79-Year-Old Woman Fulfills Lifelong Dream of Visiting all 193 Countries

In the realm of adventurous globetrotters, there exists a remarkable soul, Luisa Yu. At the age of 79, she triumphantly landed in Serbia on November 9th, marking the grand finale of her lifelong quest to explore all 193 U.N.-member countries. But what makes her journey truly intriguing is not just the destinations she conquered, but the inspirational path she paved to fund this extraordinary mission.

Imagine embarking on a journey to see the entire world, one country at a time. Luisa Yu, a Filipino American globetrotter, turned this dream into her reality. Leaving behind her nursing career in Miami, she ventured out to embrace her lifelong passion for exploration, financing her global odyssey through astute property investments.

Born in the Philippines, Cultivated by Wanderlust

Luisa’s journey of wanderlust began when she left the Philippines to become an exchange student in St. Louis. From there, her adventurous spirit only flourished. At the tender age of 23, she commenced her travels within the United States. After crisscrossing more than 40 states, she made Miami her home base. It was in the Magic City that the idea of conquering the world germinated, as reported by NBC6.

• Embracing the World With a heart full of wanderlust, Luisa embarked on her journey across the globe. Along the way, she encountered diverse cultures, landscapes, and people who became her friends and supporters. They cheered her on as she made her way through one country after another, each step taking her closer to her extraordinary goal.
• Serbia: The Grand Finale Among the myriad of places she visited, Serbia stood out as the final stop of her epic journey. Why Serbia? It was the encouragement of friends she met during her travels that led her to this historic destination. The moment Luisa emerged from the airport in Serbia, she was greeted with applause and cheers, a heartwarming reception celebrating her remarkable achievement.
• Croatian full-time traveler and influencer Vanna Bojovic, who affectionately calls Luisa “Mama,” shared the joy and pride of this incredible moment on Instagram. “At the age of 79, today on November 9, she arrived in her last country, SERBIA,” wrote Bojovic. “You are the biggest inspiration, and we are so proud of you.”
• A Message of Inspiration Luisa Yu’s incredible journey is not just about crossing off countries from her list; it’s about sending a powerful message to the world. She encourages others to embrace their dreams, to cast aside fear, and to take the plunge into the unknown. “Don’t be afraid, just go. Don’t wait for anybody, because if you wait, it will never happen,” she declared, as per NBC6.
• Achievements that Inspire In recognition of her unparalleled journey, Luisa Yu received two prestigious traveler awards in 2022. Among them is the Philippine Global Explorers’ Most Adventurous Explorer Award, honoring her unparalleled spirit of adventure. Additionally, she was bestowed with Nomad Mania’s Most Positive Traveler 2022, reflecting the positive impact she left on her journey.

Notably, Luisa Yu is one of only two Filipinos to have successfully visited every country in the world, the other being Odette Aquitania Ricasa, a resident of Los Angeles, who achieved this milestone on August 25, 2022.

The Unconventional Path to Funding Adventure

Luisa Yu’s journey isn’t just remarkable for the destinations she reached, but also for how she funded her globetrotting dream. In this section, we’ll delve into the unconventional methods she employed to finance her adventures, proving that age and circumstances should never limit one’s pursuit of a passion.

• The Nurse Turned Property Mogul Leaving her career as a nurse in Miami might have seemed like an unusual choice, especially for someone approaching her eighties. However, Luisa Yu was determined to convert her dreams into reality. She dived headfirst into the world of property investments to create a financial cushion for her travels.
• Investing for Freedom Property investments became her source of financial independence, providing her with the means to travel and explore. The income generated from these investments not only supported her journey but also allowed her to live life on her terms.
• A Lesson in Financial Freedom Luisa’s story teaches us that pursuing a dream often requires creative thinking. While her peers might have retired, she decided to invest in her passion. It’s a reminder that financial freedom can be achieved through unconventional routes, and age should never hinder one from embracing a dream.

Let’s continue to explore the impact of Luisa Yu’s adventurous spirit on her personal growth and the meaningful connections she formed on her journey. Stay tuned for more captivating insights from this extraordinary globetrotter’s life.

Growth Through Global Exploration

Luisa Yu’s adventurous quest to explore the world not only enriched her travelogue but also transformed her as an individual. In this section, we’ll delve into the personal growth and life lessons that sprouted along her global journey.

• Cultural Immersion and Empathy As Luisa traveled from one corner of the world to another, she immersed herself in a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. This immersion didn’t just expand her horizons; it cultivated a profound sense of empathy. She learned to appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our world so beautifully intricate.
• Breaking Barriers Language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and new environments were all part of Luisa’s journey. However, instead of shying away, she embraced these challenges. Her ability to adapt and navigate unfamiliar territory showcases the resilience that grows within us when we venture out of our comfort zones.
• Building Lifelong Connections Beyond the passport stamps and photographs, Luisa Yu’s travels forged lasting connections with people from different corners of the globe. These connections, as she would tell you, are some of the most valuable souvenirs she collected along her journey.
• A Lesson in Fearlessness Luisa’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of fearlessness. She teaches us that stepping into the unknown can lead to incredible personal growth. Her story inspires us to break free from the cocoon of routine and explore the vast world beyond our comfort zones.

Let’s unveil a comprehensive list of tips and strategies that anyone can adopt to infuse a sense of adventure into their own lives. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone planning your first adventure, these insights will guide you on your own path to self-discovery and exploration. Stay tuned for practical advice and actionable steps to embark on your adventure of a lifetime.

Embarking on Your Own Adventure

Now that we’ve explored the incredible journey of Luisa Yu and the personal growth it brought her, it’s time to unlock the secrets to infusing adventure into your own life. In this section, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of tips and strategies for those seeking to embark on their own adventure, no matter how big or small.

1. Start Small Begin by exploring your local surroundings. Visit places you’ve never been before, try new foods, or attend events you wouldn’t typically consider. Adventure can often be found in your own backyard.

2. Set Clear Goals Define what adventure means to you. It could be hiking a certain trail, traveling to a specific destination, or learning a new skill. Having clear goals will give you a sense of purpose and motivation.

3. Plan and Prepare While spontaneity has its charm, careful planning and preparation can enhance your adventure. Research your chosen activities, destinations, and potential challenges. This ensures a smoother experience and boosts confidence.

4. Embrace the Unknown Don’t be afraid of uncertainty. Part of adventure is venturing into the unknown, whether it’s trying a new hobby or embarking on a solo trip. Embrace the thrill of unpredictability.

5. Connect with Others Just as Luisa Yu built connections along her journey, seek out like-minded individuals who share your passion for adventure. Join clubs, online forums, or local groups to meet people who can inspire and support you.

6. Learn from Mistakes Mistakes are a natural part of any adventure. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as valuable lessons. Every stumble is an opportunity to grow and improve.

7. Budget Wisely Financial planning is crucial for long-term adventures. Save money, create a budget, and explore cost-effective options. Remember, adventure doesn’t always require lavish spending.

8. Stay Open-Minded Be open to trying new things and adapting to unexpected situations. Sometimes the most memorable experiences occur when you deviate from your original plan.

9. Document Your Journey Keep a journal, take photos, or create videos to document your adventures. These memories will serve as a source of inspiration and reflection.

10. Prioritize Safety Adventure should be thrilling, but safety should always be a top priority. Take precautions, inform someone about your plans, and carry necessary supplies.

11. Embrace Rejection Not every adventure will go as planned, and not everyone will share your enthusiasm. Embrace rejection or setbacks as opportunities to persevere and prove your determination.

12. Keep Learning Continuously seek new knowledge and skills related to your adventures. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a sport, or honing your survival skills, education enhances your experiences.

By adopting these tips and strategies, you can inject a sense of adventure into your life, just as Luisa Yu did. Remember, adventure is a mindset, and the world is your playground. Stay tuned for the concluding section, where we’ll reflect on the incredible journey of Luisa Yu and the impact of her story on the world of travel and exploration.

Luisa Yu’s Enduring Legacy

This captivating journey through the life and adventures of Luisa Yu, it’s worth reflecting on the profound impact her story has had on the world of travel and exploration. Luisa’s legacy extends far beyond the countries she visited; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure that resides within all of us.

Inspiration Beyond Borders Luisa Yu’s remarkable journey has ignited inspiration across borders. Her story resonates with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and explore the world. Luisa’s fearless pursuit of adventure has sparked a wave of enthusiasm for travel and exploration, encouraging countless others to step out of their comfort zones.

Reframing Retirement In a world where retirement is often associated with slowing down, Luisa’s journey challenges this narrative. She reminds us that retirement can be a vibrant phase of life filled with new experiences and boundless opportunities. Her story encourages retirees to redefine their golden years and embrace the adventures they’ve always dreamed of.

Cultural Connection Luisa’s journey underscores the power of travel in bridging cultural gaps and fostering connections. She showcased the beauty of embracing diversity and learning from different perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on the people she encountered. Her journey is a testament to the unifying force of human curiosity and the ability to forge connections irrespective of age or nationality.

Legacy of Fearlessness Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Luisa Yu is her message of fearlessness. Her fearless pursuit of her dreams inspires us all to break free from the shackles of doubt and hesitation. Luisa’s story serves as a reminder that the world is waiting to be explored, and adventure is a state of mind attainable by anyone.

Your Adventure Awaits

In the footsteps of Luisa Yu, we’ve embarked on a journey of inspiration, self-discovery, and adventure. Her story has shown us that no dream is too ambitious, no adventure too grand, and no age too advanced to explore the world and discover the extraordinary within ourselves.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to a distant land, contemplating a daring career change, or simply seeking to infuse everyday life with a sense of adventure, remember Luisa Yu’s indomitable spirit. As she said, “Don’t be afraid, just go. Don’t wait for anybody, because if you wait, it will never happen.”

With that, I encourage you to embrace your own adventure, embark on your unique journey, and savor every moment of exploration. The world is vast, and the possibilities are limitless. Luisa Yu’s legacy reminds us that our greatest adventure is yet to come.

References:

Nomad Mania’s Most Positive Traveler 2022
Luisa Yu’s incredible journey
Don’t be afraid, just go’: 79-year-old Miami resident travels to every country in the world

Michelle Toole

This Site Was Inspired By An Interest in Protecting the Environment:

We had the privilege and joy of learning from Dr. Charlie Stine who instilled a love for the natural world through incredible field trips with the Johns Hopkins Odyssey Certificate program in Environmental Studies. At the time, the program was endorsed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Sadly, after Dr. Stine retired, the program was phased out. We hope that we honor his legacy by shining a bright light on environmental issues and sharing good news about the success of various conservation programs when possible.