Luisa Yu has dreamed of traveling to every country since she was 23 years old.
The 79-year-old woman told Good Morning America that it was a “dream come true” after achieving her goal of traveling to countries around the world.
Luisa Yu said she has “always” dreamed of traveling since she was a child in the Philippines.
“I [went to] movie, me [saw] “I was fascinated by this beautiful backdrop of landscapes, nature, rivers and mountains. That's why I always wanted to go and travel to these places someday,” Yu recalled.
Yu said she came to the United States as an exchange student when she was 23 and started traveling as much as possible.
“I first started working in the United States because of my status…I couldn't leave the country,” Yu explained. “So I decided to take a Greyhound bus and tour the United States.''
“Greyhound was great because you just jump in,” she continued. “And the next day, you’re in a different state.”
After working in the medical technology field, Yu accepted a second career as a travel agent so she could have more flexibility in taking time off to travel.
For the past 50 years, she has traveled everywhere she can, from European countries such as Italy to Asian countries such as Thailand, and even African countries such as Libya and Middle Eastern countries such as Iran.
Ultimately, she said she decided she wanted to visit all 193 countries that are members of the United Nations.
“nevertheless [some places were considered] Dangerous, I said, “I think I can do this.”I want to see places like this [with] There was a lot of history and culture there,” Yu said of his motivation.
After being persuaded by a friend to wait until the end to visit the Balkans, Yu reached his goal on November 9, 2023, and crossed Serbia off his travel bucket list.
“They said, 'We're going to get on a plane and you need to come to Serbia. We're very close too and we're going to celebrate your last country,'” she said. Little did I know that they had already prepared all this for me when I arrived. [It] I was very surprised. ”
Nomad Mania recognized Yu as one of two Filipinos to become “United Nations Masters” who have traveled to all 193 countries.
After visiting so many countries and meeting countless people along the way, many of whom became friends, Yu realized that we are all more similar than we thought. said.
“I've seen a lot from different people, their lives, their cultures. I've learned a lot,” she said. “And it turns out that everyone is just like us. They have dreams of better jobs and better opportunities, and most of them are very, very kind, very kind.”
For others dreaming of traveling, Yuu encourages them to take the leap.
“I always tell them, 'Don't be afraid, go out and travel,'” Yu said. “Don't wait for anyone, because if the chance comes, it may never happen again. Just be yourself. And also, if there's a will, there's a way. Nothing is impossible. I don’t have any. I just have to get out there.’”
