The Man Who Visited Every Country Without Flying 🧳
Danish traveller Torbjorn Pedersen has achieved a remarkable feat—visiting every country in the world without taking a single flight.
Do you think you misread? Nope!
Let's delve into his incredible journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
Pedersen's decade-long adventure spanned 10 years, covering 203 territories, and cost an average of $20 a day. From sleeping on trains and ships to staying with host families, he embraced various modes of transportation and accommodation. His unique journey was fueled by a monthly stipend from Ross Energy, a geothermal electric power generation firm that found his plan irresistibly crazy and wanted to be part of this historic achievement.
But if he didn’t fly, how did he do it?
To reach his goal, Pedersen travelled an astonishing 382,000 kilometres, using 20 different modes of transportation. From buses and minibuses to sailboats and even a police car, his journey was a testament to human resilience and adaptability.
Best and Worst Times: From Pandemic Pitstop to Second Home
Hong Kong became Pedersen's unexpected home for 772 days during the pandemic, a challenging period that tested his determination. Despite the hardships, he now considers the city his second home, showing the resilience that defines a true adventurer.
One of Pedersen's most harrowing experiences occurred on the Cameroon-Congo border when his taxi was stopped by drunk men. Held at gunpoint, he faced the imminent threat of death but miraculously escaped after 45 minutes. Such life-threatening encounters underscore the risks and challenges he overcame.
Pedersen also shared heartwarming memories, like sharing a laptop with villagers in the Solomon Islands who had no access to electricity. The experience, watching a war film under the stars, left an indelible mark on him and highlighted the profound impact of simple gestures.
Want to know the biggest lessons about this amazing experience?
Despite his incredible journey, Pedersen advises against following in his footsteps. He acknowledges the high cost and significant time investment but encourages others to pursue enjoyable and sensible endeavours. His advice for maximizing travel experiences? Engage all your senses, absorb everything like a sponge, and leave nothing behind except your footprints.
Torbjorn Pedersen's story is one of resilience, cultural immersion, and the indomitable spirit of exploration.
What do you think? Would you try to follow in his footsteps?
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Stay rebellious,
Michelle
This week’s article is credited to CNBC, check the full article here