Exploring The Globe: Counting Global Travelers

The number of people who have travelled to every country in the world is surprisingly small, with estimates ranging from around 400 to 350. However, the number of people who have visited at least one foreign country varies greatly by region and economic factors. For example, in Sweden and the Netherlands, nearly all respondents in a survey said they had travelled to another country, whereas in Nigeria, India, Indonesia, and Brazil, very few people reported international travel. Income also plays a role, with higher-income countries having higher rates of international travel. Despite the variations, the majority of people who have travelled to every country in the world are still from wealthier, Western nations.

The number of people who have travelled to every country in the world

The criteria for what constitutes a "visit" to a country is a topic of debate. Some people count airport transits or stopovers, while others believe you need to stay overnight or for a certain period of time. NomadMania conducted polls on this topic in 2022 and 2023 and adopted strict standards, rejecting visits to, for example, the DMZ as North Korea or the Golan Heights as Syria.

The number of countries in the world has changed over time, with an explosion of "new" countries in the 1960s, and the addition of new UN member states in recent years. This makes it difficult to determine exactly how many people have visited every country, as the number of countries to visit depends on the time period.

Based on the current 193 United Nations (UN) member states, NomadMania estimates that there were around 357 people who had visited every country as of December 31, 2023. This number includes those who may have only transited through some countries and those who are deceased. Excluding these groups and only considering those who have visited every country according to NomadMania's strict rules, the number is around 295.

The number of people who have visited every country is expected to continue growing, especially with the anticipated opening of North Korea to tourists in 2024.

A Diverse Group of Travellers

The group of people who have visited every country is diverse in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, and nationality. The average age of completion is 53 years, with travellers ranging from their 20s to their 80s. The majority of these travellers are male (around 85%), and the most common nationalities are from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. However, when adjusted for population, Finland has the highest number of travellers per capita. There is also a notable presence of travellers from Australia and New Zealand.

The ethnicities of these travellers are predominantly white (around 90%), with a small number of Black, Caribbean, African, and Asian individuals. The majority of travellers also appear to come from developed countries, and those from developing countries often hold second passports.

Motivations and Challenges

The motivation to visit every country varies from person to person. Finnish writer and foreign correspondent Rauli Virtanen, believed to be the first person to achieve this feat in 1988, attributed his accomplishment to "extreme curiosity and collector's mentality." Others are motivated by the desire to explore, a love of travel, or the pursuit of a personal challenge.

Visiting every country in the world comes with its own set of challenges. Some countries have complicated visa rules and restrictions, political unrest, or safety concerns. Additionally, travelling to every country can be expensive, and some individuals may need to work or find sponsors to fund their trips.

A Controversial Achievement

While visiting every country in the world may be a dream for some, it is not without its controversies. Critics argue that this type of travel can be superficial and neglect deeper cultural understanding or connection. Additionally, the carbon emissions associated with frequent flying contribute to climate change.

Even among the group of travellers who have achieved this feat, there are mixed feelings. Virtanen, for example, expressed "guilty feelings" about his accomplishment, acknowledging his privilege and the fact that most people in the world cannot afford to travel so extensively.

A Record-Breaking Feat

The record for the fastest trip to every country in the world belongs to Anderson Dias, a 26-year-old Brazilian man. He completed his trip in 543 days, breaking the previous record held by Taylor Demonbreun by 11 days. Dias faced challenges along the way, including robbery and visa difficulties, but he remained motivated by his dream to achieve something historic.

The increase in people travelling to every country

The number of people who have travelled to every country in the world is still relatively small, with an estimated total of around 400 people achieving this feat. However, this number is growing, with more and more people aspiring to join this exclusive club of global explorers. The year 2023 saw a record 50 new additions to this coveted list, according to NomadMania, an online platform for tracking world travels.

Several factors have contributed to the increase in people embarking on and accomplishing this ambitious journey. Firstly, the advent of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has played a significant role in inspiring and motivating travellers. The ability to share experiences, connect with other adventurers, and seek recognition and sponsorship has fuelled the desire to explore and tick off countries from a bucket list.

Secondly, the ease of travel in recent times has made the world more accessible. Low-cost air carriers, visa-on-arrival options, and online booking systems have removed many previous barriers, making it much easier to accumulate country visits. This is in stark contrast to earlier times when only a small percentage of people could afford to travel, and even then, their explorations were often limited to a few continents.

The evolution of travel communities and organisations has also played a pivotal role in fostering this trend. The establishment of groups like the Travelers' Century Club (TCC) in 1954, Most Traveled People (MTP) in 2005, and Nomad Mania has provided a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and fuel their passion for exploration. These communities offer a sense of belonging and encouragement, creating a supportive environment for aspiring travellers.

Additionally, the increase in remote work opportunities and early retirements has provided the flexibility and time needed to pursue such endeavours. Many individuals are now choosing to prioritise travel and exploration over traditional career paths, embracing a nomadic lifestyle.

The growth in the number of countries has also contributed to the allure of visiting every nation. In the past decades, there has been an explosion of new countries, particularly in the 1960s, with the number of sovereign nations increasing from 73 in 1939 to 193 UN-recognised countries today. This expansion has presented a fresh challenge for travellers seeking to conquer the globe.

Lastly, the increase in people travelling to every country can be attributed to the diverse motivations and goals of adventurers. Some are driven by extreme curiosity, a collector's mentality, or a desire for personal growth and exploration. Others seek the prestige, media coverage, book deals, and social media influence that come with setting records and joining exclusive travel clubs. This combination of factors has resulted in a growing community of individuals determined to conquer the globe and leave their mark on the world of travel.

The different motivations for travelling

There are many reasons why people are motivated to travel. For some, it is about the thrill of adventure and exploration, the chance to experience something new and unfamiliar, and to break free from the monotony of daily life. This may involve trying new foods, discovering hidden cities, or immersing oneself in different cultures. For others, it is a way to improve their health and well-being, whether it is by visiting healing sites or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Romance is also a strong motivator for travel, as it provides an opportunity to create new memories and share experiences with a partner. In addition, travel can be a way to learn new life skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world and different cultures. It can help develop a sense of direction, both literally and metaphorically, and lead to self-improvement and personal growth.

For some, the motivation to travel stems from a desire to escape loneliness or unpleasant circumstances, while for others, it is about seeking pleasure and enjoying the unique feeling of being in the present moment. Social media and the ease of modern travel have also played a significant role in inspiring people to explore the world.

Lastly, there is a sense of elite status and competitiveness among some travellers, especially those who strive to visit every country in the world. This sense of exclusivity has been heightened by the emergence of online platforms and communities that track and showcase these achievements. However, this has also led to concerns about the negative impacts of superficial travel, such as increased carbon emissions and a lack of deep cultural engagement.

The different ways to define a visit to a country

The definition of what constitutes a visit to a country is a complex and highly subjective matter. While some travellers are content with simply having a layover at an airport, others insist on spending at least 24 hours in the country, including an overnight stay, taking photos, having dinner, and interacting with the local population.

The 24-Hour Rule

This definition sets a clear and objective criterion for what constitutes a visit. It allows enough time for travellers to gain a basic understanding of the country and interact with the local culture, even if only briefly.

The Interactive Rule

This definition focuses on the quality of the visit rather than the duration. It emphasises the importance of connecting with the local population, creating memories, and immersing oneself in the country's culture. This definition is more flexible and allows for longer stays in smaller countries and shorter stays in larger countries.

The Official Recognition Rule

This definition is based on the United Nations list of recognised countries. According to this criterion, a visit would only count if the traveller went to a country officially recognised by the UN. This list is continually updated based on political developments and can change over time, such as in the case of South Sudan, which was added to the list in 2011.

The Competitive Rule

This definition is driven by the desire to achieve a goal or break a record. It is often associated with travellers who aim to visit every country in the world or compete for the fastest time. This definition may prioritise quantity over quality and focus more on the achievement of the goal rather than the depth of the experience.

The Legal Status Rule

This definition is based on the legal status of the traveller in the country. It considers factors such as the type of visa held, the length of stay, and the rights and responsibilities granted by the host country. For example, a person on a tourist visa may not have the same rights and responsibilities as a resident, even if they stay for an extended period.

The impact of social media on travel

Social media has had a profound impact on the travel industry and the way people travel. The intrinsic link between the two has been growing since the early 2000s, with the last decade seeing the biggest rise in social media usage and influence.

Planning and Inspiration

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become the primary sources of travel inspiration for many, especially younger generations. The platforms provide a window to the world, with users seeking out exotic and aesthetic destinations to fill their Instagram feeds. This has led to a shift in the travel planning process, with people now scrolling through Instagram posts instead of flipping through catalogues or guidebooks. The influence of social media on travel decisions is significant, with 86% of people and 92% of Gen Z researching destinations after seeing posts online. The "fear of missing out" (FOMO) is a powerful motivator for travellers, with many seeking to replicate the experiences they see online. Additionally, social media has made the world more accessible, with users able to discover new places and means of travel that they might not have otherwise considered.

Marketing and Booking

The travel industry has recognised the power of social media and adapted their marketing strategies accordingly. Most travel companies now utilise social media platforms to increase brand awareness and inspire their followers. Features like Instagram's booking option and EasyJet's 'Look&Book' feature, which allows users to search for flights using just a photo, have made it easier than ever to book travel directly through social media. The use of social influencers has also become a key marketing tactic, with many travellers trusting their recommendations over traditional celebrities. This has led to a shift in the type of travel promoted, with an increased focus on luxury and expensive experiences.

Negative Impacts

However, there are also downsides to the influence of social media on travel. The constant documentation and sharing of travel adventures can distract from being present and truly enjoying the experience. The focus on likes and follows has shifted the motivation for travel away from cultural immersion and exploration. Additionally, the curated nature of social media can lead to false expectations and negative self-image. Many travellers seek to replicate the luxurious or adventurous experiences they see online, without considering the financial or personal circumstances that may restrict them. This can lead to a sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with their own lives.

The Bottom Line

Overall, social media has revolutionised the way people travel, providing inspiration, new opportunities, and global awareness. However, it is important to remember that social media presents a curated version of reality, and travellers should be mindful of the potential negative impacts on their experiences and self-image.

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