Tony has a sense of adventure not rivaled by many.
Tony heard tales of travel from his Dad, a merchant marine. He also had two opportunities to study in the USA as a student. Yet, the gift of a kidney which prevented a life of dialysis supercharged his travel life, reminding him that his life is short.
And did I mention that Tony is also blind and mostly deaf. Tony shows an incredible amount of poise, courage and optimism. Tony typically travels solo and revels in the magic of travel, enjoying the interactions with locals and other travelers.
Tony shares why he loves New Zealand and Iceland. He tells us why he found the Italians less than helpful. Tony shares with us how he we was kicked out of North Dakota on his first visit and about Greyhound’s habit to lose his luggage. Tony has a penchant for adventure, whether it is hang gliding, bungee jumping, zip line or skydiving. He has a zest for life and exploration.
Tony joined me from the UK while I was in Chicago, please join in and listen to today’s episode.
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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 Tony Giles:
- Born in: Weston-super-Mare, southwest England, UK
- Passports from: UK
- Favorite travel book: My own?! Not sure if I have any!
- Favorite websites: Wikitravel
- Must carry: Spare cane and hearing aids
- Favorite food: Beef/pork sausages, preferably British
- Favorite drink: Red Bush Tea
- Favorite airline: None!
- Favorite hotel: My own home!
- His book: Seeing The World My Way
- Facebook: Tony The Traveller
- Website: Tony The Traveller
- BBC Video: Video
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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 325 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.
- 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.
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.
Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.
Photos From Chernobyl
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Hi. My name is Aileen Milsom and I am Tony Giles’s mum. I have just listened to the interview, which is amazing. I always learn something new from Tony when he is interviewed. He is a very modest person and doesn’t really expand on his trips. He tells me the funny and heart stopping events that have happened on his latest trip but just plays it down. I have two older children who do not have any disabilities so when Anthony (Tony) was born, and eventually diagnosed, my life changed.
Between us we have been through some very tough, emotional and challenging times but as you can hear he has come out the other side and is such an a wonderful, balanced and interesting person. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t admire and respect him. He has an aura around him which you feel within minutes of meeting him. Such an inspiration to all, gentle and non judgemental. A rare commodity.
Thank you so much for sharing your comments. I think everyone agrees with your comments, that Tony is quite an inspirational guy. I really enjoyed speaking with your son.