Tips for travelling to every country in the world from those who've done it
According to Yugo.pk,
there have probably only been 400 people in history to have visited every
country in the world.
But with the
rise of social media influencers, that number is growing rapidly - expert
travelers documenting their every move in this crazy quest for pick lists.
To you, this
may seem like a distant dream that only the wealthy can realize, but many have
proven that it is possible if you have the right attitude - not easy, but
possible.
And everyone
is looking for world record status - from the youngest to the fastest to the
first ethnic / racial / national group.
Others just
want to finish it off as a personal journey - no one can tell you that you are
wrong.
But if you
don't know where to start, here are the top tips from those who did it in
style.
Decide from the start what constitutes a country
You might
think the number of countries in the world would be easy to know - but it all
depends on who you ask. The UN has 193 official members, but this number does
not include Taiwan, Palestine and the Vatican City - all generally considered as
countries in their own right.
Guinness World
Records recognizes 196 countries, so there are even more considerations when
you think of countries like Tibet, Hong Kong and island dependencies.
Decide on a
list before you even start ticking in order to have an end goal - although the
United Nations list may be your simplest bet.
Get support from the travel community
There are
many online forums and social media groups filled with travelers who focus on
achieving the same quest as you - try to join a few where you can ask for
advice and get advice.
Also follow
anyone on their own quest - this will help you with much needed motivation when
the goal seems too big.
Then you can
join clubs once you have checked a large number on your list. The Travelers'
Century Club is the oldest - it has existed since 1954 - and you can join once
you have reached 100 or more countries.
The others
include most of the people traveled, whose list includes 891 locations like
provinces and cities, while Nomad Mania's list covers 1,281 regions and they
intend to verify travelers' claims, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Budget even when you're not travelling
If you really
want to reach your goal, you have to be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices.
Lexie Alford
- who finished her quest at the age of 21 - told Forbes: "I do a lot of
research in advance to find the best deals, use points and miles for my
flights, stay in cheap accommodation like hostels or creating content for
hotels in exchange for accommodation. "
"I also
made sure to keep my overhead costs as low as possible while living at home
with my parents, I don't have a car payment or student debt, and I don't spend
my money on unnecessary material goods."
It is also
easier if you choose to take breaks in your career while continuing this travel
lifestyle. Melissa Roy told Forbes that she has odd jobs in Hollywood so that
she can have a flexible schedule until she reaches her goal. She adds that it
can be shocking to see how much you save by focusing only on your needs rather
than your wants.
Get cracking on social media
Another means
by which a few people have completed their files is sponsorship - and the best
way to attract this additional income is by a strong presence on social
networks.
You can
slowly start creating a travel-oriented account on platforms like Instagram,
and while it may take some time, quick campaigns and ad offers can add up to
help you take one trip at a time.
However, be
prepared to do it all yourself.
Think about your motivations
If you want
to prove something, be sure to keep track of each trip. Cassandra De Pecol
broke the Guinness record for having visited all sovereign countries as soon as
possible and had to submit thousands of proofs to formalize her record.
If the trip
is more personal and you don't have to worry about proving something, this will
make your logistics a lot easier.
Be realistic about your time-frame
Michael Palin
- who started traveling at the age of 14 in 2004, has taken 13 years to visit
every country in the world - you don't have to rush to your goal, you just have
to travel from the best way for you.
Also think
about the time you can spend in a country - three days in Paris always count
for two weeks in Thailand.
Some countries
have easier borders than others - you can hop in neighboring countries for the
day if possible.
But don't
forget to know your visas beforehand!
Ask for advice on visiting countries in conflict
The most
difficult countries to visit will be those at war or various other security
problems. Try to find people who have visited for advice and try to connect
with someone who lives there who can show you how to navigate. You can also
choose to book with tour operators - these countries will likely be your most
expensive destinations.
For some
countries with difficult borders like North Korea, you can look for easy access
points like a demilitarized zone for day trips.
Alford noted
that she had opted for very short stays (two or three days) in countries where
she did not feel completely safe on her own and where she could not guarantee
adequate security.
Focus on people rather than attractions
Many
travelers have noted that building relationships with locals is more important
than focusing on a tourist itinerary.
Roy told
Forbes that she opted for couchsurfing rather than Airbnb because it offered
him more authentic experiences and closer ties with his hosts.
These
connections can also open up more options for visiting other destinations - you
will learn to trust the friendliness of strangers.
Pick your last country carefully
Finally,
reaching your goal can be a touching moment - and you'd like to experience it
in a country that could mean more to you than just checking off a list.
For Roy, her
final destination was her ancestral home in Bangladesh, which she visited with
her mother - which of course made the completion of her trip even more special.
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