Peter Fenger has been to 102 countries

Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. On this episode I have the pleasure to speak with Peter Fenger, who just celebrated his 50th anniversary of global traveler. I always love to hear the insights of pre-internet travelers, as Peter visited both China and the USSR in the 1980s. AS a young man, Peter turned left at the fork, which opened a path of exploration and freedom and avoided a regimented life in Copenhagen. He never looked back, and he never lived in Denmark again.

I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa “fully nomadic” Myles, Ted Nims, Adam “one-away” Hickman, Steph “Phuket” Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Dana Mahoutchian, Mihai Dascalu and Ryan Knott for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Thor.

And, we also have partnered with Ahmed at Aknaf Tours in Iraq who offers monthly fixed date trips from Baghdad to the marshes. Of course it is a bit too hot. But start planning those trips starting in September and beyond. Here is the link. And ask me for the discount code.

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. Remember the date will be October 22-25, 2026. And, please note there will be a FB Live on September 14th where we announce the host city for the third ETF. Click this link to stay apprised of the date and time.

Also, remember to pick up a copy of the Impossible Journey by Thor Pedersen. The Impossible Journey (including Kindle on Amazon US – affiliate).

I was in Chicago and Peter was in Lisbon 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, Mihai Dascalu, and Ryan Knott.

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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.