How I Explored 20 Countries in a Year and the Life-Changing Lessons I Learned

In 2023, I decided to take a break from my routine and embark on a journey of a lifetime: visiting 20 different countries in one year. I wanted to see the world, experience different cultures, and challenge myself. I packed my bags, booked my flights, and set off on an adventure that changed my life forever.

“I Traveled ALL 197 Countries! Here’s What It’s Like!” shared by YouTube channel: Drew Binsky

Here are some highlights of my trip and the lessons I learned along the way.

January: New Zealand

I began my excursion in New Zealand, which has consistently entranced me with its beguiling natural landscape and agreeable individuals. I endured a month investigating the North and South Islands, climbing, kayaking, and bungee hopping. From the snow-covered piles of the Southern Alps to the geothermal marvels of Rotorua, I was astounded by the diverse scenes. I also learned a significant amount about Maori culture and history, and partook in their warm hospitality and customs.

New Zealand helped me to see the value in the excellence of nature and respect the environment and the people living within it.

February: Australia

I flew from New Zealand to Australia, and the land was right underneath. I went through one more month going to this huge and various nation, visiting notorious attractions like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Incomparable Boundary Reef. I likewise wandered inland, where I saw kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. I like the loose and amicable climate of Australians, as well as their awareness of what’s actually funny and bold soul.

Australia helped me to appreciate life and not to go over the top with things.

“Sydney Australia” by Michael McDonough is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

March: Japan

Then, I will go to Japan, a country that looks at old and present day, conventional and future. I’m drawn in by the rich and complex culture, scrumptious and various cooking, and amenable individuals here. I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, encountering the cherry bloom season, projectile trains, and sushi. I additionally found out about the set of experiences and difficulties of this tough and creative country.

Japan trained me to regard the past and embrace what’s to come.

April: China

I flew from Japan to China, a country that is quickly changing and creating, and colossally affects the world. I endured a month going to this tremendous and various nation, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. I saw the Incomparable Wall, the Taboo City, the Earthenware Heroes and Ponies, and pandas. I likewise tasted different zesty dishes and took in some Mandarin. The scale and speed of change, as well as individuals’ desire and hopefulness, have had a profound impact on me.

China has helped me to be liberal and adjust to changes.

May: Thailand

Then, I will go to Thailand, a country popular for its tropical sea shores, fascinating sanctuaries, and lively nightlife. I endured a month investigating various locales, from clamoring Bangkok to quiet Chiang Mai, from Phuket and Samui to Paishan. I partake in the warm and cordial friendliness of Thai individuals, as well as their hot and heavenly dishes. I additionally concentrated on Buddhist way of thinking and Thai culture, and took part in certain celebrations and functions.

Thailand trained me to be content and embrace current circumstances.

June: India

I flew from Thailand to India, which is a blend of culture, religion, and language. I endured a month traveling in this brilliant nation, visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Goa. I visited the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Fort, and the Gateway of India. I also tasted various spicy dishes and learned some Hindi. I was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions of this vibrant and chaotic country, as well as the kindness and generosity of its people.

India has trained me to be thankful and embrace variety.

July: Egypt

Then, I will go to Egypt, which has one of the most seasoned and most persuasive developments ever. I endured a month investigating the old and present day miracles of this nation, visiting Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria. I saw the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Rulers, and the Nile. I likewise tasted different delightful dishes and took in some Arabic. I’m shocked by the set of experiences and legacy of this country, as well as the strength and pride of its kin.

Egypt trained me to keep up with interest and gain from history.

“Egypt-4B-019 – Temple of Hatshepsut” by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

August: Greece

I flew from Egypt to Greece, which is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and art. I endured a month traveling to this beautiful and historic nation, visiting Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. I saw the Acropolis, the Parthenon Temple, Oia, and Knossos. I also enjoyed fresh and healthy dishes and learned some Greek. I was inspired by the culture and heritage of this country, as well as the enthusiasm and creativity of its people.

Greece showed me insight and enthusiasm for magnificence.

September: Italy

Then, I went to Italy, a country famous for its art, architecture, and cuisine. I endured a month exploring various regions, from the romantic Venice to the historic Rome, from the artistic Florence to the picturesque Cinque Terre. I saw the Colosseum, Vatican, Basilica, and Leaning Tower. I also tasted various delicious dishes and learned some Italian. I was enchanted by the charm and style of this country, as well as the warm hospitality of its people.

Italy helped me to be heartfelt and appreciate tasty food.

October: France

I flew from Italy to France, a country that is inseparable from culture, style, and sentiment. I endured a month going in this wonderful and in vogue country, visiting Paris, Decent, Bordeaux, and Lyon. I saw the Eiffel Pinnacle, Louver, Curve de Triomphe, and Notre Lady. I’m additionally dependent on tasty and flawless dishes, and have taken in some French. I was moved by the magnificence and polish of this country, as well as the tastefulness and appeal of its kin.

France helped me to be refined and value style.

November: Spain

Then, I will go to Spain, a nation brimming with essentialness, energy, and enthusiasm. I endured a month investigating various districts, from the internationalized Barcelona to the memorable Madrid, from the merry Sevilla to the extraordinary Granada. I visited the Congregation of the Blessed Family, Prado, Alkasa, and Alhambra Castle. I likewise appreciate tasty and different dishes, and have taken in some Spanish. I’m drawn in by the soul and soul of this country, the delight and agreeableness of its kin.

Spain trained me to be energetic and blissful.

December: Brazil

Finally, I ended my journey in Brazil, a country famous for carnivals, football, and samba dance. I spent a month traveling to this vibrant and diverse country, visiting Rio de Janeiro, S ã o Paulo, El Salvador, and Manaus. I have seen the Redeemer Christ, the Copacabana people, the Belarusian people, and the Amazons. I also tasted a variety of delicious dishes and learned some Portuguese. I am surprised by the diversity and richness of this country, as well as the joy and warmth of its people.

Brazil taught me to dare to take risks and praise life.

Visiting 20 different countries within a year was an incredible adventure that changed my perspective on life. I have learned about many different cultures, histories, and landscapes, and along the way, I have made some lifelong friends. If you want to do something similar, I suggest you plan ahead, be flexible, and maintain an open mindset. You never know what you will discover.