A globetrotter who has visited every country in the world has shared his three favourite nations among the 195 UN-recognised countries and territories, including a “Jurassic Park-like” island nation
A daring adventurer who’s explored every nation on Earth has revealed his three top destinations, including an island where visitors “feel completely cut off from the rest of the world”. As a youngster, Cameron Mofid, from San Diego, California, harboured a “fascination” with the world’s many countries, which may have stemmed from a game he enjoyed with his brother at home.
His grandmother would shout out a nation and young Cameron and his sibling would then dash to a massive map on the garage wall to identify the country’s position. He says he’s always been “enthralled” by geopolitics, geography, and “learning about different aspects of humanity”.
That fascination would eventually lead to him visiting all 195 UN-recognised countries and territories before turning 26, all whilst battling obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Cameron completed his final destination in April, when he and his travel companions journeyed to reclusive state North Korea.
The adventurer has since revealed the countries that left the greatest impact on him, a blend of tourist favourites, those with serious Foreign Office (FCDO) warnings, and some so isolated that you’d be pardoned for not knowing they existed.
Some time has passed since Cameron accomplished his remarkable geographical achievement, and he’s used this period reflecting on his journeys and the nations he regards as his favourites. He admits that picking a country remains as “tough” a task as ever.
He has previously chosen the African nation of Algeria and, in what might come as a surprise, Yemen, a conflict-torn nation on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula.
During an exclusive chat, Cameron was asked whether his preferences had shifted. He provided insight into some of the characteristics he weighs up when selecting and revealed three completely new countries.
Cameron explained: “Well, I would say, I think it’s tough to pick one, right? Because there’s all the things that I like about some are different from the things I like about others, right? And so, like it really just depends what you’re trying to get at. Like, if it’s history, if it’s history, and it’s culture, that’s one thing.
“Maybe if it’s food, it’s another. If it’s nature, that’s another thing. So I think… I can give you a few different ones, and there are maybe four or five that stand out.”
São Tomé and Príncipe
Cameron declared “one of the most underrated destinations” globally he’s explored is the lesser-known African island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe.
He revealed: “It’s this Jurassic Park-like island country off West Africa where you feel completely cut off from the rest of the world. Hardly any tourism, yet very dramatic landscapes, volcanic peaks, and kind of this warm island culture – really the definition of a hidden gem.”
Once a major cocoa producer, São Tomé and Príncipe consists of two volcanic islands positioned off Africa’s western coastline. Regarded as a tropical haven featuring untouched beaches, this island nation is celebrated for its seafood, forests, and volcanic treks.
Previously under Portuguese rule, the European nation transported prisoners to this territory from the 1400s onwards. Sugar plantations were established, with São Tomé and Príncipe used for the movement of slaves.
Palau
Cameron subsequently mentioned another “beautiful” island nation – this time situated in the Pacific Ocean. He said: “I think another beautiful island country on the other side of the world that I find extraordinary is Palau. Palau is by far the most beautiful country in Oceania.
“The rock islands are otherworldly, with these turquoise lagoons and limestone cliffs, and there’s this Milky Way Lagoon that they have where you cover yourself in this white limestone mud.
“It’s surreal, it’s fun, it’s unforgettable, it’s paradise, but it still feels untouched, and they receive very little tourism; they limit the amount of tourism that they have. So, that’s a country that I highly recommend.”
Located in the northern Pacific, Palau encompasses over 200 coral and volcanic islands and features a remarkable variety of landscapes, ranging from dense forests to stunning coastlines.
The BBC reports that its modest tourism industry has been mounting in importance, with many of its visitors hailing from Taiwan, a nation with which Palau has diplomatic links.
Japan
Cameron’s final choice was somewhat more “well-known”. He added: “And then, of course, the more well-known countries. Japan, for me, stands out above the rest. It’s where you can have a true culture shock without giving up comfort or safety.
“The food I’ve had is the best I’ve had; the food there is the best I’ve had anywhere in the world. The people are humble, they’re kind, and such stark contrast between Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, Kobe, so it just really feels like five trips in one.”