THE BAHAMAS – 700 ISLANDS IN THE SUN

I have been told that 1962 was a “Good Year” in The Bahamas. Although a rum and tequila man myself, the years since have been like a fine bottle of wine.

Most visitors first introduction to The Bahamas is at Nassau International Airport where if you are lucky enough you will be welcomed with the sounds of steel drums from a local band. Be careful your hips may start “whining”.

The norm here is a slow and relaxing way of doing things and this is true where ever you find Bahamians. I think we invented being “fashionably late”. As a kid, it was often joked that Bahamians would be late for their own funerals. I am counting on this to complete the challenge before me.

For tourist, the immigration and customs process is straight forward. However, it can be interesting to watch returning residents engage with customs officials about their many purchases from abroad.

Exiting customs, walk over to the nearby convenience store and purchase a cold “Goombay Punch” or “Junkanoo Punch” along with a “Coconut or Bennie Cake”. All loaded with sugar... but refreshing and yummy.

Tour companies and rental car agencies are also available in this area with no special requirement for car rentals. Just switch your brain around to drive on the left and you will be okay. Don't expect your car to be there if you are late during a busy period as it becomes first come first serve even if you had a reservation. Calling ahead may help but messages are not handled well. Have a hard copy of your reservation and eventually you'll be taken care of.

“Don't Worry, Be Happy”.

The normal route to your hotel will be along the western beaches of Nassau. Ask your drive to make a quick stop at “The Caves” where you can explore and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the beach nearby.

For a more local scenery route, surprise your driver and ask to be taken to “Dirties” in Bain Town. If your driver does not know about “Dirties” jump out of the cab, you have an imposter!

Located on the corner of Nassau and Meadow Street, Rosalies aka Dirities serves without a doubt the best “Crack Conch” in Nassau. This is a dish you must have for a true Bahamian experience. It is first place I stop when visiting my birthplace.

While waiting for your order, “Snack or Dinner” ($8-10) walk over to the nearby liquor store and grab the “Kalik or Bacardi And Rum Special”. Kalik, The Bahamian Beer is full flavored and not as weak as most American beers. Wrapped in a brown paper bag, you can secretly .. wink, wink start enjoying your “Kalik” without delay. Except for drinking and driving, the alcohol laws are relaxed here and the brown bag ritual goes back as long as I can remember.

For a sit down local dining experience, visit “The Shoal” restaurant just down the street from “Dirties” but don't be in a hurry the food is worth the island style service.

Primarily a resort type island, inexpensive nice accommodations can be hard to find. Start at Junkanoo Beach, Downtown Nassau, Cable Beach or if you have a huge trust fund .. send some of it to me before you check in at Atlantis.

If you happen to stay at Cable Beach or ride “The Jitney” - local bus out there for the day, you can enjoy a fresh Bahamian smoothie just outside the local straw market across from the hotels. Add some local rum for that extra kick.

Once on Cable Beach itself, meet one of the original members of The Bahamian Witness Protection Program. “Cage” aka “Coffin” aka “Smoky” aka “Candy Man” aka “Action”. . Born as Renwick is a childhood friend of mine that runs “Action Water Sports”. Ask him about his “Dilly Tree Wasp Experience” while you bargain for a Jet Ski, Para-sailing or Banana Boat Ride.

Atlantis is a very beautiful resort where life styles of the rich and famous can be seen on a daily basis. However, it lacks a true Bahamian experience and island feeling. Though the free aquarium there is worth the visit.

Stroll across the bridge that leads back to Nassau and after taking in the views, make a u-turn at the bottom. Here you can get a unique Bahamian experience. Buy fresh fish or fruits, sample “pig feet souse” from a mobile mostly “mom” kitchen or join a game of checkers or dominoes if you dare.

You are at Potter Cay Dock a bustling area for local marine transactions. Here you can board Bahamas Ferries for quick day trips to The Exumas, Eleuthera or other out islands. For shopping, sightseeing and free rum samples, head west from Potter Cay towards Bay Street.

Rawson Square is the center of downtown and many local attractions are nearby. The Queen's Staircase within walking distance of downtown leads to another great view of Nassau. From there you can easily visit the pink and white … Government House. Down Blue Hill Street and you are at The Hilton Hotel formerly British Colonial, the back drop of many James Bond 007 movies.

Just outside The Hilton hop a “Jitney” west to “Fish Fry”, a local and tourist hangout for fresh Bahamian food and weekend entertainment. Goldie's is my favorite here for conch fritters, a cold Kalik and fresh conch salad that can be made soo hot it makes your head sweat. Be careful how you order it!

If you are fortunate to visit Nassau between Christmas and New Year's Day, make every effort to participate in Junkanoo a carnival type parade that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day except when they fall on a Sunday. Your participation requires only a little sense of adventure. If you can blow a whistle or shake a “cowbell”, you are good to go. Bring an old pair of jeans and shirt then find a local to help you “paste” a costume which is not difficult. This will allow you to walk the main street as the parade is going on and you will get the opportunity to rush scrap.

Depending on your level of participation, Junkanoo celebration can start from 9 in the evening and go until early afternoon the next day.

Large groups compete with music, dance and costumes for not only a prize pool but more importantly bragging rights. Fans in the stand shout their favorites groups as they go by …. “Saxons”, “Saxons”... “The Valley Boys”, “The Valley Boys”.

Done right, Junkanoo is a fun filled exhausting event that ends with heavy eye lids, a breakfast of boil fish and johnny cake or if you are lucky enough, crack conch from “Dirties”.

A folk song ask the question... “If The Good Lord Never Went On Holiday, Then Tell Me Why He Made The Bahamas?” I hope you will get the opportunity to ask the same question about my birthplace only one of 700 Islands In The Sun.

Let me get this straight... you narrowed down "1,000 Places" to 195 countries?? I hope that is the case, it makes me feel SOOOOOO much better!!!

Nueman605 ... All it required was creativity and a sense of humor which I am glad to see that you have. I am sure before I am six feet under it will be closer to 1,000 so you can continue to feel SOOOOOO, SOOOOOO much better. I hope you continue to join me on my journey.

I too will be six foot under or at least have a leg under before i get close!!!! However I will say I have visited many of the 1,000 and don't feel they where worthy of mention.

Neuman605 ... That is dissapointing to hear. Do you care to share what countries? I hope my experiences will be different but I know dissappointments are a part of life and travel. However, when I get lemons I try to make lemonade.

DMBTraveler,
Actually specifically I was referring to the Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados. Yes it is a very nice hotel but I think I could have gone through life without seeing it!
Most of the sites in the countries (only 40 so far) have been worth the visit.
And yes there are times when we do make gallons of lemonade!!

Neuman605... I am glad you also enjoy lemonade! Thanks for the heads up on Sandy Lane Hotel. I once stayed at a hotel in Amman where at check in I was handed a box of matches for the manual in room heater.. Needless to say I just layed myself to keep warm as I did not want an explosive hotel experience.

LOL !!! Got to love it!!

I thought there were only 193 independent countries?

I'm trying to do the same thing....as well as all 50 states and all provinces/territories in Canada.

Twiggers, here's the link I am using for my reference: HTTP://geography.about.com/od/countryinformation/a/capitals.htmm. Interestingly, many places I want and will probably visit anyway are territories! So far 41 Countries, 6 Continents and 50 States. Are you blogging your travels, send me a link. DMBTraveler. www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com.

Hi DMB,

Hmmmm....I was using a Wikipedia reference based on UN recognition and had 193 as a total. I'll have to compare my spreadsheet and see where the differences lie.

Very jealous of your travels I just started traveling (after finishing a PhD) and have 9 countries, 2 continents, 32 states, and 5 provinces (Canada - where I was born). Have several trips planned later this year that will help with a few more countries and Alaska/Yukon.

I haven't been blogging yet.....might be a good idea, but I don't travel very often (a couple big trips per year) right now.

OK, so this was my reference citing 192 + Vatican City:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states

The 192 are recognized by the UN as sovereign states. It also lists some de facto states which aren't fully recognized.

Hmmm....what are the differences between your list and mine?

Twiggers, You are of to a good start. I just recently started blogging and I am still learning the process. It is a good way to build a keepsake which later you can have printed as a book. I think the difference in our list is politics! Between both of us maybe we will see them all.

Ahhhhh you have Kosovo and Taiwan! I'd love to add the "de facto" independents to my list....and see the territories of countries as well!

DMBTRaveler,

You got me beat but just barely, only 40 countries, 6 continents and only 48 states, Certainly still working at it...


"I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list." Susan Sontag

I am glad to read about others travelling the globe. Too many just dream about it. I hope we inspire them to do it!

Neuman605, I don't mind if you pull ahead! What two states are you missing?

DMBTraveler,
Oregon & N. Dakota, just went around them I guess!! I would love to pull ahead but I hope you can add more also!

Ahhhh, N. Dakota....that is one of the ones I have (right below where I was born in Canada). But it is a hard state to make it to.

Oregon is one of the ones I haven't visited either...and I lived in CA for 5 years!

DMB: Are you going to try and do all provinces in Canada?

My countries so far are:
Canada
US
UK
Sweden
Mexico
Honduras
Belize
Haiti
Jamaica

Also been to Grand Cayman (territory).

Trips this year include:

Bahamas (quick weekend jaunt)
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxembourg
US Virgin Islands (territory)
Puerto Rico (territory)
St. Lucia
St. Kitts
Grenada
St Martin/St. Maarten (both territories)

Next year we only have Alaska/Yukon planned.

I'm living in Miami right now, so we've been taking advantage of cruising. A great way to knock off all those Caribbean/C. American countries.

What upcoming travel do you have DMB?

twiggers,

Istanbul with a side trip to Bulgaria or Hungry the 1st week of June. Big trip this year will be Antarctica in November. I would also like to finish out Central America this year.. San Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala if that volcano settles down!

I have been to Vancouver, Toronto,Calagry, BC and Montreal but heard Halifax is a must for C.A.N.A.D.A

Think Haiti would be interesting. Did you go there on a cruise?

Neuman605, I hope to add Bulgaria or Hungry next week. I have been to Turkey before on a cruise but this will be my first time in Istanbul.

DMBTraveler,
I have been very interested in Pacaya. We climbed it in '07. Was an awesome experience, one we will never forget. We climbed over hot steam vents and even melted the soles of our shoes. We were too close then, can't imagine being there now.
We just returned form Ecuador 3 weeks ago and now Tungurahua is acting up too.
Not sure where we our headed this fall, thinking of India, VietNam or New Zealand, depends on airfare.

OMG... I just saw that Arenal is acting up too!! Think I'd better stay away from the volcanoes!

DMB: I'm a bad Canadian....I haven't done the Maritimes yet. I plan to combine that with a trip to Maine/Vermont (2 eastern states I haven't hit yet). My Mom lived in PEI for a year and LOVED it!

Haiti was visited as a cruise stop. Northern Haiti near Cap Haitien. Of course it was a private resort area, so it's not like I really got to experience Haiti. But the little bit I saw was very beautiful. I prefer the mountainous (well, really more like hills) Caribbean islands.

Istanbul is definitely on my list (a friend of mine is here on a visa from Turkey and raves about it).

Ahhh C. America....I want to get Costa Rica & Nicaragua (being a day trip to Costa Rica) before I leave Miami...but I decided to splurge on an Alaskan cruise for next June (combined with land trip beforehand). Panama would be great, but will likely save for a full transit cruise.

I have so many trips planned in my head...and a really flexible work schedule (I'm in academia), it's the money that is the object!

THE BAHAMAS – 700 ISLANDS IN THE SUN

Most visitors first introduction to The Bahamas is at Nassau International Airport where if you are lucky enough you will be welcomed with the sounds of steel drums from a local band. Be careful your hips may start “whining”. Read more at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com

COUNTRY NO.1

Neuman605, Went to New Zealand last fall, awesome! It was like living in a postcard. Qantas & Air New Zealand offers good fares out of LA. Since you mentioned New Zealand I will start posting my trip there on my blog shortly or you can read my trip report here.

ISRAEL

I am convinced my first impression of Israel would have been better had I flown into Tel Aviv instead a border crossing from Jordan. Read more at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com

COUNTRY NO.2

twiggers, Maybe you will discover a rich uncle or hit the lotto! I also live in South Florida and it gives easy access to Central America. Like you mentioned, I think most places are better experienced on the ground than by cruise ships although I have done my fair share of cruising. Too bad you don't get to check of that many countries just territories!

I will be visiting Istanbul with a Turkish American that's excited to show me his homeland an experience I am looking forward to.

FRANCE

With an opportunity to visit friends in Europe, I am en route to Paris. I am surprised that it will take almost 10 hours from Atlanta until we are informed by the flight crew that this is because of Eyjafjallajokull, The Volcano still active in Iceland. Read more at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com

COUNTRY NO.3

NEW ZEALAND

Sunday afternoon, my journey “Down Under” begins in Miami on a full American Airlines flight to Los Angeles. Read more at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com

COUNTRY NO.4

DMB: Yes, cruising is a great introduction to a place and we use it to determine whether we'd want to return for a full all-inclusive (i.e., we loved Jamaica and hope to return one day). We're also not HUGE beach people and really couldn't imagine doing a 7 day vacation on one island.

Do you do most of your traveling on American?

Tel Aviv: *sigh* I would love to visit the Holy Land area, but my husband is being resistant (worried about violence). Same with places like India, etc. I'm hoping some Europe travel will open up his mind to seeing new places.

twiggers, I think we are on the same line of thinking with respect to cruising and travel.

If I am going to visit 195 Countries, I cannot afford to spend too much time in anyone of them unless I plan to live to 120! 3-4 days on an island is usually enough for me.

I work in the travel industry hence the golden opportunity to see the world at a reasonable price. I have flown a lot on American but I think all airlines are the same for the common traveler. The difference comes when you have the $bucks$ to pay for First or Business class service.

A visit to Israel is a must! The only fear I had there was being on an over crowded local bus. I think independent travel and blending in reduces some risk in countries where safety is a concern. I am often approached like a local or at least not like an American when I travel. I think it is partly because of the way I dress and act which I think adds to my level of safety.

Unfortunately, even parts of Europe are not iimmune to violence but I think travelling anywhere different is mind opening. The more you do it the more comfortable it becomes to stretch your boundaries. Let's hope you will get to Israel!

THanks DMB, I hope I will make it there one day.

I agree with you on cruising. Right now since we live in Miami, it makes sense to cruise to see the Caribbean. Quite a good chunk of the 193/195 are in that region (including C. America). It's also a really economical way to see the world.

twiggers,

Yes Miami is good for cruising. Waiting for a bargain to do "The Exotic Western Carribean". Friends of mine are doing it in September on Princess a more expensive deal than say on NCL or Carnival.

Have you visit japan.
Japan also a beautiful place of world.
If you are not visited japan yet. Make next trip to visit japan.

Mariyamartha,

I have visited Japan but for work only therefore I have only seen Tokyo and Osaka. I did make an attempt to visit Mt. Fuji but missed the last bus. I will blog about my work trips there but I would appreciate some suggestions for a return visit as a tourist which is very possible in the near future.

OK you guys you are making me jealous. I don't get to travel for work and I don't live near either the east or west coast. I live on the NORTH coast, in Ohio, so I have to travel from there first before I get to go over seas. No plans for fall yet but I am doing some serious looking.

Neumman605,

I feel your pain but Ohio ain't all that bad, I once lived in Cleveland. I put my vote in for New Zealand if you want to go from West Coast and Turkey if you want to go from East Coast. If all else fails, we'll just all come visit you in Jan/Feb, peak season in North Ohio

DMBTraveler, Ha Ha, no one wants to come to Ohio in Jan/Feb, including Ohioans! Been to Turkey, tossing around Bali, VietNam or NZ for fall. (PS Noticed you said you lived in CLE ONCE!)

I've been reading this online travel magazine, Travelworld Magazine, and there's a lot of really interesting travel ideas, maybe you could find 1 of your 195 destinations in it. Maybe something like river boating along India's Kerala river, http://issuu.com/jhemsworth/docs/travelworld.maraprsm/18. It has plenty more do-able travel ideas that could make your goal a reality, for more of them visit www.travelworldmagazine.com, it's also the online online travel magazine in flash script, making it easier and more pleasant to read.

Neuman605,

Yes I lived in Brookpark in mid 90's. Think I had the coldest day of my life there one winter with the winds howling of Lake Erie. A Great "COLD" Lake in the winter. I have been to NZ but not Vietnam or Bali, so you can blaze a trail there for me!

John Johnson,
Thanks for the links. These are the type of things I am interested in doing on my adventure and will certainly blog and post about them.

DMBTraveler,
Oh yes you do understand northern Ohio! Atleast you were close to Hopkins!!

Yes, I know Hopkins well and I hope your service there will not suffer as part of the proposed CAL/UAL merger. At one time there was promise of flights from there to Europe which would be a nice way to avoid the common East Coast travel mess.

DMBTraveler,
No word as yet but I am sure we will suffer with the merger. Recently I have been flying the little Allegiant out of TOL, can't beat $20 fares to PIE in FL. JUst saw great fare to NZ out of LAX.....just maybe in Sept. Need to coax hubby

Neuman605,

Just move the calendar forward and tell him it is January or February in Oh ... burrrrrrrrr but Summer in NZ

DMBTraveler,
Sounds like a plan !

travelling-me,

I have been to Thailand and loved it! Also Singapore but did not chew any gum while there.

Thanks for the link. I will check it out. Off to Madrid for weekend, hopefully to celebrate a World Cup Victory!

Safe Travels!

DMBTraveler,
No New Zealand this fall.... Bali instead & Hong Kong. Trying to decide if HK counts as a country?? Amy thoguhts on this?

Neuman605, I don't think so but ... I am sure it is still worth the trip. I am sending for a Chinese Visa this week! Hope to visit PEK ... in Oct, maybe HNK. Let me know!

DMBTraveler,
Still not sure about HK beiong a coutry. They use therir won currency...$$ not yuan, own flag, ect. Thinking it is like we refer to PR, The USVI, Samoa & such???

Neuman605,

Here's the link I am using for my 195 Countries Adventure.

http://geography.about.com/od/countryinformation/a/capitals.htm

You have to hop on the mainland to check China/HK off the list. Hope you get to do so

hey...
Big trip this year will be Antarctica in November. I would also like to finish out Central America this year.. San Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala if that volcano settles down!

Dextar,

Visited Antarctica a few weeks ago, it was FANTASTIC! Will start posting about it soon but here's a link to my trip planning:


http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2010/11/antarctica-unfolding-of-dream.html


Depending on when you visit Nov-Jan your experience can be completely different. Either time I am sure you will enjoy it!

hey...
Big trip this year will be Antarctica in November. I would also like to finish out Central America this year.. San Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala if that volcano settles down!

http://www.siennaridgeapts.net/

I got that book too. Its very inspiring thats for sure. In any case I have been to almost 60 countries and still going strong. You might want to check out my website angietravels.com and see if it gives you any ideas. My top place was definitly Japan. Simply awesome destination. Keep traveling.

Angietravels,

Nice website. Did you do the Inca Trail in December? I have been to Peru but just around Lima. Will have to do the Trail on my second pass there ... It is difficult to visit a country more than once when there are so many more to go ..

Continued safe travels... Will link to your site

Hiya - I did the Inca trail in April - it was supposed to be after the rainy season. I know how you feel about visiting a country twice when there are so many others, but something like the inca trail is a unique experience (not neccessarily an enjoyable one, but you feel good that you did it) and worth going back for.

thanks for linking to the site - I just started posting in forums becasue the site is starting to look useful and I am happy there is enough information to look a bit impressive.

Look forward to bumping into you one of these days, or better still come to Israel like you said and we can meet for coffee.

angietravels,

Tried to link to site but did not work. Will try again. Can you post a link?

I guess you have to pick the right time to do the Inca Trail. I heard either way it can be a challenge.

Visited Jerusalem a few years ago but Israel is definitely worth another trip.

Not sure where my next outing will be ... except I hope somewhere warm. Maybe China or Korea.

i got suspended for posting my website here so cant do it. Maybe it was a temporary problem - in any case its angietravels dot com. That inca trail is gruelling in the extreme and I was hindered by cold, wet and a very unhappy pubescent boy. The second day is all uphill and finishes at over 4000 meters. You would think you would be grateful then for the downhill but the steps are all uneven and it plays havoc with your knees. Having said that its a great feeling to do it and well worth the amazing views of machu picchu when you arrive at 5 in a the morning. I live in Tel Aviv and it would be great to meet someone who has been to loads of places and loves to travel.China and Korea are great but the Best place in the world is Japan.

Well if we are going to discuss websites would love it if everyone would check out my website Ofmyheart.net

Please be sure to sign the guestbook, blog or take the survey.
Thx

Neuman605,

Will do. I think this site is so limiting that it is almost necessary to have blogs to share your whole travel experience, so I am glad when others post links

I guess my lousy nine states and four provinces doesn't count for North America? Do I get an exemption for being Australian? Or for scheduling another nine states for next year?

How many of you have been here? Just interested, because Australia seems to me to be a case of "great place to live, but more a home than a destination". Probably everyone thinks the same of their own country?

Bit puzzled by "finish out"? Does that mean you have seen EVERYTHING in that country?

madgicsh,

Of course, you get an exemption, mate! Visited Australia a few years back and loved it.

For my way of thinking, with 9 states under your belt, you can check The United States of America of the 195 list

I have visited all 50 states and especially enjoy the National Parks. A bargain that most Americans and others seem to have very little interest in visiting.

"Finish Out" that's Bahamian/American for complete ... Kinda like "Fosters" is Australian for beer!

Safe Travels

Madgicsh,
I too have visited your lovely country...New South Wales & Victoria. Do hope to get back to see the outback & to dive the GBR.
And I agree with DMBTraveler..of course you get exemption. I know people in my town that haven't visited 9 states! Sad but true!

DMBTraveler,
Just added Kenya to my list...the 8 hrs I spent in Ethiopia don't really count but the coffee bought at the airport is spectacular!

Neuman605,

Nice... Did you do a safari there? Planning Tanzania in Feb/Mar 2012. Could use some input

DMBTraveler,

Yes, we did safari look at my trip report for Independent Traveler on my website http://Ofmyheart or at independenttraveler.com.

We have asked Lion World Travel to put together a budget trip to Tanzania for spring of "12. Maybe we can go together!!!

Damn! Wish i could do that visiting 195 countries all around the world. Maybe someday when i got tons of cash in my pocket.

toursmekong,
Don't wait for someday, in my experience those that "wait" to travel never get the chance. There is never a perfect time..as the saying goes "Just Do It!"
Haven't got all 195 but still plugging toward that goal.
See some of our adventures at http://Ofmyheart.net

toursmekong,

The most expensive part of traveling is getting there but if you are flexible good deals can be found that won't cost you tons of cash.

I typically backpack and stay in hostels that tend to be very inexpensive. For example, in La Paz, two nights accommodation about 4 beers and a meal cost me just $26.00.

This type of travel is not for everyone but it is one way to see the world without spending a lot of cash

Neuman605,

Just saw Lion World doing a SA tour for about $2700 bur Friendly Planet has Kenya Safari Express for $1900 end of November. Your thoughts.

How's Spring 2012 looking?

DMBTraveler,

I haven't heard back from Lion World in regards to Tanzania in spring 2012. As for SA at $2700 I have been watching that along with one for $2300 and one from Smartours for $1900. The Smartours only has 2 game drives and does not stay in the park so I am not sure I want that.

Basically I am still watching and waiting...maybe I learned something from the cheetahs!

Wow. I would like to make a list of countries I would like to visit before I die... that is if I could afford all of them.

harrisonJ,

Just do it! I doubt I will get to all 195 (Now 196) but I will die trying

To visit some of them might be more affordable than you think. Also, combing more than one country on a particular trip could be possible for many situations.

I am on an Africa trip and so far I have visited South Africa,Zambia,Botswana and Zimbabwe. With two weeks left in Africa, side trips to Swaziland and Mozambique are also possible!

My husband is from Argentina. I have been there twice, I can personally tell you that it is a beautiful place to visit. I was reading about your plans for a TV show about traveling in Mexico & Central America. I served in Panama in the Army, and can tell you it has alot to offer Travelers. If you need someone to travel and gather information for your new TV Show, we would be more than happy to work for you doing this since we both enjoy traveling and have no one at home to hold us back. We are in our fifties and early sixties.
Sincerely, Rose

Wow! Amazing! By the way how did you get that gift? I would like to come across this story if you don't mind.

njohn12,

I think I was born with the gift to travel

The book "1000 Places To See Before I Die" was a Christmas gift and I think you can easily find it online

You can follow my stories here or "Google".. DMBTraveler195. Hope you share your travel stories too.

DMBTRaveler,

I too will die trying! Travel is as important to me as air!

Have you read about Chris Guillebeau or his blog "The Art of Nonconformity?" He decided to visit every country in the world before his 35th birthday--and I believe he's only 10-20 countries shy of his goal as of my last visit to his blog.

You might want to check it out--either for inspiration or travel tips (he has lots of travel tips for folks trying to see many places), I think you'd find it interesting!

http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/