There is a growing trend among travelers to achieve the remarkable feat of visiting every country in the world, with an estimated 400 individuals having successfully accomplished this challenging task. In 2023 alone, a record 50 new entries joined the exclusive list of people who have traveled to all 195 UN-recognized countries and territories. These statistics were reported by NomadMania, an online platform designed to help global explorers track their journeys.
One of the pioneers in this endeavor is Vesa Virtanen, a Finnish globetrotter who completed his quest in 1988, when there were fewer UN-recognized countries (170). Despite this, Virtanen continued to add new destinations over the years as the list expanded. When asked about his motivation, he attributed it to “extreme curiosity and a collector’s mentality.” He expressed that by the mid-’80s, having already visited 150 countries, he envisioned completing the list before the end of his life.
The idea of travelers “collecting countries” is not a recent phenomenon and dates back to the establishment of organizations like the Travelers’ Century Club in 1954. This club caters to individuals who have visited 100 or more of the world’s countries and territories. Over the years, additional platforms such as Most Traveled People (MTP) and Nomad Mania have emerged, providing travelers with avenues to share their experiences.
The landscape of travel has evolved over time, with advancements such as low-cost air carriers, visa-on-arrival facilities, and online booking systems making travel more accessible. Michael O’Regan, a Tourism and Events lecturer, notes that the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has further fueled the desire to explore the world. The ability to earn money while traveling and the option to pursue travel after early retirement contribute to the increasing number of individuals attempting to visit every country.
While the concept of visiting every country may sound enticing, it comes with challenges. Traveler Patrick Gilliland, who achieved his dream in 2023 after years on the move, acknowledges the difficulty of gaining access to every country. He emphasizes the role of luck and timing, citing challenges with visas and the unpredictability of entry requirements in certain places. Gilliland’s journey, spanning at least 48 weeks of travel per year, reflects the dedication and perseverance required for such an ambitious goal.
The rise of social media has also brought about concerns regarding the motivations behind traveling to every country. Vesa Virtanen criticizes the trend of some individuals seemingly “hopping from one place to another” and using each country merely for promotional selfies. He points out that the ease of global travel has changed the landscape, transforming travelers from the traditional Lonely Planet guidebook-carrying backpackers into a more diverse group motivated by curiosity and vanity.
While becoming part of the elite group of travelers who have visited every country can open up opportunities, there are concerns about the impact on sustainable and meaningful travel. O’Regan suggests that the pursuit of collecting countries may promote superficial travel, neglecting deeper cultural understanding and connection. The speed at which some individuals aim to complete the list raises questions about the quality of their experiences and potential contributions to climate change through frequent flying.
Despite these concerns, the allure of achieving such a monumental goal persists. With the advent of pop-up agencies connecting travelers who have visited every country, such as Skyscanner’s “Everywhere Agency,” individuals like Gunnar Garfors and Basanth Sadasivan share their experiences. Some have even released books about their journeys. However, critics argue that this trend may overshadow the transformative potential of travel, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange, self-reflection, and sustainable practices. As the number of individuals attempting this challenge continues to rise, the debate surrounding the motivations and impact of visiting every country remains a topic of discussion.