Samu Viljanen - 193 countries!

Samu Viljanen - 193 countries!

Author: Ric Gazarian June 17, 2016 Duration: 46:37
Download Episode! Samu before the age of 40 had traveled to all 193 countries on earth. And in one fell swoop, traveled to all 53 countries in Africa. Samu is one of seven Finns who have traveled to every country in the world. At the age of 39, he had traveled to every country in the world. Though he went back on the road in 2011 to visit South Sudan when it gained its independence. More about Samu Viljanen: Born in: Finland Passport from: Finland Favorite travel book: Jules Verne's adventure novels - they inspired me when I was a child. Favorite travel site: Hostel World and Booking.com Must carry: Enough memory cards to store pictures, a couple of passport photos, photocopy of your passport info page and possible visas, medication for first aid (ulcer cream, antibiotics for a stomach), small travel alarm with a flashlight, and a small padlock. Favorite food: Fish Favorite drink: Exotic fruit juices in tropical countries Favorite Airline: Turkish Airlines Favorite Hotel: I favor price and location. I mainly stay in hostels. 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 324 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.

The journey to visit every country on the map is a pursuit that defines a life, blending obsession, logistics, and profound personal discovery. Counting Countries, hosted by Ric Gazarian, explores this rarefied world through conversations with the travelers who are doing it. This isn't a typical travel podcast about tips or destinations; it's about the human stories behind the stamps. Each episode delves into the motivations, the decades-long itineraries, the close calls, and the unexpected moments of connection that happen along the way. Listeners hear firsthand accounts of what it truly costs-financially, emotionally, physically-to chase this singular goal. The podcast naturally examines the shifting definitions of travel and countryhood, the ethical considerations of crossing borders for a list, and the quiet reflections that come from a lifetime of movement. Gazarian guides these discussions with the insight of someone who understands the quest, creating a space for honest talk about an endeavor fewer people have completed than have gone to space. It’s about the texture of the world, one border at a time, and the unique perspective gained from seeing all of it. Tune in for intimate narratives that go far beyond passport counts, revealing the deeper meaning of a global life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 166

Counting Countries
Podcast Episodes
Tony Giles - 110 countries ... and blind and mostly deaf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:59
Download Episode! Tony has a sense of adventure not rivaled by many. Tony heard tales of travel from his Dad, a merchant marine. He also had two opportunities to study in the USA as a student. Yet, the gift of a kidney w…
James Asquith - 193 countries ... and Guinness World Record Holder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:11
Download Episode! James is the current world record holder as the youngest person to travel to every country in the world according to the Guinness World Records James has travel DNA. His grandfather regaled him with tal…
Arvinder Bahal - 178 countries ...  and on his way to outer space! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:24
Download Episode! Arvi is nearly finished in completing his quest to travel to all 193 countries, and has had some amazing experiences on the way. Arvi only has 15 countries left and is hoping to finish this quest in the…
Ellany Lea - 104 countries ... and living as a digital nomad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:35
Download Episode! Ella made a drastic decision after graduating university and starting her first corporate job. She quit on her 89th day. Despite having a great opportunity in the corporate world, she realized quickly t…
Fabio Cao - 180 countries ...  and counting! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:42
Download Episode! Fabio is closing in on his goal of 193 countries as he narrows down the list! Fabio was born in Milan and spread his wings as a model as he travelled to Miami and then moved to East and Southeast Asia b…