I have it on my bucket list to visit every country in Europe. I think it very do-able. So far I’ve been able to visit 16 European countries. By my count I have about 27 more to go, so I’m a little of a third of the way there.

First the easy ones.

I could easily visit Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in one trip with entry and exit via Copenhagen and Oslo. Same way with Benelux with entry or exit via Brussels, Amsterdam or Luxembourg. I could hit up Switzerland and Liechtenstein in another trip.

Poland, Ireland, Greece, Malta and Iceland would each be a trip all to themselves. Romania and Moldova *could* go together, although honestly I’m not sure there’s much to see in Moldova, albeit just getting a passport stamped.

I’d spend a bit more time in the former Yugoslavia, probably concentrating first on Croatia and Slovenia. These two are considered probably the most well developed former Yugoslav nations, both being part of the EU and NATO.

Then I’d head to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria all countries which seem a bit more rustic, although maybe after visiting them I might see that they’re just as good as western Europe….who knows. I’d imagine Serbia and Bosnia be paired up, while Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania could go together. Same way with Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Georgia (European), Armenia, and Azerbaijan (both Asian) would be a great trip and they’re higher on my list, but I think it could be a little rough, if not very difficult (in travel time) to get to.

Next would be the more difficult countries…

Ukraine – I’d likely put this low on the bottom of my list at least for several years as there’s a war going on.
Belarus – As of writing this blog post I have found that Belarus recently lifted via requirements for travelers of 80 countries including the United States. But I’m kinda meh about Belarus anyways. I’m not sure there is much there if only to say I had been there.
Russia – It’s true Russia does require a visa except if you are on a cruise from a certain tour company from Helsinki. As long as you stay with your tour group in St. Petersburg, then you’d be ok without a visa. Honestly I do not have a desire to visit Moscow without a native to guide me…and that may happen if I can convince a former missionary to let me tag along.

Realistically probably last on my list (and almost forgotten) would be San Marino and Monaco. It would almost be an afterthought.

I realize I am very blessed to even dream this dream and even come close to doing this. This is truly a first world goal, especially when the majority of Americans don’t even travel abroad. I don’t take travel for granted and at the same time I’m always looking forward to my next trip.