The Rise of Solo Travel and the Youngest Adventurer
Solo travel has become increasingly popular among younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials. This trend has led to more young travelers embarking on journeys that push the boundaries of what is considered possible. One such individual is Arjun Malaviya, a 19-year-old from Westlake Village, California, who has already visited 118 countries alone.
Malaviya holds the title of the youngest solo traveler in the world to reach 100 countries and the youngest person to visit every nation in Oceania. His travels have taken him through some of the most challenging and unique locations, including escaping Russian airstrikes in Ukraine and spending time with the Taliban in Afghanistan. He has also explored Nauru, the least-visited country on Earth.
This achievement surpasses that of Lexie Alford, the previous record-holder for the youngest person to visit all sovereign countries. While Alford had visited over 70 countries by age 18, Malaviya reached his 100th country at just 17 years and 228 days old.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Determination
Malaviya's passion for travel began during childhood trips with his parents, who own an aviation software company. By the age of 16, he had already graduated high school and completed a general education course at Moorpark College, allowing him to transfer to a four-year university. However, he found the idea of being a 16-year-old on a college campus unappealing.
To fund his dream of traveling the world before turning 20, he worked multiple part-time jobs, including coaching tennis and serving as an office administrative assistant. The pandemic further fueled his desire to explore, as did his lifelong love for geography.
In June 2023, at 17, Malaviya embarked on his journey, armed with a plan, a backpack, and no safety net. He was driven by the memories of family trips that he cherished as a child, where he learned about different cultures. His curiosity and desire to explore new places were key motivators.
Exploring Diverse Destinations
Malaviya’s travels have taken him to various destinations, both well-known and less-visited. He started with Southeast Asian countries like Japan and South Korea to build confidence, then moved on to more ambitious regions such as Oceania, South America, and Europe.
Some of his favorite experiences include teaching English to language exchange students in Iraq, visiting the remote Rock Islands of Palau, and exploring villages in Myanmar. He also spent time in Venezuela, helping rice plantation workers in Indonesia and experiencing rare religious festivals in Iran. He even negotiated access to Saddam Hussein’s Babylon Palace in Iraq.
Malaviya’s journey has also exposed him to deeper issues in remote parts of the world, particularly in Oceania. He noted the kindness of the people and the untouched natural beauty, but also observed challenges faced by youth in isolated island nations due to limited opportunities and high costs of travel.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Experiences
Despite the beauty of his travels, Malaviya has faced numerous challenges. In November 2023, he had to escape unexpected Russian airstrikes in Odessa, Ukraine. He also experienced detainment at a Venezuelan airport, where he had to negotiate with authorities to prove he was traveling alone.
These experiences have taught him the importance of staying calm and adaptable. He believes that being comfortable with discomfort is essential for growth, both personally and professionally. His advice to young travelers is to take the plunge and see the world for themselves, as firsthand experiences can provide a clearer understanding than media portrayals.
Future Goals and Continued Exploration
Currently, Malaviya is studying computer engineering at UC Santa Barbara. He plans to continue traveling until he visits the remaining 195 countries in the world. His journey reflects a deep commitment to exploration, learning, and connecting with people across the globe.
