We’re almost at the end of April 2026 and I’ve only added one new country to the count this year: the Bahamas, bringing my grand tally to 29 of 50 (Bill is at 31 of 55). While Bill and Reggie spent three weeks in the Bahamas this winter, I only did a week in North Eleuthera, hitting up Spanish Wells and Harbour Island for a few days as well.
Officially, I am adding a couple experiences that I need to incorporate into my 50 Before 50:
- Staying in a hostel, for real. The reason I’m emphasizing for real here is because we stayed in a hostel in Panama for one night recently, but I can’t say it counts. We arrived super late, left super early, stayed in a private room with a private bathroom and partook in exactly zero hostel activities. We didn’t even see another person while we were there. So it stays on the list.
- Be uncomfortable. This may sound vague, but to me, it means sacrificing physical comfort for an awe-inspiring experience. Like accepting the inevitable bugs and creepy crawlies of a night spent in the Amazon, shivering in a cold, wet tent somewhere in the Himalayas, or staying in a cabin in Borneo with no a/c.
That’s the list for now. It’s short and sweet, but I’m sure I’ll be adding to it over the next few years as I get closer to 50.
