Meet Ravi Prabhu, The Telugu Vlogger Who Travelled To All 195 Nations On Earth

His love for travel was ignited at age 14 during a family trip to Bhutan, where he first experienced the world’s cultural diversity. Over 25 years, he has journeyed to lesser-known destinations like Mongolia and Costa Rica, embracing challenges such as navigating war-torn regions and language barriers

In today’s world, where wanderlust often becomes a social media buzzword, there are few who can claim to have truly explored the globe in its entirety. Ravi Prabhu, a popular Telugu vlogger with over 813k subscribers on YouTube, stands out as a remarkable exception. Since 2020, Ravi has taken his audience on an extraordinary journey, having travelled to all 195 countries — a feat that most only dream of. But before becoming a YouTube sensation, Ravi’s passion for travel began long before he picked up a camera.

Originally hailing from Visakhapatnam, Ravi now calls the United States home, where he balances his work as a freelance consultant in IT and management with his passion for exploring new destinations. Yet, his heart has always been with the open road, and as he revisits some of the countries he's already covered, he reflects on the incredible experiences that have shaped his adventures.

Ravi’s love for travel can be traced back to his childhood. In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz during his visit to the Telugu states, Ravi shared a key moment from his early years that ignited his lifelong wanderlust. At just 14 years old, he embarked on a family trip to Bhutan with his parents. His mother, a lecturer, and his father, a bank officer with the State Bank of India, took him on this transformative journey. It was during this trip that Ravi first encountered the cultural diversity of the world, and witnessed the complex social, economic, and political contrasts that exist beyond his hometown. From that moment, he set his heart on globetrotting. While he never imagined he would one day visit all 195 countries, Ravi's passion for travel blossomed over time, leading him to make the world his playground.

Before embarking on his global adventure, Ravi spent time in Hyderabad, where he completed his master’s degree in Political Science from the prestigious Hyderabad Central University. After clearing the GMAT, he moved to the US to pursue a career in management. His career took off, and soon travel became a way to balance work and personal fulfillment. Despite the hectic demands of his consultancy career, Ravi’s love for travel remained undiminished, and his adventures were scheduled around his professional commitments.

Traveling the world has its challenges, and Ravi encountered plenty. He recalled his difficult journey to Syria, where he faced long delays while waiting for a visa. He was also warned against visiting countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Somalia due to volatile political climates. Yet, it was these very countries that Ravi found to be the most rewarding. Despite the violence and instability, he was greeted with open arms by locals, who offered him help with food and accommodation. His travels took him through war-torn regions like South Sudan, Libya, Rwanda, and Somalia, where he experienced first-hand the resilience and warmth of the people in the face of hardship.

“What struck me most,” Ravi shared, “was how welcoming people in these troubled areas were. There’s a stereotype that war-torn countries are full of hostility, but my experience has been completely different. It’s the people that make a place, not the headlines you read in the news.”

As a seasoned traveller, Ravi believes that true achievement comes when you step outside your comfort zone. “If you’re at home, you cannot be an achiever. You can’t expect things to be the same everywhere. You need to adjust, adapt, and sometimes even eat what’s available,” he chuckled, recalling some of the unique foods he’s encountered on his travels. From exotic local dishes to unfamiliar cuisines, Ravi's advice is clear: flexibility is key.

He also emphasized the importance of embracing different cultures and languages. While English has served him well across most of the world, Ravi often uses language translation apps to communicate in more remote areas. “Language can be a barrier, but with modern technology, it's never an obstacle,” he said. “The key is to stay open-minded and engage with the people you meet along the way.”

Though it may seem like Ravi is always on the move, he actually dedicates just three months of his year to travel. Over the past 25 years, he has traversed the globe, sometimes visiting as many as 25 countries in a single year. Other years, his travels are more leisurely, with just five countries explored. But no matter the pace, each journey adds to his rich tapestry of experiences.

Ravi’s adventures have taken him to lesser-known destinations, such as Venezuela, Costa Rica, Burundi, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia — places where raw landscapes, pristine rivers, and majestic oceans await. But it’s the people that truly make these destinations memorable. From the snowy peaks of Mongolia to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Ravi’s interactions with locals have made his travels unforgettable.

As a globetrotter who has seen much of the world, Ravi’s perspective on travel is both practical and philosophical. He understands that travel isn’t always glamorous, but it’s a journey that brings invaluable insights and profound moments of connection. Through his travels, Ravi has learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity, the lessons in adversity, and the friendships that transcend borders.

“My goal was never just to visit every country,” he said. “It was to understand the world in its entirety - to see it through different eyes, and to embrace the humanity that binds us all together.”

Ravi Prabhu’s journey is a testament to the power of travel - not just as a way to see new places, but as a means to grow, learn, and connect with others. Whether navigating the bustling streets of New York or trekking through the serene landscapes of Costa Rica, Ravi’s experiences serve as a reminder that the world is far more interconnected than we often realize.

For those who dream of exploring the world, Ravi’s story proves that with passion, perseverance, and an open heart, nothing is impossible. So, pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone, and let the world surprise you. The journey of a lifetime could be just one step away.