Many people dream of exploring the world, but for Lynn Stephenson, a woman in her 60s, this dream became a reality. Determined to visit every country on Earth, Lynn sold her home, quit her office job, and set out on an adventure of a lifetime. With a deep passion for travel, she’s well on her way, already having visited 168 countries, and plans to complete her journey in the next year.
Turning Dreams into Reality: The Journey Begins
In November 2022, Lynn, who had worked as an office administrator, decided to take the leap. She sold her semi-detached home in Carlton, Nottingham, England, and pocketed around $173,000 after paying off her mortgage. This financial cushion fueled her travels, and she started her quest to visit every country on her bucket list.
Having already traveled to various destinations in the past, Lynn knew this time would be different. She was committed, and there was no turning back. As she continued her journey, she gained a significant following on social media, sharing her adventures and inspiring others to follow their own travel dreams.
The Push from the Pandemic: A New Perspective on Life
Lynn credits the COVID-19 pandemic as the catalyst that gave her the final push to pursue her dream. She explains that the global lockdowns made her realize the preciousness of time. “I had never believed that you could lock down the entire world,” she said. The moment the UK lockdown lifted in July 2020, Lynn was on a plane to Italy, ready to start her new chapter.
Adventures Across the Globe
Since starting her full-time travels in late 2022, Lynn has checked off countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan. She’s experienced everything from the vibrant culture of Papua New Guinea to the historical sites of Italy, and she finds it impossible to pick a favorite country.
One of her most memorable experiences was visiting the Galápagos Islands, where she swam with penguins, sharks, and sea lions, and even spotted giant tortoises and a seahorse. “I went for eight days and stayed for 16,” Lynn recalled with a smile. Her travels have shown her that the world is full of kind, hospitable people, regardless of common misconceptions.
Facing Challenges and Embracing the Unknown
Traveling has not been without its challenges. Lynn is not deterred by the difficulties that sometimes arise. “I don’t get frightened very easily,” she says. While some destinations, like North Korea and Haiti, may prove tricky to visit, she remains determined to experience them. “I’ve walked in the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] in Korea, but I need to go further.”
Next on her list is Australia, where she will reconnect with friends she has made during her travels. For 2025, she’s planning to visit Bangladesh, Brunei, and return to Africa, a continent that has captured her heart. After completing her mission to visit every country, she hopes to revisit some of her favorite spots.
A Travel Motto to Live By: ‘Dare, Dream, Discover’
For Lynn, travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about embracing adventure, meeting new people, and pushing personal boundaries. Her motto, “Dare, dream, discover”, reflects her fearless approach to life and travel. “A smile for every mile,” she says, capturing the essence of her journey.
Inspiring Others to Travel
Lynn’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. By selling her home and leaving her job behind, she created a new life for herself—one that is full of adventure and discovery. Her journey shows that with courage and determination, anything is possible, no matter your age.
Source: FOX News
Leave a comment