Traveling internationally with a significant other is a dream for many, but one couple has made it a reality. Hudson and Emily Crider, who hail from Pennsylvania, have accomplished the incredible feat of visiting every country on Earth, with the exception of Sudan due to its ongoing humanitarian crisis. In just eight years, they have explored 197 countries, from walking across the small nation of Tuvalu in under a minute to spending a night on the Great Wall of China.
Their journey began with a quest to visit all 50 states in the US before embarking on their global adventure, which they concluded with a relaxing trip to the Bahamas before preparing to welcome their first child in June.
Reflecting on their experiences, the Criders emphasized the kindness of the people they encountered around the world. Despite cultural differences, a smile was a universal language that transcended all barriers. They were touched by the warm welcomes and assistance they received in each country, which left a lasting impact on them.
Among the less-traveled destinations they visited, Uzbekistan stood out for its impressive culture, food, and hospitality. Namibia also surprised Emily with its stunning landscapes, while Hudson praised the beauty of the Patagonia region in Argentina.
Thailand was highlighted as one of their top destinations for its affordability, beauty, food, and the friendships they made during their seven-month stay. The Maldives was noted for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful beaches, making it a memorable destination for the couple.
Food played a significant role in their travels, with locals often offering meals to the Criders out of kindness. Emily fondly remembered Swiss fondue as her favorite culinary experience, while Hudson praised the cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand for their exceptional flavors.
Despite a challenging experience with food poisoning in Pakistan, the couple appreciated the hospitality and generosity of the people they encountered during their travels. They also had memorable wildlife encounters, with Kenya standing out as a destination with the best wildlife experiences, including witnessing The Great Migration at the border of Kenya and Tanzania.
Overall, the Criders’ journey around the world was filled with unforgettable moments, cultural exchanges, and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences the world has to offer. “Literalmente se sintió como una película ante nuestros ojos. Mientras algunos países eran fácilmente accesibles, otros eran un poco más complicados de alcanzar, compartieron la pareja. En África Occidental, los Criders recordaron tomando transporte público por toda la región, describiendo el vehículo como una camioneta donde “meten a tanta gente como pueden” – y a veces incluso un par de cabras. Emily también compartió su experiencia nadando con ballenas jorobadas en Tonga, notando cómo se sentía “tan pequeña” junto a ellas. Además de los viajes abarrotados en lugares como Liberia, los Criders tuvieron varios viajes de 50 a 60 horas a ciertos destinos. “La Polinesia Francesa es probablemente uno de los lugares más accesibles para las ballenas jorobadas y nadar con ellas”, comentó Hudson. “Estar en ese ambiente donde eres tan pequeño con un animal tan grande es surrealista”. Para aquellos que desean viajar internacionalmente, los Criders tienen un consejo: comiencen con bajas expectativas. “Si van a un país fuera de lo común, sepan que están allí para tener una experiencia”, aconsejó Hudson. “Establezcan expectativas bajas, y siempre se irán con una gran experiencia, porque ya sea que haya sido bueno o malo, fue una experiencia nueva”. Tailandia fue un destino destacado para los Criders debido a su asequibilidad, deliciosa comida y hermosas playas. “Realmente me encanta la cita de Hudson, ‘Piensa en las historias que quieres contar algún día y luego sal y vívelas’, porque creo que las historias lucen diferentes para diferentes personas”, agregó Emily. “Cuanto más hemos viajado, más nos ha transformado en las personas que esperábamos ser. Y creo que escuchamos eso tantas veces de otras personas que han viajado”. Angelica Stabile es una reportera de estilo de vida para Fox News Digital.”