For many people, visiting every country in the world is the ultimate travel dream. With more than 200 countries and territories to explore, it’s a long-term commitment that requires planning, consistency, and a lifestyle that supports mobility. Whether you want to travel non-stop, use annual vacations, or retire early to chase the world, the journey is absolutely possible with the right approach.
How Long Does It Take to Visit 200+ Countries?
The timeline depends on your lifestyle:
1. Full-time digital nomad (non-stop travel)
If you work online while traveling, you can cover 5–10 countries per year comfortably, or 15–30 countries per year if you travel fast. At an ambitious pace, finishing all 200+ countries can take 6–12 years.
2. Using annual holiday breaks
If you have a regular job with limited annual leave, you can visit around 5–12 new countries each year. At this pace, completing the entire world may take 20–35 years, depending on time, budget, and visa restrictions.
3. Retiring early (before age 40)
If you save aggressively or build passive income, you can spend 2–3 years traveling full-time, then slow down afterward. This method can help you complete all countries in 10–20 years, depending on the intensity of your travels.
Where to Stay While Traveling?
Choosing the right accommodation affects budget, comfort, and mental health. Some of the best options include:
- Hostels for low-cost social environments, ideal for solo travelers.
- Guesthouses & homestays for cultural immersion at affordable prices.
- Budget hotels when you need privacy and a quiet environment.
- Long-stay apartments or co-living spaces for slow travel or remote work.
- House-sitting or pet-sitting programs for free accommodation in exchange for caretaking.
Flexibility is key. In budget-friendly regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, long stays are easy and affordable. For expensive destinations (Japan, Iceland, Switzerland), mix hostels, night buses, or travel during off-season.
How to Maintain Health and Sanity During Long-Term Travel
Traveling the world over many years is exciting, but it can be exhausting. Here are ways to stay grounded:
- Create a travel-work routine if you’re a digital nomad: set working hours, rest days, and boundaries.
- Exercise regularly through bodyweight workouts, walking, swimming, or local gyms.
- Eat balanced meals, not just convenience food or street snacks.
- Take mental resets, such as staying longer in one city when you feel overwhelmed.
- Stay connected to loved ones through calls and messages to reduce homesickness.
Prioritizing slow travel helps prevent burnout. Give yourself time to enjoy each place instead of rushing just to complete a checklist.
How to Live the Best Moments During This Journey
Traveling to every country is not about speed it’s about meaning. Make the most of it by:
- Documenting your journey through journaling, photography, or social media.
- Connecting with locals to understand cultures more deeply.
- Experiencing unique moments like hiking natural wonders, trying local cuisine, or joining festivals.
- Choosing experiences over souvenirs, memories last longer.
How to Stay Connected When Traveling Around the World?
These days, digital nomads rely on eSIMs because they don’t have to deal with changing SIM cards every time they enter a new country. Eskimo eSIM offers you global connectivity in 140+ countries. You can choose a global data plan, a continental data plan, or a country-only data plan. The easiest option is the global plan so you don’t have to keep buying new ones. Eskimo eSIM also offers you a free trial of 500 MB of global data, valid for 2 years, for you to try!
FAQs
What is the biggest challenge when trying to visit every country in the world?
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with unpredictable visa rules and geopolitical situations. Some countries are harder to enter due to strict entry requirements, limited embassy access, or unstable conditions, which can delay travel plans significantly.
How much money do you need to budget for a world-travel goal like this?
Costs vary widely by travel style, but most long-term travelers prepare by setting a yearly budget.
What skills are useful for someone who wants to travel to 200+ countries?
Useful skills include basic travel hacking, understanding foreign currencies, learning essential phrases in multiple languages, and being flexible with problem-solving.
How do travelers keep themselves safe in unfamiliar countries?
Travelers often research local customs, stay aware of neighborhoods, and keep valuables protected.
What mindset helps someone stay motivated throughout such a long journey?
A growth mindset is key. Focusing on learning, embracing cultural differences, and staying open to unexpected experiences. People who see travel as a lifelong adventure, rather than a race, tend to stay more motivated and fulfilled.
