Summary

The author has visited 47 countries, covering approximately 21.76% of the world, with a particular fondness for Europe and a desire to revisit several locations, despite some disappointments in places like Indonesia and Israel.

Abstract

The traveler, having explored 47 countries, reflects on their experiences across different continents. They have a strong affinity for Europe, having visited 26 countries there and planning to return to some favorites while adding new ones. Asia accounts for 7 of the visited countries, with mixed feelings about revisiting. The author expresses a lack of interest in returning to North Korea and Israel but has a strong desire to see more of Africa, particularly Morocco. The Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand, holds fond memories, especially of Vanuatu and Fiji. The traveler also notes the potential to increase their country count with upcoming trips to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines for a family wedding.

Opinions

Asia: Enjoys Japan the most, is neutral about returning to Indonesia and China, and has no plans to revisit North Korea despite a positive initial trip due to its significance as a shared experience with their son.
Africa: Has a positive view of Morocco, expressing a wish to explore more of the country.
Europe: Loves all the European countries visited and is eager to explore more.
Middle East: Likes Türkiye but prefers to avoid tour buses, has no interest in returning to Israel, and wishes to visit the United Arab Emirates again, specifically Abu Dhabi.
North America: Has a limited experience in the United States (8 states) and Mexico (Tijuana), with an interest in returning to meet friends.
Pacific: Fond of the region, especially Vanuatu and Fiji, and looking forward to revisiting New Zealand.
Overall: Despite initially feeling they hadn't traveled much, the author recognizes they have seen a significant portion of the world and is content with their travel experiences, while also planning future adventures.

I’ve Travelled to 47 Countries

and I thought I’d been nowhere!

Walking in the footsteps of the Czars at the Summer Place, Peterhof. My photo.

Linda Ng put me onto a really cool website that helps you visualize how much of the world you’ve visited. I have visited 47 countries, which equates to about 20% of the world!

Here’s what the site served up for me. I’ll give you my thoughts and feelings and tell you if I would go again if I had the chance.

Asia:(7) 22.58%

Indonesia (Bali) — Too touristy, maybe if I see a good deal.

Malaysia — Loved it, travelled by train from Singapore to Bangkok. Would go again.

Singapore — Loved it, was hoping to come home via Singapore this year.

China — I’ve seen what I wanted to see ( Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Karst landscapes and Shanghai) Unlikely to go again.

Japan — love Japan, the people, the culture, the temples, the natural beauty, the onsens! Would definitely go again!

North Korea — On tour with my son so loved it. I won’t go again.

Thailand — Only stayed in Bangkok. I’d like to stay at one of those beautiful beaches and rural places that D J Hopkins , Dan Carlson | Meandering Naturist, James Baxter and Anne Bonfert talk about.

Our first breakfast in Casablanca, Morocco My photo

Africa: (1) 1.79%

Morocco — Loved the food and the culture. Would love to go again to see the places I missed.

Europe: (26) 54.17%

I’ve been to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City. I loved everywhere I’ve been in Europe and am planning to add a few more countries on my next trip as well as revisit some of my favourites.

Bearing the cold at the Ice Lagoon, Iceland. My photo

Middle East:(3)14.29%

Israel — Sorry, Israel you did not impress me and I doubt I’ll ever return.

Türkiye— Loved Türkiye, and all the ruins. Would go again but not on a tour bus.

United Arab Emirates — Just Dubai but loved the huge shopping malls. Would love to visit Abu Dhabi where my son lives.

North America:(2) 50%

This is really only the United States ( only 8 states) as we spent a day in Tijuana, just over the border in Mexico. I’d go back to meet some Medium friends especially Katie Michaelson in Iowa.

Pacific: (8) 40%

These were the only countries where we regularly holidayed for a week or 10 days.

Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Micronesia, Australia. Enjoyed all of them, especially Vanuatu and Fiji. Would love to return to New Zealand.

Total Visited: (47) 21.76%

I haven’t been to South or Central America or the Caribbean at all and to only one country in Africa. Would love to go to Cuba. I planned a 10-week trip to South America in 2015 which ended up being another trip to Europe.

I think I haven’t been to many places, but when I write the list it turns out I have. I’ll be accidentally adding a couple of more countries on my flight to/from Europe — Hong Kong and Taiwan. and I’m going to the Philippines for my son’s wedding in June.

Give it a go! Have you been to more or fewer countries than you thought you had?

If you’d like to read more about some of my favourite places, check out this list!

Travel Alphabet

My favourite places A — Z

andiebee-17203.medium.com