Sound the alarms and start the parade—I’ve finally hit 100 countries! After seeing so much as a boomer traveler, I’ve loved the opportunity to reflect on my trips and think about how I got to this incredible spot in my life. Come with me as I reminisce about my travels and get some travel tips of your own!
Setting Sights on Travel Early in Life
Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to travel extensively. The world seemed so wide, and I was excited to explore all the culture, art, food, and adventures to be had. I went into college with a French major, planning to teach and take students on class trips to France. I thought maybe one day I’d work as a translator for the United Nations. But much like many college grads, I didn’t stick with my initial major all four years.
At the time, I was intimidated by my wealthy classmates, their extensive travels, and their already-developed French language skills. I picture myself as an airline stewardess, but my grandparents encouraged me to graduate college, get a good job, and travel internationally in my free time. I took their advice, got my degree, and became the best wife, mother and educator I could be.
100 Countries Wasn’t Always the Dream
You could say that for me, travel is a “dream deferred.” Between being a supportive wife and driving my daughter to practices, I simply didn’t have the time to jetset like I once wanted to. Sure, we traveled occasionally within the United States, seeing plenty of National Parks, but I certainly wasn’t booking flights to Namibia at the time.
But you know what? I wouldn’t trade this time at home with my family for anything! Even though I always wanted to travel, I loved our family dynamic and never found myself longing for international trips. It wasn’t until much later when I decided visiting 100 countries would be a priority. I met a couple in India in 2015 who had just hit their 100th country—Mongolia had sealed the deal for them. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever make it to Mongolia, but they planted the idea in my head that getting to 100 countries would be such a fun achievement.
Travel Is Truly Life-Changing
Looking back on all 100 countries I’ve visited over the years, I can’t help but think of how it has impacted my perspective and improved my life. I could talk about the benefits of travel all day. From trying new things to relaxing on beaches, there are a whole host of reasons to put international travel on your bucket list. But what really makes a trip memorable is being able to immerse yourself in the culture. I immediately think of places like India where cultural differences from the U.S. are on full display. A Christian myself, I’m particularly fascinated by other cultures’ perspectives on higher powers.
But no matter which part of culture piques your interest, travel is sure to introduce you to a whole new world. Everything from clothes and art to marital customs and careers vary from culture to culture!
My Top Destinations for the Well-Traveled
My foray into international travel wasn’t as exciting as you might think, given that today I’ve been all over. The very first time I left the U.S. was to visit Toronto, not a long trip at all from where I was living at the time, Detroit. It was a quick three-day trip, and Niagara Falls was one of the most memorable highlights. Later on, I honeymooned with my husband in Mexico, and our first international family trip was to England. At the time, I was organizing every single detail of the vacation. Since then, I’ve obviously branched out far beyond North American and English-speaking Europe! Being well-traveled has been a huge privilege, and I love watching other people on their quest to see the world, too! Here are just a few destinations I recommend for those hoping to earn their world traveler badge:
- Sub-Saharan Africa— Whether it’s a national park in South Africa or the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania, a safari is a must! Seeing a lion attack a buffalo was a bucket list experience that I didn’t even know was on my bucket list until I saw it. But besides the wonders of a safari, it’s the culture and heritage that really makes Africa special for me. There’s something extra meaningful about visiting the land of one’s ancestors.
- India—India is polarizing in travel spaces—people either loved their experience or hated it. Personally, I think anyone who has the chance to visit India should take it! The culture, food, and of course, the sacred cow, are all so unique to what we’re used to in the United States. It’s an eye-opening trip for sure!
- Egypt—Who isn’t fascinated by the Pyramids of Giza? I highly recommend seeing these landmarks in person when you have the opportunity. Egypt is also full of incredible culture and allowed me to see tangible links to Biblical history. After watching The Ten Commandments as a kid, the country was soul-stirring to visit.
- Mediterranean—The Mediterranean is a great place for solo travelers to start! The landscapes are gorgeous, and the crystal-clear waters are simply stunning. Some of my favorite stops along the sea include France, Croatia, and Cinque Terre.
Southeast Asia—In addition to India, I recommend seeing any of the Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia. These destinations are a fantastic way to get a glimpse into other cultures’ religions and worldviews.
Taking Challenges As They Arise
I love talking about all the solo travel adventures I’ve had over the past few years. But I wouldn’t be entirely truthful if I said the journey to 100 countries was all sunflowers and rainbows. There were plenty of times when a trip wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Maybe the weather was awful and ruined a day tour, or perhaps the hotel was freezing. No matter how well you plan, you’re sure to run into rainy days, impassable roads, and canceled activities. The important thing is to take these challenges as they come, and keep an attitude of gratitude at all times. Travel is a privilege, and a few difficulties from time to time are all part of the package!
Want to Join the Century Club?
If you’re ready to start your own 100-country journey, there’s no time like the present to get started! Here are a few of my tips to get you well on your way to the coveted #100:
1. Take Guided Tours—If you self-organize your travel, I salute you! For me, it’s going to be guided travel from here on out. I’ve had the pleasure of taking lots of guided tours, like my recent alpine adventure with Collette, and they’re an excellent way to see multiple countries without the stress of planning. To get to 100, you’re surely going to need to visit some places that don’t have a big tourism industry or the infrastructure you’re used to. Guided travel allows you to visit these places in relative comfort.
2. Choose a Cruise—Similar to guided tours, cruises are a fun way to get lots of countries in a short time. In fact, I hit my 100th country, Malta, on my sponsored voyage with Oceania. Keep in mind that on-shore excursions are a must to really experience the country. Cruising without hopping on dry land for a while is like driving across the U.S. and never stopping to sight-see! Sure, you’ve seen a lot, but did you really experience it?
3. Do Your Research—It’s tempting to fly into a country and let adventure take you. But heed my advice—do your research! There is lots to know before ever stepping foot into a new place. You’ll want to be aware of the clothing, politeness norms, transportation, and above all else, the weather! 4. Don’t Neglect Your Health—I am so grateful to be able to travel well into my retirement years. It’s thanks to keeping up a consistent workout routine and eating well. If you plan to go on a Kenyan safari or trek the streets of Colombia, don’t neglect your physical health before you leave home.
Travel Doesn’t Have to Be THE Priority
I am lucky to be able to prioritize travel in my life, and I love meeting people who have placed such an emphasis on becoming well-traveled themselves. But I think I would be remiss not to mention that travel doesn’t have to be the top priority in your life. For years, I focused on being an incredible wife and mother and rarely traveled outside the country. Do I regret those years at home? Never! It was a necessary part of my journey.
I recognize that not everyone has the resources to criss-cross the world and put other responsibilities on hold. Maybe you have kids to look after, a job you love, or a tough financial situation that stops you from traveling. My advice would be to look at the current roles you have in your life and be the best person you can be. You don’t need to travel to be successful; you don’t need to see 100+ countries. Enjoy the moments, and live your best life, no matter where in the world you are!
Be True to You!
If you only take away one thing from my journey to 100 countries it’s this: be true to yourself. Traveling is an integral part of my life, but it wasn’t always that way. I was proud to be a mother, wife, and counselor all before I started traveling regularly. I didn’t focus on what others wanted me to be—I was simply Charlotte. Even today, I try to stay away from influencer trends. Just because everyone is booking a trip to Bali, it doesn’t mean I have to go too! Whether you’re off jet-setting or driving your kids to band practice, you can live your best life. Your journey is uniquely your own, just as my sprint to 100 countries is unique to me.
For more anecdotes, photos, and videos from my travels, be sure to follow my Instagram!
