Travel inspiration, and how to map it
Guides for people who keep count of where they have been. Each one answers its question in the first paragraph, is checked against the sources it lists, and leads to a map you can fill in.
The world, and how to count it
How many countries there are, what counts as one, what counts as a visit, and a list to tick off.
How Many Countries Are There? Why Travel Maps Disagree
The usual answer is 195. Depending on who is counting you will also see 193, 211, 249 and 330. Here is where each number comes from and how to pick one for your own travel tally.
Countries Visited Checklist: All 195, by Continent
All 195 countries in one list, grouped by continent, with a box beside each. Print this page or the one-page PDF, or tick them on the world map and let it keep count.
What Percentage of the World Have You Visited?
Divide the countries you have visited by 195 and you have the figure most travel maps show. Measure the same trips by land area and the answer can be many times bigger or smaller. Here are both sums, and when each one is fair.
Is Greenland a Country? What Counts on a Travel Map
Greenland is not an independent country: it is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Puerto Rico and Hong Kong are in a similar position. Here is what each one is, and how to count places like them on a travel map.
What Counts as Visiting a Country? Does an Airport Count?
No authority decides what counts as visiting a country. One well-known travellers’ club accepts a fuel stop if you set foot on the ground; another rejects airports altogether. Here is where the common rules differ, and how to pick one.
Canada, province by province
The 13 provinces and territories, the national parks, the World Heritage Sites and the largest cities.
Canada’s 10 Provinces and 3 Territories, Explained
Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Here is each one with its capital, size and population, how they group into five regions, and what actually separates a province from a territory.
Canada’s National Parks: All 48, by Province (Checklist)
Canada has 48 national parks: 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, plus one national urban park. Here is every one by province and territory, with a box to tick.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada: All 22, by Province
Canada has 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 10 cultural, 11 natural and 1 mixed. Alberta has the most, with six. Here is every site with its year and province, and a line on what you would be going to see.
Largest Cities in Canada by Population: All 41 Metro Areas
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, with 6.2 million people in its metropolitan area at the 2021 Census. Montréal is second and Vancouver third. Here are all 41 metropolitan areas in order, and why other lists show different numbers.
Making your map and printing it
Which kind of travel map to make, and how to get a sharp print of it.
How to Make a Map of Places You’ve Visited
There are three kinds of travel map: fill-in, pin and route. Pick the one that matches what you want to show, then follow the steps to make a fill-in map in a few minutes.
How to Print a Travel Map Poster: Size, Resolution, Paper
Use the PDF when you can, match the shape of the file to the frame, and check the pixel count if you print from a PNG. The table below does the arithmetic for common sizes.