A Journey Beckons: One Woman’s Dream to Visit Every Country
While many people have dreamed of doing it, one woman in her 60s is determined to get to every country in the world.
She’s got a big head start on her bucket list, too.
Lynn Stephenson, a former office administrator, took a courageous step at 62. She sold her house and left her job, fueled by a passion for travel and a desire to explore every corner of our planet.
Trading Stability for Adventure
She traded her cozy two-bedroom cottage for the ever-changing landscapes of hotels and hostels. The comfort of home was exchanged for the thrill of new experiences, igniting her love for travel. According to a report from news agency SWNS, what began as a fleeting thought became a resolute decision. “In November 2022, I decided to sell up. It was always on the radar, and I wanted to do it,” she expressed.
At 62, Lynn has already visited an astonishing 168 countries. With just 27 left to explore, she pursues her globe-trotting aspirations relentlessly. But let’s pause for a moment here. This isn’t just a race to check off a list; it’s a transformation and a reflection on what it means to truly live.
The Catalyst for Change
Before diving into this adventure, Lynn took several trips over the years. This time, however, she is determined to see it through to the end. Selling her semi-detached home in Carlton, Nottingham, brought her approximately $173,000 after settling her mortgage. That money fuels her adventures as she continues to share her experiences on social media. A journey that started for her own fulfillment has become a source of inspiration for many.
In recent travels, she’s been “island hopping” in the South Pacific. “Every day is an adventure,” she beams. Yet, she candidly admits, “It’s not all fun and games,” highlighting the complexities of travel. There are challenges, but the calmness that travel brings her is invaluable.
A Push from an Unlikely Source
What drove her to make this life-altering decision? Surprisingly, it was the COVID lockdowns that ignited her desire to roam. “COVID gave me the complete push that I needed to do it,” she told SWNS. The confinement was contrary to her spirit, and once restrictions eased, she was on a flight to Italy just two days later. “I had never believed that you could lock down the entire world,” she reflected, underscoring how fleeting life can be.
Since embracing full-time travel in late 2022, Lynn has checked off experiences in Nepal, Bhutan, Iraq, and beyond, weaving a rich tapestry of stories and cultures along the way. Yet, she finds it challenging to choose a favorite country; each destination offers something uniquely beautiful and profound.
Lynn’s heart swells when she reminisces about her time in the Galápagos Islands. “I went for eight days and stayed for 16,” she chuckles. Where else could one swim alongside penguins, sharks, and sea lions? In the Galápagos, the beauty of nature is indisputable, and she has witnessed wonders like giant tortoises and even a seahorse. “How can you compare Papua New Guinea to Italy?” she muses. “They’re completely different.” With this thought, she encourages others to truly engage in the journey of travel.
Finding Humanity in Every Journey
What stands out most for Lynn, however, are the people she meets along the way. “Traveling has shown me that the world is full of really kind, hospitable people,” she reflects, countering the narrative many hold. Fear does not easily take root in her heart. She finds excitement in the unknown, though she acknowledges certain countries will prove more challenging. “Countries like Haiti and North Korea will have their hurdles,” she admits, contemplating future travels.
In the coming year, Australia beckons, where she plans to reconnect with friends made during her travels. With sights set on Bangladesh and Brunei for 2025, the adventure doesn’t stop. When she finally completes her quest, revisiting cherished spots will be part of her “epic world tour.” The motto on her travel blog, “Dare, dream, discover,” encapsulates her philosophy. And she adds with a smile, “A smile for every mile.”
Ultimately, Lynn Stephenson’s journey reflects a powerful truth: life is fleeting, but experiences and connections last forever. In the end, what matters most is the stories we gather and the lives we touch along the way.
