Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
I’ve been getting comments and emails asking me about my goal to visit 25 countries by 25. I’ve turned 24 last June. With less than a year to go, I’ve already been thinking and planning where do I cap-off my current goal.
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I have four more countries to go to for my ‘list’ and picking these countries and making plans weren’t easy.
I have two sets of plans for the year mainly because of a possibility of coming back to Europe for work in the coming months. So I divided my list into two – with one involving moving back to Europe and the other with me staying in Asia. Now of course, plans CAN and most likely WILL change but here’s how I see my year of travels going through.
If I come to Europe…
Sweden
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I’ve never been to Scandinavia – and I’ve always been intrigued by the lifestyle and the winter weather. I’ve heard that it can be quite brutal on winter, but this is something that I don’t get to experience living in a tropical country (sounds like torture, but I’m all about challenges). One of my best friend currently lives there, and I’ve promised to visit when I come back to Europe. Hopefully, I get to arrange time to see the Northern Lights as well. Perhaps I will get try surströmming as well (not really).
Portugal
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I had missed my flight to Lisbon back in 2009 because of issues with my visa – but once I get to come back, I’ll definitely give it another go. I’ve always heard lots of nice things about Lisbon and the surrounding cities. A trip from Porto down to Lisbon will most likely be on the itinerary – with visits to Peneda-Gerês National Park and Cabo da Roca.
Ireland
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The Cliffs of Moher is a place that I’ve always wanted to see! With RyanAir flights coming cheap – definitely, this is worth a shot! There is a visa requirement though that I have to go through, annoying – but a must-do for someone like me. Of course, a definite visit to the Guinness factory and an Irish pub should be added.
South Africa
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Now, it’s not close to Europe – but given a European salary and work holidays – this is a place that I’ll be able to visit. I’ve always wanted to visit South Africa and definitely a few weeks’ vacation here is something I’ll get to do. From Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town – this will be a great addition on my list and a great culmination for my goal.
Other countries on my list:
Norway:The fjords and all things nature. I want to stand on pulpit rock (Preikestolen)
Croatia:Dubrovnik and the rest of the Croatian coasts for a great feel of summer
Greece:Athens and Santorini – why not?
If I stay in Asia…
Thailand
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I’ve already booked tickets thanks to flights sales from Cebu Pacific. Everyone has been raving about Thailand, so I need to see what it has to offer. Of course, I’ll get to visit Bangkok and spend a few days there – and then probably go down to the Andaman coast for some beach and drinking time.
Laos
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I’ve always been intrigued by this country and I been drawn by what I read of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Vang Vieng. It’s a country rich with new cultures and experiences – I should say that I’ll regret not including it my list. I would also like to get to see the Irrawady dolphins. And it’s a relatively easy jump-off point after my trip to Thailand. So yes, this needs to be here.
China
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Of course, with only a sea separating Philippines and China, this is a definitive yes. The Great Wall, Olympicsstadium with an included train trip with the new train from Beijing to Shanghai. Plus of course, there’s Hong Kong and Macau – which is only an hour flight from Manila. The food is already enough drawcard for me – just say Xiao Long Bao and I’d book a flight there soon!
South Korea
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I am not a huge fan of Korean soaps nor of their music, but I’m intrigued by its sudden growth in terms of destination. A visit to the de-militarised zone is an option, though I’m not sure if in anyway this supports the northern neighbour regime. But on anycase, definitely I’d like to sample Seoul’s vibe – and a few anyangsaeo. 
Other countries:
Indonesia:It is our southern neighbour – and a visit to Yogyakarta, Bali and Lombok is on the list. Though flights from Manila is really bad for this.
Myanmar:The Bagan temples. Enough said – though the country’s political situation somewhat stops me from doing so.
New Zealand:Considering that I might be unemployed at this period, then this might not be a practical option. But definitely if the flight and visa gods support me – I will make sure this happen.
Have you been to any of these countries? What are your suggestions of places to visit or experiences to try? Do you have any countries you’d like to suggest?
Hey Jerick!
Sweden is a nice place to come, although pricey. If you do come, let me know and well have a beer or two.
However, if you come in the winter you’ll not be able to get the Surströmming as it’s traditionally only served in late August and September. Trust me, you’re better off without anyway
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Cheers Tobias! Definitely, will let you know when I get there. Yeah, after writing this post – i did more research on surstromming and the posts I’ve read did change my mind. Is it worse than balut?
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
It can’t compare to Balut, really. Surströmming kills you with the smell. It’s like Durian fruit but 10 times stronger. If you open a container in a room, people will flee. The taste is not too bad though…
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South Africa was really cool mate, got some pics on my site if you want a look. Otherwise google the ‘Garden Route’. Coffee bay was awesome too.
Also urge you to consider Sri Lanka. My favourite country!
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Yep, I’ll check those places out in SA. I saw some cheap tickets actually from the PH, so maybe I don’t need to go back to Europe to visit it.
I want to go to Sri Lanka too – but maybe not this year, but definitely it’s on my list.
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
For a cheap week/weekend i cant speak highly enough of Poland either. Sopot, wroclaw and krakow were all awesome.
Flights from Belguim surely couldnt be that much?
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Yes, Krakow & Sopot was great place to visit! I like the vibe & architecture of both places, and Krakow has a good night scene. Definitely, I’ll consider coming back when I’m in Brussels – flights are cheap with Wizzair.
My last time was a bit of a rush (4 days only – and spent running through Krakow then Radom to Warsaw)
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
Thanks for the link mate – and good to see Thailand and Ireland on the list, my 2 ‘home’ countries
good luck bro!
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Cheers mate, I’m going to Thailand in November (or earlier depends), would be great to catch up with a beer or two!
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
Great list! If you get to Portugal don’t forget the Algarve coast, it’s lovely there. You also have some places on your list that are on mine – China, NZ, Indonesia, S Africa and Sweden. If only I had unlimited money *sigh*
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Great, i’ll add that to my list. And definitely, I hope that in those places we can cross paths, that would be great!
Yeah, i’m a bit short of money otherwise i’ll make my goal up to 30 countries this year.
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
Sounds like a great plan! but have you been to Spain? Come visit us
We have cheap accommodations and if you come to Barcelona I’ll give you a quick tour around!
Yes, I’ve been to Spain but only in Madrid and its suburbs. I haven’t been to Barcelona and have always wanted to go around the country – definitely, I’ll your advice once I get to go back there!
Jerick recently posted..Final Four : Finishing my 25-country goal
Try South Africa AND China lol
They are high on my wishlist as well
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Oh those are on my list too – I’ll make it there someday!
Jerick recently posted..You don’t have to be rich to see the world
Definitely go to Laos, China and New Zealand! Great countries all. When in Laos, go to Luang Prabang, hike the Great Wall in China and go bungy jumping in NZ
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Agree! thanks for the suggestions! have heard much good things about Luang Prabang, so definitely it’s on the list!
Reading your blog makes me wanna travel this time… just so sad that I need to cancel my trip this month and hopefully, make a way to get a leave so that I can push through with my plans of visiting a friend in Taiwan and exploring Thailand next month.
We might see each other at the Bangkok airport. haha…
Just in case, tell me when will be your China trip. I also wanna see the Great Wall!
you’re almost done with this goal… what’s next? RTW tayo!!!
Thank you, Apple! I’m booked for China this January – should be awesome! then 2 more countries to worry about til June!
RTW is definitely on the picture – but will definitely need some serious saving.
Interesting pieces of destination. A must see places before i die i must say.. lol..
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you don’t need to die to see them mate.