Hyderabad:
Many people dream of visiting every country in the world, but only a few achieve it. One such person is Ravi Prabhu, a Telugu YouTuber who has traveled to 195 countries. He now aims to work with the Tourism department to promote tourism in the two Telugu States.
Ravi is one of only 280 certified individuals in the world who have visited all 195 countries. His most recent trip was to Venezuela, marking his 195th country. His travel achievements have been verified by the NomadMania organization.
Ravi comes from Vishakhapatnam and studied for a Masters in Political Science at the University of Hyderabad. He shared that his dream of traveling the world started in childhood. In 1996, he went to the US for higher studies and completed a double Masters in Business Management, specializing in Information Systems. After securing his first job in the US, he initially aimed to visit 10 countries. Gradually, he expanded his goals and eventually visited all 195 countries, starting with The Netherlands.
Ravi believes that travel offers the best knowledge. He explained that traveling presents real challenges and teaches more than books can. He has experienced extreme climates and had notable experiences in places like Palestine and Pakistan. In Baluchistan, he visited the Hinglaj Mata temple, a rare opportunity. During his travels, he promotes the cultures and heritage of the two Telugu States, encouraging others to visit.
Despite having a full-time job, Ravi managed to sustain his passion for travel. He chose a consulting job to have the flexibility to travel and work simultaneously. He works for six to eight months a year and spends the rest of the time traveling.
Ravi’s YouTube channel, ‘Ravi Telugu Traveller,’ has over 786,000 subscribers. The channel showcases his travel experiences and insights into the cultures, cuisines, and people he encounters.
Looking ahead, Ravi plans to promote tourism in the two Telugu States. He expressed his willingness to be the face of any tourism destination and help organizations in this effort. He also aims to visit educational institutions to share his journey and is planning to write a book about his experiences.
To aspiring travelers, Ravi advises that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. He often stays in budget hotels, camps, and tents. With the right planning and willingness to explore, obstacles can be overcome.
