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YouTuber Who Visited Every Country Reveals the One Place He’d Never Return To
For most people, visiting a handful of countries feels like an accomplishment. For Drew Binsky, it’s a way of life. The YouTuber and travel documentarian has spent years circling the globe, visiting every one of the world’s 197 countries, a feat that places him among a very small group of modern explorers. But even with all that experience, one destination stood out to him for all the wrong reasons.
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When a man who has seen nearly every corner of the planet says a place made him feel unsafe, it’s worth listening. Binsky’s honesty about his less glamorous experiences adds rare depth to his usually inspiring travel stories. It is not about sensationalism or fearmongering; it is about telling the truth. His story about Guyana, the country he ranked as his “worst” experience, is a candid reminder that even the most adventurous journeys can come with moments of real vulnerability.
Made in Canada inflation, @DanAlbas?
— Bill Rice 🦋 (@2muchfun4me) March 8, 2023
This is youtube world traveler sensation Drew Binsky in Africa, in an impoverished Saharan village, and the locals are complaining about the rising costs of everything. pic.twitter.com/CT3rLxJZEb
The Man Who’s Seen It All
Drew Binsky isn’t your typical travel vlogger chasing airport selfies and five-star resorts. Since 2012, he has dedicated his life to exploring every corner of the world, capturing authentic human stories that challenge cultural stereotypes. His six million YouTube subscribers tune in not just for beautiful scenery but for his deep curiosity and empathy toward the people he meets. Whether he is learning traditional dance in Papua New Guinea, sipping tea in Iran, or hiking through Bhutan, his videos reveal a fascination with the everyday lives of others rather than luxury or spectacle.
Behind his cheerful camera presence is a relentless work ethic. He has filmed and edited thousands of hours of footage while constantly on the move, navigating unpredictable political situations, delayed visas, and language barriers. Binsky often says that travel is “very subjective” and that many variables can “make or break a trip.” For him, the world is not divided into good or bad destinations but into experiences that shape his understanding of humanity. That mindset was tested more than ever during his time in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, where his usual curiosity gave way to a rare sense of caution.
A Warning at Sunset
When Binsky arrived in Georgetown, he expected another immersive cultural adventure. Instead, what he encountered was an uneasy atmosphere he had never felt before. As night approached, the staff at his hostel gave him a clear instruction: do not go outside after dark. “They told me, ‘Have your dinner and come back, we’re going to lock you inside,’” he recalled. For someone who has walked through war zones and lived through political unrest, that moment was deeply unsettling.
The warning was not exaggerated. The U.S. State Department currently classifies Guyana as a Level 3 destination, advising travelers to reconsider visits because of the prevalence of violent crime, including armed robbery and murder. Local police often lack the resources and manpower to respond effectively to major incidents, leaving both residents and visitors vulnerable. This was not a case of paranoia or traveler anxiety but of real-world risk.
Binsky described feeling constantly alert while exploring the city. Even in daylight, he sensed an edge in the air that he couldn’t quite define. Despite that unease, he made the most of his time by visiting the city’s only golf course and a local market. He later said it was “that kind of place where you always feel like you’re looking over your shoulder,” not out of disrespect, but out of honesty about how his experience felt in real time.
Behind the ‘Worst’ Label
It would be easy to misinterpret Binsky’s description of Guyana as condemnation. However, he is careful to stress that his experience was deeply personal rather than absolute. “Travel is subjective,” he told viewers. “What feels unsafe to one traveler might feel exciting to another.” His admission was not meant to shame the country but to shed light on how travel sometimes reveals uncomfortable realities alongside beauty.
Guyana is a country full of contrasts. It is the only English-speaking nation in South America and has a fascinating cultural blend of Caribbean rhythm and South American tradition. Its rainforests are home to some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, and its Kaieteur Falls are among the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Yet it also faces serious economic and social challenges, including inequality and limited policing capacity. These factors contribute to the tension that Binsky and many others feel when navigating its capital city.
Despite his discomfort, Binsky was careful not to let fear define his entire visit. He acknowledged the kindness of locals who shared stories with him, and he found moments of genuine connection amid the unease. What struck him most, though, was that it was the first and only time in his entire journey that someone explicitly told him to stay indoors after sundown. That single warning changed how he thought about risk, perception, and the boundaries of adventure.
The World’s Other ‘Tough’ Spots
Guyana was not the only destination that challenged Binsky’s resolve. Over his years of travel, he has spoken candidly about his time in several countries that pushed him far out of his comfort zone. In Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, he said he felt “threatened and attacked, both verbally and physically,” describing the city as “hot, dusty, and deserted.” The sense of unpredictability made every moment feel tense.
In Somalia, particularly in its capital Mogadishu, Binsky encountered even greater danger. “This place has no rules, no laws,” he said in one of his videos. “Every time you leave your hotel you have to have a convoy of military trucks in front and back with soldiers carrying AK-47s.” The presence of Al-Shabaab, an extremist group linked to Al-Qaeda, makes travel there one of the riskiest endeavors on Earth. He recalled that one of the hotels he once stayed in had since been destroyed in an attack. The reality of how fragile safety can be hit home in those moments.
What makes these stories so striking is not their danger but Binsky’s insistence on understanding them with compassion. He refuses to sensationalize suffering or fear. Instead, he uses these experiences to show the complexity of global travel. The same curiosity that drives him to visit every country also forces him to face harsh truths about inequality, instability, and the thin line between adventure and danger.
Understanding Travel Risk in Perspective
While Binsky’s experiences might make some travelers hesitant, they also highlight an important truth: danger is not universal. The World Tourism Organization reports that international travel is statistically safer today than it was two decades ago, largely due to improved communication, stronger global networks, and better emergency coordination. However, those broad statistics do not erase the unevenness of safety conditions around the world.
Experts in travel security often emphasize preparation and respect as the cornerstones of safe exploration. Dr. Peter Tarlow, a global tourism safety specialist, notes that “most travel-related incidents are preventable through awareness and local understanding.” His advice includes learning local customs, avoiding risky areas after dark, and blending in as much as possible. These are simple but powerful habits that experienced travelers like Binsky follow closely.
Viewed through this lens, Binsky’s unsettling experience in Guyana becomes a valuable case study in humility. It shows that even someone who has traveled everywhere can still be caught off guard. The freedom of travel carries an implicit responsibility: to remain alert, informed, and respectful of the unseen realities that shape other people’s daily lives.
Lessons from a Global Nomad
Through his candid storytelling, Drew Binsky has become more than a travel influencer. He is a chronicler of humanity, using his platform to show both the wonder and the challenges of life around the globe. His decision to speak honestly about discomfort, danger, and fear is a reminder that authenticity matters more than perfection.
Binsky admitted that he nearly chose not to release his video about Guyana because he feared it might be perceived as too negative. Ultimately, he decided to share it with careful context, emphasizing that he was open to changing his mind if future experiences proved different. “If anyone from the countries mentioned wants to invite me back for another visit,” he said, “I’m happy to change my mind.” That statement reflects his character — humble, reflective, and willing to learn.
His journey teaches something fundamental about travel and personal growth. Every trip holds the potential to transform the traveler, not just through breathtaking sights but through moments of discomfort and introspection. The willingness to be honest about fear is what gives his adventures meaning beyond entertainment.