Comments on: Video Update: What Criteria Do You Use When Visiting Countries?

By: Joelle Brink

Joelle Brink — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:01:37 +0000

I like to read about places that interest me and research independent travel there, which usually leads to actually picking up and going. By the time I reach my destination I know quite a bit about the geography, the history and the people living there and even speak a few words of the language, which helps me get around and make local friends. I also do volunteer work, which is the best way to meet people in other countries.

By: Nathalie Molina

Nathalie Molina — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:02:42 +0000

Awesome you’re in my home country (a little jealous, in fact)…BTW the pronunciation is: WAH-YAH-KEEL

As a globalization consultant, with teams in over 50 countries, I have been just about everywhere save a handful of countries (mostly Africa and middle east, unfortunately!)…and yes, I don’t count airport visits or passport stamps. Generally I count “experiences” and maybe it’s because I travel so much and have developed a deep disdain for airports…experiences in airports are rarely anything worth counting.

Happy travels! have some Zhumir (aguardiente)!!!

-Nathalie

By: Paula Grant-LeClaire

Paula Grant-LeClaire — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:47:08 +0000

Chris –

You’ll never know how much your blog has meant to me this year! For me, travel is an integral part of living a full life and continuing personal growth and it’s something I’d quit doing for a while because of bad times.

But after vicariously living through you I’m on the go again — thank you so very very much!

By: Dan O'Neil

Dan O'Neil — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:24:14 +0000

For me, it is less the amount of time and more the experience. I count my visit it Monaco although all I did was to attend an opera. I don’t count airport stops–no matter how long or complicated–because airports are international areas. I spent more time the Tokyo airport than I did in Monaco, but don’t count it because I don’t feel that I visited Japan.

By: Kosta

Kosta — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:35:40 +0000

Safe travels! Chris!

I feel that some airport stops still may count. These could be the cases when something went wrong and you had to wait for quite a long time. And you had to contact locals extensively. Or vice versa, something great happened in the airport. Anything that build personal attitude of the traveler to the country. Something worth remembering.

Your thoughts?

By: David Turnbull

David Turnbull — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:03:12 +0000

This was something I wondered too. I’m glad people bothered to ask the question so I didn’t have to.

Your approach seems to be the most logical, although I can get quite fanatical and it wouldn’t feel “right” unless I stayed at a place for at least 4-5 days for it to count as a true visit. Just like you said though, tis’ a very personal matter.

By: Brocka

Brocka — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:27:44 +0000

I have traveled alot of the world and alot of time deliberately alone. I agree with the ‘loneliness’ aspect. There are certain times and moments where you just want another to capture it with, the shared scene or feeling; cant be authentically replicated by a picture.

By: Nabeel

Nabeel — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:10:45 +0000

My criteria is Natural beauty, how much it attracts me to experience its majesty.

Let me know if you plan to visit Pakistan during your mid east trip.

By: John

John — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:54:53 +0000

Before visiting a country, I would like it to be exotic, hot, and have entertainment. I’m young so I would like a country with a bustling nightlife.

I just travel places that seem interesting.

Keep on traveling Chris.

By: Nate

Nate — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:02:26 +0000

This idea you have about goals is exactly how I feel too. If there is one thing in the world that bothers me, it is people who judge others. I think people judge others because they want to make themselves feel better. People need a wake up call that the world doesn’t revolve around them.

Great post and have a good rest of the trip!