How do you compare to the world’s most-traveled man?
According to last month’s article in The Guardian, Charles Veley is a “strong contender” for the world’s most-traveled man, visiting over 800 countries in the past decade.
“My philosophy for travel is this: always plan as if you are going to do a Japanese-style tour and every second is accounted for,” said Veley. “But on arrival, abandon all that and do whatever feels right.”
The article struck a chord with one of our Travel Geeks, The Mathematical Tourist aka Graeme Taylor. In a recent journal entry he responded to Veley’s “competitive traveling,” raising some key questions:
There are discrepancies over how many countries and destinations are legitimately recognized by Veley’s “Most Traveled People” database, the Traveler’s Century Club, and even the UN.
Which organization is the most accurate and how does one qualify as a competitive traveler?
What does it mean to “visit” a place?
As Graeme asked, “Is simply clearing the border enough? Is it enough to take photos? To eat local food? Should you stay until you have a story to tell, or have made a friend?”
According to Veley’s story, country hopping is easier when “there’s always a bar.” This leads Graeme to further question Veley’s real motivation for traveling. Read what else Graeme had to say in response to the world’s most-traveled man in his Sosauce Journal entry below:
What are your thoughts on the concept of “competitive traveling”?
Should one’s motivation to travel be more than to just collect passport stamps?
How do you stand with the Most Traveled People?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I have to agree Alisha. The odd competition over who has visited the most countries has always mystified me. Sure you’ve been a lot of places but what did you SEE? What did you learn? Those are for more important questions.
Personally I’m not a fan of competing for footprints. I’ve noticed there is some competition amongst travelers mostly online which I disagree with but as long as your motivation for travel is genuine, then go for it. I’m still just working on unwrapping my passport.
800 countries visited that is crazy. I did not even know there were 800 countries.