Travel is one thing you can never get enough of, but what if you decide to explore it all? Is it possible to leave no country untouched in one lifetime? And even if it were possible how would one go about it? Travel might seem leisure but there are certain countries where traveling is no less than a risk itself. This article will answer your question whether or not it is possible to visit all the countries of the world. Let us start with the basic fact that there are about 195 recognized countries in the world in the seven continents. Speaking theoretically if you spend an average of 4 days in one county it would account for 780 days. Let us now assume that every country would take a day of traveling time so that would be another 195 days which brings to us a total of 975 days. This means approximately 2 years and 8 months. Looking at it this way it surely seems like it is not that of a herculean task but what about practicality? Some countries are beyond the bounds of possibility to visit legally, (for example it's next to impossible to get a visa for Kiribati unless your country is in the list of Visa policy of Kiribati). Some countries go through constant wars so it might be perilous to visit them. Countries like Syria take up months or even years to accept your visa while others like Bhutan need you to book an exclusive package with the travel agency which includes your accommodation, touring and meals for your visit. Uzbekistan and Angola need someone from their home country to invite you if you want to visit the place. Although this may not be that big a problem because tour and travel companies or hotels can provide you with invitations if you pay them. If you have visited an epidemic-prone country like Liberia you might not be allowed to visit Australia. Sometimes to route or way to travel to the country is very tough, like Nauru, can only be assessed by an airline which only operates on random days. Somalia is one of the few countries that does not even have a proper working government which makes it a tedious task to visit the place. If you are a female it might be a little on the rougher side for you as some countries like Saudi Arabia do not allow single women to visit. The female must be accompanied by the husband, son, brother or any other male member of the family. A written permission is required if you wish to leave the country and anyone who fails to adhere to their laws faces strict charges sometimes even death penalties. Male or female there is also a high risk of kidnapping in countries like Algeria (as foreigners are a good target for the rebels there). Your profession might also be a problem for some, for example North Korea wont allow you to enter if you have previously worked or are working with the US military or media. They have a standard procedure for tourist visas and two compulsory guides are always present with you. You even need to take permission for photos in North Korea. In order to visit the place, you need a complete package tour, including your meals, and then travel to China hoping that your visa will be accepted. The plane to North Korea can only be boarded by China. Did you know there is rivalry between countries too? For example, Libya wont let you visit it if you have visited its foe Israel before. Kashi Samaddar, an Indian who has visited all the countries in the world ion the shortest time span stays in Dubai thinks nothing is impossible. On asking about of his trips he said,he hotel where I stayed in Kabul was blown apart an hour after I left my room.'I have traveled through regions with bullets flying thick and fast all around. It's a miracle I didn't get killed.'In East Timor, I stayed without food for three days and had to pay a local lad a few hundred dollars for some bananas.'In Nauru, my flight was canceled eight times and I had to overstay for one-and-a-half months.'His visa was rejected six times when he wanted to visit Macedonia. Some of the visas took up to three years to be accepted.Indians need a visa to travel anywhere outside their country. There were times when I had opportunities to get an Australian or Canadian citizenship but I declined the offer because I wanted to prove to the world that an Indian is capable of travelling so much without changing his passport, said Mr. Samaddar who also has his name in the Guinness Book of Records for his journey in the shortest possible time of six years, ten months and seven days.Other notable people include Don Parrish (American), Chris Guillebeau (American) and Gunnar Garfors (Norwegian)So, go ahead and take inspiration from these people and do not give up on your dream to visit all the countries of the world. Or maybe you can skip all this and just travel a few places and experience luxury and comfort and have a great trip. Either way, be determined and focused on what you want and it will surely be a trip that will always be remembered.
Is it possible to visit all the countries of the world?
By Aksha Pathak | Apr 08, 2018
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