She set off traveling alone aged 13 and now she’s visited nearly every country
She set off traveling alone aged 13 and now she’s visited nearly every country
She set off traveling alone aged 13 – Sophia Lee, a 20-year-old adventurer, began her journey of exploration at the age of 13 when she took her first solo trip. What started as a spontaneous decision quickly became a lifelong passion, propelling her toward a remarkable feat: becoming the youngest individual to have visited almost every UN-recognized country or territory. Currently, she is just nine nations away from surpassing the record held by Lexie Alford, who completed the challenge at 21 years and 177 days in 2019. Lee’s path to this milestone is as extraordinary as the destinations she has explored, blending personal growth, cultural immersion, and a relentless drive to push boundaries.
A Family of Explorers
Lee’s love for travel was nurtured from an early age by a family deeply rooted in global exploration. Her grandparents, who were volunteers in the Peace Corps, shared countless stories of their experiences abroad, sparking her curiosity about the world. These tales instilled in her a sense of wanderlust that she carried with her as she embarked on her own adventures. By the time she was 13, Lee had already begun to test her independence, traveling solo to Costa Rica—a trip that would ultimately set her on the course to break the world record.
At 17, Lee officially began her record attempt, but the journey was not without obstacles. Before that, she had already taken to the skies alone in 2019, when she received written permission from her parents to fly out of the United States. The experience, though initially met with cautious scrutiny, was pivotal for her. “They were concerned I was running away or something like that,” she explained, recalling the extra security checks she faced at the airport in Costa Rica. Despite these moments of doubt, Lee’s confidence grew as she navigated unfamiliar environments and learned to rely on her own instincts.
Building Confidence Through Solo Travel
Lee’s travels have been instrumental in shaping her identity and self-assurance. She described how her early years were marked by social anxiety, but the act of planning and executing her own trips helped her overcome these fears. “It’s been a way to build self-confidence,” she said, reflecting on the transformative power of solo journeys. Her first solo trip to Costa Rica, where she explored the Nicoya Peninsula’s lush jungles and pristine beaches, was a turning point. It was there that she began to understand the freedom and fulfillment that come from traveling independently.
Since that first solo adventure, Lee has continued to travel nonstop, often forgoing traditional school structures to pursue her global ambitions. Homeschooled, she was able to tailor her schedule to accommodate frequent trips, allowing her to maintain her education while embracing the world. At 16, she graduated high school early and decided to prioritize travel over pursuing a degree in film, a field she had initially considered. “I wanted to keep moving,” she said, highlighting her desire to experience as much of the globe as possible before reaching adulthood.
The Road to the Record
Lee’s determination to break the record came after she learned of Lexie Alford’s achievement. Though she initially doubted her ability to match or exceed it, the challenge became a personal mission. To qualify, she had to meet strict criteria: travel with a tracking device, submit GPS data, and use public transportation for all journeys. Additionally, she needed to revisit the 50 countries she had already visited, ensuring her path was comprehensive and well-documented.
Her initial attempt in 2023 was derailed by a family situation that required a pause. However, Lee remained undeterred, resuming her travels in 2024. “I went three years without seeing some of my family, and it’s been a year since I’ve seen my parents,” she shared, emphasizing the sacrifices involved. Despite the absence of her loved ones, her sister occasionally joins her in accessible destinations, offering a touch of home amid the nomadic lifestyle.
Lee’s approach to budgeting has been as meticulous as her planning. She initially lived on an “extreme budget” of $100 per country, often relying on overnight buses and local accommodations to stretch her resources. This frugality, combined with her resourcefulness, allowed her to sustain her travels for years. However, as her story gained traction, she secured sponsorships and brand partnerships, which provided financial support and amplified her global reach.
Traveling the World, One Nation at a Time
Her record attempt began in Europe, where she traveled to the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia by ferry. Lee described Europe as the most accessible region for budget travelers, noting its affordability and well-connected public transport networks. “It’s been the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore,” she said, reflecting on how these early experiences prepared her for more challenging destinations.
From Europe, she ventured into Asia and the Middle East, where she encountered new cultures and landscapes. Each country added to her collection of experiences, and she often balanced her travels with volunteer work, such as assisting at wildlife sanctuaries and schools. This dual approach not only funded her journeys but also deepened her connection to the places she visited, allowing her to give back while continuing her quest for global exploration.
As she continues her mission, Lee remains focused on her goal: to visit every country in the world before she turns 22. She has already made significant progress, but the road ahead is long. “It’s about proving that young people can achieve extraordinary things if they’re willing to work for it,” she said in a recent interview with CNN Travel. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who dream of traveling alone, showing that with courage, planning, and passion, the world can be conquered at any age.
Looking Ahead
Lee’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and curiosity. What began as a childhood dream has evolved into a global endeavor, blending personal growth with a commitment to cultural exchange. As she moves closer to her goal, she hopes to share her experiences with others, encouraging them to take their own steps into the unknown. “Meeting people from different backgrounds and learning from their lives has been one of the best experiences you can have as a young person,” she emphasized, underscoring the value of travel beyond mere sightseeing.
Her journey also highlights the importance of adaptability. While she initially struggled with the idea of traveling solo, she has since embraced the challenges that come with it. From navigating unfamiliar airports to overcoming social anxiety, each step has contributed to her development as an independent traveler. Lee’s success is not just about the number of countries she has visited, but about the resilience and confidence she has built along the way. As she continues her path, she remains focused on the next destination, ready to explore the world with the same fearless spirit that has carried her this far.
“I think that building that self-confidence at a young age and going to these destinations and meeting with people from other cultures and backgrounds is really one of the best experiences you can have as a young person,” Lee told CNN Travel.
With her story gaining international attention, Lee is now a symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets determination. Her travels have not only shaped her personal growth but also inspired a new generation of adventurers to pursue their dreams, no matter how far they may take them. As she prepares for the next phase of her journey, one thing is clear: Sophia Lee is not just visiting countries—she’s redefining what it means to explore the world as a young person.
