Growing Numbers of Travelers Are Exploring Every Country, but Some Are Reconsidering

While many travelers have their own unique bucket lists of destinations, an increasing number are aiming to visit every single country in the world. Although achieving this feat is still relatively rare, with an estimated 400 individuals having accomplished it, the pursuit is growing in popularity. In 2023 alone, a record 50 new entries joined the exclusive group of people who have traveled to all 195 UN-recognized countries and territories, as reported by NomadMania, an online platform for global explorers to track their travels.

Rauli Virtanen, a Finnish writer and foreign correspondent, is believed to be the first person to have traveled to every country in the world, accomplishing this in 1988 when there were fewer UN-recognized countries (170). Virtanen attributes his motivation to “extreme curiosity and a collector’s mentality.” Over the years, he has continued to add new countries to his list. The concept of travelers “collecting countries” dates back to earlier years, with organizations like the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC), established in 1954, catering to individuals who have visited 100 or more countries.

The accessibility of travel has significantly increased in recent years, with low-cost air carriers, visa on arrivals, and online booking systems facilitating global exploration. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have also played a crucial role, inspiring and connecting travelers pursuing the goal of visiting every country. Michael O’Regan, a Tourism and Events lecturer, notes that the rise of people attempting this challenge is linked to greater financial resources, career flexibility, and improved health, making travel more feasible for a broader audience.

Patrick Gilliland, a traveler from the US, completed his quest to visit every country in 2023, acknowledging the challenges of gaining access to certain countries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, border closures, and lockdowns added complexities to achieving this goal, but Gilliland’s persistence and some luck allowed him to accomplish his dream. The length of time travelers take to visit every country varies, with some completing the challenge in as little as one year and 189 days, while others, like Gilliland, took around four decades.

The rise of competitive travel communities and social media has led to concerns about the motivation behind collecting countries. Critics argue that it may promote superficial travel, neglecting deeper cultural understanding or connection. The speed at which some travelers attempt to visit every country is seen as a potential risk, fostering a lifestyle that could lead to physical and mental burnout.

The definition of what constitutes a “visit” has also sparked discussions among travelers. Guidelines have been established to clarify the criteria, emphasizing the importance of spending sufficient time in each country. The debate over the environmental impact of such extensive travel has raised questions about sustainability and the responsibility of those who can afford to travel extensively.

Despite the achievements of those who have visited every country, including publishing books and connecting with travel agencies, there are mixed feelings among some pioneers. Rauli Virtanen, for instance, expresses a sense of guilt about his extensive travels, acknowledging that he belongs to a minority with the financial means to explore the world. As more travelers aim to join the elite group of those who have visited every country, the challenges, motivations, and impact of such pursuits continue to be scrutinized.

In conclusion, the pursuit of visiting every country in the world is gaining momentum, driven by increased accessibility, social media inspiration, and the desire for unique travel accomplishments. While some celebrate the achievement, questions are raised about the environmental impact, cultural understanding, and motivations behind collecting countries. The evolving landscape of global exploration prompts reflections on responsible travel and the broader implications of such ambitious pursuits.