Indy Nelson, an adventurous American traveler, has set the Guinness World Record for flying on the most unique airlines—170 in total—surpassing the previous record of 156 held by Ryuji Furusho. Indy achieved this during an 18-month global journey, visiting every country, including multiple visits to war-torn regions like North Korea, Iraq, and Libya. His travels weren’t without danger: he was detained four times, and accused of being a spy in countries such as Iran, Russia, and Papua New Guinea. Despite 24 hours of total interrogation, Indy eventually became accustomed to these high-stress encounters.

What started as a spring break trip to North Korea evolved into a mission to visit every country on Earth. After graduating, Indy took out an $80,000 loan to fund his trip, navigating conflict zones and volatile regions, particularly in Africa. Along the way, he experienced both thrilling adventures and precarious situations, often unable to predict danger.

Of the many countries he visited, his least favorite was the Comoros Islands due to unfriendly locals, while Cambodia topped his list for its welcoming people and rich culture. Indy’s favorite airlines include Emirates and Qatar Airways, with whom he enjoyed trouble-free flights.

Currently, Indy has paused his travels to focus on his telecommunications startup. Reflecting on his experiences, he encourages others to travel while they’re young, emphasizing that it’s life-changing and broadens one’s perspective of the world.