Why I Count Countries

Photo by the author.

Now, as someone who keeps track of how many countries they’ve been to, I’m inclined to disagree with this viewpoint. Yes, I’m a travel junkie and frequent globetrotter, but I’m in hot pursuit of new sights, sounds, and experiences– not necessarily new passport stamps. While I’m always up for going somewhere I’ve never been before, my love affair with certain destinations compels me to return again and again (case in point: I lived in France for 2 years and have been back over 10 times in the years since). And then, of course, even if you are “guilty” of collecting countries like baseball cards– sidebar: do people even do that any more?!– who cares?!? The beauty of being an independent adult with a healthy amount of wanderlust and money in their wallet is that you can travel in any way you see fit. Travel shouldn’t be a race, nor a pissing contest, but if you are intent on blazing across the planet just so you can tick places off, then more power to you. As long as you’re travelling responsibly and not hurting anyone I don’t take issue. But I digress. Here’s why I, personally, choose to count countries:

1. It allows me to see how much I’ve grown as a person.

Before I get all touchy-feely on you, I want to preface what I’m going to say next by stating that being well-travelled doesn’t make you better, smarter, or more-cultured/evolved/cultivated than anyone else. BUT, in my personal experience, travel has made me the best person I can be, and with each country has come some sort of life lesson. Travel has taught me about relationships, tolerance, my personal preferences, and my strengths and weaknesses. My first backpacking trip through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco (Countries #6, 8, and 9) in 2004? It taught me about sacrifice (I lived on baguettes, scrambled eggs, and tuna for MONTHS trying to save up money for that trip!). My time in Bosnia (Country #66), a place devastated by war? It reminded me of my privilege, and made me thankful to have grown up in a stable country like Canada. My focus is not on my number, but my experiences. Additionally, while I don’t lord my travels over anyone, I do see them as a personal accomplishment and a testament to my commitment to fulfilling my dream of seeing the world. After all, my relationship with travel is one of the longest, healthiest relationships I’ve ever had!

Photo by the author.

2. It adds to my blogging “street cred.”

This little blog of my mine started as a passion but nowadays is somewhat of a “jobby” — a combo of a job and a hobby. As this site has gained traction and a following, I have been given incredible opportunities to share my journey and turn what I love to do into a small business. But, while I’d like to think that outlets like the BBC, CNN, National Geographic, and Conde Nast Traveler took notice of me because I’m super freaking awesome, have a sparkling personality, and dazzling way with words, I know that at least part of the recognition I’ve received is due to the fact that I’ve been to a lot of countries and display the amount on my website. Look at it this way: while travelling to a zillion countries doesn’t necessarily make you a travel expert, it does show a level of comfortability and familiarity with hitting the road, which media look to when doing travel features. So, in essence, I count countries and share my “number” for… wait for it… marketing purposes (does that make me a sell-out?!).

3. My growing country count inspires others like me to travel.

One of the unofficial aims of this blog is to show black folks like me just how accessible travel can be, especially given that we are sorely, sorely under-represented in travel media (peep my diatribe on this topic here). Seems as though it’s working– I can’t tell you how many emails I get from African-American readers thanking me for inspiring them to see the world and assuaging their fears about travelling as a person of colour. I’ve had readers tell me that they are inspired by the fact that a regular black girl like me has been to so many places, that I pay for and plan my own travel, that I don’t let myself be hindered or held back by the colour of my skin or the perceived threat of racism. My readers of all colours, nationalities, and creeds root for me, ask how many countries I’m up to now, and always are curious as to where I’m going next– the love and encouragement from them is simply incredible!

Photo by the author.

4. Because, well, why not?!

I count calories, the hairs on my chin (TMI, sorry), and the amount of shoes I own (nearly 60, please don’t judge me). I keep track of how many countries I’ve been to because it’s fun and, well, because I can!

Fact: Somebody’s alwaaaaays gonna have something to say about the way you choose to live your life. They’ll give their two (or four! or six!) cents unsolicited, whether it’s out of genuine concern or pure hateration. It’s just human nature.

So keep on doing you, and count your countries if you want to. As long as you’re not hurting anybody, shoving your number down others’ throats all the time in an attempt to show off and make them feel inferior, or acting like you’re the hottest thing since sliced bread cuz you’re privileged enough to have the time, money, and right passport to travel, you’re good.

As for those Judgey McJudgersons who have a problem with the way you travel and the way you choose to keep track of it? Tell ’em to go kick rocks.

Do you count the amount of countries you’ve travelled to? Why or why not?

This article originally appeared on OneikaTheTraveller.com and is republished here with permission.