Groundbreaking Tale of a US Couple Exploring the World's Diverse Corners
Adventuring duo shares favorites from their journey across 197 nations, offering travel recommendations
Hudson and Emily Crider, a Pennsylvania duo, share their breathtaking journey traversing an impressive 197 of the 198 countries on Earth. With Sudan off-limits due to ongoing humanitarian issues, they've still managed to create a travel legacy few can match.
A dream vacation for some, this power couple transformed it into a reality.
Making heads turn, the Criders have stepped foot on every nation on the map (if you don't count Sudan). From dashing across Tuvalu in under a minute to snuggling on the Great Wall of China, they've crisscrossed the globe in just eight years.
*Local Couple Basks in Glory as they Conquer World Travel Feat, Fondly Shares Memorable Moments*
The Criders' remarkable journey started with exploring the United States. After conquering all 50 U.S. states, they took their adventure worldwide, wrapping it up with a blissful escape in the Bahamas before their daughter's grand entrance in June 2025.
"When we kicked off our travels, world domination was never our goal," Hudson said candidly. "We just craved Bollywood-style adventures and sought out diverse experiences."
In an exclusive chat with our digital platform, the Criders opened up about their globe-trotting adventures, reminiscing about standout moments.
Embracing the Kindness of Strangers
The Criders were bowled over by the kindness they encountered during their odyssey. Despite language barriers and differing customs, a warm smile transcended all languages.
"Even when cultures clash, a smile bridges the gap," Hudson shared. "We found that in almost every country, people went out of their way to welcome us or lend a helping hand."
The couple also gushed about innumerable encounters with kind-hearted strangers who, in their own little ways, left deep impressions on their hearts.
"The sheer generosity and warmth of people around the world has completely transformed our perspectives on humanity," Emily shared emotionally. "It's made us aspire to embody that kindness in return."
Must-visit Destinations
Unexplored Gems
Uzbekistan stood out in the Criders' memory books, surprising them with its vibrant culture, tasty cuisine, and budget-friendly costs, while still maintaining a unique charm.
"Before we even crossed the border, we were traveling on public transport, and strangers warmly invited us to their homes," Hudson recalled with a smile. "It was just like that everywhere we went."
The Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan, home to impressive architecture and a rich history, left an indelible mark on the Criders' hearts.
Emily also raved about Namibia, a stunning African country that heralds breathtaking landscapes and a serene vibe.
"It's an underrated gem," Emily smiled. "The country offers the best of both worlds – safari adventures and beautiful beaches. It's remarkably easy to travel around."
Mainstay Favorites
Thailand, the Criders revealed, ranked among their top destinations, with budget-friendly lodging, mouthwatering food, picturesque beaches, and long-lasting friendships.
"The beauty, the cuisine, the people, and the camaraderie we built there made us fall in love with the place – to the point where we even considered moving there," Emily said dreamily.
Hudson expressed awe for Patagonia, a region in Argentina that he considers a must-visit for any avid photographer.
"Think of legends you'd like to create and then venture out to live them," was Hudson's mantra. "From impressive landscapes and would-be postcard moments, Patagonia was our canvas for timeless tales."
Global Cuisine
Culinary delights played a starring role in their global journey, as many locals consistently offered them meals, often at no cost.
Emily swooned over Switzerland as her favorite foodie destination due to the delectable cheese and chocolate fondue. A Swiss family fed them the traditional dish – raclette, which features melted cheese served with meat and other accompaniments.
"Those generous hosts welcomed us into their lives and their heartfelt invitation to share their culture left a lasting impression on us," Emily reminisced.
Hudson, on the other hand, found the cuisine in Vietnam and Thailand divine, listing it as one of the rare places where it's difficult to find subpar meals. Tragically, Emily grappled with a severe case of food poisoning in Pakistan.
"Traveling means feasting your senses on new tastes, and sometimes, you learn the hard way," Hudson laughed. "We followers of the adventurous life often dance with danger."
Wildlife Encounters
The Criders recounted numerous wildlife encounters, with Kenya earning top marks for its exceptional wildlife spectacles. In the borderlands of Kenya and Tanzania, they witnessed the infamous Great Migration, as herds of wildebeests crossed rivers in a breathtaking display.
Smaller destinations posed logistical challenges, but the rewards were worth the work, the couple revealed. They shared harrowing tales of cramped public transport in West Africa, packed to capacity with passengers and even the occasional goat.
In Ghana, Emily swam close to humpback whales, feeling minuscule against the ocean behemoths. "French Polynesia offers a convenient gateway for humpback whale encounters," Hudson chimed in. "Swimming among those giants of the deep sea is a surreal feeling."
Travel Tips for the Curious Explorer
Hudson shared some insights for globetrotters embarking on their journeys: "Lower your expectations, and adventure will exceed your wildest dreams," he advised.
"If you're headed off-the-beaten-path, know that you're there for a one-of-a-kind experience," he continued. "Embrace the chaos, roll with the punches, and you'll return with a host of unforgettable stories."
Emily echoed her husband's views: "I always find comfort in Hudson's words, 'Think of the stories you wish to live someday and then go out and make them happen.' Our travels have molded us into the people we always wanted to be, and we hope to inspire others to embark on their own adventures."
- The Criders, despite Sudan being off-limits due to ongoing humanitarian issues, managed to create a travel legacy that few can match, largely exploring 197 of the 198 countries on Earth.
- Hudson Crider stated candidly that world domination was never their goal when they embarked on their journey, instead they craved diverse experiences and sought out Bollywood-style adventures.
- In an exclusive chat with a digital platform, the Criders shared their globe-trotting adventures, including moments of kindness they encountered from strangers across the world, and the transformation in their perspectives of humanity.
- Uzbekistan stood out in the Criders' memory books as a vibrant destination with tasty cuisine, budget-friendly costs, and a unique charm, while Namibia, according to Emily, is an underrated gem that offers breath-taking landscapes, safari adventures, and beautiful beaches.
- Thailand ranked among the Criders' top destinations, with budget-friendly lodging, mouthwatering food, picturesque beaches, and long-lasting friendships, while Patagonia, according to Hudson, is a must-visit for any avid photographer.
- Swizz cheese and chocolate fondue in Switzerland and the Great Migration in Kenya were among the Criders' most memorable culinary and wildlife experiences, respectively.
- Hudson advised travelers to lower their expectations and embrace chaos, while Emily believes that traveling allows them to live the stories they wish to tell someday.
- In addition to their love for travel, adventure-travel, cultural-travel, and budget-travel, the Criders shared an interest in food-and-drink, global-cuisines, and sports, including sports-betting on occasions.
