to methodically travel the world. Listen in as he shares amazing travel stories of exploring Djibouti, dealing with a missing baby in Saudi Arabia, and why Tunisia is his favorite country. Please enjoy this episode of Counting Countries. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Stefan Krasowski: Born in: Minneapolis, Minnesota Passports from: Two, valid US passports Favorite travel book: My first Lonely Planet China book Favorite travel film: I still have not seen Up in the Air. Favorite travel site: maps.me for offline navigation around he world. Must carry: Small Chinese umbrella with UV liner for rain and sun, yes, a parasol. Favorite food: If I had to pick one dish to eat every day for the rest of my life, it is Korean bibimbap. Favorite drink: Fruit juices, my favorite is soursop. Favorite Airline: My wife's favorite is Korean Airlines, when she flies happy, we are both happy Favorite Hotel: Shanghai Holiday Inn Pudong, I used to stay a lot for business, within a 5-minute walk there are a ton of restaurants where I can get all my Shanghai favorites, bubble tea, and even great Xinjiang food; for glamorous in Shanghai, by the way, Hotel Indigo on the Bund is that fantastic boutique style that is cool and fun, like 1920s art deco Shanghai with a colorful modern twist. Website: Rapid Travel Chai Facebook: Rapid Travel Chai Twitter: Rapid Travel Chai Instagram: Rapid Travel Chai Travel Map: Stefan's Map with The Best Travelled. Travel Hacking Tips: Travel Hacks Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! Sal has travel in his blood. He was born to an Italian father and German mother who began a quest to visit every state in the US when he was a kid. And Sal attended a boarding school with fellow students from 80 different countries. Sal is only 26 but has already traveled to 151 countries and has 193 in his sites. If he continues traveling at this fast pace, he might be the youngest American to travel to every country. He attended a true global high school where visiting a friend entailed a long distance flight to distant country. Attending university included two semesters abroad in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. Sal then settled in Abu Dhabi after graduation to begin his work career which took him to many countries, including hard to enter, Saudi Arabia. He has strong ties to Tanzania where he visits often. Sal founded a NGO, Trail of Seeds, which brought him to Tanzania. Sal is joining me on Skype from Cambodia and I am in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Sal Lavallo: Born in: Indiana, USA Passports from: USA Favorite travel book: So many! Shadow of the Sun, Chasing the Devil, Leo Africanus. Favorite travel site: Wikitravel Must carry: Kindle and camera. Favorite food: Any fruits and vegetables! Favorite drink: Coconut water. Favorite Airline: Etihad Airlines Favorite Hotel: Any Starwood Hotel (Westin, Sheraton, W, etc.). Instagram: 193 Journeys Map: Sal's Map Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! Savannah left a comfortable life in Vancouver as a young teenager to backpack the world with her family and at 18 years of age had already traveled to 80 countries. Savannah, as a 14 year old, and her family were shaken out of their comfort zone in Canada. With her mother, older brother and sister, she embarked on a four year journey across the world. They traveled and lived as locals on a very tight budget. The family was audacious, not shying away from the more challenging corners of the globe. They traveled overland in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They spent months in India. The family circumvented Africa. She literally grew up on the road, even meeting her fiance in Western Africa. Savannah has documented her incredible journeys in a series of books: Sihpromatum. Please listen in on her amazing adventures. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Savannah Grace: Born in: Vancouver, Canada Passports from: Canada and hopefully Holland soon! Favorite travel book: Gone With The Wind Favorite travel site: Booking.com Must carry: iPhone for notes and photos, unless my fiance counts, then it's definitely him! Favorite food: Sushi or curry! Favorite drink: Coffee and sweet wine for alcohol. Favorite Airline: Emirates! Dying to fly Emirates First Class! Favorite Hotel: Rainforest Expeditions in Peru's Tambopata Rainforest! WOW! Website: Sihpromatum Facebook: Sihpromatum Twitter: @Sihpromatum Instagram: Sihpromatum Map: Savannah's Map Books: Sihpromatum: I Grew My Boobs In China & Sihpromatum: Backpacks And Bra Straps Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! Michael Runkel has traveled the world as a professional photographer taking over one million photos, including over 600 UNESCO World Heritage sites! Michael has traveled to 176 countries and on his journeys has collected some amazing travel experiences. He stayed with a powerful sheik in his palace in Yemen as war was declared. He survived a powerful earthquake in Bam, Iran that claimed the lives of thousands. This experience changed his life as he dedicated his time to build a school and orphanage in the city. Michael met his wife on a cruise to Antarctica and has travelled around the world with his infant daughter. As a child, he was inspired by the travel author Karl May and his backpacking grandmother. Please listen in on these incredible travel tales. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Michael Runkel: Born in: Bavaria, Germany Passports from: Germany Favorite travel book: Shantaram Favorite travel site: Thorn Tree Forum and Lonely Planet Must carry: My camera. Favorite food: German Roulade, A roulade is a dish of filled rolled meat or pastry. Favorite drink: Aperol Spritz. Favorite Airline: Emirates Airlines Favorite Hotel: Banyan Tree Hotel, Tanna, Vanuatu Website: Michael Runkel Facebook: Michael Runkel Photographs Instagram: Michael Runkel Photo Travel Map: The Best Traveled Map Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! Anna is on a quest to travel to every country in the world. Anna is an adventurous, solo female traveler who couchsurfed on her own in Afghanistan and then some! Anna's youth was spent as a citizen of the USSR effectively cut off from over half of the world. She dreamed of travel and exploration. As the Soviet Union collapsed, her travel opportunities expanded. She began by visiting her neighbors in Europe. Overtime, she stretched her wings and started exploring more challenging countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. Anna and I met on a group trip to Eritrea in Eastern Africa this past Spring. Today, she joins me on Skype from her home in Moscow while I am in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Anna Zavialova: Born in: Moscow, Russia Passports from: 2 over stamped Russian passports (-; Favorite travel book: I like books about countries, about people's traditions, cultures, they inspire me to discover new places: "Shantaram", "A Year in Provence", "Nothing to Envy", "A Thousand Splendid Suns", and "Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia". Favorite travel film: Same as books, different films that inspire to feel and discover new lands. I guess 'Shocking Asia" "Borat" "Eat, Pray, Love" " A Separation". Favorite travel site: Openflights ( yeah, I count my flight statistics) and flightradar24. Must carry: I always check 3 things in my bag - passport, credit cards and IPhone. "Whatever I have forgotten I can buy It wherever I would be" – it's my last thought before leaving my house for a new adventure. Favorite food: Fresh seafood at Brun in Cannes. Favorite drink: Glass of cold Veuve Clicquot Brut. Favorite Airline: Swiss. If I get my salary this week! I also love LOT Polish airlines! Favorite Hotel: Hilton and IHG brands. Instagram: @CrazyFromRussia Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! Anthony is on a quest to visit all 193 countries in the world. And he plans to accomplish this goal as the first person in a wheelchair. Anthony is an incredibly impressive individual who has not let physical disabilities dictate his life. Despite being in a wheelchair he has managed to travel to 20% of the world's countries on his quest to visit all 193. He shares with us the challenges of being disabled in developing countries with two heartfelt stories. What stands out most is his positive and can-do attitude. Anthony is an inspiration whether you are a traveler or not. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Anthony William: Born in: I was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, which is a city in the North East of England. Passports from: British Passport Favorite travel book: As much as I love reading and as much as I also love traveling, I've never actually combined the two and read a travel book. Favorite travel film: Perhaps it would either be something like Into the Wild or Life of Pi. Favorite travel site: It's probably dreadfully unoriginal but I would say my favorite travel related app is the couchsurfing app. Must carry: Recent addition to my carry-on baggage – an iPad Pro – really handy for writing on the road and is much smaller than my old laptop. Favorite food: Vegetarian Lasagna or Spaghetti. Favorite drink: Pineapple and Coconut water. Favorite Airline: I think the best airline I've flown on so far way one of these three: Air NZ, Xiamen Airline and Oman Air. Favorite Hotel: I quite enjoy staying at the Marriott whenever I can afford it or snag some free accommodation. Overall though I've stayed in way too many hotels to specifically pinpoint a favorite. Website: Geordie Traveller Facebook: Geordie Traveller Twitter: @Geordie_Travels Instagram: @GeordieTraveller Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! At the young age of only 23, William has made his way to over three quarters of the world's countries! William began traveling at a young age with his family, including a 6 week cruise from the UK through Australia via the Suez Canal. He took his first independent trip to Scotland via train. He has only 39 countries until he visits every country in the world. William has also created a list of approximately 12,000 places in the world. He plans and hopes to visit these places over his lifetime. William also has a penchant to visit some of the most remote corners of the globe including the Russian Arctic and Tristan da Cunha. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about William Baekeland: Born in: United Kingdom Passports from: Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom Favorite Travel Book: I like historic accounts of colonial expeditions. One which ones to mind is Richard Burton's 'Wanderings in West Africa from Liverpool to Fernando Po'. Good luck finding a copy, it took me a few years. Favorite travel film: I'm not so into movies, but perhaps I'd say Titanic. Favorite travel site: None in particular, I rarely use any. Must carry: A Caran d'Ache writing pen. The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory. Favorite food: With food, I am far too particular to reasonably attempt answering this question. Simplicity is an overlooked culinary virtue nowadays, though. Favorite drink: Gin and Tonic Favorite Airline: No commercial airline jumps out as being a favorite. Timetable is paramount, so is a good route map. Favorite Hotel: Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu. Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! A true global citizen who was inspired to country count after an impulsive wager with a friend. Mario has lived on 3 continents in 7 different countries. He has had a 30 year career in travel and in IT. Mario on a bet with a childhood friend began his quest to travel the world. I joined Mario at his office at the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bangkok where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In his role, he is able to mix business and leisure travel to explore the world. Subscribe on iTunes today! More about Mario Hardy: Born in: Montreal, Canada Passports from: Canada & France Favorite travel book: National Geographic Favorite travel film: When The Villagers Left by Kyle Sandilands Favorite travel site: TripIt | Emirates | Triip.me | Kaligo Must carry: iPad, Bose headphones, iTraq GPS Tracker, The Dash (Bragi bluetooth headphone), and running sneakers for my morning run Favorite food: Persian, Vietnamese, and Thai Favorite drink: Whiskey Favorite Airline: Emirates Airlines Favorite Hotel: Jetwing Yala Resort - Sri Lanka Website: Mario Hardy Bio | | Mario Hardy Linkedin Twitter: @Avindico Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.

Download Episode! On an improbable quest to visit every country in the world without ever taking a single flight. Thor is on a multi-year journey to visit every country in the world without ever taking a single airplane flight. Thor has overcome malaria, corrupt Central African border officials, and incredible logistical challenges. He is a representative of the Danish Red Cross and has been rewarded with serendipitous encounters with people throughout the world. Subscribe on iTunes today!! More about Thor Pedersen: Born in: The Kingdom of Denmark, in the high north of Europe Passports from: Denmark Favorite travel book: GRUK - about travel, by Piet Hein Favorite travel film: Into The Wild Favorite travel site: Google Maps Must carry: Pen, scarf, passport, smartphone, credit card Favorite food: A good pasta dish or: fresh fish and manioc near the sea in Central Africa (eaten with my hands and not with cutlery) Favorite drink: Milk (from Denmark) Favorite Airline: Haven't flown for years. Figure they are all the same more or less? Favorite Hotel: I've been thinking hard. I'm not sure I have one? But Best Western Plus: Lusaka Grand Hotel in Zambia if you push me. I had free accommodation and the staff was great! :) I like a few lodges and hostels...hotels haven't been a big part of this journey. Website: www.onceuponasaga.dk/ Facebook: Once-Upon-a-Saga-320287321444752/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/ Subscribe on iTunes today!! 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 Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. 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: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.