Kristijan Iličić becomes first Croatian to visit every country in the world

Kristijan Iličić becomes first Croatian to visit every country in the world (Photo: Kristijan Iličić/Facebook)

Croatian travel blogger Kristijan Iličić has made history by becoming the first Croatian ever to visit all the countries in the world.

He shared this milestone with his followers on social media, expressing both pride and gratitude for the journey that brought him here.

“To some, it’s just a number,” he wrote. “But when I say that out of 8 billion people, only about 300 have achieved this, that number becomes far more significant.”

A Childhood Dream Realised

Iličić described his feat as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, one he had envisioned since childhood. “Behind the number 197 lie a thousand stories that wove together a single dream,” he reflected.

These stories span unforgettable moments and life lessons, encounters that shaped him into the person he is today.

His travels offered countless opportunities for growth and transformation. Encounters with diverse cultures and people left lasting impressions, and in some cases, he profoundly impacted the lives of those he met.

“Many meetings left a strong impression. I changed, and so did the people around me. For some, I completely transformed their lives, while others left an indelible mark on mine,” he explained.

Highlights of a Global Adventure

From Ethiopia to Afghanistan, Iličić shared glimpses of the deeply moving experiences that defined his travels.

In Ethiopia, he encountered the raw beauty and heartbreak of a land where resilience triumphs over hardship.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan opened his eyes to the humanity shared by people everywhere, dispelling stereotypes and deepening his empathy.

He also experienced nature’s majesty and fury, climbing volcanoes in Congo, Guatemala, and Vanuatu.

The eruption of a volcano in Congo just after his descent reminded him of life’s fragility, while climbing Acatenango in Guatemala pushed him beyond his comfort zone, teaching him that the greatest rewards lie just beyond the extra step.

“The volcano in Vanuatu taught me that life should be celebrated—with dance, laughter, and the company of those you love,” he added.

Beyond these volcanic adventures, his travels took him to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls—Victoria Falls, Iguazu, Niagara, and Angel Falls—each reminding him of the immense power of nature.

A Journey Spanning 18 Years

Iličić’s journey wasn’t just about ticking destinations off a list; it was an 18-year-long odyssey across African deserts, South American jungles, the vast blue expanses of Oceania, and countless road trips through the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

He even recounted personal milestones, such as surprising his partner in Wyoming during a solar eclipse and spending a honeymoon atop Mauritania’s iron ore trains.

“197 is not just a number,” he declared. “It’s a code, a magic, a formula for the growth and expansion of the soul.”

The Final Stop: Sri Lanka

On 2 December 2024, Iličić reached his final unvisited destination: Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Tear of India.” Marking the moment with deep emotion, he predicted tears of joy, gratitude, and wonder as he reflected on the realisation of his dream.

“This journey lasted 18 years. At times, it felt utterly unattainable. There were a million obstacles, but I always found a way to push forward and break boundaries.”

A New Chapter Begins

As Iličić closes this monumental chapter of his life, he looks forward to new adventures.

“This is the end of one great chapter and the beginning of another, which I believe will be just as exciting,” he said, thanking his followers for their unwavering support throughout his travels.

“Every like, every comment, every bit of encouragement meant the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”