Thanos is on a quest to visit every country in the world and has already visited 146 UN countries. Thanos initial focus in life was education and business, not travel. In fact, one of his first overseas trips was a basic package trip to Sri Lanka. After completing his doctorate in theoretical physics and starting his own business in India his life eventually transitioned into a life of travel. Now adventures include summiting the seven summits with three already completed. Thanos also enjoys road trips like a 3 week, 3000 km motorbike trip across Mongolia. Thanos also appreciates a good land crossing such as when he entered Mali and ended up spending the night in jail. Thanos will also share with you why he needs to go back to Laos. Please listen in and enjoy. 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 Thanos Koukoutsakis: Born in: Greece Passports from: Greek Favorite travel book: Around The World In 80 Days Favorite travel film: Documentaries about mountaineering and the arctic explorers. Favorite travel site: maps.me Must carry: US dollars! Favorite food: My mother's top 5 dishes! Favorite drink: Hot chocolate and Baileys. Website: Thanos Blog and Travelers Africa Facebook: Thanos Travels Instagram: Thanos Travels Map: Thanos'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 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.