visit every country in the world

Every Country in the World

How to Visit Every Country in the World

By Henrik Jeppesen

Introduction

I am a Danish traveller who has visited every country in the world before turning 28, making me the youngest Scandinavian to do so. I did it on a low budget, which involved a lot of challenges. I hitchhiked hundreds of times, stayed with local people, slept in public places and managed to do partnerships with more than 100 airlines and hundreds of hotels to complete this project in 2016 by finishing the United Nations list of countries . That’s 193 independent countries or 195 if you include the two observer states, Palestine and Vatican City.

Instead of settling down after visiting every country, I continued to travel and completed two other lists of countries in 2018.  The National Olympic Committees that has 206 members, and  FIFA’s list of 211 nations . I have visited more than 1,500 destinations and also reached 301 countries and territories combined on Travelers’ Century Club’s list of 329 countries and territories, but that is a subjective list, and I don’t plan to visit the remaining 29 territories. It is almost impossible to visit destinations like Wake Island and British Indian Ocean Territory, and they are not the most exciting places to visit anyway. Some of the territories are very expensive, like a trip to the South Pole will cost around 45,000 dollars. I can travel for several years instead of just doing that one trip. You can read more about how many countries there are in the world in this article .

Instead, I prefer to spend time in countries I love than visit every country in the world again. It’s my conclusion after visiting them all. You can read more about me here .

In this article, I will give you some tips on how to visit every country in the world, even on a very low budget.

TOP 10 TIPS

1. make time to travel full-time and don’t have bills to pay at home.

Some travellers have managed to visit every country in the world while maintaining a full-time job, but for most people, only travelling during holidays, will mean you will have to travel quite fast to be able to visit every country in the world, instead of really enjoying the destinations. Especially if you want to travel economically and cover several countries in the same part of the world on the same trip. It’s much easier to do if you decide to be a full-time traveller, for at least some time. During this time, it’s a good idea not to have any bills to pay at home.

If you own a house or an apartment, you can try to sell it. If you are renting, you can terminate the lease. If you own a car, you can try to sell that too. It’s important not to have bills to pay at home in order to make full-time travel attractive. One exception could be a phone subscription if there is one in your home country covering many, if not all of the countries you are attempting to visit.

2. Travel light

It’s an obvious one, but travelling light can save you a lot of time and money. It used to be that you just needed to avoid checking in a bag, which is easy, but now some airlines will even charge you for larger hand luggage. The key is to look at every single item and evaluate what you really need.

I can recommend investing in the ultra-lightweight Microsoft Surface Go instead of a heavy laptop and bringing a minimum amount of clothes. That’s a good start. You can wash your clothes wherever you stay, as long as you have access to a sink, instead of bringing a lot from home. Not bringing a separate camera (and separate charger) anymore also saves me some space. The quality of the cameras of mobile phones these days are very impressive and enough for me. I can recommend the website,  DxOMark  for mobile phone’s camera reviews.

3. Be creative with visas

Visas are probably the number one thing we, world travellers, dislike about what we do. If I could buy a special passport with visa-free entry to all countries, I would have been to all countries much earlier I’m sure. It’s hard work and research pays off. All embassies are different. In Europe, you might need an invitation to an African country you want to visit, but instead of applying in Europe, you might get a visa for that country at an African embassy in a day with no requirements.

I can recommend the following: Sudan visa in Aswan, Ivory Coast visa in Nouakchott, Cameroon visa in Libreville, Central African Republic visa in Pretoria, South Sudan visa in Nairobi, Ghana and Burkina Faso visa in Abidjan to name a few. Rabat, Morocco is, however, the number one place to get visas for African countries based on my experiences. It might be a great idea to rent an apartment or a hotel room for two weeks in Rabat and get as many visas as you can. Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Niger and Liberia were all easy to obtain with no requirements besides passport photos, filling the forms and obviously paying the fees.

If I had the time, several other African countries were also possible, including Mali that confirmed it would be easy to obtain a visa. It just didn’t work with my schedule and I instead later got the visa for Mali in Saudi Arabia. Finally, it can be a great idea to contact local tour operators and ask if they can help with a visa on arrival for countries where you need a visa. I have been surprised to learn that a visa on arrival is possible in several countries with a tour operator’s help instead of getting it in advance through a consulate or an embassy.

4. Free accommodation

Travelling to every country in the world on a low budget can often be a challenge. A night in a comfortable hotel might make you go out of the budget, and sometimes there is no public transport to reach a city from the airport. One of the times this happened to me was in Suva, Fiji in 2015. I arrived late and had two nights there, but nowhere to stay and for transport, a taxi would be the only option except hitchhiking. Instead of hitchhiking in the dark, I decided to talk. 

I talked to a local man at the airport about myself and my situation, and after a few minutes, he offered me transportation and a place to stay. In this travel tip (Free Accommodation), it’s important that you trust people and that you are not afraid of rejections. Asking people is one way to get free accommodation and a way to start a conversation could be “Do you know of a cheap place to stay here?”.

Of course, this ‘tactic’ involves risk, and there are certainly places in the world where I would be more likely to ask for free accommodation in the streets than others. However, life is a risk in itself; many things can happen at any given time. You don’t have to say yes to a place to stay the first moment you start talking, but rather decide if the person chooses to offer you a place to stay. It gives you some time to determine if it’s a person you actually trust. 

You can also do a social media post about your situation, or send a message to someone you think might know a person in the destination you are visiting. I did just that on an evening in Sydney, Australia, and shortly after one of his friends picked me up.

Couchsurfing  is the only website I have used for free accommodation, and it’s also the most popular website of this kind. Couchsurfing’s website says they are “a  global community of 14 million people in more than 200,000 cities.”  To have success with Couchsurfing, I recommend spending time setting up a good-looking profile.

I would highly recommend including information about yourself, so hosts can get to know you before making a decision. Adding a link to your Facebook profile might make you more trustworthy, but the main thing for both the host and the Couchsurfer is feedback. It’s also a good idea to check the profiles of the ones you contact and make the messages personal instead of sending many cold messages.

After setting up a profile, it’s essential to check feedback from other travellers and then contact the hosts. Don’t expect fast replies on Couchsurfing and it’s best to write to at least a few in each destination, as I’m sure a lot will say no or ignore the request. The downside with Couchsurfing is the time you spent trying to organize accommodation, that you often don’t know how it’s going to be, and the lack of privacy. 

With Couchsurfing, you pay with your time, both beforehand and during the stay. However, often the company is great and can be a great cultural experience. I think it depends a lot on how fast you travel. If you are in a rush, it might be a stress factor. However, if you travel slow, it can perhaps be the very best way for you to travel.

With Couchsurfing, you at least should spend a fair amount of time talking to your hosts, and it’s also a good idea to help with something if there is an opportunity. You might even bring a gift. A Couchsurfing host in Australia specifically asked for wine in 2009, but that was the only time I received such a request.

Another option of free accommodation is to take care of other people’s houses while they are away. You can also volunteer, which could be practical for more than the usual short stays you can expect with Couchsurfing hosts or if you talk to strangers in the streets. There are several other websites you can use, but my experiences are limited to Couchsurfing.

5. Cheap accommodation

For cheap accommodation, Airbnb and hostels are the first options that come to my mind. Free accommodation comes with some downsides, so if time equals money, it might be far better for many people to pay for cheap accommodation. To begin with hostels, I didn’t use them much in my travels as I value a good night’s sleep very highly, and I have big problems sleeping in a room with people I don’t know. Every time I have tried to sleep in a hostel room with strangers, I have not managed to sleep at all, so it’s not for me.

If you are able to sleep in rooms with strangers, hostels can be a great way to keep the cost down compared to booking hotels. Where hostels have been helpful for me, is when I can sleep in a room alone. Many hostels have private rooms you can book, often a lot cheaper than a hotel, while you might often have to share the bathroom with other travellers. That’s usually not a problem for a night or two. My best tip about hostels is if you are travelling out of season to call and ask about availability for a bed for the night and ask how many people that will be in the room. Chances are you will be the only one and that way you can get a private room for the price of a dorm bed. I only thought of this in 2019 after I was surprised to know I was the only guest at a hostel in Denmark. Later, I asked at another destination, and I again got a private room for a dorm bed price. I might use this tactic again in the future as it’s undoubtedly hard to beat the value.

Airbnb has really opened new possibilities to the way I live and travel. First and foremost, just like on Couchsurfing, it’s a good idea to spend time setting up a good-looking profile and checking the feedback of other people who have stayed at the places of which you are interested. In comparison with Couchsurfing, on Airbnb, you can see a lot of information about the places, and have a much better idea about what it will be like. I like spending time checking out potential new places to stay.

For me, Airbnb has changed the way I live as I have been able to negotiate great prices on long-term rent. It is not obvious on Airbnb, but you can click “Contact host” and write to the host without actually booking. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your situation and ask if they would be interested in renting out their place long-term at a better rate. I have several times been able to stay at places that would have been way over my budget.

Another tip is to write if it would be possible to see the place first which allows you to make a good first impression and increase the likelihood that they would be interested in renting out for a longer period at a much lower rate. There are many benefits to this when it comes to travel. The possibility to stay in places for at least a month, get the opportunity to experience and understand the destinations you visit a lot better.

For long-term rent, many would think one has to pay a deposit and probably invest in furniture, but with Airbnb, almost all places already have that, and you can avoid the expensive deposit the housing companies usually require. I am a minimalist and with Airbnb, I can easily move in and out of places. On Airbnb, you can see the availability calendar for all the places, and getting a huge discount is a lot more likely out of season. For example in Denmark, the big tourist season is the three summer months, while many of the places in summer destinations have a lot of availability for the rest of the year which is an excellent opportunity to get a really low rate. In a country like Denmark, I have paid the equivalent of just under 450 dollars per month including electricity, water, heating and internet to stay in a private room with a private bathroom including shower.

For short stays, Airbnb is also an excellent option to save money compared to hotels. In a lot of cases with hotels, you pay a lot for services you don’t need. Often you only need a clean room and a night’s sleep instead of paying for a hotel with a business centre, swimming pool, gym, bathtub, bathrobe, TV and concierge. Services you might not have time to use before your journey continues. On the other hand, I really like staying in hotels when it makes sense financially.

The possibility to arrive at any time, that you pretty much know what you are going to get, and that it’s often a good night’s sleep in a quiet and comfortable room. To avoid the uncertainty with things like Couchsurfing and Airbnb is another reason I usually book hotels for short stays, but for extended stays, Airbnb has been a tremendous help to my travels and how I have lived over the past few years.

6. Save money on hotels

This article is not only for those on a tight budget. If you are rich and value your comfort, I fully understand why your preferred accommodation would be hotels for your travels instead of focusing on cost. It’s easy, you have privacy, and you can often count on a good night’s sleep and WiFi that works. If there are any problems like noise or no hot water, people can take care of it quickly. Yes, I definitely prefer hotels, but there is often a significant price difference between hotels and hostels/home stays.

The challenge for me is to bring that difference down by booking great hotel deals, so booking the hotel instead of alternative accommodation is worth it. There are many options to save money on hotels, and it’s often something that can be time-consuming if you would like to make sure you are getting the lowest rate because none of the hotel search engines compares all booking sites.

One tip is to start your search on a hotel search engine like  HotelsCombined.com , and then compare with booking sites not included in their hotel search engine. Also, the hotel’s official website might be the cheapest option. For people that don’t want to waste time on making sure they get the best deal, Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site, and is often the cheapest, but not always.

In 2020, I found a low rate on Booking.com for Steel House Copenhagen that is part of Arp-Hansen Hotel Group and based on the past experiences with the brand I remembered that it was cheaper to book on their website and sure enough, it was. They even had a different room category than Booking.com, a single room at a very low rate.

Booking directly with the hotel is definitely preferred if the price is lower or the same, as you don’t pay a high commission to a third party website like Hotels.com, and in case of any problems or change of plans, you are more likely to be able to make changes if you have booked directly.

While HotelsCombined is my favourite hotel search engine, I often start at Booking.com, then find the best deal for me, depending on the purpose of the trip, then compare with HotelsCombined.com, and finally, I might check the official website and other sites and apps to make sure I get the best deal. Some of those sites include Nustay.com, SnapTravel.com (via Facebook Messenger), HotelTonight.com and HRS.com. You might also compare with other hotel search engines such as Kayak, Skyscanner and Trivago to see if any additional sites show up with a better deal.

Once you have found the deal you want, there are additional ways to save money or earn credit for future travel. For Booking.com it is possible to get 5% back as WizzAir credit if you first visit WizzAir.com, click “HOTELS”, and book through them. It’s the same price, but you receive 5% of the booking amount as flight credit to use on WizzAir. 

WizzAir is a Hungarian low-cost airline with an impressive route map so this option is one I highly recommend to do if the best deal is on Booking.com. Ryanair also offers 5% back as flight credit when booking through their hotel search engine, including several booking sites like Hotels.com and HRS.com, but not Booking.com.

Some of the booking sites have their own loyalty program, like Hotels.com that gives you a free night after ten eligible nights, that is the average of the price you have paid for the ten nights. Hotels.com is rarely the cheapest website based on my experiences, but when they are, it obviously makes sense to register the nights through their loyalty program.

Also, there is a marketplace for hotels. RoomerTravel.com is an online marketplace for selling and buying discounted hotel reservations. Plans often change, and many have experienced getting stuck with a non-refundable hotel reservation, but instead of losing the money, they can sell it online and just have Roomer change the name of the reservation. 

You can also search for coupons for specific booking sites, hotel chains, or individual hotels. My favourite free coupon website is RetailMeNot.com that might bring the price down a bit. For more significant discounts, it might be worth it to buy coupons, like I did some years back from a guy selling 50 and 100-dollar Expedia coupons. Also, it might be worth checking out FlyerTalk.com where users can post hotel deals, and if you become an active member and have a minimum number of posts, you can get access to “Coupon Connection” where you can exchange coupons, points and miles with other users. 

Finally, you can also save money on hotels by collecting points in loyalty programs, and get great sign-up bonuses on credit cards if you live in the US, but since I don’t, I would instead like to mention some benefits of elite status in loyalty programs which can include free upgrade subject to availability, welcome amenities, priority check-in and other benefits.

I was once a platinum member of Starwood Preferred Guest, and it was an excellent experience. I didn’t earn the status. I saw a promotion where Accor’s loyalty program offered free status, so I got that, and then I found out that Starwood Preferred Guest status matched. Another positive result of spending a lot of time online researching ways to make my travels better and cheaper. Some say time is money, and as my budget was low, I definitely paid with my time instead.

7. Low-cost airlines

One of the main reasons I have visited every country in the world is low-cost airlines. Having time and flexibility helps a lot in securing these ultra-cheap tickets. Low-cost airlines generally have downsides for some travellers like no free check-in bag, no free drinks or food, and some airlines like Ryanair will charge you if you don’t check-in online ahead of time. Low-cost airlines are generally cheap, but what makes them extraordinarily valuable for flexible travellers are their promotions.

By signing up for newsletters or following them on social media, you can get updates about valuable promotions. I have been able to fly from Copenhagen to Africa for less than 8 dollars with a stop in Italy. From India to Malaysia for less than 50 dollars. Around the same for Malaysia to Perth in Australia and a roundtrip ticket from Denmark to the Gambia, although the last one was not actually a low-cost carrier, but a special promotion from a Danish charter company.

In Europe, I have flown Ryanair many times for less than 15 dollars, and I could continue. Instead of continuing with price examples, I will here list some of the world’s low-cost airlines as of 2020:

Africa: Fastjet . Asia: AirAsia – Cebu Pacific Air – IndiGo – Jetstar Airways – Peach – Scoot . Australia: Jetstar Airways. Europe: EasyJet – Eurowings – Norwegian – Ryanair – Vueling – WizzAir . USA: Jetblue – Southwest Airlines – Spirit – WestJet . South America: Gol Transportes Aéreos – Viva Air .

For additional airlines, I can recommend Wikipedia’s article “ List of low-cost airlines ”.

If you have a lot of time, you could sign up for all the airlines’ newsletters, follow them on social media and book fast when they have promotions. The promotions are sometimes limited to a short time frame, with a limited amount of the extraordinarily cheap tickets available on a limited number of routes.

8. Save money on flights

There are many ways to save money on flights besides using low-cost airlines. The first tip is also to do with social media, and it’s to look online for great deals. I have spent a lot of time on Secret Flying’s Twitter profile, where they post great flight deals several times per day. Because of them, I flew from Vienna to Eilat in Southern Israel for one Euro in 2019.

It’s always a good idea to collect air miles as it’s free, but the most significant benefit of miles seems to be with credit cards. Sign up bonuses and the possibility to earn miles every time you use the card. Sadly this is almost only limited to the USA and perhaps a few other countries. In Denmark, there are a few options, but without the great benefits like in the US. Some travellers have been able to play this “game” very well and earned a lot of miles by investing their time in this.

I have never had elite status on an airline, but that’s another great benefit. Selecting airlines from the same alliance over and over again might be much more valuable for you than always looking for the cheapest ticket. I have flown business class several times and had access to lounges. Lounges can be beneficial, especially for long layovers, but generally, I prefer to spend little time at the airport. Transportation like flying for me is about getting from A to B safely and comfortably. Preferably without wasting too much unnecessary time.

On the other hand, business-class travel has never been worth my money or miles, except when there was a thing called BMI Diamond Club. This loyalty program had an option to buy miles at a great value, and then use them for business class, for example between continents at a much lower price than if you had purchased the ticket with cash. It would be around the same or slightly more as buying an economy ticket for the same route in some cases. Unfortunately, the program doesn’t exist anymore, and I haven’t found a great alternative since.

My current favourite is the British Airways Executive Club because of its low redemption rate for short-haul flights. Some short-haul flights are costly, and as I don’t earn many miles year-around, the ones I do earn can be very valuable in this program. For example, flying my favourite airline, Sun-Air of Scandinavia, is very expensive. Still, since it’s a franchise of British Airways, it is part of this program, making an award ticket possible for just 4000 miles and a small cash amount (or 2,200 miles and an approximately three times the cash amount).

2,200 miles can give an approximate 80-90% saving on some of Sun-Air’s routes compared to buying the ticket directly with cash. So how do you earn British Airways miles? Flying British Airways obviously or flying any of their One World partners. Star Alliance is overall probably a better alliance, but because of the low redemption option on British Airways, they are only the next best alliance for me.

On Star Alliance, I like United Airlines MileagePlus-program the most because of the redemption options. SkyTeam is another alliance which includes Air France and KLM. Their loyalty program, Flying Blue has not impressed me as the redemption requirements are far from the options of British Airways and United.

9. Flight search engines and third-party booking sites

Another way to save money on flights is by using a flight search engine. I have spent a lot of time (often too much time) trying to find the cheapest possible ticket. It’s often been a waste of time to spend hours trying to save a small amount of money. Instead, it would have been better if I had spent that time in something productive. I’ve used several different websites like Kayak, Momondo and Skyscanner when it comes to flight search engines.

What matters most is the price difference between booking on an airline’s official website and booking on a third-party booking site. If you have any issue with your flight whatsoever, you are much more likely to get help from the airline than the third-party website. In many cases, the airline might ask you to contact your travel agent or where you bought the ticket. If there’s just a small price difference, I prefer booking with the airline directly, but sometimes it’s possible to save a lot of money on third-party booking sites with Flybillet.dk and Ticket2Travel.dk being my favourites.

Vayama.com used to be another favourite, but they no longer operate. I would highly recommend to check out the reviews of the third-party websites on sites like Trustpilot, as some are riskier to book at than others. Sometimes I have received the ticket instantly while I other times have been surprised that they first have to look at the request. It can create stress and frustration, especially if it turns out later that the ticket is no longer available.

If you are in a pleasant financial situation, I would highly recommend booking directly with the airline. My financial situation wasn’t the best being on such a low budget, and I’ve often felt it would be best to save the money and taking a risk instead of the safer option. Probably comparable to travel without travel insurance to save the money, but of course on a much smaller scale.

A final tip about third-party websites is to don’t use your primary e-mail. You might receive a lot of unwanted e-mails with “special offers” for your trip. My theory is they might not make any profit on at least some of the tickets they sell cheaper than the airlines but instead try to make a big profit on a hotel stay or car rental now that they can e-mail you.

Around the world tickets and flight passes are other ways to save money on flights. I don’t have experience with this, but many travel agencies sell around the world-tickets cheaper than if you book the tickets separately. However, suppose you focus on low-cost airlines and are flexible about the destinations you want to visit. In that case, you might be able to do it a lot cheaper yourself, so it depends if you’re going to pay with your time or prefer an easy solution. If you haven’t travelled much before, it’s probably better to go with the around the world ticket, as you will have a travel agent to contact in case of problems.

Flight passes can be of excellent value if you want to visit a lot of destinations in a short time frame. Air Asia made an unlimited pass (all you can fly for a year) in 2020, while a Norwegian airline called Widerøe several times has offered one ticket with unlimited flying. A deal that was so great that Forbes called it “An Outstanding Travel Bargain”. That’s just two examples, but if you google this subject, you will find several other flight passes that might be ideal for you depending on your preferred style of travel and where you are planning to travel.

10. Low-cost buses

In recent years, several low-cost bus companies have made travelling on an ultra-low budget more affordable. My first big experience with a low-cost bus company was Megabus between American cities in 2009, which impressed me greatly. A lot of tickets were available for a dollar plus a reservation fee of 50 cents. The United States is not a great country when it comes to public transportation compared to Europe. To reach beautiful remote places, a rental car, taxi, Uber (or similar apps) or hitchhiking might be your only option unless you want to walk or cycle, while you in Europe can reach many beautiful remote places by train or bus.

German Flixbus is probably the biggest low-cost bus company as of today. The company was founded in 2011 and described themselves with “400,000 daily connections to over 2,500 destinations in 34 European countries”. Although bus travel is not my favourite kind of travel, Flixbus is undoubtedly one of the best bus companies. Like many other buses nowadays, it offers Wi-Fi, comfortable seats and power outlets on at least some of its buses. Flixbus is unlike many low-cost airlines, often cheap if you book on the same day. However, it’s best to book in advance and look for promotions by signing up for their newsletter and/or follow them on social media.

Besides this, they have a great value deal called InterFlix, where you can buy five tickets for 99 Euros. The catch here is that you can only book direct trips, so it’s valuable to use them for long bus journeys, and buy separate tickets if you plan to visit other destinations close by on the trip. Another way to save money is to buy Flixbus vouchers online. I have purchased several Flixbus vouchers on eBay. It might not be worth it for many people, but for those on a tight budget like me, it might be very well worth it especially if you are planning to visit a lot of European countries.

Finally, sometimes Flixbus give away coupons as it happened to me at a bus station in Poland. To compare prices for European bus routes, I can recommend Busradar.com. Some of the other low-cost bus companies you might want to check out includes: Boltbus, Eurolines, Greyhound Express, National Express, Peter Pan Bus Lines and Redbus. Besides this, many smaller companies operate just a few routes like AfricanLiner between Lilongwe and Johannesburg, while Kombardo Ekspressen operates a few routes in Denmark.

I haven’t experienced anything terrible happening to me on a bus, except for the noise and bad smells. I am not a fan of smokers that during stops think it’s OK to smoke a cigarette in or near the door and to expose passengers to passive smoke. It also used to sometimes be an unpleasant experience taking trains, but several countries have now implemented a smoking ban on platforms.

One of the benefits of bus travel is you often get from city centre to city centre which is not the case when flying. Transportation to and from the airport can be costly. Tehran, Oslo and Munich come to mind. Oslo and Munich had very expensive trains. Tehran’s international airport had no public transportation to the city, so I decided to use my thumb, but more about that in the next subject below.

Honourable Mentions

Hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking is a great way to experience cultures and save a lot of money. I have hitchhiked in close to 100 countries and territories and been in more than 1,000 cars total. I hitchhike depending on the location and situation. I think it would be fair to say smaller islands generally are safe and easy, but the situation also depends if there is any public transportation available and if it’s cheap. Like in Ireland, public transportation wasn’t cheap, so I decided to hitchhike instead.

There might also be situations where it can be dangerous to hitchhike, like in the centre of a big city, but what you can do instead is talk to people. I have managed to get rides this way as well. For example, in Munich, I was frustrated about how much the train would cost to the airport. As I had plenty of time, I decided to walk the streets and look for people with bags. I found a man and his son and asked if they were going to the airport and if I could join. It worked out. “If you don’t ask you don’t get”, but it might be really uncomfortable to ask, and it’s not a wonderful feeling to get rejected. Two situations come to mind, the British Virgin Islands and Samoa.

In the British Virgin Islands, I was waiting for a LIAT flight to St. Maarten, sitting close to a British couple that said they were going to stay at Radisson hotel, which is on the French part of the island, called St. Martin. As I had a reservation at the same hotel, I decided to take a chance and talk to them about my project and if I could get a ride. The flight was approximately three hours delayed, and it would arrive very late in St. Maarten. I felt the couple were sceptical about me, and the man said he didn’t know if they would get there by taxi or boat.

After arriving in St. Maarten, I saw them on the way to a car, and I asked again if I could join, and the man just said: “I’d rather not”. Fair enough. I understand. That’s just what sometimes happens when you ask a lot to make your full-time travel to every country possible on a very tight budget. The other situation was in Samoa where I successfully hitchhiked several times, but one time a man stopped the car and asked where I was going and then demanded money to take me. I didn’t want to do that as the whole idea of hitchhiking is getting a free ride. He then got angry and said something bad I have luckily forgotten. When you have interactions with many thousands of people, there will be bad experiences here and there. Thankfully nothing really bad has ever happened to me hitchhiking, except for some scary situations.

Save money on food

After accommodation and transport, food is probably the third biggest expense when travelling the world. Some countries have some cheap local restaurants, where even people on a low budget easily can afford to eat. However, in general, going to supermarkets instead of restaurants will save you a lot of money when travelling.

It’s up to each person to decide how light they want to travel, but there are some very portable blenders you can buy cheaply online. That gives you the possibility to make, among other things, healthy smoothies, that can be very cheap, tasty and nutritious. Healthy and nutritious food can be a challenge travelling around the world where cheap fast food is often easily available, but I believe it’s well worth it to prioritise your health travelling the world.

Suppose you decide to invest in a small portable blender; I recommend bananas, carrots, and beetroots. They are usually very cheap at supermarkets, and with that in mind, you can make a cheap, nutritious smoothie for less than 50 cents in many countries.

Start a blog

Without the internet, I would not have been able to visit every country in the world. Having a blog gave me the opportunity to do partnerships and get valuable, and in some cases, necessary help from a lot of people. It’s something to consider to be able to get the help you might need to make this work.

It is a way to potentially make very valuable partnerships that can save you a lot of money. If your blog gets very popular, you also have the opportunity to make good money. That can, for example, be via affiliate marketing. To begin you can use Blogger.com for free, but for a great WordPress-hosting, I recommend DreamHost .

Enjoy it, be prepared and take your time

If you decide to visit every country in the world, instead of focusing on rushing through the countries, it’s better to slow down, plan your travels properly and enjoy the places you visit.

I have done slow travel, and I have done rush travel, and slow travel wins every time. Rush travel can be extremely stressful, especially trips that are not well-organised. There can be a lot of uncertainty, many surprises and many of those surprises can be negative. So please enjoy it, be prepared and take your time.

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My Journey to Every Country in the World – Country List and FAQs

• My Journey to Every Country in the World – FAQs

I did it! It took me over a decade of full-time travel, but finally, I achieved one of my life’s goals to visit every single country in the world ! I started the day after I finished University in 2006, and finished on St Patrick’s day, in March 2017, 11 years later (I’m Irish, so I finished in style, in an Irish bar in Olso, Norway). 

So if you’re wondering how I afforded to visit every country in the world, do I have rich parents or did I really go to North Korea, then here are some frequently asked questions I get when people hear about me visiting every country in the world. Hope it helps!

Table of contents

Faqs about visiting every country in the world.

• How Many Countries Are There in the World?

South East Asia

Move to thailand, in which order did you visit every country in the world , = 197 countries in the world:.

• 193 UN member states, + Palestine, Kosovo, Taiwan and the Vatican City.

How many countries are there in the world?

How many people have visited every country in the world, how long have you been doing this, doing it my way, how much does it cost to travel to every country in the world, how do you fund this do you have a sponsor you come from a rich family etc etc etc., what was the most dangerous thing that happened to you, what was your favourite country, what was the hardest country in the world to visit, after visiting every country in the world, what’s next.

How Many Countries Are There in the World ?

That’s actually a tricky question because it depends on what you call a country! The ‘correct’ answer is somewhere between 193 and 215 countries, the most technically correct answer is that there are 197 countries in the world , I blogged about why that number is correct here. 

How did you visit every country in the world? Tell me your story in short.

I was born in Ireland, so starting there. Grew up in Northern Ireland, so that was number 2. We didn’t go on holiday until I was 14 (poor family, single-mum etc), but then we went to Frane, and I made an escape to the Netherlands and Belgium to see a girl when I was 16!. So I was on 5 countries before I went to university at 18. During my university days, I did very little other than get up to no good, drink too much and avoid studying. I did spend a couple of summers in the US working with disabled kids though, a worthwhile venture, and I made it to Canada one of those summers. So by aged 22, in 2006, I was on 7 countries. 

Then, after another summer working on Summer Camps in the US after my university was finished, I did a month in medical research in Ireland which paid me $3000. Using that money in 2007 and I flew one-way to Bangkok , to teach English in Thailand , and it was there that my life changed from poor Irish kid to self-made millionaire blogger .

I was still broke initially and spent the next couple of years visiting almost every country in East and South-East Asia, whilst teaching English in South Korea , and Thailand. Without the luxury of a normal gap-year budget, I travelled on $15 a day (that’s accommodation, food, activities), which meant sleeping in bus stations, airports, people’s houses that I met along the way. 27, still broke, I decided to use the Working Holiday Visa Australia, where I got a job in B2B sales for a company in Sydney. Lived there for 15 months, I started my blog there, and it changed my life (NOTE: If you want to know how to start a travel blog, or start a blog about any topic, I laid it out here so you can do it in less than 30 minutes!). 

I quit my job in Australia in 2010, with my new blog live and on the internet, spent $10 doing a Cape Town to Cairo trip via public transport independently, and blogged while I did it. By the end of 2010, I was 28 years old, and I had visited 49 countries. I was making $1k a month from my blog, and I traveled cheaply. I was finally free.

2011 I moved back to Thailand to focus on my blog, and to cut a long story short, within 18 months I was making $30kUSD per month online. In 2012 I overlanded from China back to Ireland, and then I travelled 9-12 months every year from then until 2017, visiting 25 countries a year or so, 2 weeks per country, when at last I visited Norway, my final country, 197/197.

Once you are making money from your laptop, and don’t have a ‘real’ job then suddenly visiting every country in the world is a lot more achievable, even if you can get to $1,000USD per month, then you’re free to travel. It was a game-changer for me. 

Visited in Chronological order, the * denote something that isn’t a country (like Hong Kong, for example, even though it should be).

• Republic of Ireland
• The Netherlands
• South Korea
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• North Korea

*Transniistria

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vatican City
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein
• Czech Republic
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand
• Solomon Islands

*American Samoa

*Nagorno Karabahk

• El Salvador

*Antarctica

• Trinidad and Tobago
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saint Lucia
• Antigua and Barbuda
• St Kitts and Nevis
• Dominican Republic
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Republic of Congo
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Equatorial Guinea
• Central African Republic
• Ivory Coast
• Burkina Faso
• Sierra Leone
• Guinea-Bissau
• Afghanistan
• Turkmenistan
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall islands
• Saudi Arabia

193 UN member states , + Palestine, Kosovo, Taiwan and the Vatican City.

Good question! There are a few different answers to this – the United Nations list, the FIFA list, the travellers century club list, but I’ve gone with the most internationally recognized list, ratified by the UN, plus Palestine, Taiwan, Kosovo, and the Vatican City making 197 countries in total. I wrote about how many countries there are in the world in-depth here . 

The last I heard, 91 people have done it (EDIT: It’s somewhere between 100 to 200). Most of whom are older Americans who sold companies, got rich and then spent their retirement hunting a new goal. I’m hoping there will be a new breed of younger people doing it, building something as they go. People like Chris Guillebeau, Lee Abbamonte, and Graham Hughes have all kinda done it too, and they were a big inspiration for me, but they count airport stopovers or stepping one foot over a border, not getting visas and getting stamped in, or flying in, staying in an airport hotel and flying out as their travels.

For me, I want to FEEL the country, and overlanding when I can so I can experience the place. Breaking records like ‘fastest person to visit every country’, in my opinion, is awful. It goes against all the beauty that travel should bring. 

I started my travel life in 2006, the day after my final exam at university, so almost 15 years. Wow. 

How long do you stay in each country to make it count?

I do this because I love travel, even over a decade later, I still love it – crossing borders, new currencies, stressing about logistics, I’m addicted to it all. And although I may only stay a couple of days in the more dangerous countries – like the time I went to Mogadishu, Somalia , historically I’ve spent a couple of weeks in each place. Now the countries are more obscure and become a little scarier, the time has reduced, but I do it for the travel, not for the box-ticking.

I know a lot of people who have completed this goal look at it slightly differently than me. As I mentioned earlier Graham Hughes – the first guy to visit every country without flying, Lee Abbamonte or Chris Guillebeau, one of my inspirations. Those guys went about it with a view to get in, get out, move on. Lee (good guy), for example, didn’t get out of the plane and transitted through many, and spent less than an hour in lots of them. Graham counted physically stepping one foot over the border, taking a photo, and moving on. Chris didn’t make it to Eritrea, just the airport, and as a travel hacker he was more about flying in for a few hours, maybe a night, a nice hotel and fly out again. Cassie De Pecol spent less than 24 hours in over 100 countries, for example, eeek.

Personally, I want adventure, I want crazy stories to tell my grandkids, and some crazier ones to tell in the bar. But all these guys,  they helped me believe it was possible, and I’ll always, always be grateful for that. For me though, war zones aside,  I like to try to ‘feel’ the country before leaving. It’s not a box-ticking exercise for me.

Where possible I overland – Japan, to East Timor, Mexico to Argentina. China to Ireland, Cape Town to Cairo . It’s fun, I get to see the countries and it’s cheaper, but sometimes it’s not possible due to visa problems etc. All that being said, I don’t really have rules as to what counts, but at the very least you’d have to get stamped in the country by their immigration, although it will be much cooler if I can actually travel throughout the country, or overland through it.

I spent about $250,000USD to visit every country in the world. You could probably do it for about $100k if you’re fast and happy to rough it. My 250k though, that’s not as dramatic as it sounds. This was my whole life, I’ve been doing this as a lifestyle for more than a decade, so this journey is not ‘a trip’ as much as it’s my life, so equally I guess I could ask how much did your life cost over the last decade?

Probably something similar to my travels, in fact probably more. Let’s say you can do it for somewhere between $100k to $500k, I love to do everything that’s on offer, so I’m probably around the middle of that mark. Also, now I get a lot of my activities and hotels sponsored by brands and agencies due to my blog, which has helped a lot. Another HUGE benefit of blogging!

Also, the internet may have taken some of the romance of out traveling, but being able to book stuff online (even random overland journeys sometimes, look in the widget below) has made it a lot easier and cheaper than the people before me. 

I mentioned above. But of the 11 years it took me, from 2007 to 2012 I was broke, living off $15 a day or so. Then from 2012 to 2017 when I finished all 197 countries, I was making good money online blogging. 

I then started my blog, OneStep4Ward.com , and started to sell advertising on it. Once I realized how online marketing, and SEO work, I started a media company, Step4WardMedia.com , so I work as I travel and it’s worked out ok in the end. Combining that with the fact that I have a team of awesome people who work with me for my companies means I can keep traveling until I reach my goal. If you wanna read more about how I make money blogging, and how you can too, read this

I’ve had a few close calls. I’ve been to the hospital multiple times around the world, from Thailand to Korea, to Australia, even India and Burkina Faso. The most dangerous though? Either a guy getting shot in front of me in Angola , or trying to smuggle myself from Ivory Coast to Liberia during the Ebola crisis . Not good times. 

I get asked this a lot, and it’s so hard to answer! Firstly, I should say I am now based in Thailand, where I bought a condo in Bangkok . I’m in the process of building a house in Chiang Mai too. So that’s something – Thailand clearly ticked a lot of boxes for me. But it’s a great place to either live, or holiday in. Not to ‘travel’. Not to have an adventure. If I was pushed on the best place in the world to travel, I’d say it’s Socotra Island, Yemen. And lucky for you, I’m now running tours to Socotra every year, so come and join me! 

Visiting every country in the world is slowly getting easier as the world becomes smaller. COVID 19 aside, airfares are cheaper, visas are opening up, less war etc. But when I was doing it, the hardest countries were Saudi Arabia. It took me over a year to get the visa. Yemen. I had to hitchhike on a cargo ship for 4 days to get there due to the war. Equatorial Guinea, Algeria and Libya were tough too. Traveling to Libya was a bit crazy actually, you can read about that here. 

I am trying to become the first person in history to visit every country in the world (done, the South Pole, the North Pole (done, I ran the North Pole Marathon there – crazy) and climb the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on every continent), 4/7 done. 

Also, I have a goal to donate $1m in my lifetime. We started a non-profit called Mudita Adventures to do just that, and we’ve donated over $250k in the last 5 years or so. 

Also, I want to start a family. I’m engaged, and building my home in Chiang Mai, Thailand . Will I slow down on these crazy adventures? I doubt it. I would love to cycle New York to San Francisco, I’d love to row across the Atlantic Ocean (EDIT 2021, I did row the Atlantic !), I want to see how quickly I can summit the highest peak in every country in Europe , and maybe even create an ultra marathon in Mauritania or Socotra, Yemen. Let’s see!

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Meet Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to visit every country in the world

Jan 12, 2020 • 7 min read

In October, Jessica Nabongo, a 35-year-old Ugandan-American from Detroit, became the first documented Black woman to visit every country in the world – that’s 195 United Nations member countries and observing states. 

Along the way she documented her adventures – from touring cattle farms in South Sudan to hot air ballooning in Myanmar  and relaxing on white sand beaches in Zanzibar – on her popular Instagram page @thecatchmeifyoucan .

For Nabongo, the well-posed pictures aren’t intended to evoke envy, rather to change the narrative around travel: her snapshots and the accompanying stories have shown nuanced versions of places many travellers shy away from. 

“The key lesson for me, on this journey, has been that most people are good,” Nabongo said. “In the US we’re groomed to be afraid of strangers. I don’t think of the world in that way.” 

Beyond discussing letting the burden of fear go and how to be a good neighbour in the world (topics she recently did a TedxDetroit talk on), she’s also spoken candidly about themes ranging from the lack of diversity and representation on social media, what it’s like to travel as a woman of colour, to menstruation, single-use plastics, and the power of positive energy. 

Changing the traveller rhetoric 

One fiction she’s unpacked is that solo travellers, particularly those with two X chromosomes, are constantly putting themselves at risk. 

Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia are just a few of the 89 countries Nabongo travelled to by herself. 

“People would ask, ‘Which countries are you afraid to visit?’” Nabongo said. “I’d tell them ‘None.’" 

When going to new countries, Nabongo would connect with locals ahead of time; people who know the country and customs and are able to make sure she’s safe. Some were guides she found through Google (as was the case in Afghanistan ) and others she found by asking her Instagram followers.

Nabongo said that places she did feel unsafe were spots that receive constant play in glossy newsstand magazines, places you might not expect: Miami , where a police officer pulled a gun on her; Rome , where a cab driver tried to forcibly kiss her on the mouth; and Paris , where someone tried to steal her phone. 

Ten of the twelve countries that the US State Department at the time listed as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” Nabongo visited alone. When researching South Sudan, she got in touch with an embassy employee who told her “don’t come, it’s not worth risking your life.” 

“I had such a great time in South Sudan ,” Nabongo said. “It goes to show that if you believe everything you read, you’ll never go anywhere.” 

Nabongo, who received a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and worked for the United Nations, added that often people don’t realise how political travel warnings are or how caucasian tourists are usually the ones being advised against going somewhere. 

“The warnings will say you’ll stand out, but that doesn’t include people of colour,” Nabongo says. “We have to shift our idea of what a tourist is. The lion’s share of tourists are white, but people of colour are travelling with more frequency and travel warnings need to be adjusted to see that.”

That ethos is part of why she travelled on her Ugandan passport when it was easier (like in  North Korea ) or cheaper (like in  Nigeria  where the visa fee for Americans is $160, but $2 for Ugandans). She said using that passport helps shine a light on the idea of Africans as travellers. 

While in the  Central African Republic , Nabongo shared a post about responsible storytelling, saying as “travellers, photographers and influencers I believe that we have a duty to tell the stories of foreign places that we visit with dignity and respect.”

Scrolling through Nabongo’s feed, you’ll not find any instances of her calling something “exotic” or fetishising a country for being different from her own. That objectifying rhetoric is part of what creates harmful physical and mental borders and others developing nations. 

“I don’t look at people who are not like me as ‘others,’ I look at them like another human being,” Nabongo said. “Oh, you too are made up of skin and bones. Why should I think myself better than you because I won the lottery of birth?”

Nabongo’s parents are from  Uganda . She has 106 cousins, 101 of whom live in Uganda. Of those, 20 or so live in villages with no running water or electricity. 

“I can see directly where I could be,” Nabongo added. “I don’t believe in a human hierarchy based on nationality, socioeconomic status, education, or anything else. We’re all born where we were by pure luck. Why should you create separation because you got lucky?”

Nabongo urges her followers to put their cameras away for at least part of their travels and instead look at the places with a lens of curiosity and a desire to understand what everyday life is like there.   

How to visit every country in the world

In the last three years alone, Nabongo has been to 135 countries for the first time. The logistics of ticking off each country was one of her biggest challenges. 

“Planning was a nightmare,” Nabongo said. “The world isn’t set up to visit every country. There’s only about 200 people who have done it.” 

The island nations in the Pacific region were the most challenging to plan, with infrequent flights and little infrastructure for tourism. At times, Nabongo said, it felt like she was going through the motions. But about 150 countries in, she said the journey became noticeably bigger to her. 

“It became apparent that it meant so much to so many other people,” Nabongo said. 

One example was the flood of messages she received from people born in Venezuela , but who had left for reasons ranging from job opportunities to fleeing conflict. Her stories on Instagram were some of the first they’d seen that didn’t portray the nation as in the grips of violence. Many messages to her read ‘thank you for showing me my home.’  

Nabongo said that while she tried to use her platform to inform and educate, what she ultimately hopes is that her content allows her readers to “realise everything they need is inside them and they have the power to create the life they want to live.” 

Some of the more than 183,000 people who follow Nabongo clearly saw the value of her mission. When Nabongo ran out of funds last year (her travels had been funded by savings and by doing brand partnerships with various hotels and tourism groups), she started a GoFundMe at the suggestion of a friend. 

“I said, ‘is anyone actually going to want to give me money to travel? So many people were moved and inspired by my journey. The GoFundMe raised $28,000.”

For her last country, it was important to her that it be in Africa. Had she started her race to the finish sooner, she would have chosen Zanzibar , but she’d already been there. Of the remaining, Seychelles sounded like it would be the most alluring for her friends and family – it’s easier to talk people into travel when luxe beaches are involved. 

Over 50 people came to celebrate her accomplishment with her. 

What’s next?

Just because she’s conquered her goal of visiting every country, doesn’t mean Nabongo is retiring. She might slow down a little, though. 

“This morning I went to get my mail and my neighbor was like, 'You’re still here? This is literally the most I’ve ever seen you,” Nabongo said. “I haven’t spent three weeks at home for a long time. It’s nice to be still for a minute.” 

Nabongo said she still plans to travel extensively. Already, she’s been to 37 countries more than once and estimates within her lifetime she’ll revisit 150. 

She’ll be going back this year to four of her favorites – Jordan , Latvia , Colombia  and Kenya – as a guide for Jet Black, a luxury travel company she founded. She’ll return to others as well, scouting out pieces for her e-commerce site, The Catch.

“I have the rest of my life to keep planning,” Nabongo said. “My lifestyle is flexible – I created the life I wanted to live and I’m living it.”  

You may also enjoy:  -  My experience traveling as a Black woman -  Plus size summer fashion: Stephanie Yeboah's guide to your ultimate travel wardrobe -  Working 9-5 but want to travel more? Here's how you can do it  

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How To Visit Every Country in The World

Up for a challenge this week we’re deep diving into the concept of visiting every country in the world – including spotlighting the courageous few that have actually done it and strategizing how it might possibly be completed. buckle up – this is going to be a big one, how many countries are there.

This looks like a simple question, but it’s deceptively tricky to answer. Previous people that have completed the “globetrotter challenge” have had different answers to this question and, as ever, it generally depends on your political worldview.  

A country, loosely defined, is an area of land that is autonomously controlled by its own government. It’s also generally a place that self-defines as a “country”. Unfortunately, international parties often disagree or choose not to honour a region’s claims to sovereignty, making their “country status” invalidated in the international sphere. This is why regions such as Kosovo, Scotland and Catalonia are sometimes referred to as “countries” but often left off international lists of countries in the world.

Let’s take the most widely accepted number of countries in 2021, which is 195 . This includes:

54 in Africa

33 in South and Central America

14 in Oceania

2 in North America

44 in Europe.

Which are the Hardest Countries to Enter?

If you’re seriously up for the challenge, you’re going to have to consider the hardest points of your journey before you even begin. Sure, you can just hop over to New York, grab a “I heart NY” top and tick off America, but how will you fare when it comes to ticking off North Korea? Below, we’ve listed a few of the hardest countries to enter:

1. Equatorial Guinea – did you know that only foreigners with a US passport are allowed to enter Equatorial Guinea without a visa? It’s true, and fiendishly difficult for anyone outside of the US.

2. Afghanistan – like many places, entering an active war zone is difficult both in terms of personal safety and accessing visas. Your best bet is avoiding the big cities and entering for a few hours with a dedicated guide to a safer and more secluded part of the country

3. Libya – this is another country that does not offer tourist visas. Entering therefore will have to be through a business visa, which can be very expensive

4. Russia – Most people can get a tourist visa to Russia but be prepared for an insanely bureaucratic process. From biometric fingerprint scans to submitting millimetre for millimetre perfect passport photos – getting your visa for Russia is time consuming and very expensive

5. South Sudan – to enter this country, you need a formal invitation from a company (for a business visa – there are no tourist visas). Unless you happen to have contacts in Sudanese industry, this may prove difficult.

6. North Korea – you’ll be surprised, but getting into North Korea might actually prove to be one of the easier options. This is because the nation runs a pretty lucrative tourist industry taking fascinated visitors on day tours across the border (make of that what you will).

Which are the cheapest countries to enter?

Trying to budget a journey like this might be a difficult task. However, here are the countries where you’re least likely to run into problems financially.

1. Cambodia – legend tells that Cambodian beer is cheaper than water. Hostels cost an average of $3-5 a night and street food often costs less than a dollar. Sign me up!

2. Morocco – another country where hostels costs less than $5 (even in Marrakech) is Morocco. What’s more, transport between cities is equally affordable, allowing you to traverse the country without stretching the pursestrings.

3. El Salvador – with stunning landscapes, beaches and Mayan ruins, El Salvadore is both beautiful and budget-friendly.

4. Bolivia – if you hate cooking, why not move to a country like Bolivia, where eating out three meals a day can easily fit into your daily budget.

5. Poland – One of the cheapest countries in Europe, Poland is a fascinating place to visit. Stay in a hostel for less than $10 a night and enjoy eating out Polish-style in fabulously affordable restaurants.

Which are the most expensive countries to enter?

Let’s hope you enjoyed plenty of savings in the five cheap countries mentioned above, because here are the five most expensive countries in the world…

1. Japan – Seen those pictures of businessmen sleeping in cages in Tokyo? Well it’s no wonder, since renting a flat will cost you roughly $1400 a month.

2. Norway – Norwegians get paid high salaries, so the high cost of living tends to even out. For visitor’s however, there’s no escaping the eye-watering $9 for a beer…

3. Bermuda – It’s paradise on earth, so no wonder this tropical island comes with a hefty price tag. Beer costs a staggering $10 and rent averages at $2675 a month in the city.

4. Iceland – When you’ve got a place so remote, shipping is going to be an issue, and that cost is reflected in the price of practically anything you can buy. A flat in Reykjavik will cost you $1240 a month and $8 is common for a beer.

5. Denmark – Like Norway, high salaries cancel out the high cost of living in cities like Copenhagen. Not so for visitors!

Who has successfully completed every country in the world?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Nabongo 🇺🇬🇺🇸 (@jessicanabongo)

There are currently around 150 known people that have visited every country in the world, but there are sure to be many more. Some notable individuals include:

James Asquith – James Asquith holds the Guinness World Record for youngest person ever to visit every country in the world. At just 24 when he reached his final country, James took 5 years to travel the world, working as he went to sustain his adventures. Since then, he has gone on to write books and found HolidaySwap – a home swapping holiday service.

Jessica Nabongo – Ugandan-American travel blogger Jessica Nabongo is the first black woman to have travelled to every country in the world. Thanks to her work with the United Nations and her career as a travel influencer, Nabongo had already travelled to 60 countries by the age of 32. In 2016, she decided to go for the full list of 195, achieving it on October 6th 2019 by visiting her final destination – the Seychelles.

Things to Bear in Mind

With so many countries to visit, you’ll need to stay pretty organised in order to keep track of visas, Covid requirements, currency, time-zones, tipping and more. Download the Skratch app for easy access to key information about every country in the world – personalised to your passport and vaccination status!

Starting from Skratch? Here are a few tips to get you started: 

https://www.skratch.world

https://onestep4ward.com/my-journey-to-every-country-in-the-world-country-list-and-faq/

https://thecatchmeifyoucan.com/

Visiting Every Country – at a Glance

❌ the hardest countries to enter.

Equatorial Guinea

Afghanistan

South Sudan

North Korea

💸 The cheapest countries to enter

El Salvador

💰The most expensive countries to enter

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At 79, she reached her goal to visit every country in the world

Emma Bowman

When it comes to her passion for travel, Luisa Yu doesn't take no for an answer. If she did, she might not have tried dog meat in North Korea, or glimpsed the pristine beaches of Somalia or skydived in Dubai at age 77.

"Everyone said, 'Don't go to Somalia, that's dangerous,' " Yu told NPR. "If I want to go somewhere, nobody can stop me. I like challenge — it's more exciting. I want to do everything."

Thanks to her stubborn determination, the 79-year-old has now achieved her longtime, ultimate travel goal she's chased for more than 50 years. The Miami resident has traveled to all 193 countries recognized by the United Nations, according to NomadMania, which keeps track of the world's most-traveled people .

Luisa Yu shows off mask woodcraft during her time in Abanga-Bigne, Gabon. Luisa Yu hide caption

Luisa Yu shows off mask woodcraft during her time in Abanga-Bigne, Gabon.

The last stop on her world tour was to Serbia in November. Fellow traveler friends arranged to meet her at the airport there to mark her achievement, where, she says, a "big surprise celebration for me was waiting."

Yu caught the travel bug early. Growing up in the province of Leyte in the Philippines, she was inspired by the movies she watched as a kid, mostly American Westerns. She set her sights on visiting the natural landscapes she saw on screen, like the craggy backdrops of John Wayne films.

"I saw all this beautiful mountain scenery, lakes and riding horses," she said. "That's how I started dreaming and saying that one day I'm gonna see the world."

Her first step in realizing that dream came in her early 20s, when she arrived in the U.S. as an exchange student to study medical technologies. When visa restrictions prevented her from traveling outside the U.S., she explored the country by Greyhound bus. She saved up her vacation time earned while working at a Miami hospital to take stateside trips. She's yet to visit only two U.S. states — Kentucky and Oklahoma.

The 'round-the-world feat wasn't easy, Yu says. She waited 15 years to get her green card to be able to travel internationally. There were stretches where she worked as many as three jobs at a time to save up enough money for trips, she says. At one point, she earned her real estate license. But travel remained her passion.

Yu goes apple picking on a visit to Tokat, Turkey, in 2021. Luisa Yu hide caption

Eventually, she became a part-time travel agent, which afforded her greater freedom and opportunities to check places off her bucket list, including access to countries that are notoriously difficult for tourists to visit. In 2008, for example, she was invited to Iran, where she got to see the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Last year, a record 50 new entries were added to the NomadMania list of people who have visited all U.N.-recognized countries, reported CNN . Perhaps more people than ever are trying to see it all because it's easier to do so now.

"Before, you might have needed 'connections' in particular countries, [or] have difficulty in getting visas or invitations," Michael O'Regan, a tourism and events lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, told the outlet. "You needed a 'strong' passport, and access to resources, such as tour guides and insider knowledge about transport and hotels."

Today, low-cost air carriers, visas on arrival and the increasing flexibility employees have to work remotely makes it easier.

During the pandemic in 2020, Yu traveled to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Luisa Yu hide caption

During the pandemic in 2020, Yu traveled to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

The seasoned traveler's advice?

"Don't wait for anybody," she said. "If I keep on waiting, it will never happen, because the opportunity sometimes comes only once. I can always make money, you know? But time is important."

These days, she says she's taking her time. But "slowing down" for Yu still looks pretty active.

"I'm not rushing to do anything, you know, I've become very selective [with] what I wanna do," she said. "It's just flying to one country, just going to Europe or some country, no challenge — you go there, you just do whatever you want and that's easy for me."

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She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.

Jessica Nabongo traveled to all 195 nations and became the first Black woman to have documented this feat.

It all began in Bali. On a two-week vacation there in 2017, Jessica Nabongo was feeling adrift after a career change from corporate desk jockey to entrepreneur. Then she read an article about a traveler who had just visited every country on the planet in record time. Nabongo realized there was a community of people like her—people who long to set foot in all nations. She wanted to become the first Black woman to document doing it.

Nabongo was actually well on her way, since she’d already been to 59 countries. She started traveling at age four, tagging along with her Ugandan parents on family trips from their home in Detroit, Michigan . Little did her parents know what they were setting in motion when they instilled the travel bug in their young daughter.

On October 6, 2019—her late father’s birthday—Nabongo completed her mission when she landed in the Seychelles , having visited 195 countries (193 United Nations member states plus the two non-member states, the Holy See and Palestinian territories). But it’s not just about the country count. Along the way, she became a writer, photographer, and passionate advocate for inclusive and ethical tourism. She shares her adventures on her blog and on Instagram .

Now Nabongo is publishing a book with National Geographic, The Catch Me If You Can ,   which highlights 100 of her favorite countries. Here she talks to us about surprise encounters, banishing fear, and tips for traveling better.

What inspires your adventures?

Curiosity—that’s what’s always inspired me. I have a strong desire to see the differences and similarities in how people live everywhere in the world, even at home in the United States . I put a lot of trust in strangers, and I believe you can travel solo anywhere.

Who was the most interesting person you met?

My guide in Algeria —Zaki. It was toward the end of my journey, and at the time there were a lot of anti-government protests going on there. We were supposed to be touring, but we ended up sitting in a café talking. I’ll never forget what he said: “I’m just living for the sake of living. You can’t have wild ambition around here, especially if you’re the oldest child.” It really struck me. Simply because of where he’d been born, his opportunities were limited to the point where he didn’t even want to think about success.

Do you have any travel heroes?

Barbara Hillary . She was the first Black woman to visit the North and South Poles, and she did it aged 75 and 79—isn’t that wild? The other is Cory Lee . He’s in a wheelchair and has visited 37 countries. I can’t relate to him because I haven’t faced those challenges, but I love that he hasn’t let being in a wheelchair stop him from exploring the world. I also follow Traveling Black Widow on Instagram. She was married for 31 years, but after her partner died, she went on to explore the world. I love her.

When we talk about diversity, people mostly think about racial diversity, but it’s also about abilities, age, and body type. There are so many different types of diversity, and everybody should be seen. I like to see how people are living their lives without boundaries.

( Here’s how travelers of color are smashing stereotypes .)

Before your career as a traveler, you studied international development and worked with the United Nations. Did this help to prepare you?

Learning about political and economic history at the London School of Economics absolutely opened my mind and taught me about the world, and the UN was certainly an interesting experience. My studies gave me an understanding of post-colonial dynamics and how different countries wield their power.

A simple example of how this can apply to travel is the relationship between former colonies and air routes. The easiest way to get to former French colonies, particularly in Africa , would be by flying through Paris —the French airlines there will have a monopoly because of the diaspora.

What was the most extreme place you visited?

Let’s talk about South Sudan . The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages U.S. citizens from traveling there, and I was advised by a diplomat that it was too dangerous. South Sudan is insecure in terms of its government, and, of course, terrible things have happened. But I always say no country in the world is completely safe, and no country in the world is completely unsafe. You find what you’re seeking. What I’m seeking is humanity. I’m seeking love. So I went anyway.

(In this episode of our podcast   Overheard , Jessica Nabongo shares her unique journey to become the first documented Black woman to travel to every country in the world.   Listen now on Apple Podcasts. )

I spent my time there with a South Sudanese woman, Nyankuir. I didn’t want to go to a compound and never leave it. Instead, I visited a cattle camp—cattle are an extremely important aspect of Dinka culture. I spent time speaking to the elders and the children, and I found out my bride price—30 cattle, at most, because at five-foot seven, I’m considered short there.

I also think of my trip to the market. There was an old man sitting right in the middle of it. His face was super wrinkled and I found myself just staring at him. I thought he was begging for money, but it turned out that his children were grown-up and had left home and he didn’t like being home alone. So he sat in the market every day to interact with people. I asked for his picture, and he told me to hold on because he wanted to put his glasses on first. So now I have these two portraits: one of how he wanted to be seen, and one of how I wanted to see him.

Both were beautiful and simple experiences. I never felt afraid. It was a reminder that you should take everything you hear from people with a grain of salt.

What travel kit can’t you do without?

I like mirrorless cameras because they’re lighter—whether they’re Sony or Canon. I think the 24-70mm is the perfect lens, in terms of getting that wide range of shots, from landscape images to beautiful portraits, and being able to move with one lens. Obviously, you can take more than one lens, but if you’re traveling for extended periods you should take a 24-70mm. I also travel with my drone. I have a DJI Mavic Air that I find to be lightweight—and inconspicuous when I need it to be.

Did you ever experience any setbacks?

I don’t believe in failure. And I don’t have the ability to be embarrassed. Embarrassment isn’t a natural human trait, in my eyes—it comes from socialization. If I fell over in the middle of Grand Central Station, I’d laugh at myself. I truly believe that every failure in your life is just an opportunity to learn.

What do you collect while traveling?

Alcohol. In Peru , I got pisco; in Georgia and New Zealand , I bought wine. Waragi—a kind of gin—in Uganda , and more gin in Eritrea . Then rum in Barbados, of course, and rakia in Serbia .

If you could change one thing in the world of travel, what would it be?

Single-use plastic. I wish it didn’t exist. On my travels, I really saw the effects of it. I once went snorkeling in Nauru, one of the world’s least-visited countries, and there was so much rubbish in the water—it broke my heart. I see it all the time, everywhere, but unfortunately mostly in developing countries. Corporations brought in all this plastic and didn’t tell anyone how to dispose of it. These communities are used to organic waste, like banana peel—you throw it out. They have no waste-management system to deal with it.

( We depend on plastic. Now we’re drowning in it .)

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

My mother has always said ‘humble yourself.’ I appreciate it because when you travel, depending on your passport, depending on your social class, depending on so many different things, you can go to places with a lot of ego, or you can humble yourself and know that everyone is equal. It enables you to connect with all types of people, no matter if they’re a man sitting on the floor at the market, or if they’re a general manager at a Four Seasons property. It’s really just about seeing people exactly as they are—human beings. Having humility is so important.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of embarking on a similar adventure?

Travel with kindness, travel with positive energy and without fear. I think what holds people back a lot of the time is fear of the unknown. What I’ve learned throughout my travels is that most people are good, and because of that, there’s no reason to have an innate fear of a stranger. Most people really want to help you. A lot of the time people are just really happy that you’re in their country.

Has the pandemic caused you to think differently about travel?

I think I’m definitely more conscious about the environment . I always have my reusable water bottle instead of using those little plastic bottles. Even though I find it slightly annoying, it’s something small that I can do. On planes I fly with a reusable cup so that I’m not using plastic cups. The other thing is slowing down. I want to spend more time in places versus always having to get back home. Why do I have to leave? There’s Wi-Fi. I think we’re going to see that trend across the board because everybody’s working remotely.

( Is the office obsolete? Many travelers hope so .)

What are some other things people can do to travel more sustainably?

Single-use plastic is one of the biggest things harming Earth right now, so a lot of my focus is on that. But I also think it’s important to watch how much you waste. If you’re in a restaurant and you don’t have a big appetite, ask for a half portion. It’s about being a deliberate traveler, just taking that extra minute to think how can I have a lower impact on this place that I’m in and on the planet in general.

You took road trips in the U.S. last summer. What did you learn about your home country?

I went to 25 states in 2020. Before I left Michigan, I took a COVID test. Then I drove to New York and started with New England. Then I did Delaware , Maryland . I also road-tripped around Utah and much of the South. Americans live in one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, but so many people have never been to the national parks in their state or in the neighboring state. And there are all these microcultures, like lobster fishers in Maine . I learned about the Geechee/Gullah culture in South Carolina . I went to Oklahoma and got to learn about the history of Black cowboys. We’re always chasing passport stamps, but how about we explore our own country, whether it’s the U.S., Kenya , or Canada .  

What are some places around the world you’re still longing to visit?

The Okavango Delta in Botswana . I’ve done safaris in almost every African country, but people say that’s one of the best. Also gorilla trekking in Uganda and the beautiful, pristine beaches of Madagasca r. I think I’ll do all three of those this year. My bucket lists don’t last very long.

This article was expanded from one that initially appeared on National Geographic’s U.K. website . The interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Related Topics

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• SUSTAINABILITY
• CORONAVIRUS

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I've visited all 193 countries on my own. Here are my top 10 favorites and why places like Italy don't make the cut.

• Cassandra De Pecol beat 2 Guinness World Records for fastest time to visit all sovereign countries.
• She chooses her favorite countries based on their landscapes, diverse cultures, and cuisines.
• She also said she felt humbled when she went to North Korea.

At 27 years old, I completed my wanderlust dream of traveling to every country in the world as a solo female traveler. To be exact, I've visited all 193 sovereign nations — plus Taiwan, Kosovo, and Palestine. Then, by the age of 30, I achieved my athletic dream of becoming an Ironman . I find great fulfillment in inspiring and educating young women to get out and pursue their passions — or whatever gets them excited in life.  

I'm originally from Connecticut, and due to financial reasons, I never really had the chance to travel growing up. The only country I'd been to before the age of 18 was Canada — where my mom's from. I had this innate feeling to explore uncharted territory and travel the world. Specifically, I wanted to explore places that people felt were unsafe and wouldn't usually travel to. I wanted to use my privilege and able-bodiedness to give back and enhance the world we live in whilst debunking myths about some of these precarious nations and promoting peace. 

When I think about some of my favorite countries, my mind usually gravitates toward both human interactions and natural landscapes that bring me the most joy — I love nature. All of my favorite countries boast some of the most incredible landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique cuisines. 

My top favorite countries change often as each season, I tend to reminisce about my favorite places from that time of year. Here are my current top 10 favorite countries.

1. Argentina 

I've spent a lot of time over the years in Argentina and have met some wonderful people from there. I'm drawn to their seasons and flora, which attracted me to racing a half Ironman on the Argentinean side of Patagonia.  

Spring in Bariloche — a city in Argentina's Patagonia region — is like an amplified spring in Connecticut because of the vast mountain ranges and glacier lakes that reflect the vibrant leaves and make everything more intense.  

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From the incredible beauty of Salta to Córdoba, it's just one of my favorite countries. I also enjoy the scenery in Ushuaia, which is known as the gateway to Antarctica, and the fantastic cuisine. When I visit Argentina, I take full advantage of their empanadas, Asado, and amazing sweets.

Being a sucker for mountains and nature,  Austria has always been able to deliver — the country is breathtaking. Learning about its history and visiting castles and palaces makes for such an enriching trip. It's crisp, clean, fresh, authentic, and a place I've always enjoyed revisiting time and time again.

3. Bhutan 

I always encourage culture and nature lovers to experience Bhutan at least once, if possible — it's a really enchanting place. When I was there in July 2016, I found it to be a very peaceful country and a very humbling experience. They've broken records for the number of trees planted , something I participated in while I was there. The people are peaceful and happy, and the environment reflects that.

4. Pakistan

Having traveled all throughout Pakistan , including cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and the capital, Islamabad, I can honestly say this country is worth the visit. The cuisine is heavy but so aromatic and flavorful. Similar to India, some of the common spices they use are cumin, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon, and I find those aromas really shine throughout their common dishes. The landscapes are also stunning, as varied as beaches, cloud forests, and Himalayan mountain ranges. Lastly, the people were so hospitable and welcoming — it was unreal.

Throughout my time in Vanuatu, I took it upon myself to really immerse myself in the local traditions. Vanuatu is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Oceania. I roamed around the villages, where I was welcomed into the homes of strangers who taught me valuable lessons and showed me how they made some of their traditional drinks, such as kava —  a non-fermented drink made from the root of a medicinal plant and always served cold. Vanuatu is a beautiful place, and the students I spoke to were some of the most engaging and beautiful.

6. Iceland 

Iceland is another country that I've visited a good handful of times because I just can't get enough of its natural splendor. It's the perfect place to escape to for solace and reflection. The cities aren't overwhelming, the people are very welcoming, the food is delicious, and the landscapes are out of this world. I was fascinated by the fertile lowlands and geothermal environments. Iceland has more than 600 species of moss that make the land look unique to any other country I've experienced.

The Middle East holds a special place in my heart, and Oman is just the perfect place to dive into traditional Arab culture. The kindness of the people of Oman is paramount, and their cuisine is out of this world. Their coffee and honey, among other things, are just incredible. The desert landscapes and sea are honestly a refreshing break and naturally create space for an open mind to experience all that Oman has to offer.

There's a reason many people flock to the US , and I have to include it in my top 10 countries. It's a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and traditions. It really is a great place to experience a taste of the world and meet people from everywhere. If I wanted to, I could visit a rainforest in Puerto Rico one day and have a Cuban café con leche and pan tostado for breakfast in Miami the next day. I could also hike in the Mojave Desert in California one morning, have dinner at an Eritrean restaurant in San Francisco late that afternoon, and be asleep among the spruce trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the ground covered in snow in Oregon by the evening. In the US, different environments are so close to each other by flight.

9. Mauritius 

Mauritius is so underrated as it's an uncommon place to travel, but it's such a wonderful place to visit. I love their commitment to responsible tourism, and I admired how pristine and naturally beautiful the country was when I visited. I also found the cultural diversity to be fascinating, with shared values and traditions between Indian, Chinese, African, and European communities. 

The people were very hospitable to me. I was welcomed in Mauritius with open arms and would go back in a heartbeat.

10. Tunisia

Given all of the conflict and turmoil Tunisia has experienced over the years, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience in this country. It's beautiful. I traveled to Tunisia in December 2015, roughly a week after the 2015 Tunisia bombing , almost two weeks after the Radisson Blu shootings, and just six months after the Sousse attacks that killed 38 tourists. There was a lot of turmoil going on in Tunisia at the time, which, rightfully so, turned tourists away from wanting to visit. 

I took an overnight ferry, about 10 hours, from Palermo, Italy, to Tunis and slept on a piece of cardboard on the floor, with no cell reception or wifi and surrounded by locals from both Italy and Tunisia — but mostly Tunisians. It was kind of nerve-racking, but once I arrived, there was beauty everywhere. I stayed in Sidi Bou Said — in northern Tunisia — and made my way to the ruins of Carthage nearby, among other places. There's so much to see and also so much history. I found the people to be very kind and felt more than safe as a woman traveling solo.

I didn't have the best experience in countries where the men treated me poorly  

I've been to Italy many times over the past 15 years, and my great, great, grandpa was Italian — so I have a bit of heritage there. But no matter how many times I visit, I am incessantly harassed in public by the men. 

It's a real shame because the women have always been really nice to me, and I grew up learning a lot from them, working in restaurants in both Italy and the States. I love the cuisine, culture, landscapes, and pretty much everything about the country, but whenever I go, the men don't seem to respect me. But their actions don't necessarily reflect the values of the country as a whole — which I'd say are kindness, generosity, and hospitality.

Another country that disappointed me was North Korea

When I visited in August 2016, it was a humbling experience. My North Korean tour guide was the sweetest and most helpful person — and all of the local people I came across were really kind. But I visited North Korea understanding the grave necessity to follow their rules —  and also knowing that the people who live there had to live by those rules every single breathing moment.

I had to ask permission whenever I took photos and was not allowed to leave the hotel without permission. I had to leave my DSLR camera, phone, GPS tracking device (which I used for my safety so my family knew where I was), and laptop in a locker in Shenyang airport because officials had the right to confiscate them if they wanted to. I did bring my GoPro, which I was willing to lose, so that's how I was able to capture all my photos and videos there. 

While I was in North Korea, I also was not allowed to talk to North Korean citizens. I had a cup of coffee in the hotel lobby and left it on the table when I was finished, but I was told I couldn't do that, either. There were lots of little rules that made it feel like I was walking on eggshells.

Watch: Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the No. 1 country to travel to in 2019 — here's why you should go

• Main content

First Black woman to visit every country shares travel tips, lessons in new book

No need to pack a bag for this trip around the world. 

Jessica Nabongo , the first Black woman documented to have visited every country in the world , has written a memoir to guide you across the globe with a turn of the page. The new book, " The Catch Me if You Can " (National Geographic), shares the same name as the  travel blog where Nabongo first shared her adventures.

While the photo-filled tome may appear to be a beautiful coffee table book at first glance, look beyond the pictures – the pages are filled with detailed accounts of Nabongo's journeys, reflections on life and tips and checklists for your own voyages.

The photographer and world traveler spoke with USA TODAY about her memoir, travels and advice for when things don't go as expected.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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Question: When did you know you wanted to travel to every country in the world?

Jessica Nabongo:  From my early 20s, I wanted to visit every country in the world, but I wasn't really like, "Yeah, I'm going to do this." Every year, I was keeping track of how many new countries I was going to, and I had maps – you can still find them on my blog. But in 2017, when I was in Bali, I decided I wanted to try to be the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, and I gave myself a clear deadline of my 35th birthday (May 2019). I overshot it by 5 months, but I was still 35 when I finished.

Q: For countries with which you're not familiar, how did you prep for your trips?

Nabongo:  I usually lean on people. As my following grew, I would ask, "Who should I meet up with?" Also, I went to grad school at the London School of Economics and I used to work for the U.N., so I had an incredible network. The biggest thing for me was I wanted to try and be with local people. But I didn't prep much. I just bought plane tickets, booked a hotel and usually booked a driver because when you land somewhere – especially if it's long transit – I just want to know that I have a ride from the airport to my hotel, versus trying to figure out taxis, foreign languages. And then I can figure out, "What am I gonna do in this country?"

Q: You talked in your book about your road trips through the U.S. in 2020 toward the beginning of the pandemic when international flights were grounded. You also offer guidance about having a loose itinerary. How do you shape your plans? And how do you handle it when things don't go as expected?

Nabongo: My itineraries come about from my experiences. I remember when an Australian friend of mine and I did this road trip around the western U.S. for three weeks. I had never really gone to many national parks, so I got to see all of these wonderful places. I fell in love with Montana and Wyoming. I've been into the outdoors, but now I'm kind of obsessed with going to every national park. When the pandemic happened that summer, my friend and I drove all the way up to the northern part of Maine to Acadia National Park, which was so incredible.

And when stuff goes wrong, to me, it's actually easier when you're in a car because as long as I have GPS and gas, I could do anything. I like road trips because you can just let it unfold. I think it's easier to pivot, and it allows for way more flexible travel.

Q: What's on your road trip playlist?

Nabongo:  Ooh, a lot of old-school music. And Adele, for sure. I love ballads when I'm driving. Res, I love her album, “How I Do.” What else is on my playlist? Probably Puff Daddy and the Family, that original album ("No Way Out"). I listen to a lot of music from the late ’90s, early 2000s like No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom,” came out. The Fugees’ “The Score” came out. That's my music sweet spot. 

Q: Is there any country that surprised you the most (in the best way)?

Nabongo:  I'd say South Sudan. I remember a friend of mine put me in touch with a guy from the U.S. embassy there. The guy was like, "You shouldn't come here" and "You're trying to come for your little internet thing," and "It's dangerous here. You don't understand." He was really trying to convince me not to come. I went, and I had such an amazing time because I connected with local people. We went to a cattle camp. We went to the market. We went to a village off the Nile. Of course, there are things happening that are violent outside of Juba – and it's horrible – but there are also people living very regular lives. I'm so glad I went. I had an amazing time in South Sudan, a country people think of as dangerous, but it was such a beautiful time.

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Q: You've spoken before about issues you've faced as a Black woman in your travels and also about some of the complications in the U.S. Can you talk more about your experience? Have you seen any changes in how you're treated in your travels? And how do you navigate difficulties?

Nabongo:  I wouldn't say I have had a ton of challenges as a Black woman traveling. I think there's this overriding assumption that "It must be so much harder for you because you're a Black woman," and I don't actually feel that way. I mean, obviously, I've only ever been a Black woman, so these are the only experiences that I've had, so maybe it is harder? But the challenges I have are specifically because I'm visibly African. So that's not a reflection of the experience that all Black women will have. It's important to remember it's not a monolithic experience. The challenges that I've had are with immigration, with them thinking my American passport is fake or, if I'm using my Ugandan passport, they think I'm going to overstay my visa. But outside of that, my journey was made beautiful by the kindness of strangers.

And I think one of the biggest things I learned in visiting every country in the world is most people are good. Most people aren't racist or misogynist or homophobic. Sometimes you go to countries where they don't have a lot of Black travelers, so they're very curious. They want to take pictures; they want to talk to you. But I think people have to remember every acknowledgment of your race is not racism.

Sure, some racist things have happened, but nothing that deterred me from traveling. You can't let the possibility of something racist happening affect how you travel, especially because you paid your money to be there. Enjoy it. If people are mad because they have to look at you laying at the pool, let them look.

Q: What are some of your travel must-haves?

Nabongo:  One is my Lo and Sons bag, the OG . I love it because it hooks onto my luggage and that I have the laptop sleeve. It holds everything I need for the flight. On my flight, I always have slippers, especially for long-haul flights. I keep slippers in my bag because you don't want to take your shoes on and off. And they're my plane slippers, so they're only used on the plane. Also, my noise-canceling headphones – Bose is my preferred brand. I take a tumbler, so I don't have to use plastic cups on the plane, and I always have my water bottle. I also bring my skin care routine. If I'm going on a flight to Europe, for example, before I take off, I do my whole skin care routine, put on a night mask and then, before I land, I wash off my mask, put a pop of color on my lips and I'm good to go.

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Q: What's next?

Nabongo:  I definitely want to finish visiting all of the states. I have six left. And then, I don't really have any plans other than that. There are so many places that I want to go back to. But no more crazy travel goals. I'm just enjoying the ride.

Q: What are a couple of the places you want to go back to?

Nabongo: So many! I haven't been to Zanzibar in forever. I want to go back to Tanzania. I want to go to the beaches in Madagascar. I went to the rainforest and the coast, where there were the baobab (trees). I would love to go back to Jordan. I want to go back to Saudi Arabia because when I went in 2018, we were the first tourists to go, and now it's changed so much. I want to go back to Japan. I lived there for a year. I miss it. There's a really long list.

Inside the Exclusive Club of Travelers Racing to Visit Every Country in the World

By Katherine LaGrave

Stamps. Coins. Countries. One of these things is not like the others, yet in 2019, all are collectibles, things taken out in the light, compared, and assigned some value.

In the past decade, the business of country-counting has boomed thanks to the internet, which made it easier to get visas and notoriety. Suddenly, ticking off countries was no longer limited to hard-core travelers or those with money to burn: people realized that publicity and social media prowess could help finance their trip. The field became more crowded.

As this subset of ultra-traveler has grown, so, too have the online communities: there are professional organizations and private Facebook groups dedicated to competitive travel, each with varying degrees of popularity, purpose, and adherents. But in large part, these communities are self-policed because there are so few common shared guidelines; no one group is the holder of universal standards for what "visiting" a country looks like. The different rules for different people belonging to different groups mean different qualifications when it comes to ticking countries off a list. What counts for one group may not count for another.

The Travelers' Century Club (TCC) , which started in 1954 as an organization for people who had visited 100 or more of the world's countries and territories, today has 327 countries and territories on its list, says TCC President JoAnn Schwartz. Most of the group’s nearly 1,500 members are “full” members, meaning they’ve visited between 100-149 countries. “For the most part, we operate on an honor system,” says Schwartz, noting that the group's range in travel interests and styles is huge. “However, every list submitted is reviewed, and sometimes we might ask a few questions,” she says.

Country-counter Gunnar Garfors traveling in Yemen.

Most Traveled People (MTP) , which was founded in 2005, breaks the world down into 891 “places,” including countries, states, provinces, and island groups. Airport transfers do not count, nor does time in an airport lounge or “furtively dashing across a remote border area and back again,” but MTP has no minimum time requirement for a visit.

Nomad Mania , similarly, divides the world into 1,281 “regions,” including Russia’s New Siberian Islands and Spain’s Catalonia. “Nomad Mania is also the only platform that verifies advanced travelers’ claims meticulously so that their authenticity cannot be doubted,” says its founder, Harry Mitsidis. “While this takes time, I believe this has elevated our reputation as the true ‘quality’ site of its type; we are not aiming at a high number of members, but at an active, vibrant, involved, and quality-conscious community.” (Nomad Mania tests travelers' claims by choosing countries randomly, and then asking travelers to provide documentation for visits to those countries.) "We also insist on people really seeing something—just touching an airport, putting a foot across a line, or transiting by train doesn’t do it," he says.

Though Guinness is the official source for would-be travel record-holders, who have to submit documentation including passport stamps, GPS coordinates, and cell phone logs, they also allow airport transfers to count as “seeing” a country. Plus, the record book includes a number of uninhabited islands in its requirements, a move some in the community question: What do you really see and do there? How does going to an uninhabited island help you grow as a person?

Many travelers tell me that this question of what kind of visits “count” is one of the core issues in the country-counting community, whose closed-door forums and approved-access-only Facebook groups hide much of the member collaboration, but also the criticism and cattiness. Though the primary purpose of many of these groups is to function as forums for advice and general discussion around world travel, like many things online, the conversations can turn into a debate—and quickly.

“Some people can go to a country for two weeks and never sit and chat with a local person, and someone can go to a country for 48 hours and spend the entire time with a local family. Who learned more about the country? I don’t know, and I honestly don’t care. Because this idea of, ‘ You need to spend more time. ’ Well, how much time is enough?” says Jessica Nabongo, who is on her way to becoming the first black woman to visit every country in the world .

Norwegian traveler Gunnar Garfors —who is the first person to have visited every country in the world at least twice and has 10 travel-related world records—points out that most “regular” travelers have to account for time limits with their trips, too, be it exploring Paris for three days because that’s all the vacation they have remaining, or seeing Slovenia in 24 hours because a family member is getting married nearby. “I always prefer to have more time in a place than what I actually have, but we only live once,” he says. “There will always be a timeframe.”

But inside the country-counting community, where travel stardom is just a passport stamp (or 193) away, insiders say the line between competition and collaboration is, well, complicated.

By Jessica Puckett

By Matt Ortile

By Olivia Morelli

By Alex Van Buren

“It’s not competitive, but it’s not kumbaya,” says Sal Lavallo, who is one of the youngest people to have visited every country in the world . Put another way? “Some people are helpful. But some people are assholes,” says Nabongo.

Several travelers in the community say the percentage breakdown between helping out and declining to do so often depends on bigger questions about where you're going and what you're attempting: though there are some elements that will always require an olive branch, like figuring out how to safely get into Syria and Yemen, the every-country-in-the-world record-breakers and check-listers working off of bigger lists tend to be more competitive, while those traveling for their own interest with a quantifiable goal are more likely to be collaborative. Schwartz says she sees it as 100 percent collaboration and 15 percent competition as a subset of that same group—an overlap, not a split. Mitsidis says he is "optimistic," and puts it at an 80-20 split for collaboration.

Another main point of tension in the community centers on the honor system it has operated on for so long. As a result, there can be confusion—and controversy—over who set a record first, especially if there’s no documentation, or there was no publicity. Much of this came to a head with traveler Cassie de Pecol, who holds two Guinness World Records for the fastest time to visit all sovereign countries and was the subject of much debate after being called the first woman to visit every country in the world in 2017 . (She's now widely referred to as the “first woman on record" to have visited every country in the world.)

De Pecol says that while she understands the backlash, for her, it comes down to one thing.

“For anyone to say they've traveled to every country in the world, that's all well and good, but if they're driven to be in history books and break world records, then they simply need the evidence,” she says. De Pecol points out that while this may have been more challenging to do so decades—even centuries—ago, there’s a reason we celebrate Amelia Earhart for being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, and Nellie Bly for her 72-day trip around the world: they proved that they did it.

Still, de Pecol acknowledges that because the competitive travel landscape has changed so much in the past few decades, it's not just about recognition. Setting records can mean a windfall of media coverage, book deals, hundreds of thousands of social media followers, and the bestowal of a coveted "travel expert" label. Viewed this way, then, a little competition makes a lot of sense.

“In today’s day and age—where the more followers you have, the more branding deals and thus, the more financial security—there’s a real fight for survival within the travel community to be the most interesting traveler,” says de Pecol. “I always say, the world is very kind, but the internet can be a living hellhole.”

It’s a wariness of the backlash, controversy, and complications that pushes some travelers to choose more ambiguous language around their achievements. Lavallo, for example, who finished visiting every country right after his 27th birthday, says that though some people have told him he’s the youngest traveler to visit every country in the world, he prefers to say “one of the youngest” as he’s “not interested in stepping on toes.” Nabongo, for her part, instead went hyper-specific, styling her journey as the first black woman after hearing through the grapevine that a half-Kenyan man may have already beaten her to the "first black person to visit every country in the world" distinction.

Gender and racial parity—perhaps unsurprisingly—also play out in the comments of these closed-door communities.

One of the youngest travelers to visit every country in the world, Sal Lavallo.

"People can be cruel, because they’re normal people,” says Lavallo, speaking about a subset of competitive travelers who criticize others for social media promotion and media coverage. “You have a group of people who had to pay a couple hundred thousand dollars to do something, and [the community] is going to be full of elitist, patriarchal misogynists," he says. Nabongo says she’s seen this manifest itself in responses to stories about her. “There’s a lot of, Who cares that you’re black? Who cares that you’re a woman? And I’m like, 'Yeah, you don’t get this, do you?' So I find myself pulling back a lot [in these communities]."

But just how many people in these communities have actually visited every country in the world? Depends on whom you ask. Mitsidis, widely considered one of the subset's most comprehensive record-keepers, says that based on research, word of mouth, and meetings, there is a record of 199 people who have visited every country in the world. He doubles the number to include those that don’t want attention, don't want to participate in the communities, or can’t be traced. That’s 400 people, then, throughout history—from the beginning of time.

“It’s not a very big number, is it?” says Mitsidis. “But it is growing by the week. When I completed every country in 2008, I think there were only about 20 of us or so.”

More, to be sure, are on the way: Lexie Alford has currently traveled to 191 countries, and has a goal of reaching 196 before her 21st birthday this year, which would make her the youngest person to travel to every sovereign nation.

At the end of the day, competitive travelers tell me, though there’s pride in having visited more places than your average bear, people are doing it for different reasons—and being in the public eye has taught them that outside of being respectful and recognizing privilege, there’s no wrong way to get around the globe. Got a goal to see every country before you’re 21? Go for it. Want to be the oldest woman to visit every country twice? More power to you. Looking to break one of Garfors's records? He'll happily congratulate you.

“We all have different ideas about what kind of travel is best, and everyone should just do what they personally enjoy and not worry about what others are doing,” says Schwartz of TCC. “If you are having amazing experiences exploring the world, you're doing it right.”

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Visit Every Country In The World

Country 106: Iceland - First Traveltomtom Group Trip

Never been to Iceland? Nope! I got this question a lot over the years. Why not? Well, pretty expensive, not easy to travel on a budget and being a remote island it hasn’t been easy to combine it with one of my big trips. Plus in most months it is way too cold and I would need specific clothes to visit Iceland.

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Country 103: The Gambia | Almost Died in River Crossing

It took me over 40 hours to travel to Banjul, all the way from Pakistan, but I made it to West Africa. It was late November 2019 and I arrived in country no. 103 on my journey to visit every country in the world . The Gambia was my first country in West Africa and only my 4th country in the whole African continent at that time after Seychelles, Namibia and South Africa.

After traveling continuously for 7 years by 2019, it was about damn time I finally started exploring Africa. It never really was high on my bucketlist. Luckily things have changed.

• west africa

Country 123: Sao Tome & Principe | 11 Days Stuck in 'Paradise'

The title sounds so harsh for this little paradise island but that is the way things worked out for me when visiting Sao Tome. An initial trip of 4 days was extended by a full week because of things out of my control. Another one of those moments were traveling felt so frustrating and asking myself the question why am I doing this...

Reaching my goal of visiting every country in the world was still very far away but when traveling to Cameroon I knew that this was also my chance to visit Sao Tome & Principe. I didn’t plan on visiting this island nation only about 4 days before my trip.

• Sao Tome & Principe

Country 114: Lesotho | Surprisingly FANTASTIC

A step back in time, but a great one! Lesotho travel is still super authentic and life out there in world's highest country is extremely laid back. The scenery is absolutely amazing and the people very friendly and happy to see tourists. Visiting Lesotho was a big surprise.

Little did I know about Lesotho before my visit. I knew that it was mountainous, but I had no clue that the lowest point of the country is at 1,400 m (4,593 ft.). Which makes it by far the highest country on earth, followed by Rwanda with a lowest point of 950 m (3,116 ft).

• south africa

Country 113: Djibouti | Bad Timing & Losing My Passport

Completely unexpected Djibouti ended up being my last country on my big Africa trip. Because I was refused at the Ethiopian border I had to come up with an alternative and flew from Nairobi, Kenya to Djibouti, my first flight since South Africa. It marked the end of my Africa overland trip! I arrived on Djibouti’s 44th birthday on June 27th, Independence Day in Djibouti.

Country 112: Kenya | Extinct Rhinos and Volunteering

Sitting here on a rooftop in Nairobi I realize it was exactly 1 month ago that I arrived in Kenya. Basically waiting here for my Djibouti visa to be confirmed and to hop on my flight to country number 113. But first my story about visiting country number 112: Kenya.

It sounds odd but during my 1 month in Kenya I actually didn’t have that many travel adventures. Thinking about what this Kenya travel story was going to be about I came up with rhinos and volunteering, but that was only about 10 days in total. What happened in the other 20 days?

Country 111: Uganda | Gorillas, Mburo & Kampala

The stamp in my passport says that I traveled to Uganda on the 11th of May 2021. I just came from Tanzania were they actually lost my PCR test. Well, it didn’t surprise me and within a couple hours they fixed me a negative test result. However the put in the wrong dates, as if I did my test on May 11th as well. Of course this was trouble when arriving at the Mutukula border post in Uganda.

Let’s say it just took a little more time than usual but they put a stamp in my passport with a smile: welcome to Uganda!

Country 105: Cape Verde

It was my last country in West Africa on this trip and one of my first trips which was actually planned well ahead in a long time. There was a specific reason I had to fly to Sal Island in Cabo Verde on December 6th 2019 as one of my best travel friends was about to finish visiting every country in the world. Yep exactly 197 at Cape Verde, the island just off the coast from Senegal.

Anderson Dias Visited all 195 Countries in Record-Breaking Time

This Record-Breaking Traveler visited all 195 Countries in the Fastest Ever Time

Anderson dias overcame economic disadvantages to see the world. in 2019, he became a record-breaking traveler....

At the end of November 2019, a month before the first cases of coronavirus emerged, a 26-year-old Brazilian man named Anderson Dias broke the world record for visiting every country on Earth in the fastest documented time. He completed his trip in 543 days, shaving 11 days off the previous record, held by an American woman named Taylor Demonbreu.  

FTT spoke with Anderson from his current base of Recife, northeastern Brazil, where he’s overseeing the build of a new house for his parents, to discuss the highs and lows of such an ambitious trip, and his next big travel mission.

Esme Benjamin: When did you first decide you wanted to be the fastest person to visit every country? 

Anderson Dias: I come from a poor family and grew up in a poor neighborhood in Salvador, Brazil. When I was 17, I left home to work and study. I was selling cell phone cases on the streets to keep me going, and I was good at it. I managed to earn about $10,000 – enough to do an English language school program in Ireland. That’s where I fell in love with traveling. I spent six months there and came home with a completely different mindset. 

Back in Brazil, I eventually opened my own store, selling cases and fixing phones – when you grow up poor, you have to teach yourself new things and figure out ways to make money. I had improved my situation, but I wasn’t satisfied because life isn’t just about money, it’s about dreams. That’s when I had the idea to do something big. Something that could go down in history and get me out of my comfort zone. I decided to sell my business, my car, and all my possessions and start traveling the world as fast as possible. 

EB: I have no idea how you would begin to plan or budget for a trip of that magnitude. How did you go about it?

AD: You won’t believe this, but I didn't plan anything! I would buy flights on the spot, arrive in one country, spend some time there, then buy a ticket to the next country. It sounds crazy, but I always say done is better than perfect. There are people who plan a lot and do nothing, I'm the type who does it without even knowing if it will work. I didn’t even have enough money to complete the trip when I left Brazil. 

EB: So did you have to work while you were traveling? 

AD: I estimated I’d need $100,000 to visit all the countries and get back home, but I only had $30,000 after selling my things, so I used the internet to get the money. I focused on creating content and growing my Instagram following so I could partner with brands. In the beginning, it was hard because I had less than 10,000 followers and brands look for high numbers. But when I got my first 100,000, they were interested. 

EB: What was the biggest challenge of your trip? 

AD: The biggest challenge of my trip was to keep myself motivated. Traveling for a year and a half without stopping, going through various difficulties – it took a lot of emotional fortitude. I almost died a few times. When I was in Guyana, I met a girl at a bar who tried to convince me to come back to her hotel. When I went with her to get a taxi, three guys beat me unconscious and robbed me. It was scary, but you have to prepare your mind. This was only country number 11, and if I let the fear consume me, I’d never finish the trip. 

EB: That’s a scary thing to go through. What were some of the other difficulties you faced while traveling? 

AD: Some countries have really complicated visa rules and restrictions. At that time Saudi Arabia was virtually impossible to visit as a tourist, but I relied on my Brazilian Instagram community a lot to get me connections at embassies etc. It was also very hard getting into countries coping with war or unrest, like Yemen. 

EB: How long did you spend in each place

AD: In safe places that I really liked, around 7 - 10 days. In unstable countries, only one. 

EB: What was the absolute highlight of the trip? 

AD: The highlight of my trip was undoubtedly seeing gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Knowing that those animals are endangered and being able to get within three meters of them in the wild is something unique. I was privileged, and I’m so thankful for that experience.   

EB: You shared all your adventures on social media. How important is it to you to inspire others to travel far and wide? 

AD:  In Brazil, we have 209.5 million people, and only a tiny number of them travel. My mission is to show people that traveling is not something that’s exclusively for rich people. Anyone can travel if they make it a priority, and they should because when we travel, we widen our minds, we start to understand other perspectives and ways of living. We learn to judge less and to have more compassion. So on Instagram, I teach people how to make money on the internet and show them how they can travel cheaply. 

EB: Which country would you most like to return to one day and why?  

AD: There are so many places I fell in love with: Thailand, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Russia, Iran. But I think Afghanistan would be my top country. That part of the planet is amazing. It’s more beautiful than Switzerland because you see mountains and rivers but no humans. Also, the locals are lovely and friendly. I had a great time in Afghanistan. 

Follow Anderson on Instagram here

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The Busan Air Cruise, also known as the Sky Capsule Train, is a popular attraction in Busan, South Korea. This unique train ride takes passengers on a journey above the city, providing stunning panoramic views of Busan`s coastline, mountains, and urban landscape. The futuristic capsule-shaped cabins offer a comfortable and immersive experience, making it a must-try activity for visitors exploring Busan. Reel: @belet_ryu ...

"Checking into Estelle Manor, the closest thing to a Saltburn-esque staycation you`ll ever experience in the UK. Imagine a beautifully restored Jacobean manor on the cusp of the Cotswolds and nestled within 3,000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland, with extravagant interiors to match (expect bold artworks and intricate details around each corner), a Riviera-style pool to lounge by, and three different restaurant to sink your teeth into. The addition of the hotel`s new Eynsham Baths (an incredible spa modelled on traditional Roman baths) really takes the hotel up another notch, despite it already being in a league of its own." - @ginagoesto ...

Vacationing at The Ritz-Carlton in the Maldives offers luxurious villas, exquisite dining, and world-class relaxation. With stunning views and a range of activities including snorkeling and spa treatments, it`s a perfect escape in paradise. Reel: @martadtravels 📍@ritzcarltonmaldives ...

Maybe it’s the gentle pace and rural scenes rolling past the window, or the inevitably of crossing paths with strangers – however briefly. Whatever the reason, there’s something about train travel that adds a touch of nostalgic romance to any journey – especially if that journey happens to whisk you through some of the world’s most striking landscapes. Rather than taking passengers from point A to point B, these train trips are travel experiences in and of themselves, offering fine dining and high-end hospitality as they traverse canyons, mountains, deserts and coastlines. Link in bio to see the list! ...

A scenic coastal drive in Africa. Reel: @joshstrauss_ ...

At The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, HaSalon is the spot for upscale, experiential dining. With an energetic atmosphere, exceptional service, and the freshest eats, HaSalon nails high-end, upbeat interactive dining. ...

Atlantis Ibiza: Famous for its cliffs and coves, perfect for adventurous activities like cliff diving and snorkeling. Reel: @saltinourhair ...

Located in the historic center of Mexico City, @sohohousemexicocity offers a blend of luxury amenities. The pool area is meticulously designed with chic loungers, umbrellas, and lush greenery, creating an oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis. 📍 @sohohousemexicocity ...

Soar above the city hustle at Cloud 22 Dubai—where every view is a postcard moment and the skyline is your playground. 📍@cloud22dubai Photo: @taramilktea ...

"Known for its rugged mountains, Grand Teton National Park has a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers. With the airport located inside the national park, landed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is an experience. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elk, wolves, black and grizzly bears. With glacial alpine lakes and mountain ranges all around, Grand Teton National Park is a treat for rock climbers, hikers and backpackers." 📍 Mormon Row 📍 Schwabacher Landing 📍 Delta Lake 📍 Hidden Lake falls Reel: @seekthatadventure ...

Explore the fascinating world of Piedra Pómez in northwest Argentina! This lightweight volcanic rock is used in everything from construction to beauty products, while its unique formations create breathtaking landscapes that attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Reel: @danielkordan ...

From hotels to restaurants, and fashion to relaxation, we reveal the best in destinations to help you travel like an insider, and Curaçao is never short on unforgettable experiences. The best way to get to the full island effect is to discover all this Southern Caribbean gem has to offer. Experience picturesque views, culture in abundance, and peace of mind. Link in bio for Full-Time Travel recommendations for the best of Curaçao. ...

Spring has arrived in the state of Washington. Reel: @jakeguzman ...

Off the grid - at the end of the world, where dunes collide into the Atlantic Ocean. 📍 Sandwich Harbor / Namibia Reel: @formgestalter ...

Reel: @s.x.traveler ➡️ Escape to the rugged beauty of Calhau das Achadas da Cruz, where Madeira`s wild heart beats in harmony with the Atlantic`s endless blue. Nestled in the remote northwest, this gem in Porto Moniz is a world away from the everyday. ...

As any seasoned traveler will attest, having insider intel on your destination is the key to a memorable trip. Once you’ve arrived in Curaçao, chatting up small business owners (instead of your hotel’s concierge) is the best way to find the hidden gems. Link in bio for a hotlist of locals-approved beaches and non-touristy to-do’s you’re sure to enjoy. ...

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I've Traveled Alone to 65 Countries – Here Are My Top 5 Destinations for Flying Solo

Where to find adventure, group activities, affordable luxury hotels, and total relaxation as a solo traveler.

Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure

Lewis may have needed Clark, but for most trips, I think it’s OK to be a party of one. In fact, my favorite style of travel, # solotravel , is now trending on TikTok and in real life. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from adventuring alone in 65 countries, it’s this: some countries cater to lone wolves better than others. Whether you’re looking to lay on the beach, climb a volcano, or explore the big city, here are my top five destinations for flying solo. 

Giacomo Augugliaro/Getty Images

Western Europe’s most affordable country, Portugal has been my second home since 2016. Whether in Alentejo or the Algarve, I can always find a €2 glass of wine and five-star hotels, including IHG’s new Vignette Collection properties in Porto and Lisbon , for under €200 per night. It’s the fifth safest country in Europe, according to the Institute for Economics & Peace 2023 Global Peace Index (for comparison, Spain ranked 23rd and France 34th) and is home to the world’s largest standing wave. Since surfing solo is dangerous, I go with Onda Pura . In Lisbon , visit the Oceanário , voted the world’s best aquarium . Alone, you can linger at exhibits for as long as you want. I’ve traveled the country by train and bus, but I recommend renting a car for as little as €25 per day. Pro tip: Learn how to drive manual first.

South Africa

Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure

While it’s not the safest country on the Mother Continent, ranking 32nd in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Global Peace Index , South Africa is the easiest for Americans to visit. United Airlines offers nonstop service from multiple U.S. cities to Cape Town, English is widely spoken, and there are restaurants catering to every diet. I use Facebook to join group hikes and dinners and Airbnb to book guided, local experiences. I recommend doing the “From Prisoner to President Tour” hosted by Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard and friend, Christo Brand . To visit the wineries, take the Franschhoek Tram . I’ve also enjoyed solo safaris. Alone, you can choose your start time (I hate waking up at 5:30 a.m. for game drives), and you always have the best seat. During low season, some lodges waive the single supplement. Year-round, the new Loapi Tented Camp only charges solo travelers 62% of what it would charge a couple. For travel within the country, book a package with a company like Kensington Tours ; it includes all transfers.

Since I lived in Nicaragua, I have an impressive collection of passport stamps from Costa Rica . It’s the safest place in Central America , and it offers everything from volcano trekking to beach hopping on two incredible coastlines. I want to check out the new SP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge , which hosts wellness retreats and is part of the Red Sofia Program (designed to make travel safer for single women). Meanwhile, in Monteverde, solo travelers can’t go wrong at Hotel Belmar where you don’t have to venture off site for adventure (book the canopy immersion and coffee tasting). For an all-inclusive, I recommend Secrets Papagayo .  It’s not the place to stay if you don't want to be around couples, but it’s adults-only and hosts theme nights, beach games, and cocktail parties where singles can mingle.

FilippoBacci/Getty Images

Good news! You don’t need to be with a romantic partner to visit the Maldives . I solo-mooned there and had a blast falling back in love with me, myself, and I. Highlights include visiting Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu’s turtle rescue center , reading by my plunge pool (“Eat, Pray, Love” is a must for solo travelers), and when I wanted company, hitting up the beach barbecues. You also don’t have to be a millionaire. The island of Maafushi caters to backpackers, and even at a resort, I stayed under $350 per day. Have a bigger budget? Consider booking the Gili Solo Experience . Boasting an underwater suite and restaurant, the Conrad Maldives is also on my list. For flights, try Emirates ; round-trip fares from New York's JFK to Malé start at $1,265.

Not having anyone to split expenses with, domestic travel is cheapest. I explore my backyard in Montana where I staycate at Lone Mountain Ranch . With its queen bed, the Meadowlark Cabin is ideal for one, and the group activities offer opportunities to socialize. For an urban escape, I prefer New York City , where I stay at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue . Its lobby has a community table, fireplaces, and live jazz most nights. Since there’s no shame in doing the Great White Way without a date, I went to see “ The Notebook ” in April. Finding one center orchestra seat is easier than finding seats together. For getting around, use the MTA’s new OMNY credit/debit card tap program ; it’s the best value.

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The World's 18 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime

Posted: June 4, 2024 | Last updated: June 4, 2024

When there are 193 vastly different countries, it seems nearly impossible to narrow down a list of the most beautiful places in the world. Each country has something unique and downright stunning to offer, from its intriguing architecture and colorful landscapes to complex histories and centuries-old traditions. And, of course, there are the people at the heart of each nation who make their homelands stand apart from the rest. To craft our list of the most beautiful countries in the world, we focused on places that offer an impressive range of natural wonders along with manmade creations and cities just as vibrant as their environment. They also all make an effort to preserve their historic structures and artistic practices while making way for new technologies to help improve their nation. From the towering mountains of Oman to Thailand's white sand coast , these are the world's most beautiful countries that you should visit in your lifetime.

1) Maldives

The Maldives defines what a far-flung getaway should be with its white sand beaches, world-class resorts , and palm tree-filled forests. The Indian Ocean archipelago's traditions are influenced by many of the neighboring countries, creating a multifaceted culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Plus, below the aquamarine water's surface lies a thriving ecosystem of colorful coral reefs and unique sea life that can only be found around the islands.

2) Costa Rica

Costa Rica plays host to an estimated half a million species across its misty river valleys, idyllic beaches, and rare grasslands. Nearly a quarter of its land is under environmental protection, allowing for its native flora and fauna to thrive and create a naturally breathtaking locale. Beyond its landscape, the Central American country also is home to numerous five-star spas and restaurants that help visitors end their day of adventure on a relaxing note.

3) Tanzania

The natural wealth found in Tanzania is almost indescribable. Over a million wildebeest make the Great Migration across the Serengeti, a protected plain in the northern part of the country, in a phenomenon that happens once a year. Rhinos and zebras mingle in the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Crater. And, Tanzania's Indian Ocean-facing coastline offers sparkling white sand beaches and serene views.

4) United States

The geographic and cultural diversity of the United States is unlike any other in the world. From the snow-capped mountains in Mount Rainer National Park to Hawaii's lush Napali coastline, there's natural beauty found in almost every corner of the country. Even the cities, both big and small, are home to some of the most magnificent examples of historic and modern architecture in the world.

Many have heard about the monumental Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, but consider that just the sliver of the wonders Peru has to offer. In the heart of the Ica desert lies the quaint oasis of Huacachina where guests can explore the neighboring dunes behind settling in the small village at night. Not too far from the green peak of Machu Picchu sits the rainbow-colored mountain, Vinicunca. And a trip to Peru is not complete without a trip to Lima, the country's capital city filled with Colonial-era architecture and plenty of pre-Columbian art.

No country possibly balances the excitement of the city with nature's calmness as seamlessly as Japan. Fragrant cherry blossoms and the Arashiyama bamboo forest provide refuge in Kyoto, while at night the city comes to life with people packed into restaurants to try culinary masterpieces. Centuries-old shrines and temples dotted throughout the country provide lessons on the nation's past. Meanwhile, Tokyo continues to prove itself as a leader in innovation.

Subterranean ice caves, towering volcanoes, and black sand beaches—Iceland has some of the most unique landscapes on the planet. Reykjavik serves as an idyllic landing pad with its scenic views of the Blue Lagoon, an impressive art museum dedicated to Icelandic creatives, and an up-and-coming food scene. Just 30 minutes outside the city lie luxe hot springs and glacier valleys. For a full taste of what Iceland has to offer, take a road trip across Ring Road which spans 828 miles around the coast of the island.

The East African nation has earned a reputation around the world for its expansive savanna grasslands and diverse wildlife. Though, Kenya's natural beauty doesn't end there. You'll find glacial lakes at the foot of Mount Kenya, lush indigenous woodlands at the Mau Forest Complex, and dazzling blue waters on the coast. The country's most populous city, Nairobi, is the outpost for countless artisans from the woodworks and weavers at Masai Market to skilled glass makers putting Kitengela Hot Glass on the global design stage.

9) Thailand

Across its nearly 1,43o islands, Thailand presents a wide range of attractions, from the bustling city of Bangkok to the mangrove shores and lush forest of Koh Kood. Chiang Mai's golden temples, lively markets, and budding culinary scene blend the thrill of a modern city with historic charm and importance, perfect for those city dwellers. Those dreamy white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters and geometric rock formations can be found along the curvaceous coast of the Krabi province. The country's thriving capital offers a taste of both authentic Thailand cuisine and experimental creations at its award-winning restaurants and vendors.

10) Namibia

With amber sand dunes, endless golden grasslands, and emerald-blue lagoons, Namibia's vast natural beauty goes unmatched. The Namib desert (the world's oldest) spans more than 1,200 miles with striking dead-tree valleys at Sossusvlei and sand dunes leading to Sandwich Harbour. An abundance of wildlife thrives within the savannas and Caprivi Strip wetlands of Nambia. On the Khomas Hochland plateau, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê serves as a natural habitat for hundreds of injured animals and welcomes guests to learn about conservation while staying at the reserve's lodge, Omaanda .

Whimsy and wonder sing through the picturesque islands and islets of Greece . The ancient temples and ruins of Athens and iconic blue domes and whitewashed facades of Oia are can't-miss attractions for many travelers. However, the real magic of Greece lies in the quirky haunts of the lesser-known islands, such as the thermal baths of Evia and art exhibits of Nisyros. No trip to the Mediterranean country is complete without a stop at Naxos for fresh seafood.

12) New Zealand

From its 9,000 miles of breezy shores to its turquoise lakes cutting through mountains, New Zealand boasts some of the most intriguing landscapes in the world. Lake Tekapo may just be one of the most colorful places in the world, with brilliant blue glacial waters and never-ending fields of pink and purple lupins. New Zealand's also bursting with a plethora of galleries and museums contributing to the country's cultural and artistic identity. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa highlights the rich history of the Māori people and their importance to the national identity of New Zealand.

Due to its long, narrow shape, Chile spans across an incredibly diverse range of terrains and climates, like glacial fjords in Patagonia and the rolling vineyards of the country's Elqui Valley. Lauca National Park serves as a biosphere reserve for alpacas, pumas, flamingos, and foxes to roam freely across 303,342 acres in the Andes. It's also home to Chungará Lake, where roughly 130 species of animals are thought to live along with rare flora. While bustling Santiago is the country's most known city, the coastal gem of Valparaíso bubbles with bohemian bliss and creativity you'll find nowhere else.

Praised for its mouthwatering cuisine, picturesque pastel villages, and lasting appreciation for the arts, it's hard to know where to start when talking about Italy and its beauty. For the city dwellers and history buffs, Rome stands as the birthplace of Western civilization, with numerous ancient sites to discover. The Cinque Terre village of Vernazza calls for romantics to stroll throughout the candy-colored streets before settling on the harbor. And no vacation in Italy is complete without a day trip to Tuscan wine country, where vineyards extend as far as the eye can see.

15) Vietnam

Vietnam's ever-evolving cities, mountains of seemingly endless green, and idyllic coastlines have brought it to the top of every traveler's bucket list in recent years. Its staggering temples and heritage sites—the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Complex of Hué Monuments, and many more—shine a light on the complex history and cultural significance of this Asian country. Growing cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showcase how the country is quickly becoming a capital for style and design. One of the natural jewels of Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, which consists of 1,600 islands and islets with spectacular limestone pillars and wave-eroded grottoes.

16) Switzerland

Often viewed of as a winter wonderland, Switzerland has been attracting visitors for centuries for its powdery mountains and clean, crisp air. Ski enthusiasts often flock to the quaint villages, such as hidden Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, to hit the slopes and take in the views. However, Switzerland is just as stunning during the warmer months, with lush valley forges and emerald lakes. The country also has some of the most impressive examples of Medieval and Renaissance architecture found in the old city of Bern.

As the world's second-largest country, Canada poses as one of the most diverse places on the planet both culturally and environmentally. The verdant coastline and cliffs of the Bay of Fundy make it a one-of-a-kind, natural attraction on the country's eastern side. Head over to the French-speaking province of Québec, where cities like Montréal and Québec City embody the charm of Europe. On the western side of the country, Alberta's serene town of Banff offers unparalleled views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and emerald waters of Lake Louise.

Upon first thought, one may think Oman may only have desert-like terrains due to its location on the Arabian Peninsula. However, this seafaring nation has a bit of everything, from towering mountains, and sandy coastlines to striking city centers. The traditional and contemporary blend in the coastal city of Muscat, which is home to one of the most renowned masterpieces of Islamic architecture, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque . It's here in the country's capital that you'll also find a rising food scene that reinterprets traditional Omani cuisine. Venture out of the city toward the Jabal Akhdar mountains for fragrant hiking trails filled with green olive trees and apricot trees.

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Trump Has Been Convicted. Here’s What Happens Next.

Donald J. Trump has promised to appeal, but he may face limits on his ability to travel and to vote as he campaigns for the White House.

• Share full article

By Jesse McKinley and Maggie Astor

• May 30, 2024

The conviction of former President Donald J. Trump on Thursday is just the latest step in his legal odyssey in New York’s court system. The judge, Juan M. Merchan, set Mr. Trump’s sentencing for July 11, at which point he could be sentenced to as much as four years behind bars, or to probation.

It won’t stop him from running for president, though: There is no legal prohibition on felons doing that . No constitutional provision would stop him even from serving as president from a prison cell, though in practice that would trigger a crisis that courts would almost certainly have to resolve.

His ability to vote — for himself, presumably — depends on whether he is sentenced to prison. Florida, where he is registered, requires felons convicted there to complete their full sentence, including parole or probation, before regaining voting rights. But when Floridians are convicted in another state, Florida defers to the laws of that state, and New York disenfranchises felons only while they are in prison.

The Trump Manhattan Criminal Verdict, Count By Count

Former President Donald J. Trump faced 34 felony charges of falsifying business records, related to the reimbursement of hush money paid to the porn star Stormy Daniels in order to cover up a sex scandal around the 2016 presidential election.

“Because Florida recognizes voting rights restoration in the state of conviction, and because New York’s law states that those with a felony conviction do not lose their right to vote unless they are incarcerated during the election, then Trump will not lose his right to vote in this case unless he is in prison on Election Day,” said Blair Bowie, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog group.

Mr. Trump will almost certainly appeal his conviction, after months of criticizing the case and attacking the Manhattan district attorney, who brought it, and Justice Merchan, who presided over his trial.

Long before that appeal is heard, however, Mr. Trump will be enmeshed in the gears of the criminal justice system.

A pre-sentencing report makes recommendations based on the defendant’s criminal record — Mr. Trump had none before this case — as well as his personal history and the crime itself. The former president was found guilty of falsifying business records in relation to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who says she had a brief sexual tryst with Mr. Trump in 2006, in order to buy her silence.

At the pre-sentence interview, a psychologist or social worker working for the probation department may also talk to Mr. Trump, during which time the defendant can “try to make a good impression and explain why he or she deserves a lighter punishment,” according to the New York State Unified Court System.

The pre-sentencing report can also include submissions from the defense, and may describe whether “the defendant is in a counseling program or has a steady job.”

In Mr. Trump’s case, of course, he is applying — as it were — for a steady job as president of the United States, a campaign that may be complicated by his new status as a felon. Mr. Trump will likely be required to regularly report to a probation officer, and rules on travel could be imposed.

Mr. Trump was convicted of 34 Class E felonies, New York’s lowest level , each of which carry a potential penalty of up to four years in prison. Probation or home confinement are other possibilities that Justice Merchan can consider.

That said, Justice Merchan has indicated in the past that he takes white-collar crime seriously . If he did impose prison time, he would likely impose the punishment concurrently, meaning that Mr. Trump would serve time on each of the counts he was convicted of simultaneously.

If Mr. Trump were instead sentenced to probation, he could still be jailed if he were later found to have committed additional crimes. Mr. Trump, 77, currently faces three other criminal cases: two federal, dealing with his handling of classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election , and a state case in Georgia that concerns election interference.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers can file a notice of appeal after sentencing, scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m. And the judge could stay any punishment during an appeal, something that could delay punishment beyond Election Day.

The proceedings will continue even if he wins: Because it’s a state case, not federal, Mr. Trump would have no power as president to pardon himself .

Jesse McKinley is a Times reporter covering upstate New York, courts and politics. More about Jesse McKinley

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

Guilty Verdict : Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts  of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his bid for the White House in 2016, making him the first American president to be declared a felon .

What Happens Next: Trump’s sentencing hearing on July 11 will trigger a long and winding appeals process , though he has few ways to overturn the decision .

Reactions: Trump’s conviction reverberated quickly across the country  and around the world . Here’s what voters , New Yorkers , Republicans , Trump supporters  and President Biden  had to say.

The Presidential Race : The political fallout of Trump’s conviction is far from certain , but the verdict will test America’s traditions, legal institutions and ability to hold an election under historic partisan tension .

Making the Case: Over six weeks and the testimony of 20 witnesses, the Manhattan district attorney’s office wove a sprawling story  of election interference and falsified business records.

Legal Luck Runs Out: The four criminal cases that threatened Trump’s freedom had been stumbling along, pleasing his advisers. Then his good fortune expired .