'Pakistan left profound impression on me': Meet Youtuber Ravi Prabhu, the only Telugu man to visit 195 countries

Hyderabad: Ravi Prabhu, widely known as `Ravi Telugu Traveller’ on YouTube, has achieved a remarkable milestone by visiting all 195 countries in the world.

This feat makes him the first Telugu person to accomplish such a journey, and one of only 280 people globally to have done so.

Ravi, a native of Visakhapatnam and a graduate of Hyderabad Central University, has captivated over 786,000 subscribers with his travel vlogs, offering a window into diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes.

Talking to NewsMeter, Ravi shares his motivations, experiences, and the lessons learned from his incredible journey.

Motivation and Beginnings

NM: What inspired you to embark on the journey of traveling to every country in the world?

Ravi: "I've always had a deep love for travel, which started in my childhood when I would sit and stare at an atlas for hours. My journey began at the young age of nine when I visited Bhutan, and later the USA, where I now reside with my family. This lifelong passion drove me to explore every corner of the globe."

Challenges and Overcoming Them

NM: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your travels, and how did you overcome them?

Ravi: "Traveling to Pakistan was a significant challenge due to the difficulty for Indians to obtain visas. Venezuela was also tough because of current government policies. There were times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to complete my travels due to delays or other issues, but I learned to adapt and find thrill in overcoming these difficulties."

NM: Were there moments when you considered giving up? If so, what kept you going?

Ravi: "Yes, there were moments of doubt, but the love for travel and the thrill of new experiences kept me going. I enjoyed the challenges and learned to embrace them."

Experiences and Highlights

NM: Out of all the countries you visited, which ones left the most lasting impression on you and why?

Ravi: "Pakistan left a profound impression on me. Despite political tensions, I found the people there incredibly welcoming and kind. The cultural similarities to India were striking, and I had the opportunity to explore the country extensively, from north to south, even conducting interviews in Hindi and Telugu."

Cultural Insights and Learnings

NM: Were there any cultural practices or traditions you found particularly fascinating?

"In Indonesia, despite it being a predominantly Muslim country, I was fascinated by the prevalence of Indian cultural elements, like traditional names and street performances of the Ramayana."

NM: What were some of the most interesting or unusual foods you tried during your travels?

Ravi: "I tend to be cautious with food and usually stick to what I know. However, in Taiwan, I saw people drinking snake blood, which was quite shocking for me. It's something I don't think I'll ever try."

Impact and Reflections

NM: What did you learn about yourself during this journey?

Ravi: "I realized that while I love traveling, I don't want to be just a wanderer. I value stability, a career, and a home. Balancing my passion for travel with these aspects of life has been crucial."

Future Plans

NM: After achieving this incredible milestone, what are your plans? Do you have any new travel goals or projects in mind?

Ravi: "Although I've visited every country, there are still many cities and places within these countries that I haven't explored. My future travels will focus on exploring these in more depth."

Advice for Aspiring Travelers

NM: What advice would you give to aspiring travelers who dream of exploring the world but feel limited by resources or other constraints?

Ravi: "My advice is to unshackle your mind and plan well. Balancing travel with other aspects of life is essential. Travel can be a passion and a hobby, but it's challenging to make it a sustainable career. Essentials like money, a passport, and a phone are critical, and always traveling within your budget is key."

Budget and Travel Planning

NM: How did you manage your budget while traveling to 195 countries?

Ravi: "I funded my travels through careful budgeting and saving. I worked hard and set aside money specifically for travel, which allowed me to achieve this dream."

Climate Change and Environmental Awareness

NM: During your travels, did you observe any noticeable effects of climate change?

Ravi: "I witnessed significant climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels in Visakhapatnam and Tonga. These changes are stark reminders of the urgent need for environmental action."

Interactions with People

NM: How did you approach interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Ravi: "I found that kindness is a universal language. Respecting people's boundaries and showing genuine interest in their culture helped me connect with people everywhere."

NM: Can you share a story about a meaningful connection you made with someone during your travels?

Ravi: "I've made numerous meaningful connections worldwide. I stay in touch with many people, which has enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and human experiences."

Perceptions and Preconceptions

NM: Did you encounter any misconceptions or stereotypes about India or Indian culture during your travels?

Ravi: "Surprisingly, I didn't face many stereotypes. I believe that how we present ourselves plays a big role in how we are perceived. By being respectful and open, I found that people were equally welcoming."

Human Resilience and Kindness

NM: In your experience, what are some common qualities or values you observed among people across different countries?

Ravi: "Despite cultural differences, the fundamental human needs and desires for food, shelter, and love are universal. The kindness I've encountered worldwide reaffirms my belief in the inherent goodness of people."

Ravi Telugu Traveller's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the human spirit's resilience. His experiences not only highlight the beauty and diversity of our world but also serve as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.