'I've visited 65 countries and one of my favourites is less than 3 hours from Dublin' | Dublin Live

A globetrotting YouTuber has visited 65 countries across five continents in his 4x4 vehicles, but has narrowed down his favourites to just three nations - with one so special he considered getting residency

Matt Davies Trendswatch Reporter

13:22, 15 Jan 2026

A globe-trotting YouTuber who traded his desk job for a life of adventure in various 4x4 vehicles has highlighted three countries that left him awestruck. Originally hailing from Australia, Dan Grec relocated to Canada after studying engineering 20 years ago.


However, while chained to his office job, he found himself daydreaming about "all the adventures that are possible out there". Dan decided to turn his dreams into reality and began saving money.


He eventually resigned from his job, sold all his possessions, and boldly "hit the road to Alaska", marking just the start of his journey.


His experience was "such a good time" that he chose to head south and drive all the way to the southernmost point of South America over two years, traversing 17 countries. But his adventures have taken him across the globe.

He has now explored five continents and an impressive 65 countries, including 35 nations in Africa. Yet, when asked to pick his favourites, three stood out.


Dan, who has even written a book about his travels, said: "I've driven my own 4x4 vehicles through 65 countries on five continents. I don't aim to visit every country on earth or anything like that, but I do love to explore and get as remote as possible. I plan to keep going.

So, when queried about his favourite country, Dan responded: "Which country? Oh, that's like asking for a favourite child.

"It depends so much on the weather, on how exhausted I am at the time, who I happen to bump into and a million other things that are more or less random."


Gabon

Dan's first recommendation was Gabon. He said: "I will say that Gabon in West Africa is an incredible country with extremely friendly people, tons of wilderness to explore and incredible wildlife. "


Located on the Atlantic coast in the subregion of Central Africa, Gabon, also known as "Africa's last Eden", is a sparsely populated nation with dense rainforests that play host to chimpanzees and mandrills.

That's not the only wildlife that tourists might be able to spot when they visit the country's white-sand beaches, though, as gorillas and elephants can also reportedly be spotted.

Additional attractions include Loango National Park and Ivindo National Park. The capital city, Libreville, features The National Museum of Arts, Rites and Traditions of Gabon, the Arboretum de Sibang, and the bustling marché Mont-Bouët market.


Gabon experiences average yearly temperatures of approximately 26C, with January seeing a marginally warmer average of 27C. The optimal visiting period is during the dry months between May and September.

British travellers can anticipate a flight duration of 10 hours and 58 minutes from London to Libreville, as stated by Booking.com.


Iceland

Dan added: "Iceland has by far the most stunning landscapes I've ever seen.

Known as the "Land of Fire and Ice", this Nordic island nation is hailed for its staggeringly beautiful volcanic vistas, waterfalls, and geothermal activity, including the famous Blue Lagoon spa.

Located between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, lava fields cover the land in Iceland, and hot water beneath the ground is harnessed to supply heating.


Travellers can attempt to witness the Northern Lights, explore the capital city of Reykjavík, or experience the Golden Circle route, with additional attractions including the South Coast, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Eastfjords, and the Skógafoss Waterfall.

Iceland's average annual temperatures span from a cold -1C during winter months to 11C in summer. Irish tourists can anticipate an average flight duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes from Dublin to the capital Reykjavik.


Argentina

Finally, Dan revealed: "I loved Argentina so much I seriously looked into getting residency. ".

A South American nation of diverse landscapes in the continent's southern cone, Argentina spans 4,000km from its north, where it's sub-tropical, to the sub-Antarctic southern region.

Famously the birthplace of legendary footballer Diego Maradona, the nation is also celebrated for the tango dance, the spectacular Iguazu Falls, and literary figures such as Jorge Luis Borges.

Additional highlights in this expansive country include its capital city, Buenos Aires, Misiones Province, the Iberá Wetlands (where visitors may encounter capybaras), and the striking scenery of Patagonia.

Average annual temperatures differ by region, but those planning to visit Buenos Aires should anticipate an average daytime temperature of 18C.

UK holidaymakers can anticipate an average flight duration of 18 hours, 43 minutes one way (London to Buenos Aires).