Barry Hofner, an investment banker turned philanthropist, embarked on a journey to visit every country in the world after losing his wife in 2017. His travels exclude North Korea, which he intends to explore later this year.
Instead of being defined by his loss, Hofner seeks deeper connections and reflections by visiting all 193 countries. “I used to travel a lot, but after COVID-19, I decided to make this comprehensive journey. Things have really shifted for me since,” he shared.
He noted that his focus has changed significantly due to his grief. “During this journey, I’ve transitioned from seeking adventure to learning and really listening to people’s stories; those stories pull us closer to the wonders of our planet,” he reflected.
Hofner details his experiences in his book, *Belonging to the World: A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country*, showcasing various highlights of his travels.
Best Road Trip: Pakistan
According to Hofner, the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan stands out as the most breathtaking road trip he’s taken. This 800-mile stretch, part of the historic Silk Road, offers stunning views of majestic peaks like K2 and enormous glaciers along with the flowing Indus River.
The Karakoram Road is noted for being the highest paved international road, reaching altitudes of 15,397 feet. Hofner navigated this route in an old Toyota sedan alongside his college friend and a local guide, starting from Hunza Valley to Islamabad.
“The scenery is incredibly beautiful,” he remarked. The unpredictable nature of the road added to its appeal. “Sections of the highway often cave in, leaving us waiting for military backhoes to clear the paths. We weren’t in danger, but it was a mystery how long it would take or what we would encounter,” he said. “Absolutely one of the best road trips ever.”
Best Coffee: Sudan
A passionate coffee enthusiast, Hofner travels with Starbucks instant coffee packets just in case he finds himself far from reliable coffee shops. However, he discovered an exceptional brew in Sudan.
“In this war-torn country, our movement was restricted, so we ended up at tiny roadside coffee shops. The first time I ordered coffee there, it had a unique flavor. They make it with ginger powder, and it was truly delicious,” he recounted.
Favorite Food: Syria
Hofner celebrated his 63rd birthday in the Syrian capital, Damascus, where his local guide, Fadi, invited him to his home for a festive gathering.
“The spread was endless: lentil soup, baba ganoush, fattoush salad, kibbeh, labneh, muhammara,” he detailed in his book. He now believes Syria narrowly surpasses Lebanon for having the best food in the world.
The Most Beautiful Landscape: Western Mongolia
Among all the breathtaking sights Hofner witnessed, he considers Western Mongolia’s landscape to be the most stunning and untouched on any continent.
“The valley unfolded like a vibrant tapestry of pristine nature; sparkling rivers and clear lakes… the rugged mountains brimmed with colorful midsummer wildflowers,” he described in his book. “I could envision this untouched land looking the same as it did when Genghis Khan and his armies roamed the steppes centuries ago.”
