Michael Runkel … has completed 193 UN countries

Michael has visited every country in the world and is ranked #10 on Nomad Mania

On today’s episode, I welcome back Michael Runkel back to Counting Countries. Michael first appeared on Episode 17, back in the fall of 2016. At that time he had completed 176 countries.

I am in a difficult position. There are only 26 podcasts a year, and there are so many incredible individuals in the 193 community. I have an ongoing personal debate whether to only feature new people on the podcast or revisit with prior guests. I decided in some cases, it would be interesting to touch base with previous guests who were in the midst of their quest, and who at a later point completed the 193. Hence, Michael rejoins Counting Countries again. And he does not disappoint. Michael is a prolific traveler and shares more incredible travel stories including one from Central African Republic. He introduces us to Kolja Spori’s Extreme Traveler International Congress, which took place in Somalia, where William Baekeland made an appearance. Michael also touches on his extremely successful photo exhibit (which has ended at the time of the publication of this podcast) in Germany featuring photos from all 193 countries

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And in fact, a quick thank you to Rich Deneault for his review on Apple Podcast. “The host of this podcast, Ric Gazarian – an avid traveller himself – surely boasts a world class Rolodex of well-known travellers. In this wonderfully engaging podcasts, Ric interviews travellers about their favourite places, Visa nightmares and inspirations to travel. The list of interviewees includes such notable travellers as Gary Arndt, Lee Abbamonte, Don Parrish, Johnny Ward, Gunnar Garfors, Audrey Walsworth and many more. If you enjoy travel or simply enjoy travel stories, you’ll certainly enjoy this podcast!” Thanks for sharing these kind words.

But for now, here’s my conversation with Michael, who joined me from Germany while I was in Bangkok, the Big Mango.

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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 Michael:

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
Website: Micheal Runkel
Facebook: Michael Runkel Photographs
Instagram: Michael Runkel Photo
Travel Map: The Best Traveled Map

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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!

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 327 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands.
The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world.
The Nomad Mania states that there are 1281 unique places in the world.
SISO says there are 3,978 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.

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

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.

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