The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) is a unique gathering of some of the world’s most ambitious travelers – people who are on a mission to visit every country on Earth. This festival was created by Ric Gazarian, a well-known extreme traveler himself, and the first edition took place in Armenia in 2022. For its second installment, ETF landed in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together a community of like-minded adventurers.
Most of the attendees at ETF are chasing the goal of visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries, while some go even further, following an extended list of 197 countries, which also includes territories like Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, and Vatican City. It’s a place where travelers share their incredible stories, experiences, and insights into visiting some of the most offbeat and challenging destinations in the world.
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with three fascinating travelers who have pushed boundaries, overcome obstacles, and experienced the world in ways few can imagine.
Lakshmi Parthasarathy:
From Google to the Unknown
Growing up as a first-generation Indian-American in Boston, Lakshmi Parthasarathy’s journey into extreme travel wasn’t exactly planned. She studied computer science at Harvard, landed a comfortable job at Google in New York City, and was on a path toward a promising tech career. But wanderlust had other plans for her.
Her first big international trip took her far beyond the usual study-abroad experience – she chose Ghana, a destination most of her peers wouldn’t have considered. That trip changed everything. Over time, the call of adventure grew too strong, and she left her corporate life behind to become a full-time traveler and content creator.
But Lakshmi doesn’t just visit places – she immerses herself in them. Some of her wildest experiences include:
- Traveling solo through Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
- Hitchhiking across Saudi Arabia
- Living with the Penan tribe in Borneo, where she learned to hunt using blowpipes and poison darts
But one of her most extraordinary adventures took place in Somalia, where she didn’t just pass through as a tourist – she stayed.
“I first visited Mogadishu on a brief tour with a guide, a bullet-proof vehicle, and armed security. But that wasn’t enough. I wanted to see more. So I came back and traveled overland, spending two months exploring the country. I ended up starring in a Bollywood skit, getting TikTok famous, and… well, eventually getting deported.”
Joel Oleson:
The Tech Evangelist Who Conquered the World
Joel Oleson’s story is one of blending technology, adventure, and storytelling. He’s not just a traveler – he’s a tech evangelist, speaker, and content creator, known for sharing insights at major tech conferences around the world. His passion for both technology and travel has shaped his unique perspective, allowing him to bridge the gap between digital innovation and global exploration.
Joel has visited every single UN-recognized country, earning the prestigious title of UN Master by Nomad Mania. But he doesn’t stop at simply ticking countries off a list. Instead, he dives deep into the cultures he visits, always looking for the hidden gems that many travelers overlook.
“I love discovering places that people don’t talk about – whether it’s remote islands, lesser-known UNESCO sites, or ancient trade routes that have faded from modern maps.”
Raiiq’s Journey:
Overcoming Travel Barriers with a Bangladeshi Passport
Raiiq is a doctor living in the UK, but his travel story is shaped by the challenges of holding a Bangladeshi passport. Unlike travelers from Western countries who can often enter destinations visa-free or with minimal hassle, Raiiq has to navigate a complex web of visa requirements and embassy visits before he can even board a plane.
“Traveling with a Bangladeshi passport means extra planning and patience. There are so many places I’d love to visit, but the visa process can take weeks – or sometimes even months.”
Yet, despite these challenges, Raiiq has traveled extensively and continues to push forward on his journey to see every country in the world. His ability to find ways around obstacles is inspiring. Whether it’s making use of transit visas or carefully structuring his trips around embassy timelines, he’s proving that travel isn’t just about where you’re from – it’s about how determined you are to make it happen.
A Journey Rooted in History and Culture
Joel has a deep fascination with history, and that passion has shaped the way he travels. He isn’t just ticking countries off a list; he’s immersing himself in the past, learning about cultures, and understanding how history has influenced the modern world.
“Every country has a story. When you travel with an interest in history, you start to see connections between places and events that you’d never fully grasp otherwise.”
His perspective brings an added depth to the experience of visiting new destinations. Instead of simply sightseeing, he takes the time to understand the historical significance of the places he visits. Whether exploring ancient ruins or walking through cities with rich colonial legacies, Joel’s approach to travel is as much about education as it is about adventure.
Breaking Barriers as a Solo Female Traveler
Lakshmi’s journey as a traveler is equally inspiring. She has traveled extensively and often alone, breaking the stereotypes of what solo travel looks like. Many people assume that traveling alone as a woman – especially in certain parts of the world – is difficult or even dangerous, but Lakshmi has shown that with the right mindset and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
“Solo travel teaches you so much about yourself. It builds confidence, forces you to step out of your comfort zone, and helps you connect with people in ways you wouldn’t if you were traveling in a group.”
Her experiences highlight the importance of preparation and intuition. While she acknowledges the need to be cautious, she also emphasizes that most people she has encountered on her travels have been welcoming, kind, and eager to help.
What Drives These Travelers?
While their backgrounds and motivations for traveling may differ, all three of my guests share a common passion for exploring the world. Whether it’s overcoming passport restrictions, diving deep into history, or embracing the challenges of solo travel, they each have unique perspectives on what makes travel so special.
Their stories serve as a reminder that the world is vast, full of lessons, and open to those who are willing to embrace it – no matter where they come from or what challenges they face.
The Beauty of Travel:
A Shared Passion Across Borders
As my conversation with Lakshmi, Raiiq, and Joel came to an end, one thing was clear – travel is not just about visiting new places. It’s about breaking barriers, gaining new perspectives, and forging connections across cultures. Whether overcoming passport restrictions, diving deep into history, or embracing the thrill of solo travel, each of them shared a unique but deeply relatable perspective.
Their stories reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. Every journey teaches us something – about the world, about people, and about ourselves.
What’s Your Biggest Travel Challenge?
Hearing these incredible travelers talk about their experiences made me wonder: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while traveling? Was it a visa hurdle, a cultural misunderstanding, or something completely unexpected? I’d love to hear your story.
Send me a message at listener@theradiovagabond.com, or leave a voice message by clicking the “Talk to Me” button below or fill out the form on theradiovagabond.com/contact. You can also reach out on Instagram @radiovagabond or share your story in the comments on The Radio Vagabond Facebook page.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll feature your story in a future episode!
More Travel Stories Coming Soon
If you’ve been following along, you know that this is part of my interview series recorded at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok – a gathering of passionate travelers aiming to visit every country in the world. I still have more fascinating conversations lined up, so make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast.
And if you’re craving more travel content, I’m currently working on my next series from Ghana. It might take a few weeks before those episodes are ready, but in the meantime, I’ll be sharing updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes stories on The Radio Vagabond Facebook page. Follow along for more!
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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