Lucy Hsu, a second-grade teacher in San Jose, California, has achieved the impressive feat of visiting all 193 countries on Earth. Her journey began in her early twenties when she got her first passport and backpacked through Europe. From there, she developed a passion for travel and made it her goal to visit a new country each summer. Through cost-saving strategies such as volunteer exchange programs, homestays, and working at hostels, Hsu managed to keep her travel expenses low.
While Hsu’s primary motivation for traveling was to experience different cultures and landscapes, she also wanted to challenge stereotypes about travel being unattainable or unsafe. She believes that with proper planning and research, anyone can make their travel dreams a reality, regardless of their background or financial situation. As a minority woman in the international travel community, Hsu hopes to inspire others, especially those who may feel intimidated by the prospect of traveling to far-flung destinations.
One of Hsu’s favorite countries out of the 193 she visited is Mongolia, where she stayed with a local family in the Gobi Desert and rode camels in the morning. She also treasures the memories of her time with her “Kenyan family” during a summer spent traveling around Eastern Africa. These experiences have taught her to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to be grateful for what she has, even when facing minor inconveniences.
Staying safe while traveling solo or visiting less touristy destinations is a top priority for Hsu. She emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research before embarking on a trip and seeking recommendations from experienced travelers. By following local rules, relying on trustworthy guides, and staying informed about potential risks, Hsu has managed to navigate challenging environments with confidence and ease.
Despite having visited every nation and even Antarctica, Hsu’s wanderlust shows no signs of waning. She plans to explore new cities and regions in countries she has already visited, as well as embark on adventures such as traveling on a cargo ship. Her thirst for discovery and commitment to sharing her travel knowledge with others make her a valuable resource for fellow travelers looking to explore the world in a budget-conscious and safe manner. Through her experiences, Hsu hopes to inspire a new generation of explorers to chase their travel dreams and embrace the diversity of our planet.
