10 Countries to Go (That’s 183 So Far)

Check out our Top Rewards Cards to boost your points earning and travel more!


Today I departed Tuvalu,, airport code FUN, and my #183 country by UN member state count. Out of 193, that’s leaves 10 to visit.

Funafuti Airport

There are many lists that expand on the UN. I am partial to the Travelers Century Club list where I have visited 271 of 325 countries (think Vatican, Kosovo, Taiwan and keep adding). However, we all come back to the UN as the definitive qualifier of a country.

Tomorrow I fly to New Zealand for a few days, a country I have transited overnight but not counted until I have a visit I deem proper. Similar situation for me for Italy and Turkey. Then back to the US via Cook Islands (territory, not UN member).

My next big trip will likely wait till the fall. I need to reload professionally and financially. This work gap has allowed me to complete the UN countries of Africa and the Pacific, a goal that would have been many years off by regular travel rates on limited US company vacation time.

My remaining 10:

  1. Greece
  2. Italy
  3. San Marino
  4. Malta
  5. Monaco
  6. Turkey
  7. Syria
  8. Yemen
  9. Seychelles
  10. New Zealand (en route)

1-6 are easy enough to reach. 7-8, the ongoing suffering of their people means they are on the watch list that I fervently hope there is a time not far away when they can have peace and begin to rebuild their lives, their economy, and eventually signs of good times such as welcoming tourists. 9 is a matter of when I can combine with a visit to TCC territory Zil Elwannyen Sesel (Outer Seychelles), where options are few and pricey: the only two islands open to the public are Desroches, which is closed for conversion to a Four Seasons ,and Alphonse, which has a limited fishing season each year and is mega-pricey.

Still, it is worth thinking about the final one.

My friend Jason Around the World has saved Iceland for his final stop this September for a bash to bring out family and friends.

The symbolism of drawing to a close where Western Civilization began, Greece, is appealing, though I may not hold out as time drags on Syria and Yemen.

Monaco and San Marino seem too puny.

Malta might be the ticket.

Readers, what will be a fitting #193?

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

21 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jason
8 years ago

Whichever you choose for your last, count me in!

I’d still like a more proper visit to Yemen and Syria, so when you’re ready let me know. DanielW did an amazing Syria trip recently and would be happy to supply us with details I’m sure. You’re welcome in iceland, btw…

Michael W
8 years ago

What an amazing accomplishment! We loved Malta and I think it would be a fitting final destination since it has some of the oldest manmade structures in the world. Gozo would also probably count for one of the other lists.

If you have some sort of celebratory meet-up, I’d be interested in attending if scheduling worked out. For that, my pick would be Greece since I haven’t been. (Haven’t been to half of your remaining list for that matter…)

Shannon
Shannon
8 years ago

@RTC only hope you could as diligent to write your trip as your fellow Mr. Jason

Shannon
Shannon
8 years ago

I can’t decide to adore you more or Jason! Both are full of free spirit. But Jason is built like a tank and probably a little too huge and intimidating in my book.
While making so closed to the whole world listing, will you make a listing of each country you have visited and add a short description of you impression like this one did…
https://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/travels/

Schelling
Schelling
8 years ago

Very impressive. Particularly since many of the 10 countries are readily accessible. I think Kurdish Syria might be easier than Yemen in the future. I’m at 165 and struggling with some African countries, planned on S. Sudan this winter but recent trouble may make that impossible. You bring up a very interesting question of what constitutes a visit. I like your definition, mine has always been to do something meaningful (to me). Landing at an airport is not, Country counting, and counters an be a bit obsessive, important to smell the roses along the way. On my visit to San… Read more »

John
John
8 years ago

You will enjoy Malta. A lot of historical sites. Unfortunely, I was sick in Malta and did not see as much as O usually do…

bluecat
bluecat
8 years ago

Many kids in my son’s high school class have never been on a plane. If that doesn’t make you feel rich, I don’t know what will.

Julie
Julie
8 years ago

Wow! I’ve visited 3 countries….including the one I’m currently living in…how sad is that? I read these travel blogs to live vicariously and dream of the day when I can travel myself…

Cj
Cj
8 years ago

Awesome -I’m 83 countries and thought I was doing good lol – that’s amazing and I think with those 10 left I would save Seychelles for last – it’s a special place I’m told -wish you happy travels and thanks for paving the road

TravelBloggerBuzz
8 years ago

Just shocked you have not visited Greece yet!

Peter
8 years ago

Although Monaco is small, I still found it impressive. Maybe try to plan Monaco for when the Yacht Show is going on in late September. I went a couple years ago and then hopped up to Munich for the last week of Oktoberfest!

brteacher
brteacher
8 years ago

By the time you are able visit most of Syria, it will be more than one country. I would think that visiting Rojava (Kurdish Syria) wouldn’t be too hard, though. As for Yemen, I would love to visit Socotra island someday.