I have visited every country in the world. Here’s what hurt and what made my soul soar

Sydney Morning Herald

by Andrew MacLeod

February 14, 2026

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I have visited every country in the world. Here’s what hurt and what made my soul soar

Visiting every country in the world is an extraordinary achievement, and Andrew MacLeod, one of fewer than 500 people (including about 10 Australians) who have done so, reflects on the emotional and transformative experiences that shaped his journey. For MacLeod, travel is not just about ticking countries off a list but about connecting with people, sharing cultures, and learning from diverse communities. His journey has been marked by both profound challenges and uplifting moments, offering a unique perspective on global issues and human resilience. MacLeod’s experiences include working in Rwanda after the genocide, where he encountered the harrowing sight of 3500 rotting corpses and the lingering smell of death, leaving an indelible mark on his soul. He also witnessed devastation in the former Yugoslavia and later returned to these regions to see fragile peace taking root. In Timor-Leste, he was inspired by the humility of

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026