My name is Anil Polat, a blogger and computer security engineer who’s been traveling around the world for the past six years. Along the way I set the goal of visiting every country on the planet – I’m currently at 80 – here’s where I’ve been and where I’m going next.
I have traveled to places from Moldova, Yemen, to Iceland, been published in WIRED, Lifehacker, PC World, among others and appeared on Travel + Escape. I am also the author of several books on travel and technology.
I’ve always had a keen interest in culture, technology, and travel, and love to pick things apart to see how they work. That’s my goal on foXnoMad, to teach you the tips, tricks, and tech you can use to travel smarter – no matter where you go or how you travel.
Countries | Upcoming Stops | Where I Am Now
Traveling From An Early Age
I started traveling at a very early age, moving back and forth between Turkey and the United States tagging along with my journalist parents to other destinations as well. Before I began traveling permanently, I was a full-time computer security consultant for 6 years, traveling very often for my job. Over the years I learned to minimize my belongings, adapt to frequently changing environments, and make the most out of my tech gadgets.
I don’t have a fixed address, but rather settle in a spot for a few months to explore a region of the world. All of my belongings fit into a single backpack and I can work from anywhere while staying connected to even the flakiest of wireless connections.
I made the leap to blogging and traveling full time much like I do everything else, by coming up with a plan to break down a big problem into manageable parts. You can also learn to Overcome The 7 Major Obstacles To Traveling The World, read my Ultimate Tech Guide For Travelers, or simply learn to become a traveling hacker on any trip – saving money, seeing more of the world, and using your laptop as the wonderful travel companion you never knew you had.
Travel smarter,
-Anil
Hey, 70 countries is awesome!
Will you also travel to dangerous places, like conflict zones? You might not need to visit all countries… some are very dangerous right now.
Personally, I’m at 20 countries in the list, but adding more and more 🙂
I’ll go to them all. I’m not sure I “need” to but it’s the goal I set for myself some years ago.
You are my idol. Are you single? Heheheh
I am in a very serious relationship with travel 😉
Spiffy new website Anil, I kinda miss the old fox though! 🙂
Thanks! It was hard for my eyes to adjust at first too 🙂 Maybe I’ll do a throwback at some point for fun!
Wow, you are exactly who I want to be in the future! I’m hoping to somehow combine my love of travel and future career as a network engineer, but am not sure if it’s feasible to do so.
Thank you so much. Anything is possible really especially if you have an expertise in the digital world.
Thanks for showing me what a great site should look like and for showing me what great content should be.
I appreciate that very much, thank you!
93 countries and counting !!! will hit the 100 mark in 2016 !!!
Sweet, good luck and happy travels!
Love the links you share! I’ve been to 87 countries and counting… slowly, now that I have a 1-year-old. It’s nice to reminisce about my backpacking days, which I hope to resume when my son is older. He has dual Turkish-U.S. citizenship, and has been to 6 countries in his first year, so maybe he’ll end up like you! 🙂
Thank you Laura, that’s very nice of you to say – I have a feeling you and your son have a lot of travels ahead 🙂
I’ve known Anil for at least 12 years and know how much he loves to travel and takes his blog very seriously. I’m just so excited and happy for him that his new app is booming around the world. O haven’t had the chance to use it yet but have recommended for quite a few friends that I’m sure have used it. Much more success your way, my friend!
Thank you so much for the support as always!
Heinz Stücke, between 1962 and 2010, cycled more than 609,000 kilometres and visited 195 countries and 78 territories.
Strong legs! 🙂
You are an inspiration. My husband and I meet in Tokyo 20 years ago. We are raising a global family. Our kids are bi-lingual and bi-cultural. I’v moved 14 times in 22 years and lived in five countries. I hope my kids turn out like you. They are well on their way. Keep up the good work!
Interesting story, thanks for sharing and the kind words!
Hi Anil, just came across your blog. I like your passion for travel and 80 countries is amazing! Good luck with your future travels. Will follow your blog.
Sweet, thanks!
Anil
Wonder if my passports have two different names. One married and one maiden name. What concerns does this raise?
You might be able to find the answers you’re looking for in the comments here: http://foxnomad.com/2012/06/07/how-to-travel-with-two-passports-if-youre-a-dual-citizen/
Dude you are awesome, really !!
80 countries, and I’ve just been to 19! Seriously awesome. Been reading a lot of your travels, and getting lots of tips. Good luck!
Thank you and best of luck on your travels as well!
just curious about something.. I happen to run into site talking about citzens with two passports.It’s one of those questions that I wanted to ask just to make sure… I have dual citizenship with both U.S. and Canadian passports..I’m planning on flying to the u.s. in July.. When I approach the customs border which passport should i present to the customs agent the U.S. or Canadian passport..By the way good site and info..
Feel free to post your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/11/16/the-fast-answers-to-your-questions-about-traveling-as-a-dual-citizen/
keep up good work pal 🙂
Teşekkürler Gökhan, seninde yolun açık olsun.
Do you have a post that shows everything that you have in your backpack? I’m curious to know. I’ve been back reading your blog. It’s very interesting!
This is as close as I have!
http://foxnomad.com/about/tech-gear-and-gadgets-i-travel-with/
Hey Anil, i must say that i love your blog and it has taught me some very interesting things, i just subscribed to it aswell as I’ll be needing a lot of tips in the future too.
Bro i need some advice, would you know if I can apply for a Portuguese passport with a different name (I hold an Indian passport already) or would that be considered illegal.
Thanks very much Aneesh, feel free to post your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/06/07/how-to-travel-with-two-passports-if-youre-a-dual-citizen/
It’s a pretty active thread and more on topic. I’ll be happy to reply there. Thanks..
Love the photo and your blog is great!
Thank you very much!
Hello, Anil!
I found your site just by chance.
First of all, I’m Brazilian and Canadian Citizen…
I’ve lived i Canada for 11 years, and before getting the Canadian Citizenship, I was using the brazilian Passport to re-enter Japan, as have JPR(Japanese Permanent Resident) Visa…This JPR Visa requires Re-entry Permit if if go outside of Japan…
I’ll be goig to Japan this soon, because I’m re-entering Japan, I have to use the Brazilian Passport, with the Re-entry Permit…and because I want to buy JR RailPass(gives us discounted fares for bus, train and ferries run by JR Transportation)in that country, I have to use the Canadian Passport. Because brazilians re-entering Japan with Re-entry Permit, are not eligible to use JR RailPass.
My question is: Can I use both, the Brazilian Passport(with Re-entry Permit), and the Canadian Passport(Immigration has to stamp the Temporary Visitor Status)to enter Japan?
Thank you if you read my concern, and hope to hear from you soon.
Feel free to ask your question here:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/11/16/the-fast-answers-to-your-questions-about-traveling-as-a-dual-citizen/