In an era of budget flights and remote work, many Europeans consider themselves well-traveled. But a select group—those who have set foot in every country on Earth—offers a uniquely authoritative perspective on where to go next. The Most Traveled People community, founded by Charles Veley in 2005, tracks members' journeys across capitals, regions, restaurants, and dive sites. Its elite tier, the UN Grandmasters, requires rigorous verification: applicants must provide passport stamps or geotagged photos from 25 of the most challenging destinations—such as Syria, Kiribati, and North Korea—plus 25 randomly selected countries. Layovers don't count. To date, 122 individuals have earned the title.
At a recent gathering in Portugal, Euronews Travel surveyed these globetrotters about their favorite destinations. The results offer a mix of familiar classics and surprising gems, with a strong European focus.
Europe's Favorites: Italy Reigns Supreme
Italy emerged as the overwhelming favorite country in Europe, named by more than half of respondents as their top choice. Its capital, Rome, ranked fourth among favorite cities, while Florence placed tenth. Italy also won the global best-food category, with Naples highlighted as a top foodie city. One respondent explained: "Italy has an amazing culture and cuisine that is decidedly different in each region. Outside of the big cities there are endless places to discover, each with its own unique wine, cheese, pasta dish and more."
France took second place, followed by Spain, Portugal, and Greece. For those seeking less-trodden paths, Albania was named the most underrated country in Europe, with Romania close behind. The Balkans overall impressed: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Montenegro all received mentions. In the underrated cities category, Belgrade and Sarajevo were noted, but the top spot went to Slovenia's charming capital, Ljubljana. For travelers planning summer trips, the region's appeal aligns with broader trends toward evolving Mediterranean travel preferences that prioritize culture over sunbathing.
Global Highlights: Iran Tops the World List
While Japan has seen a surge in visitors, it only came second among the most traveled people's global favorites. The winner was Iran. One respondent described it as "a nation with one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth—a land of poets, philosophers, empires, gardens, mosques, bazaars and some of the warmest hospitality a traveler can experience." They added: "To travel through Iran is to walk through layers of history stretching back thousands of years: the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire and Persepolis, the sophistication of Persian literature and science, the beauty of Isfahan's mosques and bridges, the desert caravanserais of the Silk Road, and the deep traditions of Persian cuisine, music and family life."
Italy placed third globally, followed by China and Brazil. Iran also won the most underrated country category, ahead of Yemen, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Papua New Guinea.
Hidden UNESCO Gems and Unique Attractions
When asked about favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites, respondents predictably named Angkor Wat, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. But lesser-known sites also made the cut: the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia reached the top five, and the stone palaces of Nan Madol in Micronesia entered the top ten. For unique attractions, Venezuela's Canaima National Park—home to the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall—Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and Antarctica were repeatedly cited.
These insights come as European travel evolves, with short breaks and coolcations gaining popularity. Whether you're drawn to Italy's regional diversity, the Balkans' underrated charm, or Iran's ancient wonders, the world's most traveled people offer a roadmap for meaningful exploration.
