Samer has managed to work full time as an architect as he chases 193

Samer shared with me that he’s driven to travel by FOMO and YOLO.  The fear of missing out and you only live once, pushes him to plan constantly so he can maximize travel to the fullest. He is continually researching, creating lists, and making future travel itineraries.

Samer has travel in his blood.  From an early age he made multiple trips to Jordan and Syria to visit family. This opened the door to travel as a kid. And before he was even a teenager, he methodically learned and memorized geography data and trivia. In fact, he had already determined that he would travel to every country in the world.  

Please check out our sponsor The Journey – A Podcast by KLM

Samer visited China as a 16 year old and went backpacking in Europe before he even started university.  He shares with us how he nearly lost his cool in the Abidjan airport and his frustrations in the Miami airport. He tells us why he loves antarctica and why pakistan is underrated.

Counting Countries has been added to both Alexa and Spotify.  Wherever you listen, consider subscribing and writing a review.  And check out the awesome Counting Countries store on Amazon.

Samer joined me from California while I was in Bangkok, please join in and listen to today’s episode.  And check out his awesome sketches below!

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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review!   

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

Check out our friends: Chasing 193, Volume II: The Quest To Visit Every Country In The World and Large Minority.  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.  

More about Samer Kawar:

  • Born in: San Francisco Bay Area
  • Passports from: USA, Jordan
  • Favorite travel book: Any Lonely Planet Guide
  • Favorite travel film: Seven Years in Tibet
  • Favorite travel app or website: Nomad Mania, Atlas Obscura, Trupadvisor
  • Must carry: My sketchbook, Polaroid Zip photo printer
  • Favorite food:  Khao soi, torta ahogada, coconut curry
  • Favorite drink: the local beer in each country
  • Favorite airline: Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines
  • Favorite hotel: Airways Hotel, PNG
  • Website: WanderLuster
  • Instagram: WanderLuster
  • Twitter: WanderLuster
  • Map: Nomad Mania

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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!

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

Check out Samer’s awesome and talented sketches!

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.

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