Indy Nelson, an American adventurer known for his extraordinary travels, has recently made headlines for setting a new Guinness World Record. Nelson now holds the title for flying on the most unique airlines, having flown on 170 different carriers. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record of 156 airlines, held by Japanese traveler Ryuji Furusho from 1996 to 2014.
Nelson’s record-breaking feat is the result of an extensive 18-month global journey that began in 2017 when he was just 22 years old. This global trek was part of his broader mission to visit every country on the planet.
A Journey Fueled by Adventure and Determination
After graduating from college, Nelson took out an $80,000 loan to fund his ambitious round-the-world trip. While he endeavored to steer clear of conflict zones, his travels were not without challenges. In Africa, Nelson faced several issues due to regional tensions, resulting in his detention and interrogation on four separate occasions, totaling 24 hours. Reflecting on these harrowing experiences, Nelson shared, “Things happen in 24, 48 hours. You can’t plan those things out. I feared for my life several times. There were definitely several times that I did not think that I was going to get out of that country. By the fourth time, it was like ’no big deal anymore.”
Favorite and Least Favorite Destinations
Throughout his travels, Nelson encountered a diverse array of countries and cultures. He described Comoros as his least favorite country, while Cambodia emerged as his top pick. Despite some travel woes, Nelson had a generally smooth experience with airlines. Out of approximately 500 flights, only two were canceled. He expressed a preference for Emirates and Qatar Airways, noting that “any in the Middle East are awesome.”
A Shift in Focus: Nelson’s Future Plans
While Nelson’s travel exploits have captured the imaginations of many, he has currently paused his globetrotting adventures. According to Guinness World Records, Nelson has shifted his focus to his telecommunication startup. This venture aims to provide mobile data services to underserved communities, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact through technology.
