Dr Tim Astandu has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Tim Astandu. Tim and I have been in the same room three times in less than 12 months … Addis Ababa, Hanoi, and Lisbon, but today was a great opportunit… Dr Tim Astandu has been to every country in the world Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Tim Astandu. Tim and I have been in the same room three times in less than 12 months … Addis Ababa, Hanoi, and Lisbon, but today was a great opportunity to learn about his life and travels and it didn't disappoint. A mother who wrote for NatGeo, extensive schooling in the UK, and then of course … Chasing 193. And do not forget a special serenade in DPRK. Tim will be attending the ETF and you will be able to meet him in Bangkok. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough, and McCade Siegal for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Tim. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. But remember there is a price increase on July 1. Lock in the lower price today. You can join the event and use the code BANGKOK. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. I was in Boston while Tim was in Jakarta for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Peter Fenger, Mihai Dascalu, Ryan Knott, Zipping Around The World Podcast, Shawn McDonough and McCade Siegal. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! More about Dr Tim Astandu Counting Countries: 196 Stories Blog Books And check out Thor Pedersen: The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): https://amzn.to/46pRuDi Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree And Barry Hoffner: Belonging To The World (affiliate) About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who've spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter's Dance, written, performed, and provided by Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are 330 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1381 regions. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 unique parts of the world. SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world. And the video that explains it all! Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Dr. Tim Astandu Counting Countries more

In this episode we take a day trip to Sintra, a magical town where colorful palaces rise above misty hills and cobblestone streets lead to hidden gardens and ancient castles. We cover how to get to Sintra from Lisbon, views you have to see to believe, historic attractions you can’t miss, and how to … In this episode we take a day trip to Sintra, a magical town where colorful palaces rise above misty hills and cobblestone streets lead to hidden gardens and ancient castles. We cover how to get to Sintra from Lisbon, views you have to see to believe, historic attractions you can’t miss, and how to use Sintra’s 24 Hour Bus Pass to make getting around the city easier.

Our top recommended hotels in Sintra: 

• Pestana Cidadela Cascais 
• Westlight Cascais Chalet 
• Chalet Saudade
• Or check out these hotels in Sintra 

Check out our Sintra Activities & Tours for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to. 

Find a great flight deal to Portugal by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

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Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

In today’s episode, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Portugal’s sun-soaked capital  Lisbon. You'll be inspired to wander the historic streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, taste mouthwatering pastries and explore hilltop viewpoints. Lisbon offers a mix of … In today’s episode, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Portugal’s sun-soaked capital  Lisbon. You'll be inspired to wander the historic streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, taste mouthwatering pastries and explore hilltop viewpoints. Lisbon offers a mix of old-world charm and modern energy and this episode will make you fall in love with.

If you want to take this exact trip, download our 4 day Lisbon Itinerary!

Lisbon Episode Highlights: 

• How to get to and around Lisbon
• Where to stay in Lisbon and the best neighborhoods to check out
•
• Tips for experience Lisbon like a local
•
• Lisboa Card
•
• Lisbon Food Tour

Our top recommended Hotels in Lisbon 

• Pestana Rua Augusta 
• Esqina Urban Lodge
• Hotel Convento do Salvador
• The Emerald House Lisbon 
• Or check out these hotels in Lisbon

Check out our Lisbon Activities & Tours for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.

Find a great flight deal to Portugal by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

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Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

In this episode, we share our experience using the TAP Air Portugal Stopover Program. We took a longer trip to Madeira and Lisbon without paying extra for the additional stop. We used the stopover program from London, flying from London to Madeira (with a quick layover in Lisbon), then from Madeira … In this episode, we share our experience using the TAP Air Portugal Stopover Program. We took a longer trip to Madeira and Lisbon without paying extra for the additional stop. We used the stopover program from London, flying from London to Madeira (with a quick layover in Lisbon), then from Madeira to Lisbon, and finally Lisbon back to London at the end of our trip.

If you’re planning a similar itinerary, be sure to check out our Lisbon itinerary and episode, our Madeira itinerary and episode, and our London itinerary and episode for tips, must-do experiences, and everything you need to plan your trip. We also elevated our travel experience with TAP’s Premium Class and break down exactly what that was like in this episode.

Find a great TAP flight deal by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

Check out our other airline reviews below, or listen to our complete ⁠Airline Reviews playlist on Spotify⁠ to hear them all in one place:

• Singapore Airlines Business Class Review 
• Singapore Airlines Premium Economy Review 
• KLM Airlines Business Class Review 
• Egypt Air Business Class Review  
• American Airlines Domestic Business Class Review 
• Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Review—---------------------------------------

Shop: Trip Itineraries ⁠& ⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠

Connect: ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, and ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.

Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast! more

In part two, David and Tim dive into the practicalities of a Lisbon trip: where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around. Plus, they share their “Can’t Miss” Lisbon experiences.

🚍 Getting Around

• Affordable Ubers, historic trams, and why downhill walking is key
🍴 Where to Eat

• Time Out Mark… In part two, David and Tim dive into the practicalities of a Lisbon trip: where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around. Plus, they share their “Can’t Miss” Lisbon experiences.

🚍 Getting Around

• Affordable Ubers, historic trams, and why downhill walking is key
🍴 Where to Eat

• Time Out Market – Ideal for first-timers to sample Portuguese dishes
• LX Factory’s Cantina – Elevated Portuguese “worker food” in an industrial-chic space
• Cura at Four Seasons Ritz – A Michelin-starred tasting menu with local ingredients
🛏️ Where to Stay

• Four Seasons Hotel Ritz – Grand, historic, with a rooftop running track and world-class spa
• Tivoli Avenida Liberdade – Chic, central, and ideal for rooftop drinks
• Corpo Santo Historical Hotel – A 5-star gem with free walking tours, snacks, and even an ice cream machine!
🌊 Day Trip “Can’t Misses”

• Sintra – A fairy-tale palace town with UNESCO status and romantic architecture
• Cascais – A charming beach town with 17 different coves and a rich royal history
• Pastéis de Belém – The gold standard of custard tarts (get them hot from the oven!)
Send us your travel questions and suggestions! We love to feature listener ideas—like last week’s Galápagos trip planning segment.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemedia

Watch travel features on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascape

Explore more destinations at: https://www.voyascape.com

Note: Some future links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, it supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.

Voyascape Podcast Network more

Lisbon: Cobblestones, Culture, and Coastal Charm

In this week’s episode of Travel in 10, David Brodie and travel writer Tim Johnson head to one of Europe’s most underrated capitals—Lisbon. While it might not be top of mind for a first or even second trip to Europe, Portugal’s seaside capital reward… Lisbon: Cobblestones, Culture, and Coastal Charm

In this week’s episode of Travel in 10, David Brodie and travel writer Tim Johnson head to one of Europe’s most underrated capitals—Lisbon. While it might not be top of mind for a first or even second trip to Europe, Portugal’s seaside capital rewards travelers who love slow discovery, local flavour, and old-world charm mixed with modern energy.

In This Episode:

Why Lisbon is a City That Reveals Itself Slowly

• It may not have the landmark checklist of Paris or Rome, but Lisbon offers a unique rhythm. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, tiled façades, and a coastal breeze make it a place to explore without an agenda.
Must-Visit Sites & Neighborhoods

• Castelo de São Jorge: Hilltop castle with panoramic city views and live Fado performances
• Expo 98 Site & Oceanarium: A modern contrast to the historic core—great for families, cycling, and architecture buffs
• Belém Tower: 16th-century ceremonial gateway, now a relaxed riverfront gathering spot with music and street food
• Baixa & Barrio Alto: The bohemian heart of the city, with vintage shops, music venues, bookshops, and endless places to explore on foot
Fado: Portugal’s Melancholic Soundtrack

• Fado, the traditional Portuguese music filled with emotion and longing, is everywhere in Lisbon—especially in castle courtyards and cozy venues. Tim gives his honest take (not for every mood), while David highlights how it captures the soul of the city.
Take the Tram

• Hop on Tram 15 for a scenic ride along the Tagus River toward Belém—passing Christ the King, Lisbon’s answer to Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, and soaking in sweeping water views.
Elevador de Santa Justa

• An iconic 1902 neo-Gothic elevator connecting Lisbon’s lower and upper old towns. Come for the convenience, stay for the skyline views (especially at night when it's lit up).
Final Thoughts:

Lisbon isn’t a city that tries to impress with immediate grandeur—it’s a place that gets under your skin the longer you stay. From its layered history to its dynamic neighborhoods and warm affordability, it’s a European capital you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Resources & More:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemedia

Watch travel features on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascape

Explore more destinations at: https://www.voyascape.com

Note: Some future links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, it supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.

Voyascape Podcast Network more

Daryl & Mindi Hirsch, aka 2foodtrippers, spent 3 years traveling the world and living out of a suitcase. Today, they make their home in Lisbon so they met Brent for a cup of coffee to talk about their foodie adventures around the world! Daryl & Mindi tell Brent about crispy pastries in Naples, pho a… Daryl & Mindi Hirsch, aka 2foodtrippers, spent 3 years traveling the world and living out of a suitcase. Today, they make their home in Lisbon so they met Brent for a cup of coffee to talk about their foodie adventures around the world! Daryl & Mindi tell Brent about crispy pastries in Naples, pho at 5am, and a panic over pastel de natas. Plus octopus stew in Lisbon, pizza in Naples, and a cafe with handmade Cuckoo clocks on the wall. And, a little Philly cheesesteak talk! [Ep 339]

Show Notes:

Destination Eat Drink foodie travel guides

2foodtrippers Daryl & Mindi Hirsch

Honest Greens

Delphi Cheesesteaks more

Have you ever opened Instagram to see a bunch of people posting from the same place — Lisbon? The Amalfi Coast? Charleston? Japan? It’s no coincidence that every year, it feels like everyone is going on the exact same trips. In this episode, we’re going to pull back the curtain on the travel media i… Have you ever opened Instagram to see a bunch of people posting from the same place — Lisbon? The Amalfi Coast? Charleston? Japan? It’s no coincidence that every year, it feels like everyone is going on the exact same trips. In this episode, we’re going to pull back the curtain on the travel media industry and show you how a place becomes a viral destination.  

SHOW NOTES:

Check out Where to Next Y’all on Instagram
Read Natasha Nyanin’s stories and look through her photos on her blog 

The Differences Between Paid and Organic Content on Social Media

Under the Influence: Social Influencers and the Travel Industry

How COVID Changed Travel Writing      more

This week we explore three of the most charming — and most popular — of Europe's Old World cities: Two tour guides get cheeky as they make the case for which of their own hometowns — Prague or Budapest — offer the best experiences for visitors with limited time in central Europe. And expert locals c… This week we explore three of the most charming — and most popular — of Europe's Old World cities: Two tour guides get cheeky as they make the case for which of their own hometowns — Prague or Budapest — offer the best experiences for visitors with limited time in central Europe. And expert locals catch us up on changes afoot in Lisbon, offering strategies for navigating its more crowded sights so that you can still enjoy an authentic taste of today's Portugal. more

Maria is in Lisbon and meets Brent for an episode of the podcast. She tells Brent about her first trip to mainland Portugal, her love of the city of Guimarães, The Douro Valley, and a scary escape from the Portuguese wildfires. Maria also talks about her new cookbook and some of her family recipes. … Maria is in Lisbon and meets Brent for an episode of the podcast. She tells Brent about her first trip to mainland Portugal, her love of the city of Guimarães, The Douro Valley, and a scary escape from the Portuguese wildfires. Maria also talks about her new cookbook and some of her family recipes. Plus, Maria and Brent share their favorite places for a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon [Ep 308]

Show Notes:

Maria Lawton’s website

Maria’s podcast Married to Portuguese

Maria’s book At My Portuguese Table

Maria’s cookbook Azorean Cooking

Torre de Palma Wine Hotel more

Is Portugal at the top of your list of places to travel or live abroad? If so, now you can visit Portugal with Kristin as your host! Kristin will be leading her first-ever group trip from Lisbon to the Algarve April 15-21, 2024. 

 

You will get to hang out with Kristin and a group of like-minded p… Is Portugal at the top of your list of places to travel or live abroad? If so, now you can visit Portugal with Kristin as your host! Kristin will be leading her first-ever group trip from Lisbon to the Algarve April 15-21, 2024. 

 

You will get to hang out with Kristin and a group of like-minded people from the Traveling with Kristin community for 7 days while enjoying city and food tours, a hike, vineyard wine tasting, and more. 

 

Listen to this episode to get all the details or reserve your spot now with a refundable deposit. The next two people to sign up will receive $100 off their bookings with the Early Bird rate. 

 

Special Offers:


• Travel with Kristin to Portugal in 2024 - Save $100 with the Early Bird Rate
• Join Kristin on Nomad Cruise 12 - Save €100 with code TWK
• World Nomads Travel Insurance  

Resources Mentioned:


• Trip Details and Itinerary
• FAQs
• TrovaTrip Reviews  

Connect with Kristin and Support the Show:

*   Become a Patron

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*   Follow on Instagram

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*   Leave a 5-Star Review

*   Subscribe on YouTube

 

Thank you to Kiana for the 5-Star Review!

Badass Podcast!

I first started off by watching Kristin's youtube videos and later discovered the podcast. 

As someone who is actively trying to move abroad (even just temporarily), I find the podcast very informative and entertaining. It's helped me to realize this dream of mine isn't that farfetched and totally doable. Keep up the great work Kristin!

 

Full show notes and the podcast transcript will be up shortly on www.badassdigitalnomads.com. more