In an era defined by budget travel and remote work, many people consider themselves well-traveled. However, there exists an elite group of individuals who have actually visited every country in the world. This group is supported by a platform called Most Traveled People, which was established by Charles Veley in 2005 to help travelers document their journeys. The community offers various trackers for regions, capital cities, dive sites, and restaurants, and those who have conquered every country can apply for the status of UN Grandmaster.
Achieving this elite designation involves a rigorous verification process. Applicants must prove they have visited 25 randomly selected countries plus 25 of the most difficult locations to access, such as North Korea, Kiribati, and Syria. Verification typically involves showing passport stamps, though geotagged photographs of recognizable landmarks are also accepted. For those who traveled in the era before digital photography, the organization may conduct interviews. It is important to note that airport layovers do not count as official visits. To date, 122 UN Grandmasters have been verified, many of whom recently gathered for a meet-up in Portugal.
When asked for their top recommendations, these experts overwhelmingly chose Italy as their favorite country in Europe. More than half of those surveyed listed it as their number one, praising its diverse regional cuisine and wine. Italy also dominated in city rankings, with Rome placing fourth and Florence tenth, while Naples earned recognition as a top destination for food lovers. Following Italy, the most favored European countries included France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. For those seeking less crowded alternatives, Albania was named the most underrated country in Europe, followed by Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, was cited as the most underrated city on the continent.
Beyond Europe, while Japan remains a popular choice, it placed second among the favorites of these global travelers. Iran took the top spot, with travelers describing it as a destination often misunderstood by politics but rich in ancient history. One respondent noted that Iran offers an incredible depth of civilization, featuring landmarks from the Achaemenid Empire and the Silk Road, along with exceptional hospitality. Following Iran and Japan, Italy again appeared in the rankings alongside China and Brazil. Iran was also designated as the most underrated country, followed by Yemen, Papua New Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The survey also highlighted favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While famous locations like Petra, the Great Wall of China, and Angkor Wat were popular, the experts also identified lesser-known treasures, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia and the ancient stone structures of Nan Madol in Micronesia. For must-see attractions, the group frequently recommended Antarctica, the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, and the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, which houses the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall.
