A seasoned adventurer who swapped a conventional career for a life on the road in a 4x4 has pinpointed the three countries that left him most awestruck during his global travels. Dan Grec, an Australian-born YouTuber now based in Canada, has journeyed across five continents and 65 nations, including 35 in Africa alone.
From Desk Job to Global Explorer
Two decades after moving to Canada to work as an engineer, Dan found himself dreaming of distant horizons from his office desk. He decided to make a radical change, saving his money, quitting his job, selling his belongings, and embarking on an initial road trip to Alaska. This first taste of freedom was merely the prologue. He then spent two years driving from North America to the southern tip of South America, crossing 17 countries along the way.
When pressed to name his absolute favourite destinations from his vast travels, Dan admitted it was a tough choice, likening it to "asking for a favourite child." He emphasised that experiences depend on countless variables. However, three nations consistently rose to the top of his list for their unique and unforgettable offerings.
Gabon: Africa's Untamed Eden
His first standout recommendation is Gabon in West Africa, a country he describes as "incredible" with extremely friendly people, vast wilderness, and spectacular wildlife. Known as "Africa's last Eden," this sparsely populated nation on the Atlantic coast is blanketed by thick rainforests teeming with chimpanzees and mandrills. Its white-sand beaches even offer sightings of gorillas and elephants.
Key attractions include Loango National Park and Ivindo National Park. In the capital, Libreville, visitors can explore The National Museum of Arts, Rites and Traditions, the Arboretum de Sibang, and the bustling marché Mont-Bouët market. With average yearly temperatures around 26°C, the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September. The flight from London to Libreville takes approximately 10 hours and 58 minutes.
Iceland: A Landscape of Fire and Ice
For sheer, jaw-dropping scenery, Dan unequivocally picks Iceland. "Iceland has by far the most stunning landscapes I've ever seen," he states. This Nordic island nation, famed as the "Land of Fire and Ice," boasts dramatic volcanic vistas, powerful waterfalls, and geothermal wonders like the Blue Lagoon.
Travellers can chase the Northern Lights, explore the quirky capital Reykjavík, or tour the famous Golden Circle route. Other must-see areas are the South Coast, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Eastfjords, and the mighty Skógafoss Waterfall. Iceland's climate is bracing, with average yearly temperatures ranging from -1°C in winter to 11°C in summer. For UK-based holidaymakers, it's a remarkably accessible paradise, with an average flight time of just 3 hours and 21 minutes from London to Reykjavík.
Argentina: A Continent in One Country
Completing his top three is Argentina, a nation Dan loved so much he seriously considered applying for residency. This vast South American country stretches 4,000 kilometres from subtropical north to sub-Antarctic south, encompassing an astonishing diversity of landscapes.
Beyond its fame for football legend Diego Maradona and the tango, Argentina is home to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. Visitors should not miss the vibrant capital Buenos Aires, the Iberá Wetlands for capybara spotting, the Misiones Province, and the striking scenery of Patagonia. In Buenos Aires, average daytime temperatures sit around a pleasant 18°C. The journey from the UK is a longer haul, with an average flight duration of 18 hours and 43 minutes from London to Buenos Aires.
Dan Grec's adventures, which he has also detailed in a book, continue to inspire. His selections prove that life-changing travel experiences can be found in remote African rainforests, on otherworldly Arctic islands, and in the sprawling southern landscapes of the Americas.
