It took me a remarkable 10 years, but I have successfully accomplished the incredible feat of traveling to every country in the world without ever taking a single flight. This extraordinary journey was made possible through the support of sponsors, fundraisers, and two loans. Throughout my time away from Denmark, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, live with strangers, and even experience the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea of traveling to every country first struck me when my father shared an article about world travelers back in January 2013. At that time, I had already visited 50 countries, but I believed that such an endeavor would only be achievable for millionaires or those who could devote their entire lives to travel. However, what intrigued me the most was the fact that no one had ever accomplished this feat without flying. This realization ignited a passion within me.
In a world where it often feels like everything has been done, I couldn’t let go of the idea. I secured sponsorships and set a date, ultimately embarking on a four-year journey with the intention of returning home to Denmark. Little did I know that this adventure would turn into a challenging, lifelong pursuit.
Financing this venture was a crucial aspect. As a business-oriented individual, I was determined not to bear the financial burden personally. I established a project budget of $20 per day, which covered transportation, accommodations, meals, and visas. Luckily, I obtained sponsorship from Ross Energy, a Danish geo-thermal energy company, which subsidized 75% of the budget. However, it is important to note that additional expenses such as medical checkups, passport renewals, and equipment repair were not included in the initial budget, significantly increasing the overall cost.
Undoubtedly, this journey was far from a leisurely vacation. The logistics and bureaucratic processes required immense effort and meticulous planning. From the beginning, I faced time constraints and pushed myself to meet deadlines, constantly reminding myself of the monumental task at hand.
While my daily budget of $20 provides flexibility for unexpected expenses, I consistently sought the most economical options for travel and accommodations. VIP buses with luxurious amenities were out of the question, as my goal was to minimize expenses. I primarily opted for hostels, shared accommodations, and street food to cut costs.
Traveling across the North Atlantic presented unique challenges. I embarked on various types of ships, including fishing boats, shipping containers, and even banana boats. Building relationships with shipping companies proved essential. I convinced them of the historical significance of my project, urging their participation in a venture larger than themselves. A combination of successful persuasion and resorting to alternative modes of transportation allowed me to forge ahead.
However, my journey faced significant obstacles along the way. After approximately two years, it became evident that people failed to comprehend the gravity of my endeavor. Instead of recognition for my hard work, many perceived it as an extended holiday. During this time, I battled cerebral malaria, lost financial sponsorship, and strained my long-distance relationship. The journey transformed from 99% adventure and 1% work to overwhelmingly demanding work with minimal opportunities to enjoy the experience.
Yet, I refused to give up. The desire to claim the title of the first person in history to achieve this feat fueled my determination. Every step, no matter how challenging, took me closer to the goal. Additionally, I aimed to showcase different parts of the world and present a positive perspective. As a goodwill ambassador for the Danish Red Cross, I engaged with Red Cross organizations in 199 countries, using my travels to highlight the world’s diverse realities.
Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that this extraordinary journey will ever be replicated. As more individuals travel to every country, the task becomes easier with the option to fly. Maintaining self-imposed restrictions on air travel and the inability to return home between trips make my accomplishment exceptionally rare.
Looking toward the future, I treasure the meaningful connections I have made. My wife, who accompanied me on 27 occasions, my family’s visits, and the countless encounters with fellow travelers have enriched my journey. I have also embraced opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers, and a documentary documenting my expedition is set to be released in 2024. Additionally, I am currently working on a book, slated for publication in the same year. While I contemplate starting a family with my wife, I am conscious of the challenges associated with reintegrating into society after nearly a decade of traveling.
Ultimately, I take pride in being recognized as one of the world’s most well-traveled individuals, a testament to my unwavering determination and adventurous spirit.
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