Counting Countries | Travel The Entire World

Key Links Support Counting Countries, and check out these trips from G Adventures  https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel  Group Trip To Bhutan In November Group Trip To Madagascar    Blog: Lexie Limitless  Instagram: Lexie Limitless TedEx: Lexie -----Lexie Alford … Collecting 10,000 Documents  Lexie is the youngest person to travel to every country in the world   This is my second conversation with Lexie.  As I have mentioned before, I constantly debate whether to invite guests back for a second conversation, especially since I only publish podcasts on a monthly basis at this time.  But I considered Lexie’s accomplishment worth a second conversation as I had become vested in her journey as I tracked her travels on social media and we would occasionally converse.  And I also admire Lexie. As a 21, she carries herself with a lot of grace and maturity.          I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons

Key Links Support Counting Countries, and check out these trips from G Adventures  https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel  Group Trip To Bhutan In November Group Trip To Madagascar  Zsuzsanna Berencsi Adam Hickman Ryan Gazder Zulekha Huseni -----A bit similar to our last episode, Live From Sealand, this episode, Live From Dubai, features four extreme travelers: Ryan Gazder, Zulekha Huseni, Zsuzsanna Berencsi, and Adam Hickman.  I had an extended layover in Dubai en route to Armenia and I reached to some fellow travelers. We met for some Lebanese and then retired to a conference room in the Burj Khalifa to record this episode.    I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  And thanks to my other patrons, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Ryan Gazder, and Adam Hickman. As thanks, they are able to listen to additional interviews, only availab

Key Links Support Counting Countries, and check out these trips from G Adventures  https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel  Group Trip To Bhutan In November Group Trip To Madagascar  Visiting Sealand Principality of Sealand Extreme Travelers International Congress   -----On today’s episode, I speak with eight extreme travelers at Sealand.  Well, let me explain that, the interviews did not take place at Sealand, but at the nearby port of Harwich in England.  And yes, these interviews are recorded, so it is really not live. But, I loved the title … Live From Sealand.   I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. Thanks to new patron, Adam Hickman, who is also a former guest. Make sure you check out his interview and his blog, Hick Hiker.  And thanks to my other patrons, Bisa Myles, Ryan Gazder, and Ted Nims.  As thanks, they are

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today’s episode, I welcome Palle Bo to Counting Countries.  Palle and I have met twice over the last couple of years, once in Manila and once in Chicago, but today is the day where we made it official with an interview.    Before I introduce Palle, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.  So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive additional 20 minute interview with last month’s guest, Petro. Or a five minute update from Fabio Cao, from former guest, who h

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----Hey now… Thank you for joining me on Counting Countries.  I’m your host, Ric Gazarian, . On today’s episode, I welcome Adam Hickman to Counting Countries. Adam is on a mission to visit every country before he turns 40 and moving to the UAE opened up many travel opportunities.   Before I introduce Adam, a quick reminder that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.  So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive Counting Countries Extra with former guests Sal Lavallo or Lexie Alford. And

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today’s episode, I welcome Felix Mechnig-Giordano to Counting Countries.   Before I introduce Felix, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.  So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to exclusive additional interviews from former guest like Fabio Cao. And a shoutout to Ted Nims, my newest patron, and a fellow Chicagoan.  Welcome and thank you for your support. And a reminder, Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Bhutan on November 7th.  This is a great

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today’s episode, I welcome back Thor Pedersen to Counting Countries.  Thor is on a mission to see every country in the world with several caveats; no airplane flights, at least 24 hours in every country, and will not return home until the mission is finished.   Before I introduce Thor, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.  So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive additional 20 minute interview with last month’s guest, Petro. Or a five minute update fr

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today’s episode, I welcome Sascha Grabow to Counting Countries.  I noted Sascha’s name on the top of the Nomad Mania’s best traveled for quite some time.  We spent numerous months scheduling this conversation taking into account our travels as well as some time that Sascha spent in prison in the Solomon Islands.    Before I introduce Sascha, I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon.  Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.  So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive additional 20 minute interview w

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel -----I am announcing that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.   This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries. I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return. I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries. To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries. On another note, due to time constraints, Counting Countries will be publishing one episode a month starting in 2019.    More about Petro Marais: Born in: Pr

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel -----I am announcing that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me.  I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast.   This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries.  I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return.  I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries.  To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries.  On another note, due to time constraints, Counting Countries will be publishing one episode a month starting in 2019.    More about Debjeet Sen: Born in

Website: www.travel2unlimited.com Instagram: Travel 2 Unlimited On today’s episode, I welcome Rus Margolin to Counting Countries.  I learned about Rus and his prolific travel from seeing his photos on Facebook in Every Passport Stamp, and fellow EPS Moderator Petro suggested that I interview him for the podcast.   Russ grew up in the Soviet Union in Minsk, Belarus. Rus’s parents believed in travel and took him on frequent trips within the Soviet Union, including frequent trips to the Baltics.  In fact, growing up Rus was the president of the Young Communist League. The Soviet Union collapsed in his youth, Rus won a country-wide English contect, and won a scholarship to Florida to attend university.  After overcoming some culture shock, he excelled at school, and made his way to Wall Street. As a kid, Rus dreamed of exploring the world, cutting our pictures out from nature magazines, staring at photos of wildlife and nature.  After his arrival to the US, he was able to pursue his dreams of ex

On today’s episode, I welcome Danay Bustamante to Counting Countries.  I learned about Jenna from previous guest, Henrik Jeppesen, who introduced us via email.  It took Danay and I several months to connect due to conflicting schedules. Danay was born in Cuba, was separated for years from her father who moved to Mexico, and she eventually reunited with her father via a trip to the UK.  Growing up she developed her twin passions of travel and dance. Her love of salsa has opened many doors around the world, creating new friendships and providing new travel opportunities.  She has danced in some of the unlikeliest countries. Danay talks about how she was propelled into the world of counting countries during a visit to Africa for an extended time.  She talks about challenging experiences in Haiti, why Botswana is not on the top of her list, and why she loves El Salvador. And Danay shares with us a story about Burkina Faso and the magic of travel.    And during this episode, we speak about former guest Tony Giles,

Key Links Counting Countries Apparel --------------------------------------- On today’s episode, I welcome jenna klotz to Counting Countries.  I learned about Jenna from two previous guests; Randy williams traveled with her in Armenia and Artsakh, and Lexie Alford randomly met her in the Pacific. Jenna is also living in Chicago and our interview coincided with my summer visit to my home in Chicago.  So taking advantage, Jenna and I set up a time to meet.   Instead of playing with dolls as a kid in Michigan, Jenna pretended to be a travel agent, planning trips for her family.  At college, she didn't do one semester abroad, she did three semesters abroad! Travel was in her blood. After college, she ended up teaching in a small town in Hungary.     This stay in Hungary in conjunction with European discount airlines, propelled her into the world of counting  countries. During our conversation, jenna, talks about a 55 foot rogue wave that disabled the ship she was on, money mishaps in Mauritania, the beauty of t

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today’s episode, I spoke with Bob Bonifas.  I have seen Bob’s name on the top of the Most Traveled People’s list.  MTP divides the world into 874 places and Bob is currently ranked #2 on the list.  I had the opportunity to visit Bob in his office in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago. His spacious office was filled with a ton of  travel mementos. Bob did not take his first flight until the age of 30, but since then he has racked up several million plus miles and then some.  Bob founded Alarm Detection Systems and became involved with the industry associations. With his involvement in the association he began to travel more and more, expanding his horizons.        Bob learned about Travelers’ Century Club and MTP and being a Type A personality he quickly became hooked on travel.  He rapidly picked up new countries and territories, moving up on the list. He is now in a friendly

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today’s episode, I welcome Mar Pages to Counting Countries.  I first learned about Mar when researching a trip to Djibouti several years ago and came across her blog.  I emailed her a question or two and she responded back with some advice. Two years later, I shared dinner with her when a group of mutual friends met up in Bangkok at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Charlie Browns. We are regional neighbors as she lives in Singapore and I am in Bangkok.      Since university Mar has led a truly global life, living in multiple countries and traveling extensively for work throughout the world. This is quite a big change copated to her fist travel forays which were limited to road trips to nearby Andora to stock up on Nutella with her family.   Mar has lived in London, Dubai, and Singapore. She has also practically lived in multiple other cities on long consulting gigs lik

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today’s episode, I welcome Stephen Hughes to Counting Countries.  Steve and I met on the road during a visit to Iran, where we are both not allowed independent travel.  I enjoyed our time together since Steve is not shy about sharing his opinions, and I knew he would be a good fit for the podcast.   And this episode was a long time in the coming.  We met in 2016 and recorded an episode in 2017. Unfortunately, the file was corrupted and never published.  It took many months to reschedule and was finally recorded for a second time in the summer of 2018. This recording was of really, really poor quality.  I was going to have to schedule a third interview. But Counting Countries is not a one-man operation. My producer/editor is Evo Terra, the author of Podcasting for Dummies, was called in for emergency help.  While this podcast is not the best in audio quality, Evo was ab

Key links & critical information: Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa More about Boris Kester: Born in: The Hague, Netherlands Passports from: Netherlands Favorite travel book: Homer’s Odyssey Favorite travel film: Touching The Void Favorite travel app: maps.me Must carry: Camera Favorite food: Italian Favorite drink: Freshly squeezed fruit juice Favorite Airline: KLM Favorite Hotel: Mattress in the desert Websites: Travel Adventures & Boris Kester Instagram: Boris Travel Adventures Twitter: Boris Kester Facebook: Boris Kester Boris’s Map: Nomad Mania  Please leave a rating or a review wherever you listen to Counting Countries. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Alexa and anywhere else you find podcasts. ------------------ For detailed show notes and more about your host, Ric Gazarian, please visit GlobalGaz.com. ------------------ Counting Countries is produced and supported by Simpler Media Productions. Our theme music is by Mundi.

Key links & critical information: Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa More about Maurice Brand: Born in: Kerkrade, Netherlands Passports from: Dutch Favorite travel film: Given Favorite travel app: Skyscanner Must carry: Camera and several lenses Favorite food:  Hummus Favorite drink: Water Favorite Airline: Ethiopian Airlines Facebook: Maurice Brand Please leave a rating or a review wherever you listen to Counting Countries. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Alexa and anywhere else you find podcasts. ------------------ For detailed show notes and more about your host, Ric Gazarian, please visit GlobalGaz.com. ------------------ Counting Countries is produced and supported by Simpler Media Productions. Our theme music is by Mundi.

Key links & critical information: Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa ---------- More about Michael Runkel: Born in: Bavaria, Germany Passports from: Germany Favorite travel book: Shantaram Favorite travel site: Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum Must carry: 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 Please leave a rating or a review wherever you listen to Counting Countries. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Alexa and anywhere else you find podcasts. ------------------ For detailed show notes and more about your host, Ric Gazarian, please visit GlobalGaz.com. ------------------ Counting Countries is produced and supported by Simpler Media Productions. Our the

Key links & critical information: Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We’re on Amazon Alexa More about Lexie Alford: Born in: Nevada City, California Passports from: US Passport Favorite travel book: On the Road by Jack Kerouac Favorite travel film:  Samsara Favorite app: Passporter app (coming soon) Favorite food:  Moroccan Couscous Favorite drink: Freddo Cappuccino (Greece) Favorite airline: Delta Favorite hotel: Berggasthaus Äscher (Cliff Hanging Hostel in the Swiss Alps) Website: Living Lost Facebook: Lexie Alford Instagram: Lost Lexie Please leave a rating or a review wherever you listen to Counting Countries. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Alexa and anywhere else you find podcasts. ------------------ For detailed show notes and more about your host, Ric Gazarian, please visit GlobalGaz.com. ------------------ Counting Countries is produced and supported by Simpler Media Productions. Our theme music is by Mundi.