Counting Countries

Extraordinary Travel Festival How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Mette and I had been connected on Facebook via Every Passport Stamp, but we recently crossed paths in Jeddah for an evening of dinner and shisha with a group of extreme travelers. We were connected by former guest Henrik Jeppesen who was aware that both of us were traveling in KSA. While I was aware that Mette was a seasoned traveler, over dinner I heard more of her stories and thought she would be a great fit for Counting Countries. After my conversation with Mette, I will be checking in with Thor Pedersen again, of Once Upon A Saga. I have been documenting Thor's journey to every country in the world and all of the challenges he has been facing with this pandemic. You will hear a snippet of this conversation but my patrons will hear the entire conversation. The next episode will be the 100th episode. Our first episode was in 2016. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. You can also support Counting Countries be writing a review or sharing this podcast with a travel lover. I have already interviewed three Danes, Henrik Jeppesen, Jakob Oster, and Thor Pedersen, yet I thought Mette's lived travel experiences provided a unique voice. Mette shared a very candid explanation of the changes she made in her life to Chase 193. Mette also travels constantly with her children, who have racked up impressive numbers. We have a wide ranging conversation, everything from the Danish Travel Club to Nomad Mania to Every Passport Stamp, while name checking extreme travelers like Ramblin Randy, David Yang, and Lucy Shoe. As many of you have heard, Stefan Kraswoski and I have teamed up to host the Extraordinary Travel Festival, the world's largest gathering of accomplished travelers. This will take place in Yerevan, 2022. We are excited to produce this event to help grow our community while organizing great events, and hosting some amazing experiences. Please go to ExtraordinaryTravelFestival.com to see our speakers, our sponsors, and some of the trips we are hosting. Check back often since there are frequent updates. If buying a ticket, please use code ETF to save $50. Hope to see you in Yerevan. I was in Chicago for this recording while Mette was in Copenhagen. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Phillip Jones, Thor Pedersen, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. More About Mette Ehlers Mikkelsen Counting Countries: Born: Denmark Passports: Hold Danish passports Book: Kronisk Rejsefeber volume 1-2-3 - Cronical TravelAddiction - a Danish series of books with the selected best travel stories written and published by member of the Danish Travelers Club during the 25 years, the Club has existed. I have an article in each volume on Faroe Islands, Libya and Sudan Film: David Attenborough - everything. For cozy weekend: Eat, pray, love. TV: Danish television on Danish Diplomats from 2021 App: BEEN, Polarsteps, Danish MFA. Sustainable: TripDoodler Must carry: The purse to organize all passports and vaccine documents for me and my children by Swedish Ordning and Reda Food: Try all local as principle - spiders in Cambodia, bat in Palau before covid Drink - Ecuador whisky in Scotland as it was Al Capone's favorite - admire they got permission to export it to the USA during the period where this was forbidden Hotel: Guldsmeden. Dragon Fly Airline: SAS Blog: www.expandingourhorizon.net IG: https://www.instagram.com/expandingourhorizon/ 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 Traveler's Century Club states that there are 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are 3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if from some of these links like if you order from Amazon/Agoda/etc. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks!

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. I am friends with Tommy on Facebook and also met him on the somewhat famous Adam Hickman Covid Zoom travel trivia game, but he was many of my social media friends who I really did not know. On Tommy's FB page I noted some interesting posts with a lot of flight maps. It definitely caught my attention and thought I would love to learn more about Chasing 244. After my conversation with Tommy, I will be checking in with Thor Pedersen again of Once Upon A Saga. I have been documenting Thor's journey to every country in the world and all of the challenges he has been facing with this pandemic. You will hear a snippet of this conversation but my patrons will hear the entire conversation. Thanks to Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. I endeavor to interview a diverse set of voices within our community. I want to hear different perspectives and experiences and I believe you appreciate that as well. It has been my shortcoming that I have not had a guest from China, the world's most populous country. Well, that has been rectified with this conversation with Tommy as we learn about his journey to every country in the world and his recent project of Chasing 244. I was in Yerevan, Armenia for this recording while Tommy was in Shanghai. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. Well…that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! ----- Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Join us in Yerevan, Armenia from October 14 -16, 2022 at the Armenia Hotel Yerevan for the Extraordinary Travel Festival This will be a multi-day event with great and inspiring speakers And at night we will be hosting parties and dinners to have fun and unwind This is a great opportunity to meet travelers from all over the world Our goal is to bring people together from around the world, who are: Traveling to every country in the world Passionate to explore extreme and challenging destinations And love to have fun and network with likeminded people Learn more and buy your ticket at www.extraordinarytravelfestival.com Do you want to save $50 off your ticket? Use code - eps.

Key Links

• How Many Countries Are There In The World video
• Support Counting Countries at Patreon
• The new Counting Countries Merch Store
  
  

Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims.

Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel!  You can purchase them today on Amazon.

And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review!

Check out our friend: Large Minority.  They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon.  And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority.  

I am friends with Tommy on Facebook and also met him on the somewhat famous Adam Hickman Covid Zoom travel trivia game, but he was many of my social media friends who I really did not know.  On Tommy’s FB page I noted some interesting posts with a lot of flight maps.  It definitely caught my attention and thought I would love to learn more about Chasing 244.   

After my conversation with Tommy, I will be checking in with Thor Pedersen again of Once Upon A Saga.  I have been documenting Thor’s journey to every country in the world and all of the challenges he has been facing with this pandemic.  You will hear a snippet of this conversation but my patrons will hear the entire conversation. 

Thanks to Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast.  You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. 

I endeavor to interview a diverse set of voices within our community.  I want to hear different perspectives and experiences and I believe you appreciate that as well.  It has been my shortcoming that I have not had a guest from China, the world’s most populous country.  Well, that has been rectified with this conversation with Tommy as we learn about his journey to every country in the world and his recent project of Chasing 244.

I was in Yerevan, Armenia for this recording while Tommy was in Shanghai.   Please listen in and enjoy.  

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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.

Well…that depends on who you ask!

• The United Nations states that there are193 member states.
• The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories.
• The Traveler’s Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands.
• The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world.
• The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions.
• SISO says there are3,978 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.

An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. 

Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures.  PS  Thanks!

-----

Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. I met Ted at a small travel meetup in Boston a couple of years ago, but knew him prior to that as one of my patrons for Counting Countries. We both have homes in Chicago and we also connected a couple times in the Windy City. We met up in late June for lunch and then retired to the Counting Countries Studio to record this podcast. After I speak with Ted we will hear from Nick Butter once again at the end of the podcast, a guest from earlier this year. Nick founded the 196 Foundation. This is a charity inspired by his trip around the world. I will let Nick explain how this all works during our conversation. But I will add that I have become a supporter of the foundation. And I am now one of 500 plus people who have joined together in this project. I imagine everyone of us is inundated with multiple offers to donate or support one cause or another. It can become overwhelming but nonetheless I would suggest to take a moment and to check out his website to learn more. My patrons will hear more of the interview with both Ted and Nick than you will. AKA as exclusive content. Thanks to Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Thor Pedersen, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. Ted shares how his collection of stamps propelled him around the globe. Like many other 193ers, he likes to collect and create lists. Country Counting can be another outlet for this passion. Ted shares many of his experiences including cutting his trip short in Socotra during the beginnings of Covid. And also a big thanks to Tony Wheeler for doing the guest introduction. Ted and I met up for incredible hamburgers at Lux Bar and then recorded this episode in the City of Big Shoulders. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. Well…that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! ----- Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. Ben made a brief appearance as the guest announcer for the January episode of Gina Morello. After a bit of research, I pieced together who Ben was, pulling on a long thread and realizing that he was connected to many previous guests on this podcast. Ben has a very, very deep travel resume. Do not be thrown off by the length of this podcast, it is really a twofer. You will hear from Ben first and you will hear from Dave Seminara during the second half of the podcast. Dave is an avid traveler himself and also the author of Mad Travelers: A Tale Of Wanderlust, Greed, And The Quest To Reach The Ends Of The Earth. You can buy this on Amazon and wherever else you buy books these days. I read the book and do recommend it. The main focal point of this book is William Baekeland, a former guest of the podcast, who is alleged to have conned fellow extreme travelers of nearly a million dollars. If you don't know the back story listen to William's podcast as well as the William Baekeland Controversy episode. My patrons who support the show, will hear more content from Ben, over 33 minutes, which only they will hear. Thanks to Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. Ben is an "old school" traveler. Ben forges his own path, and constantly bears left when all of his friends turn right. This is a very candid conversation sharing the magic of travel and also some of the challenges that those of us who are obsessed with extreme travel confront. I feel like I only scratched the surface of Ben's 30 year plus travel career as he chased 193 and so much more. Ben was in Jakarta while I was recording in the home of the New England Patriots. Please listen in and enjoy. More About Ben: Where were you born: Born in Newark, UK. Grew up in a small village south of Nottingham What passport do you hold: British Favorite Travel Book: No idea. Maybe Michael Runkel's "Meine Reisen an der Enden der Welt" as he is mate of mine! I remember enjoying Heinrich Harrer's "Seven Years in Tibet". Bill Bryson can be quite funny. My folks want me to write a book. If I do, I'm sure it will be my favourite. Favorite travel app or website: Kayak and NomadMania Must carry item when traveling (like flashlight, Kindle, deck of cards etc.): Olight flashlight. Bivvy bag. Hydrapak collapsible water bottle. Used to carry mini ipad, but no need now, as iphone pretty much does everything. Same goes for camera. Favorite drink: Ice-cold beer. Pocari Sweat. Red Bull. Fresh mango juice. Banana milk shake. Water. Coffee. Each has its specific time and place. Favorite airline: Emirates for comfort, SQ, for style, Turkish or Ethiopian for network Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. Well…that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! ----- Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store IG: Nick Butter Donate!: Running The World Website: Nick Butter Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. Nick appeared on my radar screen when I read a post on FB about his quest to run a marathon in every country in the world. My first thoughts were a mixture of disbelief and skepticism. I started communicating with Nick at the end of 2019, yet it took to March of 2021 to sync our calendars. Patience is a virtue. A special thank you to Twitter and Nabil Kazi, a traveler and athlete in his own right, who was a catalyst in setting up the interview. After I speak with Nick, you will hear a snippet with Thor Pedersen. You remember Thor, he has been on Counting Countries twice before. Thor is on a quest to travel to every country in the world without flying. Thor has made a lot of sacrifices, including not seeing his fiancee for over a year and a half. After my conversation with Nick Butter, I will share with you part of my conversation on how Thor hacked his way to reunite with his fiancee, whom had had not seen in a year and a half. My patrons who support the show, will hear the entire hour conversation with Thor. Thanks to Phillip Jones, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. And remember to follow Thor across social media at Once Upon A Saga. Stating the obvious, Counting Countries loves the long format interview. This interview neared two hours yet I had an arsenal of unasked questions. Nick's career of travel and athletic feats could not be unpacked in two hours. We overview his journey which was an incredible balance of logistics and physical sacrifice all while promoting awareness of prostate cancer. You can donate here. A quick notes from our friends at Untamed Borders … This year, with travel back on the horizon, Untamed Borders have some seriously off the beaten track trips planned. Join them in Afghanistan for one of the world's most remote treks to the Wakhan Corridor, or a cultural tour visiting the country's highlights, led by Afghanistan's only female tour guide - she was recently featured in CNN. Other upcoming Untamed Borders trips include Pakistan and Iraq, where it is now possible to obtain visas on arrival in Baghdad for many nationalities. I've been to Kurdistan, but am really excited to visit Baghdad while jumping through less hoops. Nick was in England while I was recording in Beantown. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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 Well…that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! More details at: Blog Post ----- Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Thank you to my Patrons…Phillip Jones, William Schelling, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Thor Pedersen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. Gina and I met at the Principality of Sealand in the summer of 2019 during the Extreme Travelers International Congress. And I have been following her travels since that time on social media. She is one of the few women who have completed the quest of chasing 193 and she is accomplished this feat during the Covid pandemic. Before we speak with Gina, we have an extra special with Babis Bizas who appeared originally on Episode 49. Babis has been traveling since 1976 and is the first person to travel every country in the world twice. Babis has named the 2020 Traveler Of The Year and he shares with us who that is. Thanks to my patrons Phillip Jones, Thor - Once Upon A Saga - Pedersen, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, William Schelling, Steph Rowe, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, and Adam Hickman for supporting Counting Countries. They help pay for the production of this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons recently heard a special interview for over 30 minutes with Babis Bizas on why he is supporter of William Baekeland. Fascinating conversation. My patrons will hear the final part of my conversation with Gina. As a reminder, Counting Countries, will be published every other month. As always I remind you to subscribe wherever you listen and write a review. Check out the new Counting Countries Merch Store. Rick Shaver former guest in Canada is sporting his new Counting Countries shirt. As a reminder, I want to share a video I just published on Youtube, I am hoping to get feedback from the extreme traveler community. The video titled, How Many Countries Are There In The World, is a deep dive into an eternal debate within the community. Take a look, and tell me if you think I am right or wrong. Gina's travel style over the years transformed over time from a two trip to Europe as a grad school student to traversing the Road of Bones in Siberia in the dead of winter. Gina was planning on completing her quest in 2020 until Covid initially interrupted her goals. She completes her goal by visiting her last country with a moving visit to Girl MOVE Academy, a foundation empowering girls and women. Gina was in Nairobi while I was recording in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. Well…that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Maniadivides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks ---- More details at: Blog Post ----- Produced by Sonorous Lab Studio

Key Links How Many Countries Are There In The World video Support Counting Countries at Patreon The new Counting Countries Merch Store Thank you to my Patrons…William Schelling, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. More About Indy: Born in: USA Passports: USA Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. 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 Traveler's Century Club states that there are 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are 3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! ----- Produced by Simpler Media

Natasha was born in the Caribbean and was able to explore the region growing up. But Natasha's serious travels began when she relocated to the Pacific Islands. She shares with us how she balances her travel when her spouse can not always join her and talks about relying on her 193 travel crew. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, or Spotify and even better if you write a review. Natasha was in Dublin while I was recording in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons…William Schelling, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Steph Rowe, Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles & Ted Nims. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase them today on Amazon. And now, you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Amazon. And watch my full-length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. More About Jack: Born in: Bogota Passports: Columbia, Hungary, USA Favorite Book: World's Most Dangerous Places Favorite Film: The Weeping Camel Favorite Travel App: NomadMania Favorite Food: Indian Favorite Airline: Turkish Airlines Favorite Hotel: My hotel: Lancaster House, Bogota Map: https://nomadmania.com/profile/6461 Blog: www.valijadeapocrifos.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jack.goldstein18 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 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. Fewer 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. 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 Traveler's Century Club states that there are 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 949 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. SISO says there are 3,978 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. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda. Or book a trip through G Adventures. PS Thanks! ----- Produced by Simpler Media