Few people can claim to have seen the entire world, but travel creator Drew Binsky is one of them. After years of exploring the globe and setting foot in every recognized country, he has finally revealed the destination that impressed him more than any other.

For Binsky, the answer is clear: the Philippines.

The American traveler, originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, began his ambitious quest in 2015 with the goal of visiting every country on Earth. Over the following years, he built a massive online audience by documenting his adventures and sharing stories from both popular tourist hotspots and places rarely featured on travel itineraries.

His journey eventually took him to all 197 countries he counted on his list, making him one of the most recognized travel content creators online. Along the way, he also authored the travel book Just Go, which encourages readers to explore the world beyond their comfort zones.

A Life-Changing Introduction to Travel

Binsky's passion for international travel began during a study-abroad program in Prague while attending college. The experience opened his eyes to different cultures and inspired him to see more of the world.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 2013, he moved to South Korea, where he worked as an English teacher. Although teaching was not part of his original career plan, living in Seoul became a turning point in his life.

He has often spoken about how his first arrival in Asia sparked a deep curiosity about the world. During school holidays, he traveled extensively across neighboring countries, gradually turning his love for exploration into a full-time profession.

By 2015, he decided to leave South Korea and dedicate himself completely to a mission that many considered impossible: visiting every country on the planet.

Exploring Beyond the Tourist Trail

Unlike many travel influencers who focus on famous landmarks and luxury destinations, Binsky made a point of visiting countries that are frequently misunderstood.

His travels took him to places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, destinations often associated with conflict and instability. Rather than highlighting danger, he focused on meeting local communities and sharing stories that challenged common stereotypes.

Throughout his travels, he discovered that hospitality and kindness could be found almost everywhere, even in countries that receive negative international attention.

This approach earned him a loyal audience who appreciated his efforts to showcase the human side of global travel.

Challenges Along the Way

Traveling to every nation was far from easy. Visa restrictions, political tensions, and security concerns created numerous obstacles.

One of the most difficult countries for Binsky to enter was Venezuela, where diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela complicated the visa process. After considerable effort, he managed to secure permission to enter shortly before his visit.

He has also noted that some destinations in Eastern Europe felt less welcoming to foreign visitors compared to other parts of the world. Nevertheless, he believes these experiences were an important part of understanding different cultures.

Dangerous Moments on the Road

Not every destination felt safe.

Binsky has openly discussed some of the more challenging situations he encountered during his travels. Among them, Mogadishu, Somalia, stands out as the place where he felt most vulnerable.

He described traveling through the city under heavy security protection and recalled learning that a hotel he had previously stayed in was later targeted in an attack.

Other difficult experiences included being pursued by police and confronted by locals while photographing parts of N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. In Libya, he spent nights listening to explosions during periods of political unrest.

Despite these incidents, he believes that visiting complex and often misunderstood destinations provided some of the most valuable lessons of his life.

Completing a Historic Journey

After years of constant travel, Binsky officially completed his goal in October 2021. Saudi Arabia became the final country on his list, marking the end of an extraordinary global adventure.

The achievement further strengthened his reputation as one of the world's most influential travel storytellers.

Yet after experiencing countless cultures, landscapes, and cities, one country continued to stand out above all others.

Why the Philippines Is His Favorite Country

According to Binsky, the Philippines offers a combination of natural beauty, safety, and hospitality that is difficult to match.

From tropical islands and crystal-clear beaches to vibrant local culture and delicious cuisine, he believes the country delivers everything a traveler could hope for in a single destination.

However, what impressed him most was not the scenery but the people.

He frequently praises the warmth and friendliness of Filipinos, describing the feeling of being welcomed like family from the moment visitors arrive.

The country also holds special personal meaning for me. His wife, Deanna Sallao, is Filipino, and the couple married in the Philippines in 2023. Even so, Binsky has explained that his admiration for the country began long before they met.

While he and his wife have discussed living in Dubai in the future because of its lifestyle and opportunities, his opinion on the world's best travel destination remains unchanged.

After visiting every country on Earth, Drew Binsky still considers the Philippines the one place that rises above the rest.