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A Torontonian who has travelled to 193 United Nations member states has his eye on visiting every country in the world.
Dillon DeCoteau, a technical consultant for the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, accomplished this feat when he travelled to war-torn Sudan last April.
The 56-year-old jet-setter said his achievement, which has been verified by travel-tracking platforms NomadMania and Most Traveled People , took almost 15 years to complete, with him mostly scheduling his trips around public holidays such as Easter, Labour Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Equally impressive was how he did it using only Aeroplan points he had accumulated and flying business class.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, DeCoteau said his wanderlust began in 2010 when he decided to use up the one million travel rewards points he amassed on a solo trip to Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
“I enjoyed the experience so much that before it was finished, I started planning and booking my next 10-country adventure. That soon grew into several multi-country business class trips every year,” DeCoteau said in a recent email.
“As the list of destinations grew, I eventually challenged myself to visit every country in the world (considered as the 193 United Nations countries).
“At that time, there were only a handful of people in the world who had accomplished this, and I felt inspired to become one of them,” he added, noting that he’s the only person of Trinidad and Tobago descent to achieve this milestone.
With over 200 countries and territories under his belt, the globetrotter said his current goal is to visit all non-UN countries and territories and to revisit some of his favourite destinations.
Having recently returned from a trip to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, DeCoteau took the time to answer a few questions reflecting on his past adventures and looking ahead to where he’ll visit next.
The following has been edited for length.
How do you decide where you’ll travel?
My travel planning process usually begins with looking at a world map and identifying a region that contains several countries I have yet to visit and that are geographically close to one another. From there, I then create an itinerary that allows me to visit as many of those countries as possible within the available timeframe. This strategy has helped me maximize the number of new countries I am able to visit each year.
What brings you the most joy about your adventures?
What I enjoy most about travel is the opportunity to explore new countries, connect with local people, and experience different cultures. Interestingly, some of my most enjoyable experiences have been in countries that are frequently portrayed by the media or highlighted in government travel advisories as unsafe or best avoided.
In destinations such as Afghanistan and Iraq, I encountered some of the warmest and most hospitable people I have ever met. I experienced similar warmth in the “Stans” (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan).
One of my fondest memories is from Afghanistan, where families gathering for picnics in public parks repeatedly invited me to share meals with them. Even members of the Taliban whom I encountered were courteous and friendly, verbally expressing their appreciation for my visit, shaking my hand and willingly posing for photographs with me.
These experiences challenged some of my preconceived notions and reinforced an important lesson: personal experience can reveal a more human side of a place than the image portrayed by mainstream media or public opinion.
You had mentioned in past interviews that Sudan was the final UN country you visited. What was it like travelling to the African country that’s made headlines for its civil unrest?
Obtaining a visa for Sudan proved to be a bit challenging. Due to the ongoing civil unrest, tourist visas had been suspended since April 2023, and it was not until early 2025 that Port Sudan, one of the country’s relatively stable cities, was cautiously reopened to visitors. Having waited nearly two years for the opportunity to visit, I was eager to finally complete my final UN country.
The visa process involved a significant amount of bureaucracy. Although I was initially told that approval would take approximately two weeks, the process ultimately stretched to two months.
As soon as my visa was approved, I booked the next available flight to Port Sudan. While I was excited to reach this long-awaited milestone, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat nervous about visiting a country in the midst of a civil conflict. Fortunately, those concerns eased once I arrived and met my local guide.
Port Sudan was noticeably crowded, as many people displaced from other parts of the country had sought refuge there from the fighting. Seeing firsthand the impact of the conflict was both eye-opening and humbling. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the stability and security I enjoy at home, where daily life is not overshadowed by the threat of violence or unrest.
Can you tell us about the places you visited that presented unexpected hurdles?
Of all the continents I visited, Africa presented the greatest challenges. The visa application process was often complicated and time-consuming, and in some countries, I encountered situations where officials appeared to expect unofficial payments. At times, these experiences could be frustrating and discouraging.
One incident stands out in particular. While sightseeing, two soldiers confiscated my passport and phone after falsely accusing me of taking photographs in a restricted area. They even threatened to jail me. The situation was made more difficult by the language barrier, as I did not speak French and had limited ability to argue my case. However, I was aware that these types of encounters were not uncommon in certain regions, which is why I typically carried only a small amount of cash while exploring. Eventually, after I offered the only foreign cash I had on me —US$10 — they returned my belongings and allowed me to continue on my way. Interestingly, they rejected my offer of local currency and insisted on being paid in U.S. dollars.
Despite these occasional challenges, it is important to emphasize that the majority of people I met throughout Africa were welcoming. My difficulties generally involved a small number of individuals in positions of authority rather than ordinary citizens.
On several occasions, I also encountered issues where immigration officers demanded additional documents that were not actually required, despite the fact that I already possessed valid visas issued by the appropriate embassies. In those situations, I was often left with an uncomfortable choice: make an unofficial payment or risk being denied entry. While these experiences were undoubtedly frustrating, they were only a small part of visiting a continent that also provided many of my unforgettable travel experiences.
In at least two African countries I arrived at my prepaid hotels only to be told that my reservation could not be found. With few alternatives available, I had no choice but to pay for the room a second time and later seek reimbursement. While the refunds were eventually processed, the experience added an unexpected layer of stress and inconvenience to my travels.
Though it must be hard to choose, do you have a favourite destination?
This is by far the question I am asked most often, and it remains one of the hardest for me to answer.
If I had to narrow it down, my top three would probably be Andorra, San Marino, and Azerbaijan. Andorra impressed me with its breathtaking mountain scenery and natural beauty. San Marino felt like stepping back in time, with its medieval walled city perched high above the surrounding countryside. Azerbaijan stood out for its fascinating blend of old and new, where modern architecture exists alongside historic landmarks and centuries-old traditions.
Of course, ask me again on a different day and my answer might change, which speaks to how many incredible places I have been fortunate enough to experience.
As an experienced traveller, do you have any advice for people who might hesitate at planning a trip on their own?
My biggest piece of advice is not to let fear or uncertainty stop you from travelling independently. For many years, I hoped to travel with friends, but those plans never came together. Most of them either lacked the time, the financial resources, or the flexibility to take extended trips. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to see the world, I couldn’t keep waiting for the perfect travel companion. So, I made the decision to start travelling on my own.
Planning your first trip on your own can feel intimidating, but it becomes much less intimidating once you gain that initial experience. I would recommend starting with a destination that feels comfortable and manageable and gradually build your confidence from there. Alternatively, joining a group tour can be a helpful way to get your feet wet before taking on a solo trip. It provides structure and support while still allowing you to build confidence and gain travel experience.
I would also encourage travellers to do their research before travelling. Learning about local customs, transportation options, visa requirements and key places of interest can help make the trip run more smoothly and reduce unexpected challenges along the way. At the same time, it is important to remain flexible. Not everything will go according to plan (especially with multi-country itineraries) and being able to adapt is one of the most valuable skills a traveller can develop.
Throughout my travels, I have also found that people are generally welcoming and willing to help, even when there is a language barrier. Sign language has proven useful on many occasions.
If you have been thinking about taking a trip on your own, my advice is simple: take the leap. The world is far less intimidating and far more fascinating than many people imagine, and the rewards of exploring it can be an enriching experience.
Where are you going next?
Looking ahead, I am currently developing an itinerary that includes French Guiana, Bonaire, and, if conditions permit, a return visit to Venezuela. Given the evolving nature of travel conditions in some regions, I usually keep my plans flexible while finalizing the details of my itinerary.
While my objective of visiting every UN country has been fulfilled, my passion for travel remains as strong as ever. There are still many places to explore, cultures to experience, and new perspectives to gain. For me, travel is a lifelong journey of discovery, learning, and connection with people around the world.