So here is my countries-visited map as of today… Filling out a part of the map seems a possible criteria to determine my next set of destinations. Well, I would not pick probably based on that but it sure is tempting!
For example, Ireland and Portugal would close up a good part of Europe. Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica would close up Central America – and so close to home! South America looks more daunting with the 3 “Guianas/Guyanas” and Venezuela being part of what is left… Africa, well filling out a part of the map quickly would not be possible. But the map shows that perhaps I need to put some red in western Africa… I also see a big pocket in southern Asia where I need to paint red…
I seem to have been hitting the Balkan area in the last 2 years by serendipity really: a wedding in Bulgaria, a wedding party in Greece, hopping from Italy to nearby Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and -soon- a hike in Romania for an orphanage. I think God wants me to cover the Balkans so I may add Serbia or Moldova when I head to Romania! (I realize I am stretching the definition of the Balkan peninsula!)
In the end, it will boil down to when I can travel, the local season (for example, Greenland in January would not be my choice), cost, possibility of traveling with someone, etc. I love the uncertainty because all options are open!
As of May 2012 : (added Caribbean islands and Balkan countries)