British Backpacker is First to Visit Every Country

Since January 1, 2009, Graham Hughes has been trekking around the globe on an adventure he calls the Odyssey Expedition. His goal was to visit every sovereign state in the world without flying.

By way of taxi, train and ship, he completed his journey yesterday in the world's youngest country, South Sudan. In addition to all of the United Nations member countries, he visited Taiwan, Vatican City, Western Sahara, Kosovo and the Palestinian Territory. He made his way on an average of £10 per day.

Hughes filmed spots for the National Geographic Adventure Channel called "Graham's World" during his trip, and was continuously fund raising for WaterAid, a charity that helps poor communities around the world access clean water and sanitation education.

The 33 year old Liverpool native claims his favorite country on his journey was Egypt, the friendliest locals were from Iran and the most beautiful women hailed from Madagascar. Per the Guinness Book of World Records guidelines, no flying and no private transport were allowed on the trip.

Graham says that though the kindness of strangers was surprising and endlessly helpful to him, there were a few glitches along the way. He was arrested in Estonia and Cameroon and spent time imprisoned in Cape Verde and Congo. He was also caught "sneaking into" Russia.

He landed in South Sudan on Monday, November 26, 2012, thus ending the expedition, and plans on traveling by ship and train home to Liverpool in time for Christmas. You can find out more about this epic, four year excursion at Graham's website, The Odyssey Expedition.

Take a cue from this self proclaimed "Thinking Woman's Indiana Jones" and start your own globe trek with a car rental in Liverpool. Where ever your journey leads, Auto Europe will get you the best rate on your rental car.

Photo by Graham Hughes