30 at 30: A Journey Through 30 Countries and more

It’s October 19th 2023. As I sit down to reflect on my travel journey, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the adventures and experiences that have shaped my life. You see, I had a personal wish: to visit 30 countries at the age of 30. For some this number is very modest, for some others, it is meaningful. I know that discovering new places, that could be spectacular or slightly different than your home country, gives me somekind of joy and belonging to this planet that we live in.

The first country that I remember visiting, other than Albania, was Turkey. My parents decided to go there for the New Year holidays. It was one of the few countries that had no visa requirement for Albanian Citizens in 1997. That was also one of the first times I took a flight. So exciting!

Over the 30 years of my life, I have travelled to countries both near and far (mostly near). The first ones were with my family, and I do remember them as really special ones.

Fast forward to October 2023, there was one more country on my list: San Marino, known as “La antica terra de la Liberta” or “The ancient land of Freedom.” Why San Marino, you may ask? Well, for one, it was the only country I could afford to visit at that time, both in terms of time and money. But beyond that, San Marino held a unique allure.

Perched high on a hill in the heart of Italy, San Marino is a microstate with a rich history and a commitment to freedom and independence. It felt like the perfect way to culminate my journey, a symbolic nod to the pursuit of liberty and the realization of personal goals. The tiny republic’s ancient architecture and panoramic views were a fitting backdrop for my introspection and celebration of reaching my 30-country milestone.

For some, the number of countries visited may not be the measure of a well-traveled life. But for me, it was a significant journey that broadened my horizons, made me more open to diversity and made me more inclusive.

Traveling to 30 countries by the age of 30 was my personal wish, but the real treasure lay in the memories, stories, and growth that each adventure brought into my life. Here’s to the next 30 countries and beyond, each one a new chapter in the incredible story in my life.

ps: I am putting below the list of countries.