Andy Hicks Counting Countries has traveled to 120 countries

Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. Today, we are speaking with Andy Hicks. I have had the pleasure of meeting Andy at the first ETF in Armenia and the TCC meeting in May in the Azores. Andy was raised in a non-travel environment, but a couple of pivotal trips propelled him into the 193 community and with his stated goal of every country by 50.

If you want to meet Andy Hicks and 206 other travelers join us in Bangkok. The Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok. Use discount code BANGKOK for $60, so please purchase your ticket today to lock in your savings at the Extraordinary Travel Fest. I’ll give an ETF recap at the end of this episode.

I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “JL” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sam Williams, and Ani Chaturvedi for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear extra content with Andy that you will not hear.

I binge a ton of podcasts. I have just started listening to the Maverick Show podcast, hosted by Matt Bowles. Maverick Show just celebrated his 300th episode. Check out a most recent episode with Ashley Company. She grew up as a military brat, living as a local in South Korea with her family. Then she went on a multi-month epic trip visiting every country in South and Central America. Check out Ashley. Of course, Counting Countries is all about Chasing 193. Matt is more focused on digital life and travel, but there are many interesting lessons and parallels within our community. Listen to The Maverick Show on your Favorite Platform Here

I was in Bangkok for this recording while Andy was in Denver. Please listen in and enjoy.

Thank you to my Patrons – you rock!! …. Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Phil Marcus, Sam Williams, and Ani Chaturvedi.

Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel!

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

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review!

More About Andy Hicks Counting Countries

Where were you born: Lexington, KY USA
What passport (s) do you hold: USA (2)
Favorite travel book: probably Around the World in 50 Years by Albert Podell; Bradt guides 100% for trip planning
Favorite travel film: Raiders of the Lost Ark (no kidding)
Favorite travel app or website: EPS, Adam Hickman’s Top Tips, Geography Now!
Must carry item when traveling (like flashlight, Kindle, deck of cards etc.): my sleep is extremely important – so eye shades, ear plugs, and Ambien; anything else I can buy locally
Favorite food: probably sushi
Favorite drink: good coffee and Coca Cola with real sugar when outside the US
Favorite airline: Turkish or Qatar
Favorite hotel: not too focused on hotels but if I had to pick one, probably the Grovepark in Asheville, NC
Instagram

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 Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions.
The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 unique parts of the world.
SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world.
And the video that explains it all!
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.