Michael Zervos has been to every country in the world

Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. This is a bonus episode with Michael Zervos. I interviewed Michael back in December of 2023, before he had started his quest. His quest? To travel to every country in the world in the quickest possible time. We have heard this before … someone who wants to break the GWR. And many in the community would ask what is the point? This is not a race. What will the traveler gain from spending just a day or two in each country?

And once the record is broken, it will be broken again. First it was Cassie de Pecol, and then Taylor Demonbreun, who currently holds the GWR for quickest at 554 days to every country in the world. The current male GWR holder is Robson Jesus at 772 days. On a random note, I met Robson in Phuket, his second country on his quest. Former guest, Indy Nelson claimed 539 days to every country. Anderson Dias traveled 543 days to every country in the world, also claiming a record, both unverified by GWR.

Michael just completed his journey in 499 days to every country in the world … overcoming potential challenges such as DPRK and Sudan.

But Michael put his own spin on his journey. He wanted to create a library of the world’s “what is the happiest moment of your life?” As he traveled to every country in the world, he would meet locals and pose this question to them, and create videos. On another random note, I organized a meetup in Bangkok when he visited, introducing him to two local Thai friends who were interviewed at the event.

Remember to keep up to date with the Extraordinary Travel Festival by joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter on our. ETF will be sometime, somewhere in 2026 around October/November, destination unknown.

Some other notes in the travel community. I joined the NM travel conference to Fergana Valley where I met 100 other travelers, including many from the ETF community. One of the highlights was a visit to a unique and amazing enclave. Hats off to the NM team which organized this great event.

I just got my copy of the Impossible Journey. This is Thor Pedersen’s mission to visit every country in the world without flying. Make sure you pick up your copy, and take a look at this link here to see your options.

I also attended April Peregrino’s last country party celebration in Bratislava. Congrats to April who was interviewed on one of the early Counting Countries episodes when she was just at 84 countries. She did an amazing job organizing this multi-day event for 50 people.

And one more piece of news, extreme traveler Krazy Koala just visited her last country. And she celebrated in a unique manner by writing a song in honor of her completion. Check out her song Solo 193. Also, she has noted that she is the first double Ivy League graduate and the first “Independent” Solo Female to visit 193 countries (95% no guide).

Please note this conversation took place before Michael’s quest began. I was in Chicago and Micheal was in Michigan for this recording. 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, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Dana Mahoutchian, and Mihai Dascalu.

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More About Michael Zervos Counting Countries

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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 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.