Countries youd like to visit – Part 1

The earth’s surface is divided into over 200 official countries and territories, incorporating a multitude of differing terrain and contrasting cultures.

Having been inflicted with the travel “bug” from an early age, the urge to acquire first-hand experience of the diversity in the topography and civilization that adorns this planet has evolved into a passion for exploration.

However, the realistic perception lies with the awareness and understanding that both time and finance has, and will probably continue, to influence the opportunity to achieve the desired reality of having visited countless nations.

What, therefore, is a rational expectation for a life-long travel itinerary? For a personal target I have opted for a minimum of visiting a country located within each of the seven continents. If the opportunity is forthcoming and I am able to incorporate a higher number of worldwide destinations then I will view this as an unexpected extra, but for now the target remains a destination within each of the seven continents.

I have travelled across Europe, to countries including France, Italy, Romania and Cyprus, so the intentional travel itinerary will concentrate on the remaining six continents.

North America – A visit to the largest state in the United States of America, with a trip to Alaska. One travel option is for an Alaskan cruise and as my travel plans also includes the intended use of a variety of differing modes of transport, the preferred method for visiting Alaska would be aboard the cruise ship.

South America – The archaeological remnants of the Inca empire in Peru, and the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Africa – Two countries continue to dominate my thoughts: A safari in Kenya, and a visit to the north-eastern region of Tanzania with the intention of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Asia – Kathmandu and the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. One cannot ignore a destination that includes the mountain kingdom of the Himalayas, and the pinnacle that is Everest. Climbing Everest is probably a little optimistic, but the view from base camp will be an equal experience.

Australia and New Zealand – From Alice Springs by road to view this bewildering rock formation, made of sandstone, at sunset or a dive beneath the ocean waves to explore the Great Barrier Reef. If the opportunity becomes viable then I would endeavor to plan a trip to incorporate both Australia and New Zealand within one extended vacation. Landing in Australia first for Sydney and Alice Springs, then across the Tasman Sea to the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Antarctica – This will undoubtedly be the most extreme destination of choice, due to the nature and climate of this frozen wasteland, but future plans entail a flight to the South Pole and the viewing of the native Emperor Penguins.

Will I achieve this quest? I cannot tell, but I am hopeful of many years ahead to achieve the desired, and to be able to compile a catalogue of memories and personal experiences from across the globe.