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[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is a very busy time now for Dane traveler Henrik. Because 2015 is the year, when he plans to finish his mission of traveling to all countries and territories of the world. You read that right – all countries AND all territories. Henrik is traveling to… everywhere.
We caught up with Henrik to talk about traveling, travel planning and how he manages to travel the world only on sponsorship.
Table of Contents
– Please, Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself!
I’m a 27-year-old travel blogger from Denmark on a journey to all 324 countries and territories. I have been to 260 so far and blog about my adventures on social media (@beyondeverycountry) and my blog, beyondeverycountry.com.
– How and When Did You Decide to Do It?
It all developed.
When I was 14, I wanted to visit 50 countries, then at 18 (I think) I wanted to do 100. In 2011 I did the 100 and decided to do all the countries. Then in 2013 I came closer to that goal and decided to do all territories as well.
– Do You Remember Your Very First Trip Abroad? How Was It?
I had traveled to a few countries with my family. But my first real trip was to Egypt in 2006 when I was 17. It was unique experience unlike anything I had had before. And I went to Southeast Asia right after.
– Right Now, As I Know, You Are Traveling Only on Sponsorship. How Is It possible?
I have a lot of sponsorships, but I have traveled this much by working hard and sacrificing a lot. Not much time with friends and family for the past five years. Hitchhiking with more than 1.200 cars to keep my costs down. Skipping meals or searching for the cheapest food in supermarkets. Using air miles and looking for the cheapest tickets all the time.
To get sponsorship, things that matters: followers, website traffic and big goals. Probably – also being young. Set a wild goal, ask friends and family what do they think about it. And if they find it crazy, you have something companies might be interested in.
– How Do You Plan Your Trips?
I use Five Star Alliance and Kiwi Collection to find the best hotels. I use Couchsurfing to find locals to meet and stay with. I use Kayak and ITA Software to search for the flights I need. Then I book with air miles or hope for sponsorship.
I use Wikitravel for Visa information and things to see and do.
– How Much Luggage Do You Usually Take with You?
On many trips I travel without luggage as probably the only traveler. An iPhone, credit card and passport is all you need!
– Best and Worst Country or Territory So Far?
Best: South Africa. Worst: South Sudan.
– Travel Inspiration, Where Do You Look After It?
I follow other well-travelled people on Twitter. I listen to different travel podcast. I can especially recommend Peter Greenberg’s weekly podcast.
Follow Henrik’s adventures on beyondeverycountry.com and on social media (@beyondeverycountry).
Pictures used in the article are from Henrik’s personal archive.
Friends, have you read our interview with Latvian traveler Ivars Krutainis? If not, you should read it now! Ivars is on a similar mission – his dream is to become first Latvian who has been to every country in the world.