Certainly, visiting the world without flying is an interesting and challenging endeavor that requires alternative means of transportation such as ships, trains, buses, and even personal vehicles. While it would be quite a journey, it is entirely possible to explore the world while avoiding air travel. Some individuals have indeed embarked on such journeys
After a decade of adhering to self-imposed travel rules, Gunnar Garfors Pedersen completed his journey to 203 countries by arriving in the Maldives. Departing from tradition, he opted for a ship journey back to Denmark, symbolizing a historical connection. Boarding the MV Milan Maersk, a colossal container ship, Pedersen spent 33 days at sea, relishing the changing scenery. On July 26, he made an emotional return to the Port of Aarhus, Denmark, where a crowd of around 150 well-wishers gathered to commemorate his remarkable accomplishment as a Danish Red Cross goodwill ambassador.
Among the joyous onlookers were his spouse Le (whom Pedersen proposed to on Mt. Kenya in 2016, marrying in 2021), father, siblings, friends, project associates, and numerous admirers who faithfully followed his blog, “Once Upon a Saga,” and social media accounts.
Pedersen shares that he has witnessed many teary-eyed individuals approaching him for emotional hugs upon his return. He’s been showered with gifts such as Danish beer, local foods, and even encountered supporters from various corners of the world, like Colombia, Australia, and Norway.
While juggling a flood of communication requests, Pedersen is reconnecting with his family at his father’s home. He is cherishing the simple pleasures of Denmark, such as the pristine air, early morning runs with Le, and enjoying refreshing cold Danish milk whenever possible.
Expressing his family’s immense pride, Pedersen underscores the profound love he feels. He admits that while returning home has been his long-standing aspiration, he is still processing the realization that his extraordinary journey has concluded, and he’s contemplating his next steps.
A decade of exploration and journeys.
Before embarking on his journey in 2013, Pedersen had experience in shipping and logistics, which proved valuable in planning his intricate route and making adjustments along the way. While he mostly stuck to his original plan, there were some unexpected twists. For instance, he initially overlooked the challenges of accessing Equatorial Guinea, a notoriously difficult country to enter. After numerous failed attempts, he finally obtained a visa with the help of a fortuitous encounter. Pedersen’s travel plans also took him through unexpected detours, such as having to backtrack a significant distance due to visa processing delays. Originally aiming for a four-year expedition to visit 203 countries, his timeline extended due to various unforeseen circumstances. Along his journey, Pedersen encountered significant obstacles, including prolonged visa delays, health challenges like cerebral malaria, surviving a severe storm while crossing the Atlantic, negotiating conflict zones, and facing logistical setbacks like broken-down ships.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant delay for an adventurous traveler who found himself stranded in Hong Kong for two years with only nine countries left to visit. Despite the challenging circumstances, Hong Kong became a paradoxical mix of the best and worst times of his life. He grappled with the decision of whether to abandon his travel project but ultimately embraced the situation. During his time in Hong Kong, he established a fulfilling life by cooking with friends, exploring the city’s trails, engaging with the Red Cross, delivering motivational speeches, and contributing to the Danish Seamen’s Church. He even managed to marry his fiancée, Le, through a virtual wedding service, which granted her residency and allowed them to spend quality time together. This period turned out to be the longest they had been together since he left Denmark in 2013, giving them the chance to bond and enjoy shared activities like hiking the MacLehose Trail.
The journey continued on January 5, 2022, as Pedersen departed Hong Kong and embarked across the Pacific. His initial destination was Palau, which required six months of negotiations with the government to allow his entry on a container ship. Despite a 15-day sea voyage, he faced a quarantine period of eight days in Palau due to a local outbreak. Afterward, a 16-day voyage brought him back to Hong Kong for another two-week quarantine. His determined efforts led him through Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga, where securing entry was a challenging process involving appeals to various authorities. Eventually, he received a crucial email from the Tongan prime minister granting permission. Subsequently, Pedersen journeyed to Vanuatu, where he was rejoined by Le for their in-person wedding, a heartwarming event where resort guests and staff contributed to a beautifully decorated celebration on the beach.
Pedersen faced challenges in reaching the final Pacific destination, Tuvalu, due to its remoteness and difficulty in obtaining boat parts. Despite the stunning environment and friendly locals, unexpected ship issues led to an extended two-month stay. Eventually, he returned to Fiji on a tugboat and, after a journey involving a container ship and meeting up with Le in Singapore, they explored the city before he continued his solo journey. Arriving in the Maldives, Pedersen was greeted by supporters, including Norwegian traveler Gunnar Garfors. Reflecting on his global journey, Pedersen acknowledged the exhaustion and emotions, anticipating a different kind of uncertainty upon returning home.
Pedersen’s purposeful travels spanned an impressive 3,576 days, encompassing journeys on various modes of transportation and covering a staggering 223,000 miles, equivalent to nine global circumnavigations. However, Pedersen emphasizes that his journey is more than mere statistics. It’s a celebration of human kindness, a testament to his belief that strangers are potential friends. Throughout his travels, he encountered welcoming individuals who offered hospitality, assistance, and camaraderie, dispelling the notion of a world consumed by negativity. Pedersen’s positive experiences, even in conflict-ridden or pandemic-affected areas, challenge the prevailing narrative of a daunting world often portrayed in sensationalized media.
Pedersen’s journey is a testament to his unwavering determination. Despite facing challenges that made him consider quitting, he persisted and refused to give up. His relentless perseverance has earned him a reputation for being incredibly stubborn. He believes that his success showcases the possibility of achieving any goal with dedicated effort. Through his own experience, Pedersen aims to inspire others to pursue their aspirations, no matter how audacious, whether it’s losing weight, acquiring new skills, or achieving personal milestones.
The final voyage of MV Milan Maersk marked the end of an era for Pedersen, having sailed across the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean, English Channel, and eventually reaching Denmark. Despite the project’s conclusion, he hasn’t fully processed it yet, having embraced this endeavor as an integral part of his identity after more than 3,500 days. Pedersen plans to transition from a life of constant travel to new pursuits, including spending quality time with his wife and establishing a family. His achievements are intertwined with his wife’s impressive feats during his travels, such as earning a medical degree, a PhD, excelling in Ironman triathlons, and advancing her career.
Pedersen is collaborating with filmmaker Mike Douglas on a documentary titled “The Impossible Journey” and intends to document his experiences in a book. He envisions sharing his journey through public speaking engagements, leveraging his refined skills in captivating and connecting with audiences. Pedersen’s personal growth from discomfort to confidence on stage has revealed his strength in engaging with people, and he aspires to inspire others through his talks, fostering laughter, learning, and unwavering determination.