30 countries before 30: how I planned my challenge from age 19
My storyFrom 2015 to 202533 countries
In 2015, at 19, I decided to visit 30 countries before turning 30. This is the story of how I planned it, what it cost me and how I ended up with 33.
In Ecuador, at 19, during my first solo trip.
How the challenge was born
I planned it in 2015, when I was 19, during my first solo trip to Ecuador, which I tell in Ecuador 2015: the trip that turned me into a backpacker. I wrote the idea in a notebook, visit 30 countries before turning 30, and I loved it. Besides, I had 10 years to achieve it, so I never saw it as something impossible. I always knew I would do it.
One day before turning 30
My desire was so strong that I reached country 30 one day before turning 30. That's how precise I am, and I think that's what represents me. Nobody knows how I do it, but I always achieve it and I accomplish everything I set out to do.
The hardest was the first time I went to Brazil. At that time I was a student, so I did a work and travel program in Colorado, during the season from December 2017 to March 2018. I worked very hard and saved up to be able to travel to Lollapalooza Brazil 2018, where I saw Lana Del Rey for the first time. It was something I wanted to do and it was one of the best wishes fulfilled, along with Lollapalooza Chile 2016, where I saw my other favorite artist, Florence + The Machine.
I don't have the total cost because I'm not one of those people who keep an expense sheet. I always say that if you're going to travel, do it right and never on a shoestring. To see real numbers of what I spend on each trip, I wrote How to travel without spending much: my real costs and what I never cut.
What did cost me were the sacrifices. I missed important moments like weddings and birthdays, even those of my mom, my grandmother and my siblings.
My 33 countries
This is my list, in the order I got to know them. The countries that have an article on my blog have a link, and you can also see them on the interactive map.
If you count the Vatican, which I visited on my first trip to Italy, it would be 34. I stick with 33 because that's how I numbered them throughout the whole challenge, and for me the Vatican is a bonus.
If you want to start your list of countries, I'll build you a tailor-made map with the destinations and criteria you choose, so each trip brings you closer to your goal.
When did I plan the challenge of 30 countries before 30?
In 2015, when I was 19, during my first solo trip to Ecuador. I wrote the idea in a notebook and I had 10 years to achieve it.
Which was country 30 of my challenge?
India. I arrived one day before turning 30 and celebrated my birthday at the Taj Mahal.
How many countries do I know in total?
33 countries, or 34 if you count the Vatican, which I visited on my first trip to Italy.
Which was the hardest country to reach?
Brazil, the first time. I was a student, so I did a work and travel in Colorado, worked hard and saved up to go to Lollapalooza Brazil 2018.
How much does a challenge like this cost?
I don't keep an expense sheet, but in my article about costs I share real numbers from my trips to Colombia and Europe.
What cost me the most?
The sacrifices. I missed important moments like weddings and birthdays, even those of my mom, my grandmother and my siblings.
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