Journey to 197 Countries: Exploring the world, one story at a time.
Hi, I’m Jacob, a traveler with a goal of visiting every country across the globe! From Japan and Brunei to Cuba and Belize, follow along as I share my adventures, discover new cultures, and explore the world, one destination at a time.
Journey So Far
Destinations
Recent Posts
- How Tennessee Became My Second Home
Over nearly a decade, Tennessee became the setting for college, lifelong friendships, heartbreak, family milestones, and some of my happiest memories. This is the story of how one state slowly became my second home. - Visiting World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan
Join me as I explore World Expo 2025 in Osaka, visiting national pavilions, walking the record-breaking Grand Ring, and discovering one of Japan’s biggest events. - 23 Things I Learned by Visiting Cuba
Cuba is far more than classic cars and cigars. Here are 23 things I learned about Cuban culture, daily life, transportation, food, history, and travel after visiting Havana and Viñales. - The Konbini Experience: A Traveler’s Guide to Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese konbinis are much more than convenience stores. Learn about the best food, useful traveler services, ATMs, transit cards, and what to expect before your first visit to Japan.
Travel Guides
- The Konbini Experience: A Traveler’s Guide to Japanese Convenience StoresJapanese konbinis are much more than convenience stores. Learn about the best food, useful traveler services, ATMs, transit cards, and what to expect before your first visit to Japan.
- Montevideo vs. Colonia del Sacramento: Which Is Better to Visit?
Trying to decide between Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento? After visiting both, here are the key differences in safety, cost, atmosphere, and things to do – plus which one I’d recommend most for your trip to Uruguay. - 3 Best Things to Do in Panama City on a Layover or Cruise Stop
Only have a few hours in Panama City? Whether you’re on a cruise stop or a long layover, these are the 3 best places to visit – plus a few honorable mentions if you have extra time. - Visiting St. Augustine’s Spanish Fort: History & What to Know
Here’s what to know before visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. From its unique coquina stone walls to centuries of Spanish, British, and American history, this is what you can expect when exploring St. Augustine’s iconic waterfront fort. - Traveling to Cuba as an American: My Experience & How to Do It
Going to Cuba as an American is easier than you might expect. Based on my own trip, here’s how to do it, what to avoid, and what you’ll really see once you arrive.
Travel Stories
- Visiting World Expo 2025 in Osaka, JapanJoin me as I explore World Expo 2025 in Osaka, visiting national pavilions, walking the record-breaking Grand Ring, and discovering one of Japan’s biggest events.
- Exploring Buenos Aires with a Local: First Impressions and the Paraná Delta
From wandering the streets of Buenos Aires to exploring the Paraná Delta with a local friend, these were my experiences during my first two days in Argentina’s capital. - Taking a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Osaka
Visiting Hiroshima was an extremely moving experience and a great day trip from Osaka. I explored Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the symbolic landmarks of Peace Memorial Park, and artifacts from the bombing displayed in the Peace Memorial Museum. - 12 Things I Learned by Visiting the Bahamas
After spending two nights in Nassau, I discovered a side of the Bahamas most cruise passengers never see. Here are 12 things that surprised me about visiting the country beyond the resorts. - From Kyoto to Nara: A Day Trip with Shrines, Deer, and Sake
From Kyoto’s iconic torii gates to the peaceful temples of Nara, this day was filled with friendly deer, hidden hillside shrines, and an unforgettable first taste of Japanese sake. Slower-paced and deeply atmospheric, Nara offered one of the most unique experiences of my entire trip.