Bangkok played host to an unprecedented assembly of globe-trotters this December as the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) 2024 brought together 250 of the world’s most seasoned explorers to celebrate travel, community, and the spirit of adventure. Led by Ric Gazarian, also known as “Global Gaz,” the festival marked a record milestone as the largest gathering of travelers who have visited all 193 UN-recognized countries, including 31 individuals who have completed the ultimate journey—and two who’ve done it twice.
In an exclusive interview with Traveller’s World, Gazarian, whose voice was raspy from a sore throat, shared insights into the event’s growth and purpose. Having started in Armenia with just 130 participants, this year’s festival in Bangkok showcased a dramatic expansion, underscoring the global reach and allure of the community of intrepid adventurers.
“This festival is about more than ticking boxes,” Gazarian said. “It’s about building community, telling stories, and discovering new horizons.” With 181 countries visited himself, Gazarian is a true advocate for the transformative power of travel. His mission? To visit all 193 countries, a quest that has taken him to some of the world’s most remote and challenging destinations.
The festival, which spanned three days, unfolded in the vibrant city of Bangkok—a destination that, with its blend of cultural serenity and lively urban energy, mirrors the essence of travel itself. From tuk-tuks and bustling street markets to an awe-inspiring Thai dance performance, attendees immersed themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Thailand, all while exchanging tales of their journeys and bonding over shared experiences.
Notable speakers at the event included Francis Tapon, whose incredible adventures include an 800-kilometer trek across Madagascar and a journey through Africa where he gave rides to over 3,000 hitchhikers. Gazarian himself captivated the audience with stories from his travels, including a tense encounter with a would-be phone thief in the Central African Republic and his peaceful strolls through Kabul during an unexpected two-week respite.
Despite the challenges that come with extensive travel—such as visa issues, border restrictions, and occasional danger—Gazarian remains an optimist, debunking the myth that travel on a global scale requires wealth. “You don’t need to be a millionaire,” he explained. “Through budget travel and couch-surfing, anyone can explore the world.”
For Gazarian, his personal “happy place” is Easter Island, where he stood atop a dormant volcano at sunrise, taking in the surreal beauty of the landscape. His travels, he says, are about more than just checking destinations off a list; they are about moments of introspection and connection with the world.
On the subject of balancing travel with personal relationships, Gazarian shared that his wife, who also understands his passion for exploration, has been a source of support. “It’s not always easy,” he acknowledged, “but it’s worth it. Once I visit all 193 countries, we’ll see where I go next!”
Looking ahead, the ETF has already doubled in size since its inaugural edition in 2022, and Gazarian’s dream is to continue expanding the festival as a global hub for those who seek the road less traveled. With future festivals planned, he aims to inspire attendees to venture into uncharted territories like Afghanistan, Mauritania, and Transnistria—places that are often overlooked but hold incredible stories and untold wonders.
For those yearning for adventure, ETF 2024 provided more than just inspiration—it was a rallying cry to go farther, dream bigger, and connect with like-minded explorers. As Gazarian continues his personal odyssey, the spirit of the Extraordinary Travel Festival promises to live on, offering a community united by its love for discovery and the endless pursuit of new experiences.
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