40 Countries Before I Turn 40.
32 down. 8 to go. 440 days on the clock. Here's why I'm doing it.
I have a confession to make. For years I've been helping other people plan the trips of their lives and somewhere along the way I quietly set myself a challenge of my own. 40 countries before I turn 40.
I'm turning 40 on 24th July 2027. That's 440 days from today. And I currently sit at 32 countries visited. Which means I need 8 more in just over a year and honestly? I cannot wait.
I've been travelling since I was young. My mum took me to Disney at 13 and something clicked that feeling of being somewhere completely new, completely different, completely alive. I've been chasing it ever since. Europe, South Africa, the Swiss Alps, the Caribbean every trip has taught me something new about the world and about myself.
But this challenge feels different. It has a deadline. It has stakes. And it has a birthday at the end of it. Which feels like exactly the right kind of motivation.
Where I've Been
32 Countries & Counting
Please note: I'm using the Travellers' Century Club count rather than the UN country list which is why you'll see England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man listed separately. However you count it, I've been lucky enough to explore some incredible corners of the world!
🇬🇧 British Isles — 4
🌍 Europe — 16
🌎 The Americas & Caribbean — 6
🌏 Asia & Middle East — 4
🌍 Africa — 2
The Plan — 8 Countries to Go
Why I'm Sharing This
As a travel agent, I spend a lot of time helping other people plan their adventures. This blog series is my chance to go on one of my own and bring you along for the ride.
I'll be writing about every trip, every country, every moment that makes me remember exactly why I fell in love with travel in the first place. The good, the unexpected, and the "I cannot believe I nearly missed this."
If you've got a bucket list of your own whether it's countries, destinations, or experiences I'd love to hear about it. If you fancy ticking something off your list, you know where to find me.
Here's to 40 countries, one incredible year, and the best birthday celebration I can imagine. 🥂
Until next time – keep dreaming big, travelling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon, Sarah x