Man who traveled to every country in the world without flying reveals the worst place he’s been to
ArchiveFirst published May 27, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Thor Pedersen, a Danish traveler, made history in 2023 by visiting every country in the world without taking a single flight — a journey that took nearly a decade. While he experienced countless cultures and landscapes, he didn’t love every stop.
In an interview with UNILAD, Thor called Tuvalu the “worst country in the world.” While he praised the people and beauty, he questioned the heavy international funding it receives. “Just relocate the people… Tuvalu will be underwater in 70 to 100 years,” he said, referring to the island nation’s vulnerability to rising sea levels.
Thor also slammed Vatican City, calling it another low point of his travels. “You can’t stay overnight, no restaurants, and they kick you out at 11 p.m. It’s the only country that closes!” he said.
Despite these criticisms, Thor’s journey remains one of the most ambitious and inspiring travel feats ever completed — proving that even the most incredible adventures come with a few bumps along the way.
