Why I am visiting every country in the world?

Why I’m Visiting Every Country in the World: The Witty, Intelligent Manifesto

Some people dream of buying a house with a white picket fence. Others dream of retiring early to sip margaritas on a beach. Me? I dream of standing on every patch of land this planet has to offer, preferably while debating whether or not to eat the local delicacy (Raw puffin heart? Sure. Fried insects? Maybe next time). My goal is to visit every single country in the world, and no, it’s not because I’m trying to outdo Leifur Eiríksson, but because the world is calling, and I can’t resist the adventure—and I need to see it all.

Christmas 2023 in the Lompoul Desert in Senegal

A Quest for Roads, Stories, and Chaos

Some of my trips are meticulously planned, complete with color-coded itineraries and a carry-on bag that could rival Mary Poppins’ for efficiency. Other trips? A flight booked on a whim and a vague notion of where to find coffee upon landing. Regardless of the approach, each journey teaches me something new—not just about the world, but about myself.

I’m not only here to check off countries like a bingo card. Sure, I’ve been known to breeze through a destination in 24 hours, snapping a photo, tasting the local cuisine, and moving on. But there are other places where I linger, soaking in the culture, the landscapes, and the sheer magic of being somewhere that once felt like a distant dream. It’s not about how fast or slow I travel; it’s about doing it intentionally.

Part of my clan by Lac Rose in Senegal

A Global Classroom

My travels are driven by more than just wanderlust—they’re an education. As someone who’s explored goal setting, slow living, and the delicate art of balancing personal ambition with raising a family of ten (yes, ten!), I know that life is one giant experiment in learning. Traveling to every country isn’t just about geography—it’s about history, sociology, anthropology, and culinary arts (if you count tasting everything from street food to haute cuisine).

I’ve learned from locals in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, crossed the Sahara in a 43-year-old camper, and embraced the minimalist life in my tiny Icelandic home. Each destination adds a chapter to the story I’m writing—not with pen and paper, but with footprints and passport stamps.

Riding a Camel in the Qatar Desert

Alone, Together, and Everywhere in Between

My travels are a kaleidoscope of company. Sometimes, it’s just me and the open road, letting my thoughts wander as far as the landscapes stretch. Other times, I’m with friends, my husband, or even my children, sharing the chaos and joy of discovering the world together. And yes, there’s a special kind of bonding that happens when you’re all crammed into a tiny rental car, arguing over who gets the last piece of chocolate.

Driving our van from Senegal to Iceland through the Sahara Desert

Why Every Country?

Why not just stick to the “big ones”? The Italys, the Japans, the USAs? Because the beauty of this planet lies in its diversity. Every country, no matter how small or seemingly obscure, has something to offer—a story to tell, a road to wander, a culture to experience. My goal isn’t to conquer the world; it’s to understand it, one country at a time.

And yes, I’m fully aware that visiting every country in the world is a logistical, financial, and emotional circus. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life’s most meaningful pursuits are rarely easy.

Visiting Seljalandsfoss in Iceland

The Numbers That Tell a Story

For the nerds among us, I´m tracking my progress. How many UN countries? How many territories? How many continents? And just for fun—how many hours I’ve spent on flights since I started counting in 2021. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot. But it’s all part of the adventure.

Our kids playing in the desert

The World Awaits

So, why am I visiting every country in the world? Because the world is too vast, too beautiful, and too complex to leave unexplored. Because every road I walk, flight I take, and country I visit brings me closer to understanding not just the world, but my place in it.

And because, quite honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Now, where to next?