I’m the first person to visit every country in the world without catching a flight – here’s how I did it
AN adventurer claims he is the first to visit the world’s 195 countries without catching a flight.
Dane Thor Pederson, 44, spent ten years travelling 223,072 miles.
He aimed to take four years — seven days a country — but Covid meant two years in Hong Kong.
Partner Le flew to see him 27 times before he finished in the Maldives.
They wed online in 2020 and officially in Vanuatu in November.
Thor, who needed ten passports, said: “I got caught up in the idea that I might have a shot at something remarkable.
“The longest bus ride has been 54 hours on one bus in Brazil. The sun set on me twice.
“The longest train ride was five days in Russia.
“I rather enjoyed 27 days on the ship, it gave me time to read and exercise and we saw whales. It was a beautiful journey.
“There was no way to be comfortable on the bus ride, you’d have to have buns of steel but people are fun and you have good conversations with whomever it next to you.
“Before I left, my father was worried about my career. He didn’t think I’d ever work again or be taken seriously but he got on board.
“Telling my mum I was going was like telling her I’m going to the dentist. She’s very proud.
“It’s some of the last years of my parent’s lives. There is regret in not spending more time with family and friends.
He and Le will be reunited next month after he catches three ships.
Thor added: “She didn’t want to stand in the way.
“There’s a risk it’s too late to start a family but we’ve had unique experiences all over the world.”