The trek through Mongolia pales in comparison to what I am about to embark on. Assuming I can pull this off.

I am headed to one of the most remote countries in the world. In fact, if you Google “least visited country in the world,” my destination will pop up: Tuvalu.

If you discount the construction workers and other temporary visitors, only about 200 to 300 tourists visit Tuvalu each year. That is less than one tourist a day on average!

When I asked T-Mobile whether Tuvalu was one of the 210 countries they have roaming partnerships with, they practically laughed at me.

The first time this tiny island nation caught my attention was when I read that, because of rising sea levels, parts of the country may become uninhabitable within a few decades. In fact, Australia has begun offering a special migration pathway for Tuvaluans as the country prepares for an uncertain future. At the same time, Tuvalu is trying to preserve its identity in a fascinating way. The government is creating a digital replica of the nation in the metaverse so that its culture and sovereignty can endure even if the physical islands are eventually lost.

Incredibly, Tuvalu’s biggest source of income is its internet domain: .tv. Television networks, streaming companies, and media businesses around the world pay to use it. Not bad for a country that most people struggle to find on a map.

The country’s nine islands together cover barely ten square miles. You could walk across some of them in minutes. If you are inspired my the recent World Cup and try to kick a ball or two, you will be well advised not to kick very hard. You will not get that ball back from the ocean.

What I am most excited about, though, is the runway. There are only two flights a week. Once the little propeller plane takes off, the runway transforms into the town square. Kids play soccer, families stroll around, neighbors gather to chat, and life simply carries on. I cannot wait to kick a ball around on an airport runway.

For all that excitement, I am also a bit apprehensive.

There is no cell phone coverage for me. Internet connectivity is unreliable at best. There are no ATMs. Credit cards are largely useless. Cash only, and that too, only Australian dollars.

Needless to say, there is no five-star resort waiting for me. After digging through travel forums, I found a gentleman who rents out rooms in his home. We exchanged a couple of emails, after which I asked how I should reserve my room. Should I send a deposit?

He seemed puzzled.

My email requesting a room was apparently the reservation.

With hardly any cars on the island, I am now wondering what it is going to feel like dragging my suitcase down the main road (also, the island’s only road)!

And yes, there is one more thing nagging at the back of my mind.

If volcanic activity interferes with flights again, as it did in Vanuatu, I could find myself stranded for another four days.

The next four days (or more, subject to flight cancellations) promise to be an adventure in adaptation for me. This for a guy who likes to live his life on a military-precision clock!

Ah, well! Ready or not, Tuvalu… here I come!