After becoming the first female to visit all the countries on our planet, Cassie De Pecol decided to share her 7 favorite destinations. Cez and Agness from eTramping.com—an adventure travel blog that provides unique travel tips and interesting facts about destinations across the globe—were particularly inspired by the story of Cassie De Pecol, a young woman who has been to every country in the world. Since both of them are experienced travelers, it only makes sense that they take advice from other seasoned adventurers like Cassie.
Cassie De Pecol Shares Her 7 Favorite Destinations
Cassie De Pecol achieved what most people could only dream of. This young woman from Connecticut managed to travel to every single one of the 196 sovereign nations on our planet. Not only did Cassie become the first woman to accomplish this, but she also became the fastest person to visit every country in the world. This 27-year-old traveler managed to tour the entire globe in just 18 months and 26 days, significantly beating the previous record of three years and three months.
Cassie embarked on her epic adventure in July 2015 and completed it in February 2017. She spent about two to five days in each country, with her total journey ending up costing around $137,000. Although her primary goal was to promote global peace, she also decided to share some of her favorite destinations for travel enthusiasts around the globe. Here are her top 7 picks:
1. Maldives
First off, Cassie recommends visiting the Maldives if you want to see “the bluest water, the whitest sand, and the most stunning beaches.” It comes as no surprise that this country made it onto her list, considering it’s one of the most adored travel destinations on the planet. Although you may assume this nation is exclusively for the rich, you can actually stay in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, for less than $25 a day.
The Maldives is best known for having some of the most idyllic beaches on Earth. People come here to relax and forget about the daily grind, often exploring by availing of a curated Maldives tour package. If you’re looking to take it slow for several days, this island nation is the perfect vacation spot.
If you have a strong interest in marine life, you will be pleasantly surprised by just how crystal-clear the waters of the Maldives are. Because the ocean is so warm here, most divers don't even need to wear a wetsuit!
2. Mongolia
Cassie De Pecol says you should definitely visit Mongolia if you want “to be immersed in the remote wilderness and to ride wild horses.” Most travelers probably wouldn’t place this country at the top of their lists, but she absolutely fell in love with it.
Mongolia is the ultimate travel destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. If you love exploring natural beauty in peace and quiet, you will undoubtedly want to spend plenty of time here. It’s hard not to fall in love with the pristine camping spots and endless hiking trails Mongolia has to offer.
3. Tunisia
More specifically, Cassie recommends visiting the cliffside town of Sidi Bou Said, which is relatively close to Tunisia’s capital. She noted that this country lets you “experience North African culture with a Middle Eastern feel and an immense amount of archaeological history.”
Sidi Bou Said is perched on top of a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its simple yet alluring blue-and-white architecture. Due to its picturesque beauty, the town can get quite crowded with tour groups during the day. However, if you prefer peace and quiet, you can truly appreciate its charm after sunset once day-trippers depart.
4. Costa Rica
“Monkeys, fresh fruit, good music, and volcanoes. Need I say more?” This was Cassie's summary when describing Costa Rica as one of her favorite countries in the world.
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, offering some of the most vibrant hiking trails on Earth. A few short hikes allow you to witness incredible biodiversity across tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls. Afterward, you can easily transition to taking surf lessons or relaxing on the country's great beaches.
5. Bhutan
Cassie De Pecol suggests visiting Bhutan to “learn the ethics of peaceful living.” It’s easy to see why she felt this way, given how deeply ingrained traditional Buddhist culture is in the everyday lives of the Bhutanese people.
Aside from experiencing the raw allure of the Himalayan landscape, visitors have the chance to hike up to Paro Taktsang, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest—one of the most famous and striking Buddhist monasteries in the world.
Reflecting on her trek to Tiger’s Nest, Cassie noted: “The pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang was something out of Avatar—a dream to trek through low-hanging clouds with a harrowing drop at any given moment on either side. Prayer flags swayed through the pines, prayer wheels spun in the breeze, and tsa-tsas [memorial ashes] were wedged tightly between crevices of stone.”
6. Oman
Cassie spoke very highly of the Middle East, noting: “All of the negative things we hear in the news and from politicians about Muslims and the Middle East couldn’t be further from the truth regarding how kind, helpful, and happy the people are. The culture is deeply unique, the landscapes are breathtaking, and the food is delicious.”
With that perspective, Oman easily earned a spot on her list. She recommends visiting to immerse yourself “in the desert and mountains while learning from locals who live among the peaks—it’s an entirely different lifestyle.”
7. Pakistan
Cassie shared that she was eager to visit Pakistan, even enduring a four-month wait for her visa to be approved. Upon arrival, she wasn't disappointed in the slightest, describing her trip as deeply educational and culturally enriching. She specifically recommends visiting “to get a true sense of raw, authentic Asian culture, and for the incredible food.”
Everyone has their own favorite vacation spots based on personal preference. Some people enjoy bustling big cities, while others constantly search for secluded retreats. However, if you are ever unsure where to go next, you might want to take a cue from Cassie De Pecol. After all, she did visit every single country in the world...
What’s the best country that you’ve ever been to?
About the Guest Writers
Agness and Cez are travel buddies and best friends. Originally hailing from Poland, they ditched their 9-to-5 jobs in favor of taking off for unique adventures around the world. Ever since 2011, they have documented their global journeys on their travel blog, eTramping.
