Search Results

Which country will be the first to switch off FM? Norway has long been in the lead. Apparantly. It’s been a little over two years since the government in the land of the midnight sun decided to switch off FM in January 2017. Given some preconditions. Denmark later followed with 2019 as a tentative FM switch-off date, whereas Sweden as the third Nordic country said 2022 only last month. But now the UK has joined the competition. Yesterday British Minister of Culture, Mr. Ed Vaizey, promised that he will come up with a switch-off date later this year. Britain originally aimed for 2015, but 2016 or 2017 now looks likely, according to London Evening Standard. That may very well mean before Norway which is currently set for January 11, 2017. Will you beat us to it, Ed Vaizey? It could be a tiny revenge after Norway’s 2-1 victory over England (admittedly not all of UK) in football on September 9, 1981. You know, when Bjørge Lillelien delivered what the Guardian described as the greatest bit of commentary ever (hear it here): “Lord Nelson! Lord Beaverbrook! Sir Winston Churchill! Sir Anthony Eden! Clement Attlee! Henry Cooper! Lady Diana! Maggie Thatcher – can you hear me, Maggie Thatcher! Your boys took one hell of a beating! Your boys took one hell of a beating!” A sweet revenge would of course be to set digital switchover to January 10, 2017. One day before Norway’s. A little relevant trivia, in the end. The late Bjørge Lillelien is the father of Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation’s Head of Radio, Mr. Marius Lillelien. He is of course involved in the FM switch-off here. William Hill and Ladbrokes, I challenge you to set up the bet. My money will be on Norway.

While I was at it with border trivia, I started wondering which two countries share the shortest land borders. The 40 island nations of the world naturally have no land borders, so they are not even granted permission to this little competition. Overse territories and enclaves have also been left out (sorry, David Hemingway). The fastest men on earth can in theory run along the shortest land border in less than 15 seconds. If they do a Jesus copycat and run on water. Or if someone anchors up a floating track. You up for arranging that race, Botswana and Zambia? Although I guess Zimbabwe and Namibia would have to agree to fit in spectators. The border is practically speaking a border of four countries, although Namibia and Zimbabwe are in reality separated by those 150 meters in question. The Kazangulu Ferry actually makes it possible to go from Botswana to Zambia or vice versa across the Zambezi River only a short drive upstream from Victoria Falls. There are 11 land borders in the world that are shorter than a marathon, 42,195 meters. Number 11 between Algeria and Western Sahara is totally straight. How about that for a desert marathon with the runners not having to turn even once? The challenge is up! 1. Botswana-Zambia: 0.15 kilometers 2. Italy-Vatican: 3.2 kilometers 3. France-Monaco: 4.4 kilometers 4. Egypt-Palestine: 11 kilometers 5. North Korea-Russia: 19 kilometers 6. Croatia-Montenegro: 25 kilometers 7. Austria-Liechtenstein: 34.9 kilometers 8. Armenia-Iran: 35 kilometers 9. Italy-San Marino: 39 kilometers 10. Liechtenstein-Switzerland: 41 kilometers 11. Algeria-Western Sahara: 42 kilometers (there should be a marathon along this border) Some people claim there is a land border of 0.1 kilometer between Sri Lanka and India on Rama’s Bridge, but I cannot see that this is accurate. Feel free to disagree below. Should you still wish to add enclaves and such, it’s worth to mention Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. It is a tiny Spanish enclave that shares an 85 meter long (0.085 kilometers) border with Morocco. Nor should Gibraltar be entirely neglected. It was after all famously twinned with the port town of Goole in Yorkshire back in the days. The British Overseas Territory shares a 1.2 kilometer long border with Spain. Source: Wikipedia.

38 island nations border zero countries. Canada borders only one while the US borders twice as many. But which country borders the most others and can therefore be said to be the most international hub nation in the world? Not something you have even thought about? Geography nerds, unite. Two countries actually share the honor. Both Russia and China border 14 countries each. Including each other. Russia is the biggest country in the world, but China actually has longer land borders. Sharing borders with so many countries will create challenges with regards to border controls, but certainly also opportunities when it comes to trade and tourism. And from a traveller’s viewpoint, both Russia and China are great hubs for travel to all of its neighbours and beyond. Russia is also the only country that separates Norway from North Korea. How about that for some quality trivia? Istanbul, the city with flights to most countries is in Turkey. The country takes a shared 7th place in this highly prestigious competition as it shares borders with 8 countries. 1. China: 14 countries, 22,117 border kilometers 1. Russia: 14 countries, 20,017 border kilometers 3. France: 11 countries, 4,082 border kilometers 4. Brazil: 10 countries, 14,691 border kilometers 5. Democratic Republic of the Congo: 9 countries, 10,730 border kilometers 5. Germany: 9 countries, 3,621 border kilometers 7. Zambia: 8 countries, 5,667 border kilometers 7. Tanzania: 8 countries, 3,861 border kilometers 7. Turkey: 8 countries, 2,648 border kilometers 7. Austria: 8 countries, 2,562 border kilometers 7. Serbia: 8 countries, 2,027 border kilometers 10 countries border 7 countries. And the 11 shortest land borders in the world? Find out here. Source: Wikipedia.

There’s been a lot of media attention after I completed visiting every country in the world. And not only in Norway. I have also been interviewed by media outlets in Brazil, Romania, the US, Spain, China, India and Afghanistan. To name a few. One of my goals has been to write a book about my travels. A book with a story from every country. But would anyone publish it? It turned out that others had the same idea. My phone rang a couple of weeks ago. – So, how about writing a book? – I am already at it. – Great! Let’s have lunch. We did. Italian. They like the idea, and I am now negotiating a book deal with the publisher. A Norwegian publisher. The only problem is, 95% of my readers of Garfors.com aren’t Norwegian. And they certainly can’t read Norwegian. Disastrous! After all, we gave the world words like ski, snow, ice and fjord. Not to forget hey, Viking and lutefisk. Some people like my writings. Some people hate what I write. Most don’t know they exist. Some of those who have read a story or nine of mine ask me when “the book” will be published. I will soon know the date for the Norwegian version. So, do you want to publish me? In English, Spanish, Chinese or Portugese. You’ll pocket 198 countries while at it. Do get in touch. Which country you’re from doesn’t matter. I have been there anyway. He said arrogantly.

So, you have finally decided to sell your flat, your wheels and other precious posessions in order to be able to do what really matters? To travel. With the ultimate bucket list in hand, the world’s 25 least visited countries. Well done, I am proud of you! I have been to all 25 (and the remaining 173) but not in one go. The question is, how can it be done? There are an infinite number of answers to that question, but I will suggest what I see as the easiest and fastest route. But it is not the cheapest, as that would take much longer and involve a lot fewer airplanes. Do let me know if you are up for this trip, I may be convinced to join you as your guide, navigator or chef. First, let me divide the countries geographically. Every inhabited continent except South America is represented. Europe, 1 country: Liechtenstein A surprising country on the list, to many. It is also one of only 6 countries in the world without an airport, so you will have to enter by road unless you are one of the people with initialized towels, an assistant butler and your own helicopter. North America, 1 country: Dominica Dominica is not equipped to let big jets land, although who minds small propeller planes? You do? Accessing it from a cruise ship is relatively straight forward, too. Asia, 5 countries: East Timor, Bhutan, North Korea, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan Let us just say that none of these countries have received much positive press lately. Maybe with the exception of Bhutan which has mandated happiness. That sounds all jolly nice, but it leaves a lot of people less than happy since no one likes to be told what to do, feel or think. Especially as the orders originally came from an absolute monarch. A great PR stunt, nevertheless. Oceania, 7 countries: Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru That is half the countries in Oceania. You know, the continent usually referred to as Australia. Africa, 11 countries: Chad, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Libya, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Comoros, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea, Somalia In other words 20% of the African 55 countries. And they are spread out relatively well. Only two of them are landlocked. The planning You will only have to visit 5 of the 7 continents to do this trip of a lifetime. They are located in such a way that you can visit them as part of a round the world trip. Such trips are allegedly popular these days, but I am certain that you will be the first to do this particular circumnavigation of Earth. First of all, where you want to finish depends on where you live. Finish near home, i.e. not in Nauru. Not because it will necessarily save you time or money, but it increases the chances of getting friends and family members to join your party as it will be shorter for them to travel there. Yes, of course you need to throw a party! We are after all talking about the ultimate bucket list. I live in Oslo, so I should therefore finish in Liechtenstein or Dominica. Liechtenstein is much nearer, but the umbrella drinks on the beach are non-existant. Partly because it is one of only two double landlocked countries in the world. Uzbekistan is the other. Second of all, I would take the most difficult countries rather early as such a long trip may eventually demotivate you. I also presume most people would find it more tempting to finish in fantastic island nations with divine beaches and diving possibilities, rather than in countries where weapons are plentiful, oil is cheap and Dictator is forever going to be the higest available position. Too bad it is never being advertised and that you actually need to know ‘someone’ to get it. The itinerary Let’s get down to business. Or business class, rather. Could I only afford it. The trip suggested below can take less than 3 months to complete, or as long as you want. I have suggested the fastest trips between each countries. Bonus countries are countries that you may or may not want to explore while you are there. Note that just passing through an airport does not count as exploring! Prices will vary, but book early and give the travel agent a little bit of time. This will most probably be their biggest itinerary challenge, or nightmare, to date. 1. Liechtenstein, Europe (22. least visited) I suggest that you fly to Zurich, Switzerland – in my case from Oslo. It is the nearest well connected city to Liechtenstein. Then board a train that will take you almost there in a stretched hour. You will still need to catch a bus to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. I’d return to Zurich in the same manner. Estimated fastest travel time: 7 hours (including Zurich-Vaduz return). Routing and carriers: OSL-ZUR (Swiss or Scandinavian), Zurich-Sargans (train), Sargans-Vaduz (bus). Bonus country: Switzerland. You can also easily visit Austria, Italy and Germany. 2. Libya, Africa (15th least visited) Flying from Zurich to Tripoli isn’t all that difficult. At least not compared to what comes later. You will have to transfer somewhere, and your fastest option is via Frankfurt. Do not wear an “I miss Colonel Gaddafi T-shirt” upon entry in Tripoli. Estimated fastest travel time: 5 hours (12 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: ZUR-FRA-TIP (Lufthansa). Flights every day. Bonus country: Germany. 3. Mauritania, Africa (13th least visited) Going by air from Tripoli to Nouakchott takes longer than it seems, due to bad connections. Before leaving Mauritania, you should head north to the ship graveyards for some spectacular beach photo opportunities. Do also hitch a ride with one of the longest trains in the world. For free. Unless you mind getting iron-ore on your clothes. Then again, if you can’t live with a stain or two on your shirt, please stop reading immediately and buy a 1st class ticket to the Bahamas. Do not send me a postcard. This trip is not for you. Estimated fastest travel time: 8 hours, shortest connection on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays (20 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: TIP-TUN-NKC (Libyan Arab Airlines, Tunisair) Bonus country: Tunisia. 4. Guinea-Bissau, Africa (14th least visited) The next leg depends on your preferences. You can fly via Dakar or go to the south of Mauritania in a knackered too-many-seater Peugeot. You will then cross the Senegal river into Senegal on a dugout canoe, walk 2 kilometers (the motorbike taxi drivers will otherwise rip you off) to the combined petrol and bus station and get into another Peugeot heading for Dakar, via Saint Louis. You will hate the French car after three such cramped journeys, but you cannot also help being a little impressed. How the hell can these cars still be on the road? Although “road” isn’t always the correct term on transportation infrastructure between point A and B in Africa. Then fly from Dakar (1 hour), or continue by Peugeots (∞ hours). Estimated fastest travel time: 3 hours (23 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: NKC-DKR-OXB (Senegal Airlines). Bonus country: Senegal. 5. Sierra Leone, Africa (20th least visited) Bissau does in fact have one of the worst connected airports I have been to. You will have to fly back to Dakar, and then above Bissau to get to Freetown. The overland option may look appealing since only Guinea lies in between, just remember that the roads are not up to the standards you are used to. I’d still go overland as the scenery is fantastic. Of course, you should do all 25 countries, and many in between, without the use of airplanes, but your boss may make a fuss about your exteeeeeeeeeeeended holiday. Or did you really quit your job to do this? Your madness surpasses mine. Estimated fastest travel time: 6 hours, shortest connection on Mondays only (29 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: OXB-DKR-FNA (Senegal Airlines) Bonus country: Guinea, if travelling overland. 6. Chad, Africa (24th least visited) A 10 hour ASKY job divided on four short flights will give you the least amount of hassle. You don’t mind changing planes in Accra, Lome and Douala, do you now? Of course, all of those places are worth a visit so you may want to take a day or three off from take-offs and touch-downs. Estimated fastest travel time: 10 hours, shortest connection on Wednesdays, Saturdays (39 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: FNA-ACC-LFW-DLA-NDJ (ASKY). Bonus countries: Ghana, Togo, Cameroon. 7. Central African Republic, Africa (23. least visited) The direct flight from N’Djamena to Bangui carries a lot of NGO people, but no UN eployees. They usually fly their own planes in that region of the world. I would also stay very far away from the food you will get onboard Toumaï Air Chad. You may not have understood why air sickness bags are onboard airplanes. You will if you neglect my advice. Estimated fastest travel time: 2 hours, shortest connection not available daily (41 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: NDJ-BGF (Toumaï Air Chad). Bonus countries: None. 8. Equitorial Guinea, Africa (6th least visited) ASKY will take you through THESKY to Malabo via Doaula in almost no time. Enough said. Estimated fastest travel time: 5 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Fridays (46 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: BGF-DLA-SSG (ASKY). Bonus country: Cameroon. 9. Sao Tome and Principe, Africa (8th least visited) Ceiba International usually gets you to Sao Tome by means of propeller planes. Sounds scary? Do note that the airline is on EUs no fly list, although the aircrafts I used seemed quite modern. Then again, modern paint can work miracles and I am not a professional aircraft expert. Despite having spent my share of hours nearer heaven than most living people. Estimated fastest travel time: 1 hour, shortest connection not available daily (47 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: SSG-TMS (Ceiba International). Bonus countries: None. 10. Comoros, Africa (9th least visited) Going from Sao Tome without wings isn’t the easiest of tasks. Nor is flying to the other side of Africa from the island nation off the western coast of the continent. The best option is to fly to Libreville and then onwards via Addis Abeba and Dar es Salaam. Stopping over in at least one of the countries comes highly recommended, 14 hours in planes and airports does not. But it will get much worse should you decide to continue on the trip of a lifetime. Estimated fastest travel time: 14 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Wednesdays (61 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: TMS-LBV-ADD-DAR-HAH (Ceiba International, Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air) Bonus countries: Gabon, Ethiopia, Tanzania. 11. Djibouti, Africa (21st least visited) Going from Moroni to Djibouti is surprisingly easy. Yemenia surprisingly has a direct route between the countries. I have flown the route the opposite direction, but it then stops in Sanaa, where is even free Wi-Fi in the airport.. Who would have guessed? Estimated fastest travel time: 4 hours, shortest connection available on Thursdays, Saturdays (65 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: HAH-JIB (Yemenia). Bonus countries: None. 12. Somalia, Africa (2nd least visited) You can easily drive to Somaliland in Northern Somalia from Djibouti in 20 minutes. Then just walk across the border and try find someone that is willing to give you a ride. Do expect to pay the driver in USD. The closest town is Saylac, but there isn’t much there. The guesthouse in town is being used as accommodation by local politicians, so prepare for a night on the beach or, if you’re lucky, in the mayor’s house. Return the same way. Alternatively, fly to Mogadishu and back by Turkish Airlines’ which covers each direction three times a week. The flight takes two hours and will let you explore the capital of Somalia as one of the very first touristst the last decade. Estimated fastest travel time: 2 hours, including Djibouti-Saylac return (67 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: Djibouti-Saylac. By taxi and by thumb. Bonus countries: None. 13. Afghanistan, Asia (10th least visited) Fly Dubai will take you straight from Djibouti to Dubai which is half way to Afghanistan. The connections aren’t great, but you can always enjoy the biggest terminal building in the world while waiting, or go downtown to find out what money can buy. Safi Airways or Fly Dubai will take you the remaining distance to Kabul. Estimated fastest travel time: 14 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays (81 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: JIB-DXB-KBL (Fly Dubai, Safi Airways). Bonus countries: United Arab Emirates. 14. Turkmenistan, Asia (7th least visited) You do not want to go overland from Kabul to Turkmenistan. Full stop. Unless you don’t mind paying for and can actually afford reputable and experienced hired guns. Iran Aseman Airlines will fly you to Mashad, Iran in a Boeing 727. Another 230 kilometers by taxi will see you in Turkmenistan. Just pick a taxi driver without an eye infection. We had to stop every 20 minutes to quench his eye thirst by eye drops. Estimated fastest travel time: 6 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays (87 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: KBL-MHD (Iran Aseman Airlines), Mashad-Turkmenistan border-Ashgabat (taxis). Bonus countries: Iran. 15. Bhutan, Asia (17th least visited) Don’t expect it to be easy to book tickets from Turkmenistan Airlines. If you still manage, they will fly you to Delhi every weekend. From the Indian capital, Druk Air (which means Dragon Air in Bhutan) will carry you the last 3 hours or so to Paro, just outside Thimphu. Going overland is as always an option, and a great one if you have the time and are fascinated by incredible mountains. Let me just mention the Pamir plateau, the Karakoram and Kunlun Mountains. Oh, I almost forgot the Himalayas. Estimated fastest travel time: 13 hours, shortest connection available on Saturdays, Sundays (100 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: ASB-DEL-PBH (Turkmenistan Airlines, Druk Air) Bonus countries: India. 16. East Timor, Asia (18th least visited) Flying out of Bhutan isn’t all that easy. Only a few pilots are licensed to land at Paro, and that certainly limits the numbers of carriers. Druk Air will be happy to take you, but the national carrier has a limited schedule, especially eastwards. Estimated fastest travel time: 20 hours, shortest connection available on Wednesdays only (120 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers PBH-SIN-DRW-DIL (plane: Druk Air, Jetstar, Airnorth Regional). Bonus countries: Singapore, Australia. 17. North Korea, Asia (16th least visited) The direct flight between Dili and Pyongyang has still not been inaugurated due to lack of popular demand. Your fastest alternative is via Singapore before touching down in China. Your last leg starts in Beijing, and you can fly Air China or Air Koryo, the national North Korean airline. The latter is the most memorable, by far. To go by train is another option. It will slow you down, but I would still highly recommend to do it either to or from Pyongyang. You will then get to see big parts of a country seem by very few others. North Korea is your last Asian country on this trip. Estimated fastest travel time: 25 hours, shortest connection available on Tuesdays, Thursdays (145 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: DIL-SIN-PEK-FNJ (plane: Silkair, Air China). Bonus countries: Singapore, China. 18. Federated States of Micronesia, Oceania (12th least visited) To get to Federated States of Micronesia by plane you will need to go through Guam, which is the nearest American territory to North Korea. And, yes Guam is quite a contrast to Pyongyang. Expect to have questions asked about your last passport stamp. From there, you’ll get to go by United’s “island hopper”. You can see up to five islands belonging to three countries in one day. Your first stop after leaving Guam will be Chuuk, although you can also visit Pohnpei or Kosrae. A lot of the visitors to this part of the world are divers or surfers. If you decide to stop in Pohnpei, bring an umbrella. The island is one of the wettest places in the world with 7,600 millimeters annually. Estimated fastest travel time: 23 hours, shortest connection available on Thursdays only (168 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: FNJ-PEK-PUS-GUM-TKK (plane: Air Koryo, Asiana, Korean Air, Untited). Bonus countries: Australia, Philippines, USA. 19. Marshall Islands, Oceania (5th least visited) Welcome to the end of the world! Marshall Islands and the next three countries are all among the 5th least visited in the world! Going between the two first countries in Oceania can take as little as an hour, given that you go from Kosrae to Kwajalein. Just know that the latter has a strict visitor policy given that it is the home of an American military base. If you go from Chuuk to Majuro, the ride will take between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the route. Estimated fastest travel time: 5 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (173 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: TKK-PNI-KWA-MAJ (United). Bonus countries: None. 20. Nauru, Oceania (the LEAST visited country) Our Airline recently started connecting the “southern” countries of Oceania with the “northern” ones, as the only carrier. Enjoy! Your options were extreme detours via either Honolulu or Guam before chaning yet again. Our Airline is coincidentally the national airline of Nauru’s 9,000 inhabitants and the only one with scheduled flights to Nauru. I flew by them from Solomon Islands to Nauru in 2010, but this route has been discontinued, so that specific country will have to be visited by another carrier later. The country is tiny, and you can even walk or jog around it in a couple of hours. How about running around a country for bragging rights? Definitely bucket list material. Estimated fastest travel time: 2 hours, shortest connection available on Wednesdays, every other Wednesday via Kiribati (175 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: MAJ-INU (plane: Our Airline). Bonus countries: Possibly Kiribati. 21. Kiribati, Oceania (4th least visited) Welcome to Our Airline will have to do the job, yet again. This is, after all, the middle of nowhere, with regards to number of visitors. Endulge! You should plan this stretch particularly carefully as the route is operated only once every two weeks. And even 6 days in Nauru is quite a bit for such a small country. Estimated fastest travel time: 1 hour, shortest connection available on every other Tuesday, only (174 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: MAJ-TRW (Our Airline). Bonus countries: None 22. Tuvalu, Oceania (3rd least visited) To go to Tuvalu from Kiribati by plane without stopping over in Fiji is impossible. There are two flights a week to and from both countries, but none of them correspond in any way. Fiji Airways – Disconnecting people. You will in other words get a forced bonus country, so find a decent place to stay in Fiji and relax. Or go diving off the coast where you can feed shark. Without a cage. You will get to tiny Tuvalu eventually, unless the shark disagrees. The airport code of Funafuti, Tuvalu’s only international airport, is FUN, by the way. Enjoy! Estimated fastest travel time: 27 hours, shortest connection available on Sundays only (201 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: TRW-NAN-SUV-FUN (Fiji Airways). Bonus country: Fiji. 23. Solomon Islands, Oceania Solomon Islands actually isn’t too far from Tuvalu, but your fastest route involves Fiji, again. There cannot possibly be many worse connections in the world. You will have to stay overnight in Fiji. Twice. Before finally heading east. That makes this trip between two island nations, only 2000 kilometers apart, the longest “journey” between countries, although your stayover in Fiji should obviously be considered as relaxation time. When finally in downtown Honiara, do visit the thriving market by the harbour. It is only a short taxi trip from the airport, and fresh seafood is virtually guaranteed. Estimated fastest travel time: 45 hours, shortest connection available on Thursdays only (246 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: FUN-SUV-NAN-VLI-HIR (Air Pacific, Solomon Airlines). Bonus country: Fiji, Vanuatu. 24. Tonga All these seven countries in Oceania are island nations. In fact all countries in Oceania are, except for Australia. Of course, they should be explored by boat, but yet again it will take a lot longer and you need to find a vessel that is willing to take you on board. Or cut down some trees and make your own. Getting from Solomon Islands to Tonga shouldn’t be too hard. But it is. You can go via Fiji if you would like another night or two there, or take the faster route via Australia and New Zealand. The main island of Tonga is tiny and can easily be explored by bike or scooter, but there are 175 other islands that may take your fancy . Estimated fastest travel time: 18 hours, shortest connection available on Thursdays only (264 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: HIR-BNE-AKL-TBU (Solomon Airlines, Air New Zealand). Bonus countries: Australia, New Zealand. 25. Dominica, North America (25th least visited) To be fair, to finish off on yet another island after weeks or months in the Pacific may be overkill. Then again, you might have a party planned. And while Dominica certainly is an island, it is also very different to the Pacific ones. Estimated fastest travel time: 39 hours, shortest connection available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays (264 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: TBU-NAN-LAX-FLL-SJU-DOM (Fiji Airways, Jet Blue, Seaborne Airlines). Bonus countries: Fiji, USA. And back home The 25 countries have been visited, and the trip is almost over. At least if you intend to complete the circumnavigation of Earth while you are at it. Estimated fastest travel time: 20 hours (284 hours accumulated). Routing and carriers: DOM-SXM-CUR-AMS-OSL (LIAT, KLM). Bonus countries: Netherlands. Completion How about that for a trip? 284 hours on the road, by air or in transit, at least 61 flights and a few bus and taxi rides to pop by the 25 least visited countries in the world? It can all be done, while yet spending some time in each country, in approximately three months, shorter if you’d rather stay in planes than on the ground. Or you can obviously spend as long as you want. I would certainly recommend spending longer rather than shorter if you have the time for it. Are you up the ultimate itinerary? If you stop in all the bonus countries, you can easily tick off another 25 countries, totalling 50 or more than 1/4 of the world’s countries. That will obviously take some extra time, but only cost marginally more in transport. Do let me know if you are, if you find a better or smarter itinerary or if you have another candidate to the ultimate itinerary. I might even wanna join. I am very easy to ask when it comes to travels.

Swedish Minister of Culture, Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth, today announced that Sweden have joined Norway and Denmark in setting a date for switching off FM and replacing it with DAB+. She explains the reasons behind the government’s move in a letter to Swedish daily Dagens nyheter. She says that a market based network for digital radio is to be finalized in no more than nine years and confirms that the government today will decide the terms for public service radio and television the next six years. – Radio is a strong media with a lot of listeners. The absolute majority listens through the FM network which was established many years ago. The old technology, which certainly works, is however an obstacle for the development of the radio industry. A digitalized market will enable more radio stations to more listeners in a more inexpensive manner, in the long term, Adelsohn Liljeroth says. She furthermore states that competitive terms are improved when the private broadcasters can broadcast to the entire country. – The transition from analogue to digital radio should be market driven, the government will support this by creating favorable conditions. The government will therefore employ a industry coordinator who will work to make sure that the transition to digital radio will be finalized in 2022, the Minister writes. The license fee is not to be affected in any major way by the change of technology and double distribution costs will be financed through governmental loans, as was the case when Sweden changed from analogue to digital television. As recommended by the EBU This is very good news and it aligns very well with what the EBU has clearly signalled earlier in 2013, that DAB+ is the technology of choice for radio in Europe. The question now is, who will follow suit, when. There will be an announcement in the UK by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, in October. Other countries that are well positioned to announce an FM switch-off include Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany. Watch this space.

When do you need information the most? In an emergency. The problem is only that your preferred means of communication is unlikely to work. Your smartphone. Which without a connection to the outside world is as dumb as your high school calculator. Because mobile internet and other telecommunication will stop working very soon after emergencies. That is because they are not designed nor capable to handle a surge in usage. The two-way networks “fill up” when disaster strikes and everyone therefore simultaneously tries to access information or to get in touch with loved ones. To relay essential and possibly life saving information to the public, a robust one-way broadcasting network is needed. It does not go down in case of heavy usage, and it is the perfect backup. Given that people have receivers available, of course. Do they? Currently to a certain degree thanks to built-in FM radio in mobile phones. In the near future we will see smartphones with built-in digital broadcasting receivers. In over 40 countries in the world that means DAB+ (digital radio), in some countries also DMB (mobile TV). Why is digital broadcasting needed in case of emergencies like the bombs in Boston? 1. A separate network can cope with extreme demand from “everyone” at the same time. 2. A one-way network is virtually hack-free, something that increases safety and robustness. 3. Mobile network operators will not have to answer to critisism by governments or families of victims as they offer information via a “backup” network even when the mobile internet goes down. 4. Broadcasting networks are designed in such a way that they can “wake up” a device that has been switched off in case of extreme emergencies. That provides information to people that may otherwise not get it. 5. Broadcasting networks can be used to distribute text messages, maps and other graphical information of high value in a calamity. In addition to traditional radio and television. 6. Broadcasting can easily be combined with mobile internet to ensure two-way communication. This is typically done in an app, and you as a consumer may not know, or care, whether broadcasting or mobile internet is used for whichever service you require. 7. That the mobile internet is used less for synchronous information such as live radio and television also minimizes the risk of the mobile internet falling down in the first place. A broadcasting chip inside a phone will in other words help offload the telecom networks. But where are the phones? This is a good question. MNOs do as a rule want to “own” all distribution to and from a mobile phone. The customer is theirs, they claim. They have been able to maintain that position for years as they have owned the pipe (the distribution) and comtrolled the applications on the phone. I believe that MNOs now see the value of such smartphones and that we will soon see them on shop shelves. Why? New ecosystems have changed the ball game. Now anyone can download any app and use it via a Wi-Fi zone not controlled by the MNOs. The fact that the pipes are filling up also creates some boardroom noise. MNOs now seek to offload their telecom networks. That can be done through establishing Wi-Fi spots in crowded areas such as stadiums, shopping centers and main streets. It can also be done through introducing smartphones with built-in broadcasting chipsets, such as DAB+. This naturally generates less traffic on the telecom networks, something which increases QoS for all asynchronous services. Checking emails and updating statuses on social media will be fast and fun again, not increasingly slow and frustrating. Apps that seamlessly combine broadcasting and the internet furthermore open up for new business models. MNOs can benefit from new revenues thanks to touch screen shopping, sale of music, sharing of opinions with your friends and interactivity as a part of your favourite programs – all while listening to broadcasted radio or watching mobile television. The combination of technologies also offer a huge potential for new and innovative services and new business models. Such smartphones will also be more attractive to customers, thanks to the added functionality. Especially since the add-ons are services that have been proven to be successful through years and years. Radio and television still rules. MNOs will finally benefit from joint marketing with broadcasters. Both industries, and third parties that make apps and services, will see new opportunities in devices that are smarter than today’s smartphones. Even if the internet connection to them goes down during a disaster or a big event. Lean forward It is a better move for mobile network operatorss, smartphone manufacturers and broadcasters to work together on launching DAB+ and DMB enabled smartphones now than having such functionalities mandated by governments in the future. Forward leaning organizations are usually more appealing and successful than backward leaning ones.

Oslo is usually fighting for the top spot with Moscow and Tokyo. Or should I say struggling to avoid rock bottom position? The contest in question is the race of being the most expensive city in the world. Oslo just “won“. Yet again. I live in Oslo. I’d celebrate. Could I only afford to. So, what do we have to deal with? ECA, which makes the annual list elegantly named “the world’s most expensive cities for expatriates”, compares the price of some goods and services. Let’s have a closer look at beer in a bar, soda, a dozen eggs and a cinema tickets in Oslo. Business Insider goes through the top 20 cities. Beer in a bar. Price in Oslo, according to ECA: $14.10 (NOK 81.50) Of course, there are bars, pubs and clubs in different price ranges, even in Oslo. Norwegians like their beer and there a number of beer breweries around the country. If you are from the West Coast, you typically drink Hansa, people in and around Oslo prefer Frydenlund or Ringnes while southerners consume CB or Arendalspilsener and northerners frequently down a Mack or a Nordlandspils. Finally, the people in the middle opt for Dahls. Norwegians also prefer to drink their “halvliter”, or half a liter. This is a measure that is increasingly difficult to find. Why? Because greedy bar owners have for years been increasing the price of a glass of beer, while decreasing the size of the glass it is served in. You will therefore typically be given a glass of only 0.4 liter. That is 20% less than our beloved “halvliter”. Cheaters! I presume that ECA has recalculated the price paid for a half liter across the cities that they do visit. Or have they? They only list it as beer in a bar. In the Netherlands you can buy beer in a tiny glass of only 0.18 liter, in the UK you get pints of beer (0.568 liter) while I have seen 0.6 liter in Oslo and 1 full liter in Munich. And ECA is very specific about their eggs, the prices are by the dozen. Please clarify. You can certainly (and easily) find cheaper beer than the steep 14 USD quoted, but you need to know where to go. Avoid Karl Johans gate (gate = street) at all costs. The main street that runs from the Central station to the Royal palace attracts a lot of tourists, pickpockets, hookers, drug addicts and beggars. Many tourists mean higher prices, poor service and flat beer. The same applies to Aker brygge (the harbour), the harbour. For lower prices and fewer tourists, head to Youngstorget near the Central station or to Grünerløkka, “the bohemian” neighbourhood in Oslo with a lot of bars, cafés, restaurants and small shops. Soda. Price in Oslo, according to ECA: $3.43 (NOK 19.80) Sodas like Coca-Cola or Solo, the Norwegian orangy option, typically come in half a liter plastic bottles or 0.33 liter glass bottles or aluminium cans. Again, ECA doesn’t list which size they quote the prices of. You will normally be charged at least the price ECA lists at convenient stores like 7-Eleven, Narvesen and Deli de Luca, and a lot more in hotels and restaurants. Tre brødre, a touristy restaurant on Karl Johans gate, charges 9 USD for bottled water! Welcome to Norway. He said, shamefully. A worker on minimum wage from Bangladesh would have to work 82 hours to pay for that water, a Cuban would need to put in 180 hours while someone from Sierra Leone would have to sweat 300 hours worth of water to buy the same tiny bottle of water. Such pricing is embarrassing, Tre brødre. Norway is after all the country with the best and cleanest tap water in the world. You can in other words get free water, even in most restaurants (although a very few will actually charge you for the service), just ask for tap water. Enough water talk. To find cheaper sodas than what ECA managed to do, visit a supermarket. The cheapest ones are called Rema 1000, Rimi, Bunnpris and Kiwi but even the more expensive ICA or Coop will save you money compared with the convenience stores. A dozen eggs. Price in Oslo, according to ECA: $8.39 (NOK 48.50) Eggs are typically purchased at a supermarket. Unless your neighbour is a farmer. Such neighbours are not common in Oslo. Again, I dunno where ECA went to buy eggs, but I found much cheaper ones at my local supermarket, Bunnpris (which translates to Bottom price), which I visited today. To go hunting for prices of “chicken babies”. The shop has a selection of eggs from various companies. The cheapest dozen will set you back $5.30 (NOK 30.60). The options will cost you back $6.91 (NOK 39.90), $8.64 (NOK 49,90) or a whopping 12.43 (71.80) for the most expensive ones. I should mention that the latter one is labelled “ecological”. That probably means that the hens get a square inch extra to move around in and possibly that they’re on an extra healthy diet. Does that mean that the other hens eat junk food? Nevertheless, egg prices are in other words up to 37% cheaper than ECA’s number. I am just sayin’. Cinema ticket. Price in Oslo, according to ECA: $18.76 (NOK 108.40) This is at least easy to measure as all cinemas in town are owned by the same company and all shows are bookable online. The correct price then is $17.31 (NOK 100), which is almost 8% lower. Pensioners pay 15% less. How did you end up paying NOK 108.40, ECA? You don’t tip at cinemas in Norway. Not entirely accurate I don’t mind that Oslo is labelled the world’s most expensive cities for expatriates, but I think that ECA should be better at telling what they actually measure, when, where and by whom. What they have listed gives a certain idea, but it is not entirely accurate. You can certainly get by much cheaper than what ECA claims, but that is probably also the case with the other cities on their list. Expats aren’t exactly known for shopping around too much or for drinking in the cheapest bars in town. Oslo. It certainly is expensive. Very. But. That is a good thing. I think. It means that I can travel wherever I want in the world, doing whatever I want and still reassure myself that I am actually saving money as opposed to do it at home. Except for when it comes to caviar. In Norway it comes in a toothpaste like tube, only bigger. We put it on bread with cucumber and cheese. It is cheap. So we indulge. Try it with fresh shrimp. And go to heaven. From the most expensive city in the world. For expatriates.

The world’s least visited countries are not necessarily the most difficult to get to. I am using three criteria to determine which countries are the most inaccessible, as well as my own overall experience of getting to the countries. New figures! The World’s Least-Touristy Countries 2018 Why you would like to know? There is a reason why you are reading garfors.com. And it isn’t to find the cleanest pool at all-inclusive resort joints in the Bahamas or Gran Canaria. Which will be your bucket list; The hardest 15 below or the world’s 25 least visited? 7 countries are on both lists. I have been to all 198 countries, and I know which list I would have chosen first if I were to start from scratch. a) Visa availability The most important criteria. If you cannot get a visa, you can not legally visit the country. If you try to do so illegally you may face prosecution or worse. So, if you are not required to obtain a visa in advance to visit a country, it will not be on this list. Some countries issue visa on arrival, but to me that is as easy as not having to get one at all. Just bring cash and a couple of photographs. Do note that I am writing this as the holder of a Norwegian passport. This list will therefore be more relevant to people with western passports. Norway is however not a part of the EU, and EU members will in some cases not require visas where Norwegians do. Note that getting a visa to ‘a difficult country’ is usually easier and faster from one of their neighbouring countries than from embassies closer to home. b) The security situation Of course, most often you should refrain from entering if there is a high risk of danger in the country in question. Then again, even countries engaged in wars or civil unrest usually have areas that are less affected than others and therefore safer to visit. So if you really want in, there is usually a ‘safe’ spot. c) Transport. Most countries are fairly well covered with regards to planes, trains or automobiles, but some have a severe shortage of scheduled transport options. A little patience will go a long way, just keep in mind that sometimes the only available flight leaves from a specific airport which itself might be out of your way. Bring a book. And a pillow. The “worst” fifteen If you are on a mission to visit all countries of the world, I’d recommend you to not save the following 15 for last. Unless you are fond of severe restlessness and stress ulcers while waiting to be allowed into them. 15. Bhutan Why so inaccessible? First of all, you will need to pay your trip in advance. I am not talking about the plane ticket, I am talking about the all-inclusive package inside Bhutan. It has to be paid to a Bhutanese travel agent. Via money transfer, which makes it more of a hassle than using your worn Am Ex card. The all-inclusive trips have given rise to the rumour that Bhutan is a very expensive country to visit. The 200-300 USD per day (depending on the season and whether you travel alone or not) will however cover “everything.” As in accommodation, transport within the country, guides, meals and the tourist tax. You only need to worry about drinks and souvenirs. Just don’t mix the first with the latter or you will end up with a lot of wooden souvenir penises. Penises in such a religious country? Well, even strictly religious people need penises to impregnate each other. Besides, the symbols of erect penises are intended to drive away “the evil eye and malicious gossip,” and it isn’t a buddhist symbol, but one of Bön, an old and unorthodox religion. Do note, you won’t see any penises painted on buildings in Thimphu or major towns, only in rural villages, so you can still travel to [certain parts of] the country together with your mother-in-law. Then again, who wants to travel with mother-in-laws anyway? Why you should still bother to go If huge erect penises aren’t enough, throw in the fantastic mountains, the incredible Buddhist temples and Tiger’s Nest, and you will be in awe. It doesn’t hurt that people are very friendly too. Unless you start chatting up local girls. That may cause trouble and threats of brutal beating. Allegedly. How I got in I needed to produce a little patience and had to be willing to pay my trip in advance. I did, and I was picked up in the airport by my guides. Not difficult, just a little inconvenient.Any loopholes? The guides will leave you to explore Thimphu on your own if you insist. If you do, find the karaoke bar in a cellar bar near the clock tower. It is the only place where I have seen karaoke with the option of having a live band play to your singing. Priceless! 14. Kiribati Why so inaccessible? Kiribati (pronounced “Kiribas” – there are no letter “s” in their alphabet, so “ti” is pronounced “s”) is in the middle of the Pacific. Literally. I mean, most Pacific countries are often said to be, but Kiribati really is. It stretches 3,500 kilometers from east to west. Both the capital Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island) are served by international flights, but only twice a week. The remoteness of the country isn’t the only reason why it is the 4th least visited country in the world. Entering it isn’t all that easy either, unless you are from one of 60 countries. I am not from any of those and had to apply for a visa from Kiribati’s sole consulate in Europe, conveniently located in Llanddewi Rhydderch in Wales. That was relatively straightforward, once I actually found the embassy. The border police is more thorough than any other in the Pacific, with the possible exception of Australia, so do not attempt to go there without a visa. Then again, they probably won’t even let you on the plane without one. Why you should still bother to go Did you ever see any cartoons about people on paradise islands? Kiribati is like that, just add facilities. Some facilities. There are in fact several good hotels in Tarawa alone. Diving is fantastic, and so is the available seafood. Some services do not see many competitors though. There is one coffee shop and one registered taxi driver in the country. How I got in I got my visa from the friendly consul in Wales. I flew in on Air Pacific (soon to be renamed Fiji Airways) from Nadi. Kiribati is also occasionally served by Our Airline from Nauru and Majuro, Marshall Islands. Any loopholes? Do not worry about getting a visa if you’re from one of the 60 lucky countries. You will then get your essential visa stamp upon arrival. 13. Nauru Why so inaccessible? Only one airline, Our Airline, serves Nauru, and not every day. Do not expect to find it in your favourite flight ticket search engine either. A visa is needed to go there, and how many embassies or consulates of Nauru have you seen? To be fair, they are actually represented in four countries; Australia, Fiji, Taiwan and Thailand. Why you should still bother to go It is one of the few countries in the world you can actually run around. Just remember that the country is virtually on the Equator, so don’t attempt to do so at noon. It is also THE least visited country in the world. Certainly a country for your bucket list! How I got in I had been a little lazy, not bothering to get my visa in advance. Our Airline is however well connected in Nauru, and the staff at the airport in Brisbane managed to talk customs into issuing me a visa on arrival after 10 minutes on the phone. I was very lucky! The customs officer in charge in Nauru greeted me with few words: – Are you the tourist? Everyone else on board were locals or in the country for business. Business in Nauru? In a country with less than 9,000 people? I was there at the time of an international fishing conference. Any loopholes? Having the Our Airline staff talk me into the country without a visa just before departure worked for me, but it is not a strategy I would recommend to others. 12. Russia Why so inaccessible? The only country that stands between Norway and North Korea has a well-deserved reputation for what seems like meaningless bureaucracy. You will need an invitation to visit the country, although a letter from your hotel will in most cases suffice. Have you not filled in your visa application with extreme caution, you may have to reapply and again stand in line for hours at end. Why you should still bother to go I am sure that you will find something interesting to do in the world’s largest country. And then there is vodka, second to none. How I got in Patience, my friend. I wouldn’t show the consular staff that you get annoyed or mad, though. The Russian paper pushers would take personal pleasure in it. Any loopholes? Actually, yes. You can stay in St. Petersburg for up to 72 hours if you arrive by boat. All visa free. Just don’t tell the bureaucrats. 11. Uzbekistan Why so inaccessible? You will have to go through the hassle of obtaining an invitation by someone. As with Russia, a hotel is usually OK. If your stay exceeds three days, you also have to register with the Local Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Not very unusual in former Soviet republics, but nevertheless. Why you should still bother to go Uzbekistan is the Silk Road in a nutshell. The old and ancient buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara are not to be missed. Nor is the nightlife in Tashkent. Just remember to bring an extra backpack for your money. 100USD worth will give you a high stack of Uzbekistani Som. It won’t fit in your pocket. How I got in The process wasn’t all that bad, really. It just took a while. As in so long that we almost had to cancel the trip. When we boarded our prehistoric plane from St. Petersburg to Samarkand, we wished we had. Any loopholes? No known legal ones. 10. Syria Why so inaccessible? There is a civil war there. Chemical weapons may be used. Whereas accessing the country may be possible, leaving again in one piece is less certain. Why you should still bother to go Actually I’d say you wait a while until Damascus shows a little bit more of its well-known hospitality. And possibly change its government. How I got in The visa situation is a little uncertain at the moment due to the civil war. I travelled there a few years ago, and I then got my visa on the border in exchange for a couple of dollar notes. I travelled by shared taxi from Beirut. Any loopholes? Quite a few people actually travel to Syria and volunteer to fight for the “rebel” forces. I would not recommend that. 9. Turkmenistan Why so inaccessible? You will only get a tourist visa to Turkmenistan by signing up for a guide. As with Bhutan, you will need to pay up front. Why you should still bother to go Parts of Ashgabat, the capital, is virtually empty despite very impressive and expensive looking buildings. Do also check out the 12 meter tall gold plated statue of the former president Saparmurat Niyazov. It stands on a 63 meter tall concrete structure called the tripod. The statue itself always looks at the sun. Come on, imagine you were a dictator with unlimited power and money; You would so have done the same! You also need to go to “Door to Hell” in Karakum desert. It is the most underestimated tourist attraction ever. Except that there are no tourists. All the better! How I got in Four of us, all guys, had organized the trip through a local agency and drove in to the border by taxi from Mashad, Iran. After having walked across and sorted out formalities, we were met by our guide Oleg. He turned out to be quite a character. – Welcome to Turkmenistan! Are you here for drinks or for girls? – Hehe…I am sure we will have some drinks, but we have girlfriends at home. – So? – But Oleg, do you not believe in love? – Love was invented by the French. They were too cheap to pay for prostitutes. This mother of ultimate responses came without hesitation. Say no more. Oleg comes highly recommended. He is over two meters tall, and I challenge you to drink him under the table. I know someone who managed. Any loopholes? Your option is to get a transit visa. This is possible if you are driving or biking through the country. You will then be on your own and can explore more or less what you want along your predetermined route. 8. Somalia Why so inaccessible? There are big challenges when it comes to both government and infrastructure in Somalia, although the situation has improved greatly recently. Just finding an embassy might be a challenge, but I’d go for the Somali Embassy in Turkey. Turkish Airlines can take you directly to Mogadishu three times a week. Why you should still bother to go Piracy has plummeted and the government has regained control in Mogadishu. Your friends will love receiving a postcard from your holiday in Somalia and you will love hearing about how brave you were for having gone there in the first place. It is the second least visited country in the world. Possibly for a reason. How I got in I applied for a visa to Somaliland in the north from its consulate in London. The process only took an hour, but the staff there ensured me I was completelly mad for wanting to go there. – Why do you want to go to Somaliland? Are you crazy? Do you want to die? They still issued me the visa, strangely enough. I travelled straight there from London, only to discover that there were no hotels in the town of my choice. I ended up sleeping in the mayor’s “house.” In his guestroom. That left the vice mayor less than happy as he then had to sleep in the living room. You win some, you lose some. Any loopholes? A Canadian tourist just travelled to Mogadishu and managed to talk his way in. This was a few years ago, and the situation has improved, but do not expect many fellow travellers. 7. Libya Why so inaccessible? Tourism was tightly controlled under Gadaffi and getting a visa was a little like betting on fruit machines. You will win sooner or later, but it might take you a lot of time and money. The current visa situation is still not transparent. Why you should still bother to go Go there to show support to the people who are trying to build a democracy after Gadaffi’s 42-year “First of September Revolution.” And why not pop by the ruins of Leptis Magna, an ancient city of the Roman empire? You can thank me for the tip later. How I got in I visited when Gadaffi was still alive, during the civil war in 2011. The opposition was very happy to see journalists in the country and let me in on a whim when I showed them my press card. Any loopholes? None known to me. 6. Pakistan Why so inaccessible? Whether a tourist visa is issued or not depends on the time of year, the mood of the government and its assessed threat levels. You may get your visa one day, your friend not so the next. This uncertainty can make Pakistan a tricky country to visit as a tourist. Do however expect speedy service if the country is currently open. Why you should still bother to go Pakistan is a vast country with beautiful scenery and fantastic food. And Osama bin Laden lived there. For better or for worse. How I got in I wanted to visit at a time that was less than ideal from the government’s point of view. There was no way I would get a tourist visa. My press card did yet again secure entry. Any loopholes? Does a press card count as a loophole? 5. Afghanistan Why so inaccessible? I don’t really think I have to answer this question. Why you should still bother to go The scenery in large parts of the country is breathtaking. Afghanistan was also one of the most modern countries in the world in the early 70s. The contrast to what it is like now is huge. Women who have lived to see both times must be really depressed. How I got in My press card was needed. Again. The Afghani embassy in Oslo only issues visas to the press and military personell. Neighbouring countries may be more lenient when it comes to tourist visas. Any loopholes? You can always join the army. 4. Saudi Arabia Why so inaccessible? The country has so much oil that there is no reason for them to bother about additional revenues. Getting a tourism visa has long been a challenge, although it should technically be possible if you order an all-inclusive trip through a local travel agency. Of course, women cannot go unless they are accompanied by a husband, son or another male family member. Why you should still bother to go There is more than sand to see in Saudi Arabia. Sort of. Sand can be fun though. Try a desert barbeque, a desert safari or a desert rally. Of course, if you are a Muslim you have to go to Mecca. If you are a non-Muslim you cannot go to Mecca. How I got in I managed to get a transit visa which allowed me to stay 72 hours in the country. I had  a ticket to Riyadh from Khartoum and onwards to London. Any loopholes? The transit visa trick mentioned above is as close as you will get to a loophole. It may or may not work. 3. Equatorial Guinea Why so inaccessible? The country is ruled by Dictator Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, although he prefers President as his title. The distribution of the massive oil wealth is extremelly unequal,  it has one of the world’s worst human rights track records and is allegedly very involved in human trafficking. Why would they let in tourists, or witnesses? Why you should still bother to go You will rarely experience a stricter control of people and places. That is the reason to go there? Well, the negative experiences there will make almost all future destinations seem like fun fairs in comparison. There is also a fair amount of wildlife there and some beautiful beaches. If you can stomach enjoying it there. How I got in I tried all my tricks at the consulate in Douala, Cameroon, but without any luck. In Libreville, Gabon I somehow managed to secure an interview with the ambassador. I proved to him that I had a fair amount of knowledge about the country and convinced him that I only wanted to go there as a tourist. In this country a press card will do you no favours. Rather the contrary. Any loopholes? Obtain a US passport. American citizens are unique in Equatorial Guinea. They are the only ones that do not need a visa to visit. Did anyone ask why? 2. Eritrea Why so inaccessible? The country is a one party state. It is the only country that ranks below North Korea(!) on the press freedom index. Even if you fill out the application form very carefully, it may still returned with your passport. Also, expect the process to take 6-8 weeks. The biggest obstacle is that you never know whether you will be accepted or not. The uncertainty stops people from even applying. Why you should still bother to go Asmara is heaven for architects, photographers and beer drinkers. How I got in I applied and reapplied. The second time around I added a separate letter describing how much I had heard about the country and why I wanted to visit. I was eventually granted access. Any loopholes? It’s one of the worst police states in the world with a heavily guarded border. Don’t even think about sneaking in. 1. Angola Why so inaccessible? Angola has a lot of oil money these days. Europe does not. Things have certainly turned around, something the former Portugese colony has clearly noticed. The visa regime is quite harsh to prevent unemployed Europeans to go to jobhunting there. Why you should still bother to go There is a lot to see in the huge country, although do expect enormous differences when it comes to the distribution of wealth. Luanda, the traffic plagued capital, cannot in any way be compared to the country side. The border police will also relieve you of any local money you may have on you when you leave the country. It’s a lumbago friendly practice and rather considerate. How I got in I tried getting a visa through Angola’s embassies in both Stockholm and Johannesburg. The embassy in Sweden called me after I had sent them exactly what they asked for on their website. – We need more supporting documents. – I just sent you everything you asked for on your website. – The website has not been updated since 2003. – Well, that isn’t my fault, is it? They even refused to send my passport back, then finally reluctantly did so after five phone calls. We do not go to the same dinner parties. In the end I booked a flight with a 13 hour stopover in Luanda and somehow managed to talk myself into the country. I referred to the following on the country’s visa application form: “The transit visa can be exceptionally granted at the border post to a foreign citizen who, in a continuous journey is forced to interrupt it to make a compulsory stop-over by the means of transport utilized.” They very exceptionally let me enter their country. I would not bet on them letting anyone doing so ever again. Any loopholes? I think I managed to take advantage of the loophole, although I suspect it won’t be open much longer. The border to Angola’s enclave Cabinda is possibly easier to cross, but it might be a long shot. Why is North Korea not on the list? North Korea is actually an easy and safe place to visit, given that you are not South Korean. The process of obtaining a visa takes a week or two. Once inside the country, you are required to have two guides with you at all times though. Flying into North Korea can be quite an experience, especially if you chose to do so by Air Koryo. Your list may vary I should also add that this list has been written based exclusively on my own experiences. Other people may have no problems at all with any of these countries, or they may experience huge problems entering countries not even on this list. That is the beauty of travelling for you; You never know what you’re going to get, see, taste or experience. I love it! Disclaimer P.S. I refuse to be held responsible should you follow any of the above advice and still find yourself not admitted to any of the countries mentioned, the disappointment experienced should you be let in without any problems and hence lack of related stories to tell or the inconvenience caused for your relatives should you be killed or injured trying. Country situations do change frequently and usually without any notice.

Everyone likes travelling. Or at least to read about it. I both travel and like to write about it. I do so here, on garfors.com, but also occasionally elsewhere. Most recently I have agreed to write a piece at least once a month for the web edition of Capital, the biggest German business monthly. It was founded in 1962 and focuses on leadership and management, arts and links between business and society. My writings furthermore appear in Terminal U, an online magazine focusing on air travel. The publisher finds it rather relevant that I have been to hundreds of airports and that I have travelled by a couple of hundred plane companies. Some of my posts can also be found in Business Insider, a U.S. business and technology news website. And there is the odd article elsewhere, as in Capital Eritrea and Afghan Scene. Finally, my blogpost on the world’s 25 least visited countries has gone viral, and versions of it appear in both English and other languages. Those are written by others, I should add. My language abilities would have been revealed if I were to write those myself. I do usually cope when ordering in restaurants, though. Given that I carry a notepad and can actually draw a fish if worst comes to worst. Some of the posts in non-English: Czech. Spanish. Hungarian. Mandarin. Portugese. Vietnamese.

Your travels are are far too important to leave for someone else to arrange. Who am I to come up with such arrogant nonsense? I am a hardcore traveller and I travel more than most. Travel matters to me, and being in control of the travel experience is essential in order to enjoy it. I don’t want to end up having to get up at 04:45 because a random travel agent has decided that the 06:35 flight to Paris is ‘the right one for me’ in order to connect to Tokyo. Especially not when I will get to my destination faster, cheaper and at a more convenient time by flying via Frankfurt at 10:10 or via Munich at 11:55. Or why should I fly by a One World airline where I do not have a frequent flier card when I have Star Alliance Gold Card which ensures fast track rights and lounge access? And of course I prefer the friendly, service minded and visually appealing cabin crew of airline A over the nasty, stuck-up and service avoiding ones from Airline B. Then again, price always matters. Just remember that your time has a value too. Let’s say that itinerary A takes 22 hours while itinerary B takes 16. How much are each of those 6 additional hours worth to you? A fair comparison might be your hourly wage. Do not forget to add the return trip either. Here are my tips to make sure that I find the best deals on flights. 12 pieces of advice Subscribe to newsletters from all airlines that are relevant to you. That means those that fly from an airport near you or to a country you would really like to visit. This is usually how you first get notified of great deals. It can save you hundreds of dollars. For long distance flights, do not only search from your home airport. Also try to search from hubs in other countries. Airlines have different offers from different countries and you may save a lot of money. Then buy your return ticket from your home airport to that hub separately. Dare to be impulsive. Good deals rarely last for long. Travel to untraditional destinations, i.e. not to Spain or Egypt over Easter. ‘Everyone’ else will be looking for the sun at those mainstream destinations. Go for a different sort of holiday or travel to more original beaches. Less demand = lower prices. Use a search engine that covers many airlines. Kayak, Skyscanner, Expedia and Momondo are some of the best (and no, I didn’t get paid for including any of those). Remember to double check price and travelling times on the airline’s own website afterwards (I did not get paid by the search engines above to say that either). Take advantage of transits and stay a day or two extra. If you do this on both your outbound and return journey you will all of a sudden have had three holidays in one. And again, the trip may cost less. If possible, travel very early in the day (unless you value your sleep too much). Travelling in the middle of the week will often also save you some cash. Read up on geography and history as well as political and economical ties. Most countries in South America do for instance have historical ties to Spain. That means a lot of direct routes and hence competition to and from Barcelona and Madrid from various airlines. Just remember that Brazil is ‘Portugese,’ that Surinam is ‘Dutch’ and that Guyana is ‘British.’ Find out which airlines that can take you to your dream destination. Not all of them will show up in your preferred search engines, but require that you book with them directly online or via the phone. Wikipedia’s airport entries are usually quite accurate for info on who flies where. Try to book a return ticket even when you are going one way only. Some airlines offer cheaper tickets for a return flight than for a one way flight. Strange, but true. You will then use only the outbound flight, not the return one. Please do dare to try different destinations than you and your family or friends usually travel to. France is for example the most visited country in the world, so travelling there is as unoriginal as it gets. These days almost all tickets are electronic. Luckily. Some airports do however require that you have a ticket print out, with the reference number on it to even let you in to the check-in area. And some countries require a printed proof of your return journey before you are let into the country or even allowed to board the plane. And of course, you will need relevant visas and in some cases vaccination cards to avoid being denied boarding or entry. No roaming Just remember to switch off the data traffic roaming before you go abroad. Roaming charges can really kill your budget and eliminate everything you saved on finding cheap tickets. Remember that many of your apps will sync or use data traffic automatically without you knowing. I only use Wi-Fi spots for data traffic outside Europe. To update my statuses on social media right then and there isn’t worth a hundred dollars. This also relates to your maps. Do update the Google Maps or similar map service for the area you will visit before leaving your country. Or wait until you find a Wi-Fi spot. Then again, you may need the map to find it.

I am usually asked how I count having been to a country. The answer is that I must have experienced something and have a story to tell. The follow-up question is amost always the same. – Do you count airport transfers? I do not. Do you count having eaten at a certain restaurant if you concidentally happen to be there in between the starter and the main course? Neither do I count going through a country on a train or a bus. I cannot experience a country without stepping on it. In my opinion. Others have other ways of counting. Travelers’ Century Club count countries where you have “been” for refuelling even if you never left your aircraft. That’s too easy, in my opinion. And way too boring. Some people require a passport stamp which means that you must have at least stepped on the ground of an airport, train station or border post. Just receiving a passport stamp doesn’t take much, and you can easily fit in 8-10 of those in a day. A group of friends even claim to have been to 17 countries in 24 hours, going by car through Europe. Overnight or bust? The next question is whether I have to stay overnight to count a country. Of course not. Why should I? I may have been to the same country 10 times in one year, never having stayed overnight. I may have travelled there very early in the morning, stayed there all day and had breakfast, lunch and dinner. I may have walked or jogged tens of kilometers, met a bunch of people, had work meetings, gone wild shopping and had way too many drinks, yet managed to leave the country by plane, car or train before midnight. Those who claim that I need to stay overnight to count a country will ignore everything I managed to do on those 10 visits, as examplified above. They will however still count a country if I arrived in it 20 minutes before midnight, went straight to bed in an airport hotel, woke up six hours later, showered, had a a quick continental breakfast and was airborne and on my way out of it by 7:30. Do you still insist on an overnight stay? If you do, how will you ever count the Vatican? Good luck running for Pope. Women not allowed.