A Journey of a Lifetime: The Story of Luisa Yu
Luisa Yu, a remarkable woman from the Philippines, recently completed an extraordinary challenge by visiting all 193 countries in the world. Her journey came to a close in November 2023 when she visited Serbia, marking the final country on her list. This achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to her lifelong passion for travel and exploration.
Yu’s journey began over six decades ago when she was a young girl in Leyte. Her curiosity was sparked by Hollywood and American Western shows on television, which inspired her to dream of traveling to the United States. In her 20s, she emigrated to the US as an exchange student, which opened up new opportunities for her to explore different cultures.
After obtaining her Green Card, Yu expanded her horizons beyond the US. She worked multiple jobs, earned a real estate license, and eventually became a travel agent, which allowed her to travel internationally more frequently. Her dedication to travel led her to hike the Himalayas, explore the plains of Africa, and even visit the North Caucasus and the Kalash Festival in Pakistan.
Reflecting on her travels, Yu shared her top three favorite destinations. While she finds it challenging to choose a single favorite, she expressed that no country surpasses her home, the Philippines. Italy, with its beauty, and Thailand, known for its diverse landscapes, also made it to her list of favorites.
As she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday later this year, Yu is thrilled to mark this significant occasion after achieving her dream of visiting every country in the world. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from people around the globe, saying, “I did fulfill my dream. I was able to buy a house on my own. I was able to travel on my own. I’m just happy.”
Another Traveler’s Perspective: Luca Pferdmenges
In a parallel story, another traveler, Luca Pferdmenges, from Germany, has also achieved the feat of visiting every country in the world. At just 23 years old, he started his journey at the age of 14, traveling across Europe to perform at juggling conventions. This early exposure to different cultures ignited his passion for global exploration.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his juggling career in 2020, Pferdmenges decided to focus on traveling full-time once the world reopened. His goal was to visit every country on the planet, and within five years, he accomplished this by spending time in all 195 countries.
Pferdmenges shared his insights on which countries he considers ‘overrated’ and which are hidden gems. He admitted that he wouldn’t recommend small island destinations that offer little more than beaches and resorts, calling them ‘boring.’ He also mentioned that he wasn’t a fan of Egypt due to the constant hassles he faced during his visit.
Both Yu and Pferdmenges exemplify the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the world. Their stories highlight the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the joy of discovering new places. Whether it’s through a lifelong journey or a more recent endeavor, their experiences remind us of the vastness of our world and the endless possibilities that come with travel.
