79-year-old Filipina Luisa Yu has marked Serbia as her 193rd and final destination in her decades-long journey across every United Nations-recognized country. The Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) confirmed that Yu arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, on November 9, completing a remarkable world travel itinerary that began when she was just 23.
Yu’s travel adventures started in the United States, where she balanced her studies with extensive travel. Her passion for exploration led her to leave her nursing career in Miami, opting instead for a life funded by property investments. This decision allowed her to fully indulge in her wanderlust.
Described by PGE as “not your average traveler,” Yu has been a prominent figure in the travel community. Her adventurous spirit was evident when she went tandem skydiving over The Palm in Dubai at 77. Yu’s travels have not just been about ticking countries off a list; she has immersed herself in local cultures, visited tribes, and received accolades such as PGE’s Most Adventurous Explorer award and the title of “Most Positive Traveler” by NomadMania in 2022.
The decision to make Serbia her final stop was influenced by fellow travelers, who celebrated her achievement upon her arrival in Belgrade. The PGE highlighted the challenges Yu faced, noting her perseverance and determination in completing her travel goal.
Yu’s journey serves as an inspiration to young travelers, encouraging them to save, work hard, and believe in their dreams. She joins Odette Aquitania Ricasa, another Filipina, in the exclusive list of individuals who have visited all UN-recognized countries, a feat Ricasa completed in 2022.