The countries we want to see most

The countries we want to see most

Despite our best plans, we never made it to Africa last year. With renewed plans to visit the continent after our current trip through Sri Lanka and Burma, we found ourselves in an interesting discussion: If you could only see five countries before you die, which would they be?

This question presented us with a much trickier dilemma than the countries we least want to see. With so much on offer, we had to be ruthless in our decisions.

We did not select countries we have already visited or stateless territories (e.g. Antarctica). Two of our countries overlapped (Nepal and Canada), so we each picked another to make 10 in total.

The resulting list provides solid inspiration for our future travels. If the countries weren't scattered all over the world, we might have been tempted to make a big trip out of it. Unfortunately the economics don't make sense, but we can dream...

Kia's decisions

Turkmenistan

I have been looking forward to seeing Derweze in Turkmenistan for several years. Also known as the Gates of Hell, this blazing chasm of fire has been burning for nearly 50 years.

alt=“Countries we most want to see Turkmenistan”>Dreamtime

In 1971, Soviet geologists drilling in the gas-rich area of ​​Derweze discovered a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the rig collapsed, leaving a crater about 70 meters in diameter. Experts decided to burn off the gas to avoid a toxic discharge. They lit a fire, expecting the fuel to run out in a few days. Decades later, Derweze is still burning.

Standing on the edge of this surreal crater is at the top of my travel wish list.

Canada

Canada is one of those countries that everyone thinks I've seen, but I haven't. Its strong infrastructure and enviable safety record make it one of the places to see if you are a little older and used to certain comforts.

alt="The fantastic Mt. Asgard is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world">Arthur Stanisz/Used with permission

That said, I would be devastated if I never saw Canada. I really want to see Baffin Island with its wild and vast landscapes. The twin peaks of Mount Asgard are fascinating and Mount Thor is a must-see. This mighty mountain has the largest elevation change on earth at 1,250 m (4,101 ft).

Read more about Canada

Mongolia

There are few countries that feel as wild and dramatic as Mongolia. Its rugged expanses and nomadic peoples are fascinating, and its remote location promises the seclusion that tugs at every explorer's heart.

alt=”Countries we most want to see, Mongolia”>Dreamtime

I want to see the infamous Gobi Desert and explore the Mongolian steppe. I am also drawn to the country's horse culture because I love these creatures - be it a young buck rubbing against the reins or a calm mare on a gentle stroll. Riding in the Mongolian steppe is a dream.

Read more about Mongolia

Ethiopia

I'm not going to lie: the only reason Ethiopia is on my list is because of Erta Ale, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has been erupting continuously since 1967 and holds the record for the longest existing lava lake, having existed since 1906.

alt="erta ale, the most active volcanoes">Dreamtime

I'm drawn to Erta Ale after visiting Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, hands down the best travel experience I've ever had.

Erta Ale, which means “smoking mountain” in the local Afar language, is not only highly explosive, but also one of the driest, lowest and hottest places on earth, with temperatures reaching 47°C (118°F). What more could you want from a two-week trip from home?

Read more about Ethiopia

Zambia

I chose Zambia as my second choice after Nepal as the latter overlaps with Peter's list.

Zambia is one of two countries home to the legendary Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Zambia's counterpart, Zimbabwe, offers more panoramic viewpoints, but the former offers closer access to the falls as well as the opportunity to plunge into the famous Devil's Pool.

alt=“Countries we most want to see Zambia”>Dreamtime

This much-photographed spot on the edge of the falls allows adventurous swimmers to take a dip just meters from where the water cascades over the falls.

After fascinating visits to Gullfoss in Iceland and Iguassu in Brazil, I'm sure Victoria would be just as impressive.

Read more about Zambia

Peter's decisions

Namibia

I fell in love with Namibia from afar many years ago after seeing an exhibition about the Skeleton Coast. The area is littered with massive whale bones, rusting shipwrecks, dead plants, and the occasional footprints of desert creatures in desperate need of food. The area is so wild that Khoisan Bushmen from the interior have called it “the land that God created in anger.”

alt=“Countries we want to see most Namibia 2″>Dreamtime

Slightly less morbid is the Namib Desert, which I have enjoyed photographing since I first saw a shot of its iconic landscape many years ago. The rugged silhouettes of its trees against an outrageous blue sky and vibrant desert create a surreal Disney scene that you're never quite sure is real.

Read more about Namibia

Nepal

Home to the vast Himalayan mountains, Nepal was an easy choice for me. I may have mentioned once or twice (or three times) that I hope to climb the Seven Summits one day. The highlight is of course Everest, the highest mountain in the world with its summit at a deadly 8,848 m (29,028 ft).

alt=“Countries we want to see the most – Nepal”>Dreamtime

Beyond Everest, the general Himalayan region is a trekker's dream and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Hiking the Annapurna Circuit is not far behind Everest on my bucket list.

Read more about Nepal

Kiribati

This is kind of an outlier. It doesn't have the rugged landscapes or sweeping vistas of my other choices, but it's certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth.

alt="Kiribati is one of the most mispronounced country names">Dreamtime

I fell in love with the South Pacific during our 2014 trip across its islands. Kiribati seems to be a natural extension of some of the extraordinary beauties of Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga and French Polynesia.

It's one of the least visited countries in the world, which hopefully means pristine beaches with excellent snorkeling and diving!

Read more about Kiribati

Greenland (Denmark)

Greenland is enticing for so many reasons. Its barren landscapes, remote communities and access to wilderness are irresistible to the explorer in me.

old=““>Visit Greenland

I'm very interested in hiking the Arctic Circle Trail with its breathtaking beauty and maybe even following in the footsteps of my eternal crush Fridtjof Nansen. This great explorer led the team that crossed the interior of Greenland for the first time in 1888, crossing the island on cross-country skis. This was before his record attempt to reach the North Pole (1893-96) and his Nobel Peace Prize (1922).

Read more about Greenland

New Zealand

This was my second choice after Canada, which is on Kia's list. New Zealand is a country with breathtaking scenery and diversity. From mountains and lakes to forests and caves, this remote country offers excellent hiking and climbing opportunities.

alt=”Countries we most want to see – New Zealand”>Dreamtime

My choice of New Zealand subverts the rules a bit since we've already visited, but an eight-hour layover in Auckland hardly counts, so I'm choosing it anyway!

Read more about New Zealand

Mission statement: Dreamstime

      .