Luisa Yu is a Filipino-American who, at age 79, completed her lifelong goal of traveling to all 193 United Nations-recognized countries, making her the oldest Filipina to do so. She began her journey as a young woman in Leyte, Philippines, inspired by movies and dreams of seeing the world, and moved to the US at 23 as an exchange student. After decades spent balancing work, raising a family, and saving money, she visited her final country, Serbia, in November 2023, where friends and fellow travelers organized a surprise celebration.
Key details about Luisa Yu:
Travel timeline: Over 50 years, she visited all 193 countries while also maintaining a career as a medical technologist and later as a travel agent to maximize her travel opportunities.
Notable achievements: She is recognized by travel organizations like Nomad Mania as one of the few to complete this challenge and was awarded the 2022 NomadMania Most Positive Award for her inspiring approach to travel.
Philosophy: Luisa emphasizes courage and independence, advising others not to wait for company but to travel when the chance arises. She often says, "If there's a will, there's a way. Nothing is going to be impossible".
Experiences: Her travels included adventures such as skydiving in Dubai at 77, visiting difficult-to-access places like North Korea and Somalia, and forming international friendships.
Favorite destinations: Among her favorite countries are her homeland the Philippines, Italy, and Thailand, highlighting the importance of home as well as beauty and culture encountered abroad.
Current life: As of 2025, Luisa Yu is around 80-81 years old and continues to inspire others, sharing her story at events and online, and being celebrated by the Filipino community for her achievements and advocacy for adventurous aging.
Luisa Yu’s journey is seen as both a demonstration of extraordinary determination and an example of how travel can bridge cultures and foster lifelong dreams, regardless of age or background.
Skydiving in Dubai at age 77: Despite her age, Luisa jumped from a plane over Dubai, describing it as one of the most exhilarating and empowering adventures in her later years.
Visiting remote and challenging countries: She traveled to difficult destinations such as North Korea and Somalia, underscoring both the logistical and personal perseverance required. These trips often involved overcoming significant visa and safety obstacles and left her with a deeper respect for resilience and global diversity.
Celebrating her final (193rd) country in Serbia: In November 2023, friends and fellow “country collectors” surprised her with a celebration as she completed her quest, making it a deeply emotional milestone in her lifelong dream.
Forming international friendships: Throughout her travels, Luisa often recounts heartwarming encounters with locals and other travelers, reaffirming her belief in the kindness and hospitality found worldwide.
Favorite countries: She lists the Philippines (her homeland), Italy, and Thailand among her top favorites for their beauty, food, and cultural vibrancy.
Luisa’s stories repeatedly express the joy of unexpected kindness from strangers, the thrill of conquering personal fears, and the satisfaction that comes from achieving what once seemed impossible. Her philosophy is reflected in her advice to others: don’t wait for perfect circumstances—start exploring when you can.
Most of these details were shared in her recent interviews and award recognitions, as well as in the Filipino community features and global travel circles.
Luisa Yu overcame multiple physical and mental obstacles to complete the hike to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan, especially since she was feeling unwell at the time. The Tiger’s Nest trek is considered strenuous due to several key challenges:
Steep and Lengthy Ascent: The trail to Tiger’s Nest Monastery involves a continuous uphill climb, gaining about 500 meters of elevation over roughly 6 km, with large stretches of steep paths and over 700 steps near the end.
High Altitude: The monastery is perched at over 3,000 meters (approx. 10,000 feet) above sea level, making the air thinner and causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness—especially for those unaccustomed or feeling unwell.
Symptoms of Illness: Many trekkers, particularly those already feeling unwell, report experiencing vertigo, headache, and fatigue. Accounts from other hikers confirm that dizziness and nausea are common obstacles on this trek, requiring frequent breaks and careful pacing.
Physical Condition: For elderly hikers or those with physical limitations, such as joint pain or general fatigue, the hike is notably taxing. Mental determination, regular rest, adequate hydration, and encouragement from companions are often crucial for completing the journey.
Unpredictable Weather and Path Conditions: Depending on the season, cold, rain, or slippery trails further complicate the ascent, demanding focus and resilience even from fit travelers.
Despite these difficulties, hikers report that perseverance, listening to one’s body, regularly resting, and the motivation of reaching the famed monastery help overcome the physical and emotional barriers of the trek. For someone like Luisa Yu, who has demonstrated determination in other travel feats, completing this climb while unwell showcases significant resilience and mental strength.
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