You won’t believe how this 79-year-old visited every country in the world—and what she learned along the way
- Replies 1
At 79, most of us are thinking about slowing down, maybe planning a relaxing cruise or a family reunion.
But for Luisa Yu, age is just a number—and the world is her playground. This remarkable woman has achieved what most of us only dream about: she’s set foot in every single one of the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations.
That’s right—every last one, from the sun-drenched beaches of Fiji to the snow-capped peaks of Kyrgyzstan, and everywhere in between.
A Dream Born in the Philippines
Luisa’s story begins in the Philippines, where as a young girl, she was captivated by the sweeping landscapes she saw in movies.
“When I went to the movies, I saw these beautiful backdrops—the scenery, the nature, the rivers, the mountains—and that fascinated me,” she recalls. “That’s why I always thought someday I will go to these places and travel.”
Her journey started in earnest when she moved to the United States as an exchange student at 23. Like many new arrivals, she was limited in where she could go at first.
But Luisa didn’t let that stop her. She hopped on Greyhound buses and crisscrossed the country, soaking in the diversity of America, one state at a time.
“Greyhound was the best because you just hop in. Then the next day, you’re in another state,” she says with a laugh.
From Medical Technologist to World Explorer
Luisa’s professional life began in the medical technology field, but her wanderlust was insatiable.
She soon pivoted to a career as a travel agent, giving her the flexibility to explore the globe.
Over the next five decades, she made it her mission to see as much of the world as possible—Italy’s rolling hills, Thailand’s bustling markets, Libya’s ancient ruins, Iran’s storied cities, and beyond.
But it wasn’t just about ticking countries off a list. For Luisa, travel was about connection, curiosity, and courage.
“Even though some places were considered dangerous, I said, ‘I think I can do this. I want to see these places with my own eyes because there’s a lot of history and culture that happened there,’” she explains.
The Final Country: A Celebration in Serbia
After decades of adventure, Luisa set her sights on a truly audacious goal: visiting all 193 UN member states.
She saved Serbia for last, at the urging of friends who wanted to celebrate her achievement with her.
When she arrived, she was greeted with a surprise party—balloons, banners, and friends from around the world. “Little did I know that when I arrived, they were already having all these preparations for me. It was a big surprise,” she says, her voice brimming with joy.
A “UN Master” and a Citizen of the World
Luisa’s accomplishment has earned her the title of “UN Master” from Nomad Mania, an organization that tracks the world’s most intrepid travelers.
She’s one of only two people from the Philippines to have visited every country on earth—a feat that puts her in a truly elite club.
But for Luisa, the real reward isn’t the accolades or the stamps in her passport. It’s the people she’s met and the lessons she’s learned.
“I have seen a lot of things from different people, their life and their cultures—I learned a lot,” she reflects. “And I find that everybody is like us. They have a dream for a better job and a better opportunity, and most of them are very, very kind and very helpful.”
Lessons from a Lifetime of Travel
Luisa’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and open-mindedness.
She’s navigated language barriers, political unrest, and the inevitable travel hiccups that come with venturing off the beaten path.
Through it all, she’s discovered that, at our core, people everywhere share the same hopes and dreams.
Source: Good Morning America / Youtube.
Her advice for aspiring travelers—no matter your age?
“Don’t be afraid, go out, travel. Don’t wait for anybody because if the opportunity comes, it might never happen again. Just be yourself. And also, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Nothing is going to be impossible. You just have to go out there.”
Traveling in Your Golden Years: Tips from Luisa’s Playbook
Inspired by Luisa’s story? You don’t have to visit every country to experience the joys of travel.
Here are a few tips, inspired by her adventures, for making the most of your own journeys—whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure:
1. Start Where You Are
Luisa began her travels right here in the US, exploring by bus. There’s a world of wonder in your own backyard—national parks, historic towns, quirky roadside attractions. Don’t overlook the treasures close to home.
2. Embrace Flexibility
Travel doesn’t always go as planned. Flights get delayed, weather changes, and sometimes you end up somewhere you never expected. Luisa’s secret? Go with the flow and see every detour as a new adventure.
3. Make Connections
Some of Luisa’s fondest memories are of the people she met along the way. Strike up conversations, join group tours, or stay in local guesthouses. You never know who you’ll meet—or how they might change your perspective.
4. Travel Smart and Safe
Luisa visited countries that many would consider risky, but she did her homework and took precautions. Research your destinations, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
5. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Moment
If you’re waiting for the stars to align, you might be waiting forever. Take the leap, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. As Luisa says, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Have you traveled somewhere that changed your life? Do you have a dream destination you’re hoping to visit? Or maybe you have your own travel tips for fellow GrayVine readers? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
But for Luisa Yu, age is just a number—and the world is her playground. This remarkable woman has achieved what most of us only dream about: she’s set foot in every single one of the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations.
That’s right—every last one, from the sun-drenched beaches of Fiji to the snow-capped peaks of Kyrgyzstan, and everywhere in between.
A Dream Born in the Philippines
Luisa’s story begins in the Philippines, where as a young girl, she was captivated by the sweeping landscapes she saw in movies.
“When I went to the movies, I saw these beautiful backdrops—the scenery, the nature, the rivers, the mountains—and that fascinated me,” she recalls. “That’s why I always thought someday I will go to these places and travel.”
Her journey started in earnest when she moved to the United States as an exchange student at 23. Like many new arrivals, she was limited in where she could go at first.
But Luisa didn’t let that stop her. She hopped on Greyhound buses and crisscrossed the country, soaking in the diversity of America, one state at a time.
A 79-year-old woman named Luisa Yu has fulfilled her lifelong dream of traveling to all 193 United Nations member countries, becoming one of only two Filipinos recognized as a “UN Master” by Nomad Mania. Image source: R23 KH / Youtube.
“Greyhound was the best because you just hop in. Then the next day, you’re in another state,” she says with a laugh.
From Medical Technologist to World Explorer
Luisa’s professional life began in the medical technology field, but her wanderlust was insatiable.
She soon pivoted to a career as a travel agent, giving her the flexibility to explore the globe.
Over the next five decades, she made it her mission to see as much of the world as possible—Italy’s rolling hills, Thailand’s bustling markets, Libya’s ancient ruins, Iran’s storied cities, and beyond.
But it wasn’t just about ticking countries off a list. For Luisa, travel was about connection, curiosity, and courage.
“Even though some places were considered dangerous, I said, ‘I think I can do this. I want to see these places with my own eyes because there’s a lot of history and culture that happened there,’” she explains.
The Final Country: A Celebration in Serbia
After decades of adventure, Luisa set her sights on a truly audacious goal: visiting all 193 UN member states.
She saved Serbia for last, at the urging of friends who wanted to celebrate her achievement with her.
She credits her experiences with helping her realize that people around the world are more alike than different, noting that most are “very kind and very helpful” and share similar hopes for better opportunities. Image source: R23 KH / Youtube.
When she arrived, she was greeted with a surprise party—balloons, banners, and friends from around the world. “Little did I know that when I arrived, they were already having all these preparations for me. It was a big surprise,” she says, her voice brimming with joy.
A “UN Master” and a Citizen of the World
Luisa’s accomplishment has earned her the title of “UN Master” from Nomad Mania, an organization that tracks the world’s most intrepid travelers.
She’s one of only two people from the Philippines to have visited every country on earth—a feat that puts her in a truly elite club.
But for Luisa, the real reward isn’t the accolades or the stamps in her passport. It’s the people she’s met and the lessons she’s learned.
“I have seen a lot of things from different people, their life and their cultures—I learned a lot,” she reflects. “And I find that everybody is like us. They have a dream for a better job and a better opportunity, and most of them are very, very kind and very helpful.”
Lessons from a Lifetime of Travel
Luisa’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and open-mindedness.
She’s navigated language barriers, political unrest, and the inevitable travel hiccups that come with venturing off the beaten path.
Through it all, she’s discovered that, at our core, people everywhere share the same hopes and dreams.
Source: Good Morning America / Youtube.
Her advice for aspiring travelers—no matter your age?
“Don’t be afraid, go out, travel. Don’t wait for anybody because if the opportunity comes, it might never happen again. Just be yourself. And also, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Nothing is going to be impossible. You just have to go out there.”
Traveling in Your Golden Years: Tips from Luisa’s Playbook
Inspired by Luisa’s story? You don’t have to visit every country to experience the joys of travel.
Here are a few tips, inspired by her adventures, for making the most of your own journeys—whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure:
1. Start Where You Are
Luisa began her travels right here in the US, exploring by bus. There’s a world of wonder in your own backyard—national parks, historic towns, quirky roadside attractions. Don’t overlook the treasures close to home.
Yu began her travels after moving from the Philippines to the United States as an exchange student, initially exploring the US by Greyhound bus before expanding to countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Image source: R23 KH / Youtube.
2. Embrace Flexibility
Travel doesn’t always go as planned. Flights get delayed, weather changes, and sometimes you end up somewhere you never expected. Luisa’s secret? Go with the flow and see every detour as a new adventure.
3. Make Connections
Some of Luisa’s fondest memories are of the people she met along the way. Strike up conversations, join group tours, or stay in local guesthouses. You never know who you’ll meet—or how they might change your perspective.
4. Travel Smart and Safe
Luisa visited countries that many would consider risky, but she did her homework and took precautions. Research your destinations, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
5. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Moment
If you’re waiting for the stars to align, you might be waiting forever. Take the leap, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. As Luisa says, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Have you traveled somewhere that changed your life? Do you have a dream destination you’re hoping to visit? Or maybe you have your own travel tips for fellow GrayVine readers? Share your stories and questions in the comments below!
