I was extensively quoted in an article on CNN Travel about why more and more travellers are visiting every country in the world.
The article discusses the growing trend of travellers trying to visit every country in the world. It notes that more people now have the means and accessibility to pursue this goal through factors like low-cost air travel, visa on arrival policies, online booking systems etc.
I provide commentary on this phenomenon. He says:
“It’s much easier to travel and clock up country visits (especially if you count stopovers, or transits).”
I express concern that “collecting countries” in this way can “promote superficial travel that neglects deeper cultural understanding or connection.” I warn that it “undervalues travel’s potential for cultural exchange, self-reflection, and the concepts of slow travel and sustainability.”
I point out that most of these travellers “simply don’t have the time to travel sustainably or think about their impacts” and that their “lifestyle, if measured, would probably make a huge contribution to climate change through carbon-hungry activities.”
I note that an estimated “1% of the world’s population is responsible for 50% of emissions from flying” while over 90% have never flown at all.
Other Quotes:
While O’Regan acknowledges that some travelers are “propelled by an uncontrollable urge” to visit every country, he feels that “collecting countries” in such a way can “promote superficial travel that neglects deeper cultural understanding or connection.”
“There is incentive to hop regions quickly and risk the very things we want to recover from: physical and mental burnout,” says O’Regan.
“It undervalues travel’s potential for cultural exchange, self-reflection, and the concepts of slow travel and sustainability.”
When it comes to the question of speed, Welds concedes that each traveler will “have their goals,” but feels that it’s important to “travel slowly and enjoy each country.”
“I think if you really want to see the world, you will take time,” he tells CNN Travel. “To each person their own, but I wouldn’t race around the world. It’s just a waste of money in my eyes.”
In summary, I raises important critiques about the environmental impacts and lack of depth in simply trying to check countries off a list for the sake of achievement, as opposed to more mindful and sustainable travel practices.