The 70 by 70 Challenge: Exploring the World, One Country at a Time
Welcome to the heart of my travel adventure, the 70 by 70 Challenge. It’s a thrilling odyssey filled with cultural discoveries, culinary delights, and philosophical reflections that I can’t wait to share with you.
As a seasoned traveller and philosopher, I’ve always believed that travel is a gateway to profound experiences and personal growth. The 70 by 70 Challenge is my way of pushing the boundaries of exploration while embracing the rich pageantry of our world’s diverse cultures. It’s about challenging myself, braving the unknown, and inspiring you to embark on your own epic journeys.
On this page, I’ll take you deep into the heart of the challenge, sharing details, my progress, and the remarkable stories that unfold along the way. Together, we’ll explore the beauty of our planet, savour delectable cuisines, and dive into the philosophical depths that travel brings.
Join me on this incredible adventure, and let’s uncover the world’s hidden treasures while reflecting on the profound lessons travel has to offer. Whether you’re a fellow wanderer or an armchair tourist, I invite you to be a part of my 70 by 70 Challenge journey. Together, we’ll make every moment count and discover the magic that awaits around every corner of this beautiful planet.
The Goal
The “70 by 70 Challenge” is a thrilling quest to explore 70 different countries across the globe before I celebrate my 70th birthday. It’s an ambitious goal, but I think it is feasible. If I average 3 or 4 new countries every year, I can reach the goal. In some years, I may only see 1 or 2 new countries. Yet one cruise in the Caribbean or a backpack through the Balkans could see 5 or 6 new countries crossed off the list.
This challenge, however, is not just about racking up passport stamps; it’s about immersing myself in the diverse cultures, cuisines, and philosophies that make our world so captivating. I aim to deepen my understanding of our planet and its people in every country I visit.
The Journey
My journey is fuelled by a passion for travel, a love of philosophy, and a curiosity that knows no bounds. I’ll traverse continents, seeking out hidden gems and well-trodden paths, all while sharing my experiences, insights, and challenges with you. Each destination promises unique encounters and unforgettable moments, from busy urban centres to remote villages.
Join In
But this challenge isn’t just about me; it’s about encouraging you to set off on your own adventures, whether near or far. I encourage you to follow along, share your travel stories and insights, and take steps on your own path to exploration. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of our world and the incredible experiences it has to offer.
So, grab your virtual passport and prepare for an exhilarating ride. The “70 by 70 Challenge” is more than a goal; it’s a shared adventure that invites you to explore, learn, and savour the richness of our planet. Let’s make every moment count.
The Countdown
As I check off each country on my list, I’ll update you on my progress. Come back regularly to see where I’ve been and what I’ve discovered along the way.
Whether it’s the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur, the serene temples of Bali, or the chaotic streets of Rome, I’ll be sharing stories, photos, illustrations, and reflections that capture the essence of each place.
Update: August 2024
This August, my journey across Europe brought me three steps closer to my goal of visiting 70 countries by the time I turn 70. After spending time in the Netherlands, including ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Deventer, and returning to Westerbork for Level 4 of my Dutch studies, I celebrated a personal milestone—I can now claim to speak Dutch, though there’s still much to learn!
Following the Dutch summer school, I ventured into three new countries. First up was Vienna, Austria, where I finally had the chance to visit the museums I’ve long dreamed of, including the Kunsthistorischesmuseum, where Brueghel’s masterpieces stole the show. I also immersed myself in the art of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt at the Belvedere Palace and the Secession Building—all while enjoying Austria’s culinary delights.
Next, I crossed into Bratislava, Slovakia, where I explored the old city’s stunning architecture, tried excellent local cuisine, and took a fascinating tour of Post-Communist Bratislava—complete with a ride in a vintage Skoda. The legacy of Slovakia’s troubled past came to life on this immersive journey through its history.
Finally, I visited Budapest, Hungary, where a market tour and cooking class introduced me to the art of making Hungarian goulash. I indulged in Lángos, tried the famous Unicum, and strolled along the Danube, admiring landmarks like the Parliament Building, Buda Palace, and Fisherman’s Bastion.
With these three new countries, I’ve now visited 33 countries in total—leaving 37 more to go as I continue my quest. Check out the updated graphic below to see how far I’ve come and how much farther I still need to go on this exciting journey!
Inspiration: Fuelling Your Wanderlust
I believe that travel can transform lives. It’s not just about checking off countries on a map; it’s about embracing new perspectives, savouring unique flavours, and connecting with people from all walks of life. The “70 by 70 Challenge” isn’t just my journey. It’s an exhortation for you to go on your own adventures.
Discover the World: The world is vast and filled with wonders to be explored. This challenge is a testament to the endless possibilities that travel offers. From the ancient traditions of Asia to the vibrant cultures of South America, there’s a world of beauty, diversity, and excitement out there. Let my journey inspire you to uncover the hidden treasures of our planet.
Embrace Curiosity: Travel is a celebration of curiosity. It’s about asking questions, seeking answers, and revelling in the unknown. Whether you’re planning a solo expedition or a family getaway, curiosity is your best companion. Approach each destination with an open heart and mind, and you’ll be amazed at what you discover.
Connect with Others: One of the most profound aspects of travel is the connections we forge with fellow explorers and the locals we meet along the way. These encounters enrich our lives and remind us of our shared humanity. Through my stories and experiences, I hope to inspire you to connect with people from different backgrounds and create lasting memories.
Start Your Journey: This challenge is not only about me; it’s about all of us. I encourage you to start your own journey, whether it’s a weekend road trip, an international escapade, a visit to a nearby town, or even a staycation in your home city. Use my stories and insights as inspiration, and let your wanderlust guide you to new horizons.
So, why wait? Join me as I venture into the world’s heartlands, from bustling cities to serene landscapes, and immerse myself in the bounty of global cultures. Let my “70 by 70 Challenge” ignite your passion for travel and inspire you to begin your own incredible adventures.
Join the Travel Community
At Only Anton, I believe that the joy of travel is best when shared. Our vibrant community of explorers, food enthusiasts, and philosophical thinkers is at the heart of my journey. I invite you to be a part of this exciting adventure, and there are plenty of ways for you to connect with me.
Subscribe to the Newsletter: The monthly newsletter is your backstage pass to Only Anton. Get exclusive content, travel tips, updates on the “70 by 70 Challenge,” and opportunities to connect directly with Anton delivered directly to your inbox. It’s the perfect way to stay connected and never miss a beat!
Explore the Blog: Dive into my travel stories, culinary adventures, and philosophical musings. I share my experiences, insights, and reflections to inspire and inform your own journeys. Feel free to comment on my posts. I love hearing your thoughts and stories, too!
Follow Me on Social Media: Join me on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates, stunning visuals, and real-time travel inspiration. I interact with my followers regularly and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my adventures. Connect with me and be a part of our online travel family.
Engage with the “70 by 70” Challenge: Follow my progress as I endeavour to visit 70 different countries by age 70. Stay updated on my adventures, share your own travel stories and challenges, and connect with like-minded wanderers.
Join the conversation: I value your thoughts and experiences. Share your travel stories, culinary discoveries, and philosophical insights in the comments section or on social media. Let’s collaborate and forge a global community of people who share a passion for exploration.
