Tourist sets record for fastest time to visit 195 countries

Michael Zervos, an American filmmaker, set a Guinness World Record for visiting 195 countries in 499 days.

Nearly every morning for more than a year, Greek-American Michael Zervos, 35, woke up in a new country. On a round- the-world trip that began in early 2024, he visited nearly 200 countries in 499 days, earning the Guinness World Record for "Fastest Time to Visit All Countries of the World" (as recognized by the United Nations).

Micheael Zervos visited 195 countries in 499 days. Photo: Guinness World Records

However, Michael's trip is not simply a race against time to set a record or a normal journey of discovery . He travels around the world to carry out a project called Project Kosmos, which was conceived during the pandemic, with the desire to connect people from all cultures through stories of joy. During the trip, he asked locals in each country a single question: "What is the happiest moment in your life?".

Their sharing is recorded on video , with people of all ages and backgrounds. All smile or shed tears as they recount their most precious moments, such as cuddling their pet cat, receiving the keys to a new house or seeing their mother after a long time.

Michael said his experience of being depressed during the pandemic and seeing similar emotions in many people inspired him to travel the world to document stories of human happiness.

Michael, who lives in Detroit, Michigan, USA, spent a year and a half planning the trip. He kept it a secret from his friends and family because he was afraid his idea would not come true. But when he contacted sponsors who had set previous records, they were enthusiastic and supportive.

He began his journey on January 17, 2024, flying to Paris and connecting to Russia. Michael kept a daily journal of his activities. On his first flight, he wrote: "I told myself that everything I had planned for a year had now begun. Now it was just a matter of doing it."

After spending time in Russia and Türkiye, Michael traveled across Africa. On January 23, he began his journey in Chad, then traveled north to Libya and Egypt. Michael befriended locals and tourists who introduced him to new foods, took him to ancient sites, and engaged in lively conversations.

Micheael Zervos poses with young people in Port Sudan. Photo: Guinness World Records

Michael calls the markets in Africa a “marathon of flavors” and is “grateful to get a taste of the country through the people and the food.” Many times, he is “welcomed like an old friend” by strangers who help him with transportation and accommodations as he travels.

Michael arrived in the Middle East on May 24, first arriving in Lebanon, then Jordan, Iraq, Cyprus, and Greece. He spent time with his family in Greece and visited the birthplace of his grandfather. In early June, he traveled to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, Syria, and the UAE. During his adventure, Michael visited some of the "most beautiful religious sites" and the most vibrant cities.

On June 19, Michael went to China and visited the Great Wall. There, he had a "wonderful" moment cooking and enjoying new dishes with a new friend. In Mongolia, he was impressed by the wild, vast terrain that "seemed untouched by humans". Korea and Japan gave him an "explosive" feeling when enjoying dishes at roadside stalls.

Michael Zervos (right) takes a photo with locals in a market in Tunisia. Photo: DM

"This is the perfect combination of tourism, history and community" is what Michael wrote about Vietnam on July 5 in his diary. At the end of July, he visited Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

He spent the rest of the summer island-hopping in Indonesia, the Philippines, Guam, and Micronesia, and was “particularly impressed by the kindness of the people” in the Marshall Islands. He befriended a woman in the Marshall Islands who reminded him of his late grandmother. When his grandmother was hospitalized and died suddenly, he didn’t get to say goodbye. As he headed to the airport, Michael was surprised by a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw the woman standing there, determined to see him off before he left.

Michael's next destinations were Oceania and Asian countries. He described his trip through Central Asia as "a place of beauty and decay" and "one of the most surreal and thoughtful parts of the trip".

In November, he traveled to Eastern Europe, passing through Serbia, Bulgaria, and Hungary, where people were “generous in their time and understanding” of strangers like Michael. In December 2024, he visited Northern Europe and spent Christmas in Norway, visiting Christmas markets in the cold. “The snow gently covered the statues, giving a feeling of ethereal, quiet, and hazy,” he wrote. Michael said it was one of the most memorable vacations of his life, a reminder that you are always welcome even when you are far from home.

At the end of February, Michael completed his journey to Europe, stopping in North Korea and being surprised by the friendliness of the locals. He then flew back to France to connect to South America on March 9, visiting Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Michael had to fight altitude sickness in Bolivia but was captivated by the colorful cities, unique culture, and wrestling shows in this country. By May 30, he had completed his journey to every sovereign country in the world. This was also the time when his mind was filled with mixed thoughts: from exhaustion to gratitude.

When Michael flew home and walked out of the baggage claim area, friends and family were waiting to greet him. "It was the perfect end to a long and memorable journey," Michael said.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/du-khach-dat-ky-luc-dat-chan-den-195-quoc-gia-voi-thoi-gian-nhanh-nhat-post295683.html