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Join the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, October 22-25, 2026.  Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket. The Extraordinary Travel Festival 2026 is bringing together some of the most influential leaders in the global travel community to help travelers create richer, deeper, and more meaningful experiences around the world. One of the core goals of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) is to connect travelers directly with the thought leaders, founders, innovators, and industry insiders shaping the future of travel. By hearing from these experts, attendees stay informed about the latest travel trends, destination updates, technology tools, communities, and opportunities that can transform how they explore the world. This year’s lineup includes influential travel personalities and founders such as Matt Gray of Pangea, Stefan Krasowski of Every Passport Stamp, Orest Zub of NomadMania, and Ian Cumming of Travel Massive. NomadMania Returns to the Extraordinary Travel Festival Orest Zub and NomadMania will once again partner with ETF in Bangkok for what promises to be one of the highlights of the festival. During our latest podcast discussion, we explored major updates to the [...]

Mihai Dascalu has been to 99 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mihai Dascalu. I first met Mihai at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok in 2024, and I am excited he will be returning again this October. Mihai and his family made the bold decision to leave everything behind in Romania to start a new life in the United States. Along the way, they embarked on an epic family journey lasting over a year. We dive into that experience, as well as his ongoing pursuit to Chase 193. 🎧 Listen to Counting Countries Spotify Apple Podcasts Alexa: “Play Counting Countries podcast” And many other podcast players 🙏 Thank You to Our Patrons 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, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, [...]

Sherri Donovan has been to 187 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri Donovan, a well-known member of the community. I was taken aback when Sherri shared her solo international travels as a young teenager — a true free spirit. These early adventures paved the way for a truly global life of travel. You can meet Sherri at the third Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok this October. Don’t miss out! 🎧 Listen to Counting Countries Spotify Apple Podcasts Alexa: “Play Counting Countries podcast” 🙏 Thank You to Our Patrons 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, Philippe “BC” Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, and Shawn McDonough. 👉 [...]

Barry Hoffner has published his memoir, Belonging To The World.Hey now — I’m your host, Ric Gazarian. This is a special episode of the Counting Countries Podcast featuring extreme traveler and philanthropist Barry Hoffner.Barry previously appeared on Counting Countries, and I highly recommend listening to his original episode to hear his remarkable story. I first followed Barry on Instagram and later connected with him on a call. While Barry is an accomplished world traveler, what truly stood out to me was his meaningful philanthropic work in West Africa.In fact, I was so impressed that I invited Barry to speak as a keynote speaker at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok in 2024. His story of travel, loss, and giving back is one that deserves to be shared. Belonging To The World – Barry Hoffner’s Travel Memoir Belonging To The World (affiliate link) is Barry Hoffner’s memoir, published on March 3. The book chronicles Barry’s journey through life, career, travel, and family. I’ve read the book and highly recommend it. The memoir explores Barry’s lifelong love of travel [...]

Erik Futtrup has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of meeting Erik at ETF II in Bangkok, and I am looking forward to seeing him this October for ETF III.  Erik is looking forward to joining the stage at ETF for the UN Master photo as he just accomplished his quest just last year.  Erik was early to the internet, real early, in the late 1980s.  Erk was connecting with travelers in the early 90s.  Think EPS but from 25 years ago.  Erik shares his journey to 193, balancing work, family and travel.   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, Ryan Knott, [...]