A Man Managed to Travel Around the World Without Air Travel in 10 Years

 

Passion is said to be priceless, and people have shown immense dedication and commitment towards fulfilling their dreams. One such remarkable tale is of Thorbjorn Jorn Pedersen, a 44-year-old from Denmark. 

He embarked on an incredible journey to visit all the countries on Earth within a decade, without taking a single flight. What's even more astonishing is that he managed to achieve this feat without boarding a single airplane, travelling to all 203 countries of the world.

 

                  Photo From Instagram Thor Pedersen

A Remarkable Journey Begins 

Thorbjorn Pedersen embarked on an extraordinary journey on October 10, 2013. He resigned from his job and said goodbye to his girlfriend and family in Denmark, determined to visit every country in the world. 

Pedersen set some rules for himself for this ambitious trip. He decided to stay in each country for at least 24 hours, spend no more 

Challenges and Delays

Thorbjorn Pedersen had set a target to complete his journey within four years. However, he encountered visa-related delays and restrictions in several countries, which posed significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the longest delay. In early 2020, Pedersen arrived in Hong Kong after travelling through 194 countries, but pandemic-related restrictions left him stranded there for two years.

During his stay in Hong Kong, Pedersen had a virtual wedding with his girlfriend and found employment at a company. 

Thorbjorn Pedersen's journey covered 3,576 days, during which he travelled using 37 different vessels, 158 trains, 351 buses, and 219 taxi rides, among other modes of transportation. 

Throughout his journey, Pedersen formed close friendships and was warmly welcomed by people from various countries. His journey will always remain an unforgettable experience for him.

 

The Cost of Adventure

So, what was the cost of this extraordinary journey spanning ten years, all without air travel? When asked, Thorbjorn hesitated to provide an exact figure. However, he revealed that his daily expenses averaged around $20. Considering this average over the ten years, it amounted to approximately $70,000 to $75,000.

It’s worth noting that his journey began in 2013 and concluded in May 2023.

Thorbjorn explained that daily expenses fluctuated depending on the country he was in. In some nations, such as Singapore, he had to spend more than $20 a day, while in others like Bolivia, he spent less.

He also shared that when he wasn’t using trains or sea vessels for transportation, he often stayed with various host families. He added that during his ten-year journey, he received numerous offers from people to stay with them, sometimes even having to decline offers.

The Last Ship

Thor Pedersen accomplished his lifelong dream on May 24, 2023, when he arrived in the Maldives, marking his visit to 203 countries. He spent a few days celebrating his incredible journey before returning home.

Throughout his journey, Pedersen was offered accommodation in luxurious five-star hotels on multiple occasions. In addition, during one of his extended adventures, he received monthly support of $600 from Ross Energy, who wanted to be part of his journey and contribute to history-making.

Pedersen spent more than ten years travelling to all 203 countries, without taking a single flight. When he returned home to Denmark on July 26, over 150 well-wishers greeted him at the port.

 

Close Calls and Survival

During his journey, Thor Pedersen faced several frightening incidents. One such incident occurred at the border between Cameroon and Congo. 

After travelling for several hours on treacherous and broken roads, he reached the vicinity of the border, where he was stopped by soldiers in worn uniforms who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

One of the soldiers fixed his gaze on Thor Pedersen as he stepped out of the vehicle. The soldier appeared furious and saw him as a representative of Western imperialism. 

All three soldiers had their fingers on the triggers, and Thor Pedersen thought it was the end of his journey. But after 45 minutes, the soldiers surprisingly allowed them to continue their journey.

After this incident, Thor Pedersen returned to the taxi and drove three kilometres away. There, he asked the driver to stop, and he sat by the roadside, trembling, for ten minutes.

Thor Pedersen's incredible journey is a testament to human dedication and a living example of how passion can drive someone to achieve the extraordinary. 

Though it may not be an endeavour for everyone, it is a tale of adventure, resilience, and incredible experiences that can be gained through exploring the world without the conveniences of air travel.