You may have heard the saying, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way,’ and indeed, there are numerous examples in the world where individuals have gone to great lengths to fulfill their passions, often surpassing boundaries without hesitation.
One such extraordinary tale hails from Denmark, belonging to a 44-year-old Pedersen, who embarked on a solitary journey spanning the entire globe over 10 years.
What makes this story even more astounding is that Pedersen accomplished this feat without boarding a single airplane, traversing through the territories of 203 countries worldwide.
On October 10, 2013, Pedersen left behind his job, girlfriend, and family in Denmark to embark on his ambitious adventure. His goal was to travel to every country on Earth.
To embark on this extensive journey, Pedersen set certain conditions for himself. He committed to spending at least 24 hours in each country, spending a maximum of 20 dollars per day, refraining from any air travel, and instead opting for sea and land travel to reach all 203 nations.
Pedersen initially believed that he would complete his journey across the world within four years of setting off from Denmark. However, during his expedition, he encountered challenges, including delays in obtaining visas from several countries. Nevertheless, the most extended interruption in his journey came in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reports indicate that by early 2020, Pedersen had traveled to 194 countries and reached Hong Kong. Due to the pandemic’s restrictions, he remained stranded in the country for nearly two years before resuming his journey.
Finally, on May 24, 2023, Pedersen achieved his dream by reaching the 203rd country, Maldives, during his epic journey. He celebrated his achievement by staying there for a few days and commemorated completing his global odyssey.
Over 10 years, Pedersen’s incredible journey took him across 3,576 days of travel, aboard 37 different ships, journeying on 158 trains, utilizing 351 buses, switching 219 taxis, sailing on 33 boats, and riding 43 bicycles.
Throughout his global expedition, Pedersen forged many lasting friendships and experienced exceptional hospitality from people across diverse countries. This journey will forever remain an unforgettable chapter in his life.
Pedersen’s extraordinary achievement showcases his unwavering determination and passion, proving that with dedication and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.
