One woman, 184 countries: The Story of Najmun Nahar
From a conservative society to the farthest corners of the globe, Najmun Nahar has defied expectations by visiting 184 countries. Her journey is not just about travel, but about courage, curiosity, and carrying messages of peace, hope, and empowerment—especially for women in Bangladesh
Very few among us ever get the opportunity to truly explore enticing foreign lands. Even those fortunate enough to afford it rarely travel with the intention of wholeheartedly experiencing local cultures, traditions, and natural wonders.
Moreover, in a conservative society like Bangladesh, it is uncommon to find travellers at all—let alone women—who can shoulder the burdensome dream of travelling the world.
Despite such barriers, one woman made headlines by not only daring to dream, but by confidently stepping forward to achieve it.
A rare anomaly, she has visited not one, not two, not ten, but 184 nations worldwide. We were fortunate to hear the story of Najmun Nahar, currently residing in Sweden, and to learn what led her down the path of becoming an ever-curious explorer of planet Earth.
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Where it all started
Najmun Nahar began developing a passion for travelling during her early school years, inspired by the travel stories she heard from her father and grandfather. As it turned out, exploring the unknown was in her blood.
Reading every travel book she could find further fuelled these ambitions. Her desire to travel culminated in her first international trip to India in 2000, through her involvement in the International Adventure Programme with the Bangladesh Girl Guides.
That journey became a stepping stone into the wider world of travel. When asked what continues to drive her, she replied, "My motivation comes from representing Bangladesh with pride, carrying messages such as 'No War, Only Peace' and 'Save the Planet', and inspiring young people—especially women—to believe that impossible dreams can become possible."
Challenges
There are bound to be difficulties when one chooses to step into the unknown world of exploration. For her, travel means "embracing the unknown and being prepared for the worst".
"I've faced sandstorms in the Sahara Desert, quiet nights in remote forests, intense questioning at borders, dangerous sea journeys, and long overland routes," Najmun shared as she recalled some of the most intense moments on the road.
"Each experience has helped me learn valuable lessons and strengthened me to face the next challenges," she reflected.
She, for one, did not confine her travels to only the "pretty" parts of the world. "The number 184 cannot be reached if you choose to keep yourself sheltered among sunny beaches and scenic mountain ranges," she added.
Among all the countries she has visited, Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela stood out for their strict border controls and routine police checks. Still, she managed to find her way through, refusing to be deterred by threats to her safety.
Travel replaces fear with understanding through human interaction, and understanding is the foundation of peace.
Beyond concerns for her personal safety, financial constraints, visa barriers, and societal pressures also made her journey difficult. However, she possesses something that few travellers ever do: the unwavering support of her family and friends, and her own determination.
Some good memories
Each destination carries its own unique experience, whether through local culture, lifestyle, or food. Yet a few journeys became especially memorable for Najmun because of the extraordinary experiences she encountered along the way.
Venezuela held a special place for her. She shared that witnessing the resilience of its people amid economic sanctions, alongside its breathtaking landscapes, left her in awe. Samoa stood out for its fascinating culture and pristine beaches, while her journey to the Bahamas was memorable for the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Among all these breathtaking places, the Andes mountain range stood apart as unparalleled. "Their vastness and beauty felt like nature's silent prayer," she said, recalling the magnificence of that natural wonder.
"Travel replaces fear with understanding through human interaction, and understanding is the foundation of peace," Najmun Nahar reflected, summing up the lessons from her journeys that have shaped her worldview.
Through direct interaction with people—beyond news headlines and common hysteria—she developed a more humanised and non-prejudiced perspective. These encounters helped her move past assumptions and see realities as they are.
"When people across cultures connect, they recognise shared humanity rather than the differences that divide them," she explained, emphasising how human interaction through travel can reduce hatred and lower the likelihood of conflict. For Najmun, travel has also deepened her pride in being Bangladeshi.
"Travelling made me hopeful about the unity possible in our world and grateful to be Bangladeshi," she said.
Some may assume that staying away from friends and family for long periods weakens personal relationships, but for Najmun, the opposite proved true. The distance only deepened those bonds. "Their support has been one of my greatest strengths," she reflected.
Some suggestions for would-be travellers
Many believe that travelling requires a substantial amount of wealth. On the contrary, Najmun offers a practical approach. "Start close, explore locally, and save consistently."
Travelling across the globe is a significant milestone and a powerful learning experience. "Through long-term savings, disciplined budgeting, prioritising low-cost travel, and planning every journey wisely, I make it work," she said.
The effort she puts into making it possible is equally admirable. "Often, I work extra hours to fund a new destination. Planning and patience are just as important as passion."
With careful preparation, she manages visa-related challenges with relative ease. "I research early, study regulations, plan overland routes carefully, stay flexible, and always prepare backup plans. Organisation and patience are essential for global travel."
When asked what mindset Bangladeshis should cultivate to become confident travellers, her response was clear and inspiring: "Be curious, courageous, disciplined, and respectful, and never stop learning."
Najmun also advises that the journey does not have to begin far from home. Exploring can start with neighbouring countries; what truly makes the difference is the determination and courage to take the first step.
The ever-determined mindset
Najmun's journey from a curious dreamer to a global traveller who has visited 184 countries is extraordinary. She has become a role model for girls across Bangladesh who dare to dream—dream big—no matter how impossible those dreams may seem. When asked whether she ever imagined reaching such a milestone, she replied, "Yes, deep inside, I always believed I could reach this milestone. I always had faith in my dreams and strongly believed in myself."
Reflecting on the changes she has seen in herself over time, she explained, "I began as a curious dreamer, eager to see the world. Today, I am a global traveller, peace advocate, and storyteller."
Travelling has not only revealed the beauty of nature to her, but has also gifted her a broader, more open mind—one shaped by stepping beyond perceived limitations. This transformation goes far beyond borders; it is deeply personal.
"It has made me more patient, grateful, and open-minded. I now see every obstacle as part of a bigger learning journey," she added.
With footprints in 184 countries and more than 56 international awards to her name, including the US Peace Torch Bearer Award, she emphasised that her journey was never about recognition, but about breaking human barriers.
She continues to champion world peace and female empowerment, connecting people and inspiring others through her work. "The world is our home; we are all living under one sky, and it is kinder than we think. Curiosity, empathy, and courage open doors—both in travel and in life."
