The real reason I traveled to 196 countries | Cassie De Pecol | TEDxMileHigh

NOTE FROM TED: This talk was filmed in July 2017. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
In 2017, 27-year-old Cassie De Pecol set two Guinness World Records for the fastest travel around the world to every sovereign country. Join Cassie for an in depth look at how she did it, what it was like, and for the first time publicly, the real reason why she started the expedition. Cassie De Pecol is a world traveler, keynote speaker, brand ambassador, triathlete, activist, and entrepreneur. Born in 1989, she was raised and homeschooled in rural Connecticut. She enjoyed "out of the box" educational and multicultural experiences at various universities before deciding to begin her solo travels to 25 countries at the age of 21. In 2015, she started fresh, traveling alone to all 196 countries and securing two Guinness World Records. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@olihu1985]

I spent 6 months travelling in one country and still feel like there are so many places and things unexplored. For me I'd rather travel deep and take it slowly; I learn and experience more from travelling one country for a few months than visiting dozens of countries in one month. Just my own perspective, I don't really care how many countries I've been to - the number of countries doesn't define the growth I gain from travel. And I don't always agree a person who's travelled 100 countries is better travelled than a person who's only been to 10 countries. But so many people nowadays are turning travelling as a competition, or something like "done, been to this country, corss it from list, where next?".

[@KrishnaSingh-so2lu]

Is there an option to bookmark comment? Really loved the perspective

[@Aarifz7]

Agree🔥

[@suffyanali8813]

I also agree to your statement.

[@vannhantran547]

I strongly agree. The number of your countries you’ve been doesn’t mean the growth you gained, you just put yourself into a vagrant and think it’s an achievement 😂

[@user-fp3dp7gt5m]

​@@KrishnaSingh-so2lu😅

[@sherpa_hesperides]

_Just one brief experience can shape your whole life_

[@uvedalewood1826]

Yes, it can. Just ask Louisa Jespersen and Maren Ueland. Oh, wait. You can't.

[@joshray2117]

i went for a 2 week vacation to toronto for pride at 19. I came out to my parents shortly after. Changed everything.

[@godSPARDA1995]

Truly a quote to live by. I went to Copenhagen for just 2 days. I ended up hanging out with people from 2 continents, seeing the city, partying, karaoke. I NEVER saw it coming! I thought it‘d be a quick city trip! It ended up being amazing!

[@jayay5881]

I felt that

[@APsupportsTerrorism]

too bad 21 days wasn't enough to make her a decent human being.

[@lianevolker3816]

I know a lot of people still think that it is something impressive to travel solo as a woman across the world! The truth is, that there are more women doing it then you can imagine! Women who cycle all around the world, even walking around the world, camping, hiking, volunteering and traveling OVER LAND without flying on a little budget to see as much as possible! Traveling is so diverse and everyone has it's own speed of traveling. Everyone has a different Idea of what to achive from it. Some are running away from life some towards it. Don't care what other people do, just do your thing!

[@MsSabrina_2328]

true

[@sieggee]

"Some are running away from life some towards it." So deep and true.

[@Just_a_Lad]

She just wants to be famous, it's so obvious.

[@zhihonghuang5203]

​@@Just_a_Lad- Yep, hit the talk show circuit - with the internet, it's easier than ever. You can know almost everything about the country (from locals or other travelers) before you visit.

[@afhdiva100]

You have completed my life goal! I never wanted to be the fastest to visit every country but I desperately want to travel to every country on the planet before I die. You are an amazing woman!

[@MsJanetWood]

*My goal was to visit every continent before I die. I've only traveled through Europe and Latin America, and of course, within the U.S. I would love to some day go to India, Japan, Morocco and Samoa. Maybe, some day, when I retire. If and when I do travel again, I went to take my time and enjoy each place. At least spend a week in each country. Enjoy the cuisine and visit the sites.*

[@bibliophilicsisir9902]

@@MsJanetWood welcome to India

[@user-fp3dp7gt5m]

​@@MsJanetWood❤ heart Frome india welcome 🤗 to india I wish you make very great memories in India 😊

[@licastelsps]

Love the story about 🇨🇺 Cuba! Latins are always warm and welcoming people. Love to travel and I started doing it when I had no answer for my life. Thanks for sharing.

[@guiller2371]

Hope our president would hear that story. Perhaps he would stop undermining and generalizing Spanish as undesirable people.

[@alanhegewisch4486]

It sounds amazing! I'm really glad you decided to take on this challenge and managed to see it through to the end! Respect

[@jessicafernandez6020]

Love this Cassi! This is just the video I needed see to help give me the push to book my first SOLO trip! I leave for Yosemite National Park in 2 weeks for a hiking trip and couldn't be more inspired or empowered after watching this video!

[@gmmrk35]

❣️Love from Pakistan.🇵🇰 I am here because I watched her two to three TV interviews mentioning Pakistan as beautiful and peaceful country and she like Pakistan most among 195. So I was searching for her name and came here .

[@jiasajjal6945]

00923069306464

[@eatdrinkplaytolearnchinese6957]

It is always good to travel around the world. Great talks and very helpful ! Thank you !

[@savinaredpath8655]

Amazing, well done for not giving up on yourself. We all go through challenges but we cannot remain victims!! Thanks for sharing, amazing achievement.

[@Nadd108]

I had only been to just one country & the experiences changed me a great deal. Can't imagine what travelling​ to the whole world would be like. Mind-blowing

[@daviddu6297]

You are right Cassie. No matter what happens, don't give up. Follow your dreams and work hard towards them. You will get there someday. Thank you Cassie for this amazing trip.

[@turankaya1941]

You've inspired me Cassie, I know the frequent feelings of melancholy you experience, no matter what you do somehow you can't help but feel empty and sad. Travelling I feel is my way out too and hopefully I can achieve what you have. Although I just want to teach English and travel abroad.

[@LisaPellegrino]

I got teary twice while watching this. The first time was during your Cuba story when you illuminated the gorgeousness of the human spirit. So touching, and that story does not get told enough! The second was when you made yourself completely vulnerable to the world and talked about your depression and the 'dark night of the soul' moment you experienced. I know those dark nights can extend far longer, however it's super inspiring to hear you so articulate, so compassionate, so aware, and so open. I feel for you Cassie and all you've been through. Thank you for sharing your story. This is what truth and beauty looks like.

[@lindawolfel3368]

Wow! That was such a heart touching speech! Go girl!! You're truly beautiful :)

[@TheJourneyest2016]

Props to her man she is an icon for her determination to let nothing stop her from achieving her goal. Mad respect

[@fatimaumar5566]

She is so clear of her thoughts. Bravo!

[@RichardsWorld]

I've been to 78 countries. I can't imagine 196. There are some countries of which I wouldn't even want to visit for at least a decade until things clear up.

[@hacerylmaz950]

woww 78 country !!

[@MO_1996]

I guess one of them is north korea? Which else? I am curious :D

[@lufeTube]

have you ever visit Pakistan

[@DanicaChristin]

66 and counting 👍😁

[@RiderInHell]

2 and counting. Oh, never mind... Just kidding. It's just 2 but if all goes well, next year I'll be able to visit more of them. I'm so excited! But, in my opinion, it's not the number that counts. It's the experience. You can be in all the countries in the world and still someone else has had a better experience than yours. Still, travelling is great! :D

[@NastjaaB]

I've never met you in my life and most probably I'll never will, but let me tell you that I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

[@jairustheadventurer3935]

This REALLY spoke to me. The past 3+ months I've been contemplating this same thing. I can either go to college after this year of high school or run away to see the world. The best week of my life happened to be with complete strangers in a distant place, and ever since I've wanted the same feelings of adventure amd connection again. I think this just convinced me to go.

[@imagbaby5]

Did you do it?

[@_deepakprinja17_]

She is so clear on her thoughts...really loved it..respect

[@ccayco]

Much respect for anyone who applies their self-awareness to better themselves.

[@barryh13]

Incredibly well prepared talk, fantastic, eye opening!

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

Traveling can be part of the profitable business. There are economic imbalances in prices of products around the world. It is possible to travel around, and to trade the things that have price differences between countries.

[@diegofernandoramirezguerre5442]

Congratulations Cassie! Very inspirational! Indeed, travelling is a great experience that can open your mind and help to break down prejudices. I am glad that this experience helped you to overcome the issues you were facing before

[@javeriashahzadi2467]

Love and respect from PAKISTAN

[@diracspinors]

I am shocked nobody has mentioned her trip to Panama. They made a whole show about it! You can see all of her incredible skills on display! Her specialty skills are making fire and making trap baskets! Her super power though is self delusion. It knows no bounds...

[@javierorellana3001]

Thank you for sharing your honest and self-revealing testimony, it confirmed that what you are looking for is not outside but inside. you saw a little bit of you in every country you visited. Congratulations. Stop searching... start enjoying.

[@TheNomadicDreamerSD]

You are so awesome girl! Keep up the great work! Excellent public speaking by the way!!

[@cannersamson7931]

she was like a JUMPER movie, just grab a photo of any country then she will be there to have some different experience in life. awesome!

[@patrickbiachi6506]

Very amazing and interesting experience to learn from;thanks Cassie and may God bless you more!

[@MysteryLily]

Wow! Impressive achievement - with a twist! Glad I watched it until the end. Wow!

[@gerathestar]

Thank you for your speech!

[@sona-niko7359]

Bravo girl. Well-done! So inspiring!

[@danielmc4699]

This video have made me inspired. I'm 20 years old Indonesian teens and just couple months ago, i just realised how valuable is ur life, I took my life for granted and since that moment i realised that life is more important than that. "You'll live for one hour, or you'll live for 1 thousand years. But the beauty of it, you'll never knew". This couple weeks, i decided to change my faith way, my perspective, i'm gonna start my own journey at next march

[@JordanPAT]

Beautiful talk. Thanks!

[@johnnylaoshi]

Your effort was absolutely unbelievable, you did what most people seem unreachable worthing receiving what you deserve, And yet I myself hope to get more views and thoughts and feelings as you fulfill the lingering journey. Well done mAte !

[@nhienpham7723]

Such a beautiful message!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I legitimately read the title, "The real reason why I travelled to 1960"

[@aria3231]

😂

[@Popcats230]

Hahaha

[@sumaiyashabih8415]

This is so inspiring! I truly believe in the power of women, kindness, commitment,hard work, independence, and doing what you love.

[@Na_ttia]

Worthy speech, love your experience and hope to get through adventurous experiences like this one day.

[@amitanku]

Wow that's so inspiring love the saying every travel is different experience

[@user-cg1jg7tz8p]

I can't watch this TED because this girl is so fabulous and shining.

[@seansilvestri8667]

"The best way to be happy is to make others happy." I'm sure you positively impacted many others in your pursuit. A genuine smile sure can go a long way, especially for those in despair., and I have a feeling you spread your warm smile around the globe. I think your story is as much the story and experiences of everyone you encountered as well. Thank you for enduring such an arduous adventure, you have clearly made an impact. Time will tell if it's the impact you desire :)

[@zethayn]

I cried, thank you.

[@momplaygroupfouz4946]

That was inspirational and so beautifully articulated❤️

[@rogersingh4901]

You're awesome, very inspiring story. I love to travel and wanted to all my life. Since 2011 I have now visited about 20 countries, and plan on visiting at least 100 in the future. Good luck, great speech.

[@joanicajyrwa3230]

Saw this when I felt like giving up a goal. Timing! Thanks :-)

[@dazzi3239]

This is so inspiring love this , love from Saudi Arabia 💕

[@lucyzhou4446]

Your experience is really inspiring. Cannot believe a young beautiful girl travelling alone to some violent dangerous countries.

[@catagogo1]

Thanks for sharing your amazing feat and personal story. It is really impressive. I agree that traveling teaches us so much and we grow in unexpected ways. Happy travels to you wherever you go. (And try to block out the negative comments- it's always a reflection of them- never you. They are not happy people. Just keep being you!) Trek on, Love on! Eileen

[@nebulaz1924]

good experience. Your speech did inspire me. Thank you

[@chetanjasud]

196 is not a joke. You have huge guts dear! ❤ from India!

[@nazifanazzy8987]

an inspiring talk...this realy give me an encorangement to pursue my dream 👏🏻👏🏻

[@colmkennedy9838]

Fair play, great talk and love the honesty 👌.

[@breathing9127]

I have choose that I will travel the world no matter what just to experience the world the way it is.

[@tltravel3811]

she gives me motivation and beliefs for my target

[@ZuleidedeCarvalho]

THANK YOU, CASSIE!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@satwhik.t8515]

You got a clarity of life, god bless you

[@IKR234]

You are amazing the way you are. Don't forget to smile even when you are sad because your smile is beautiful. :D

[@PrashantKumar-lk3vs]

I have no words to say about your speech 👏👏👏👏👏👏💝💝

[@HT-ye3py]

This speech inspired me

[@louhallen]

So inspiring!

[@ND-nj5vd]

You are an inspiration! Bless you!

[@jmiahspeaks]

Write the book . . . first chance! Cool. Congratulations, courageous Lady Perseverance!

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Wow, what a journey. Well spoken!

[@valdimirfernandez4341]

Muy guapa

[@netrapriya7072]

Wonderful speech

[@puravida96]

I didn't expect that history of your behind the idea for your travel journey but i'm impressed. Your an amazing women! Much love

[@mediafire8046]

you're*

[@rickonmaui7054]

You're*

[@starstun6]

This is just amazing

[@murallali]

I just came here to learn English. ❤️🇮🇶

[@Abbasjawad373]

و شلونها انجليزيتك هسه؟

[@zhihonghuang5203]

Yo conejo.😊

[@DarkCuriosity]

How beautiful and inspiring. People can be amazing. Lets do great things and experience this life to the fullest, with every breath as its so short and unpredictable.

[@TheZenaRae]

I love to hear stories of young empowered women who travel alone. Create a group to share your tips!

[@ltchua4849]

I hv great admiration for your adventures in yr travel. Wish you all the best in whatever you do.

[@martinduuseda1682]

Thank you ❤️

[@19Marc79]

I can´t believe, that after travelling 196 countries she came to the recognition of the inherent Goodness of people...She really must have had God protecting her with tons of good luck !

[@golgumbazguide...4113]

Thanks!

[@awaisn]

That was so beautiful and inspiring

[@ashrayhebbar5885]

Really inspirational

[@nagendraprasadroy2228]

very nice video. thank you.

[@michennepeiris]

You’re an inspiration!

[@sandrachrigui947]

What a lovelt brave and inspiring girl!big up!👏

[@gillowens24]

She is so brave

[@RenshenguoSuomessa]

I love her voice and arms.

[@coraline3532]

lol

[@zoefang4563]

LOVE YOU CASSIE!!

[@petermaker1749]

Wow, you learned if you do something you feel good, maybe there is hope.

[@faysal8597]

More impressed than I expected

[@PriyaDate.]

Wow! You are an inspiration.

[@wanderlustsuraj]

You are inspiring People. And that Matters !!!!!

[@nalinsav]

Thanks for doing what you did and thanks for sharing this as a talk Cassie! Rock on lady!

[@edelweiss9424]

Thank YOU! :)

[@ankaraturk]

She said she “wouldn’t change her experiences for the world” 🗺 🤔 💭 I like the irony. Her experiences were the world! 💕

[@zhihonghuang5203]

What experience? Surely not making friends - maybe entering and exiting so many airports and planes - she became an expert and now can do it with her eyes closed.

[@matc8085]

Amazing and inspiring.

[@pogodanaprzygode]

Omg, there’s so many negativ comments. Why? What for? She is just a normal girl, who wanted to do something positive with her life. And she did it! Cassie, I heard about you for the first time but I want to tell you that I’m proud of you! And I hope you had a wonderful time when visiting my country, Poland. Take care girl! The world is yours! Kamil from Poland

[@charbeltannios546]

Change is continuous.... great 👍

[@fernandosaldana6331]

Very very deep talk

[@alexmichael9105]

God bless you...daring and bold

[@thecoffeetable8420]

Incredible you young lady. Hats off for your speech and your courage to travel around the world as a single women in your expedition. I like to travel too. I save some money for my traveling every year on my own in some parts of India. I want to travel abroad once on my own with my limitation. My limitation is, I have low vision, I'm kind of partially blind.

[@pallavirverma]

I have a 4-year old and I am gonna show this video to her when she is 14. I am saving this in a playlist that I have made for HER.

[@johnkeithrobinson7399]

i like that keep up the good work

[@user-lx9qe2ll9c]

You are a really really brave girl! Very impressive! Really enthusiastic

[@abelincoln332]

Nuts to do it with very little money! Lucky to survive. I used to hitch-hike in the 70's, but I wouldn't today.