Moldovan traveler visits 163 countries: “It’s something wow!”
Global tourism is no longer merely focused on statistics, regulations, and finances; it is increasingly about people, courage, and transformative experiences. Natalia Ciobanu, a traveler from the Republic of Moldova, has visited 163 countries and aims to visit every country in the world.
In a recent discussion about the rising tourist taxes in various European countries set to take effect in 2026, Natalia Ciobanu shared her insights on the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova. She clarified that her goal is to continue traveling, even when faced with challenges.
Currently, Natalia is aiming to visit at least five or six more countries, possibly even ten, while noting that she still needs to explore about 16 countries in Africa. Some of these nations are challenging to access due to armed conflicts or strict travel restrictions.
She mentioned, "Some are very dangerous, such as Somalia, the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where there are ongoing attacks and conflicts." Moreover, she pointed out countries that are "too closed off, such as Equatorial Guinea."
Despite also holding a French passport, Natalia admitted that, particularly in Africa, her Moldovan passport has proven to be more advantageous. "In Africa, I've actually used my Moldovan passport more than my French one. It's much easier and cheaper to obtain visas with the Moldovan passport," she said.
For instance, in Namibia, Moldovan citizens can travel visa-free, and the country boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
When discussing the safety of solo travel, including journeys in a used car, Natalia recounted experiences that challenge common perceptions of danger. "If I managed to travel the entire west coast, it’s not that dangerous," she stated, sharing stories of crossing several African countries, even at night, and being hosted by locals who assisted her on her journey. "It’s truly something amazing," she concluded, reflecting on the connections she formed with local families in Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A unique part of her travels includes her experiences with what she describes as "used planes," which she has flown on four times so far. She explained that these opportunities are more prevalent in the United States, particularly in Alaska. "Catching a used plane in the USA, especially in Alaska, is quite easy because there are more planes there than cars," she noted.
Natalia emphasized the importance of being open to people during travel: "You need courage and audacity to socialize... be open, dare to engage, smile, and, of course, embrace the destination ahead of you."
Finally, she shared her personal ranking of favorite travel destinations based on different criteria. "If I had to choose just one country, I would say Japan," she remarked, describing it as a mysterious place that is difficult to understand without living there. For culinary experiences, she selected France, while she favored South America for its stunning natural beauty.
In her view, Europe remains the most captivating for its history and culture, highlighting countries such as France, Italy, and Spain.
You can listen to the full interview broadcast on the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova below.
