Rapidly Setting Records: Holder of Guinness World Record for Swiftest Country Visits Recommends a Captivating Island Worthy of a Single Vacation
A fella named Michael Zervos has ticked off every nation on the planet's map – and smashed a world record while doing it!
This 36-year-old film director from the Motor City, Michigan, embarked on a whirlwind global adventure starting January 18, 2024. He traversed the USA, Russia, Turkey, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Central Asia, Europe, South America, and finally the Caribbean, sleeping at least one night in every country (except the Vatican, boo-hoo).
In 499 days, Michael Zervos achieved the Guinness World Record for visiting all 195 countries, shattering the previous record of 554 days, and setting off on the home stretch on May 30, 2025. No small feat, right?
But Michael's not your average jet-setter; he's all about immersing himself in new cultures and meeting intriguing folks. Ain't just gonna brush countries off his list like skipping stones on a pond. In an exclusive sit-down, he shared his experiences with us:
So, what countries did Michael deem mind-blowing enough to share with intrepid travelers? He's a big fan of Samoa, a tiny Oceania nation barely visited annually by 160,000 people, boasting crystal-clear waters, unique swimming spots, and surprisingly affordable travel costs[4]. In Bhutan, the Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayan edge, he found a destination that truly challenged his worldview, offering a peek into the past and leaving him in awe[4]. Last but not least, Michael swooned for Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky, surrounded by South Africa, and offering rarefied air, stunning landscapes, and inspiring locals[4].
Though Michael's top picks are well worth noting, he's raring to revisit every country on his globe-trotting odyssey, from the friendly folks of South Sudan to the unique culture of North Korea (yeah, you read that right)[4]. Unsurprisingly, Michael's story has ignited a spark of wanderlust in us all.
Nowadays, Michael's back to his Detroit roots, cherishing the memories of his remarkable journey. Cheers to that, old chap!
Oh, and psst – Europe's sunniest beach, with its 10 hours of daily sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and cheap holiday deals, has been named! Nice one, mate!
- Michael Zervos' remarkable journey has sparked a renewed interest in politics, with many discussing his approach to travel and cultural immersion.
- In his spare time, Michael often engages in news discussions, keeping himself updated on global events, particularly those impacting the countries he's visited.
- A passionate believer in lifelong learning, Michael has enrolled in online education platforms to further his understanding of various cultures and historical contexts.
- Personal growth and self-development are key areas Michael has focused on during his travels, adopting mindfulness practices to better connect with new people and experiences.
- For career development, Michael aims to create documentaries showcasing his travel experiences, inspiring others to embark on their own adventure-travel expeditions.
- The story of his globe-trotting odyssey has caught the attention of the education-and-self-development community, with many praising his dedication to learning and adaptability.
- Professional sports, such as football (NFL), basketball (NBA), baseball, hockey, golf, basketball (WNBA), and even tennis, served as unexpected sources of inspiration during Michael's travels.
- Sports-betting enthusiasts have been keenly following Michael's journey, tempted by the possibility of predicting his next destination and winning big.
- Racing fans have also been keeping track of Michael's exploits, with American football, Formula 1 Grand Prix, horse racing, auto racing, and mixed martial arts events capturing his attention.
- Weather forecasting has been a valuable tool for Michael throughout his travel, helping him plan his itinerary and avoid unforeseen challenges from inclement weather.
- During his NCAA-Football and NCAA-Basketball seasons, Michael made an effort to attend college games, supporting the athleticA community and nurturing an appreciation for sports analysis.
- Lifestyle enthusiasts have been inspired by Michael's commitment to budget-travel, demonstrating that affordable travel can lead to unique and enriching experiences.
- Michael's cultural-travel experiences have fostered a newfound appreciation for the rich histories and traditions of the nations he's visited, influencing his perspective on career-development opportunities in the tourism industry.
- Celebrating the diversity of the world and its people, Michael's globe-trotting journey has reminded us of the importance of setting goals and pursuing lifelong learning.
- Skills training, such as language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability, have been essential for Michael throughout his travels, adding value to his personal-growth journey.
- From Asian cuisine to African music, Michael's palate and tastes have been enriched by the diverse culinary offerings he's encountered during his travels.
- As a result of his journey, Michael has become an advocate for sustainable travel practices, encouraging industry leaders to prioritize conservation efforts and minimize their carbon footprint.
- The stories from Michael's travels have served as a catalyst for debate within the job-search community, with many analyzing the skills and experiences he's gained and how they might apply to various careers in travel, tourism, and storytelling.
- The Masters Tournament, Wimbledon, French Open, and US Open in tennis and the PGA Championship in golf have all caught Michael's attention, adding another layer of excitement to his travel experiences.
- With his adventurous spirit, Michael has reminded us that the world is a playground, ripe for exploration, and festivals and events — such as the Rio Carnival or Diwali celebrations — offer opportunities for enriching cultural experiences.
- Michael's global odyssey has highlighted the importance of sports diplomacy and the role they play in fostering understanding between nations and cultures, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
- Through his travels, Michael has come to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world and its people, leaving us with a renewed sense of hope for a brighter, more interconnected future.
