Torbjørn Pedersen, a 34-year-old Danish man, set out on a decade-long journey to visit every country in the world without stepping on a plane. His adventure, which began in 2013, took him to 203 territories, including all 195 UN-recognised states, plus Kosovo and Taiwan. He faced cerebral malaria and being held at gunpoint, but also found joy in marrying his girlfriend along the way.
Pedersen, who had dreamed of being a famous adventurer since childhood, discovered that no one had ever visited every country without flying in one unbroken trip. He spent 10 months planning his route, budget, and packing, setting three rules: at least 24 hours in each country, no visits home, and absolutely no flying. His daily budget was $20, funded by savings, donations, and sponsorship.
He acted as a goodwill ambassador for the Danish Red Cross, raising awareness of its work and encouraging blood donation. Pedersen aimed to share something positive about every country on social media. His journey was inspired by his childhood experiences of moving between Denmark, Canada, and the US, and his work as a UN peacekeeper and logistics professional in various countries.
Pedersen's father initially opposed the idea, fearing he was throwing away his career, but his mother supported him. The journey, which he expected to take four years, ultimately lasted a decade. Pedersen reflected on the highs and lows, describing it as a great adventure that gave his life significance.
