Man Who’s Traveled to 83 Countries Reveals His Favorite Destination

Over more than three decades of travel, exploring 83 countries and all seven continents, James Ian has seen more of the world than most.

But when asked to pick a favorite destination, the New York-based traveler admits it’s a tough choice.

“That’s a very difficult question—it’s like trying to choose a favorite child,” Ian told Newsweek. But if he had to choose? “Maybe Ecuador.”

Ian, 56, is the founder of Parks Collecting, a website offering guides and itineraries for U.S. national parks. Originally from Australia, he has also lived in the U.K., Japan, and even on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.

“I’ve been traveling for 35 years. I spent 14 years backpacking solo around the world, and the past 21 years more settled but still traveling each year,” he said.

Why Ecuador?

What makes Ecuador stand out among the dozens of countries he’s visited? For Ian, it’s the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences packed into one small country.

“It’s a small country but has so much variety of landscapes and experiences,” Ian said. “There’s traditional Andean culture, tiny villages on the mountains, a modern city, active volcanoes, hot springs, the Amazon rainforest, and, of course, the Galapagos Islands.”

Ecuador’s diverse offerings make it an ideal travel destination, whether for first-time visitors or seasoned explorers.

According to Ecuador’s official tourism website, visitors can enjoy everything from adventure sports and whale watching to archaeology, gastronomy and wildlife experiences. The country is home to four distinct natural regions, each offering unique attractions.

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Travel to Reach New Record Highs

Ian’s love for travel aligns with global trends, as international tourism is experiencing a major boom.

According to a 2025 report by Oxford Economics, global travel demand is expected to increase by 12 percent year on year, reaching a record 1.75 billion arrivals.

The report noted: “Global inbound arrivals are now effectively recovered to the same level as the prior peak in 2019, and 2025 will see new record levels being reached across most destinations.”

Americans are fueling much of this travel demand. A TripAdvisor report released in November found that 96 percent of Americans plan to travel as much or more than they did last winter, with 53 percent planning to increase their travel budget.

With global travel surging, more people are seeking unique, immersive experiences, especially among millennials and travelers from Generation Z, who are foregoing Instagram-worthy, picture-perfect hotspots and seeking more authentic, local cultural escapes.

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