Per Besson … On The Road To Turkmenistan

Per has traveled to every country in the world

I had the great opportunity to sit down with Per Besson. We met in person at the Extreme Travel International Congress, where Per did a lot of great organizing for the event at the Principality of Sealand. The following week we met for some great Georgian food and sat down to do an interview in person in London. My apologies, this episode was recorded in the hotel lobby with some background noise.

I am reminding you that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that’s you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. And thanks to my other patrons, Ted Nims, Bisa Myles, Ryan Gazder, and Adam Hickman. As thanks, they are able to listen to additional interviews like the extra interview I did with Per, only available to them.

Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Bhutan on November 7th. Please go to GlobalGaz.com to see more information as well as disclosures. And I am reminding you of a trip to Madagascar in August of 2020 with G Adventures.

Per has led a fascinating life including visiting every country in the world. According to Nomad Mania he is a top 100 traveler. After college, Per embarked on a nomadic life, living for multiple years, in Europe, China, and Brazil. Per has an insatiable thirst for learning multiple languages and this is an integral part of this travels.

I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify and write a review, even better if it is 5 stars. Why? Because that is what keeps this podcast going.

But for now, here’s my conversation with Per from the Big Smoke better known as London. Please listen in and enjoy.

Thank you to my Patrons …. Adam Hickman, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims & Ryan Gazder.

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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

More About Per:

Where were you born: Frankfurt, Germany
What passport (s) do you hold: US
Favorite travel book: A Fortune-Teller Told Me
Favorite travel film: Central Station
Favorite travel app or website: Rome2Rio.com
Must carry item when traveling (like flashlight, Kindle, deck of cards etc.): Smartphone
Favorite food: Kung Pao Chicken
Favorite drink: Caipirinha
Favorite airline: Whichever leaves on time, but not before I arrive
Favorite hotel: The one with the friendly, efficient receptionists

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 327 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands.
The Most Traveled Person states that there are 891 unique parts of the world.
The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions.
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.