Filipina-American traveller Luisa Yu, 81, based in Miami, has been named Most Intrepid Traveler at the 2025 NomadMania Travel Awards, held virtually from 22–23 November. She stood out among four other international finalists for her courage, boldness, and ability to keep pushing boundaries—proving that adventure truly has no age limit.
Often dubbed the “Oscars of world travel,” the NomadMania Travel Awards are voted on by members of NomadMania, a global group of more than 50,000 travellers dedicated to verifying and tracking the journeys of the world’s most travelled explorers.
A journey that hasn’t slowed down
After achieving a historic milestone in 2023 by visiting all 193 United Nations-recognised countries, Luisa continued travelling—this time to some of the most remote and difficult places on Earth.
In just the past year, she explored Pakistan, Russia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Austria, Switzerland, Algeria, and Chad’s rugged Ennedi Desert, where she camped in harsh conditions. She also travelled the iconic Pamir Highway through India, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, followed by journeys across Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey.
At age 77, she skydived in Dubai—a moment she described as proof that fear should never outrun curiosity.
As Co-Leader of Filipino World Travelers (FWT), she continues to inspire others with her message that “adventure has no expiry date.”
Historic gathering of world explorers
Now in its fifth year, the 2025 NomadMania Travel Awards brought together more than 100 “UN Masters”—the rare group of travellers who have been to all 193 UN countries. It is believed that fewer than 500 people in history have achieved this milestone.
The event also included panel discussions on topics such as Dark Travel, Solo Woman Travel, Digital Nomadism, LGBT Travel, Budget Travel, Travel Cybersecurity, and Under 30 & Over 65 UN Masters, with sessions held in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Only four people in the world have visited every country twice, and one traveller has achieved the “Grand Slam of Travel” — all 193 UN countries, both poles, and outer space.
Filipinos recognised among global travel leaders
Aside from Luisa’s major win, four Filipino World Travelers were named finalists in other categories:
Kach Umandap – Most Purposeful Traveller
The youngest and first Filipino to visit every country in the world using only a Philippine passport. This year, she launched initiatives empowering Filipino youth to become remote workers.
Odette A. Ricasa – Best Travel Book
First Filipino to visit all countries in 2022; author of It’s All in the State of Mind.
Wyatt Maktrav and Kaila de los Reyes – Biggest Low Passport Index Traveller
Wyatt, just 12 years old, became the youngest person to visit all European UN countries in 2025, accompanied by his mother Kaila.
Despite strong showings each year, no Filipino has yet won the Biggest Low Passport Index Traveller award – though Filipinos have been consistent finalists for four straight years.
A rare achievement in travel history
This is Luisa’s second NomadMania award. She previously won Most Positive Traveler in 2022. She now joins Thor Pedersen as one of only two individuals to receive multiple awards from NomadMania. Pedersen was recognised for Biggest Traveller (2022) and Best Travel Book (2025) for The Impossible Journey: An Incredible Voyage Through Every Country in the World Without Flying.
Luisa’s latest recognition comes just months after her courtesy call to the President of the Philippines in April 2025—together with Kach Umandap, Odette Ricasa, and Dondon Bales, founder of the Filipino World Travelers community.
Watch and explore
Watch the full recording of the 2025 NomadMania Travel Awards:
Details of all Finalists, including five Filipinos: https://nomadmania.com/awards2025-voting/
