Episode 06: Luisa Yu Completes Every Country At 79-Years-Old And Unwittingly Becomes Social Media Sensation
Luisa Yu making friends with the Asmat tribe of Papua New Guinea
79-year-old Luisa Yu had no intention of becoming famous after completing her nearly 50-year-journey to visit every country in the world. But a Croatian social media travel influencer she met along the way had other plans for her, insisting she make Serbia her final country. So, when Luisa arrived in Serbia, a throng of media awaited to interview her and the influencer (Vanna Bojovic @vannabojovic) released an Instagram reel featuring Luisa that garnered 2.7 million views.
The rest, they say, is history!
Since that day, just last month, Luisa has been featured in news outlets everywhere in the world – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and many more.
However, those interviews feature a quote or two, a favorite country or experience, and little more. As with all interviews on the Pick My Adventure Show (and podcast), we dig a little deeper.
Luisa’s first full interview gives us a glimpse of:
The lives of all the social media influencers she has met on her travels who have adopted her, lovingly calling her “Mama”
How she went to 47 states in the United States while waiting for her green card in the 70s (and which state and city was her favorite)
Why and how she went against her doctor’s orders to skydive last year (at 78 years old!)
Why two of the countries she was most-advised AGAINST going to turned out to be two of her favorites (Afghanistan and Somalia)
Her advice for other “senior”-aged travelers – and travelers of all ages!
How her daughter has attempted to stop her from going to some destinations
Why her travels are far from over and what she wants to do next
Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean. 👇