Zsuzsanna Berencsi journeys across 196 countries

WESTERN BUREAU:

In a world where wanderlust knows no bounds, Zsuzsanna Berencsi, a Hungarian-born adventurer, is a testament to the allure of exploration.

With 196 countries under her belt, she completed her most extraordinary journey on Monday. But it’s not just the miles or the passport stamps that make her adventure remarkable. It’s the way she has come to view the world not just as a traveller, but as someone who has embraced the richness of every place and every culture.

Her story begins in Hungary, where family vacations were more domestic than international. As a teenager, Berencsi began to break free from the confines of local holidays. At 16, she snuck off to Vienna and Germany for a day — a small rebellion that would spark a passion for global exploration. “It was a moment of realisation,” she recalls. “It was the first time I felt the world was vast and full of possibilities.”

By the time she graduated from university, Berencsi was already living abroad. Her career took her to Austria, Scotland, India, and England before settling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “The UAE opened up a new world for me,” she says, citing its location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe. From there, she was able to expand her horizons, journeying into regions and countries that are often overlooked by the typical tourist.

Her defining moment came in 2014 with a trip to Yemen, a country rarely on anyone’s vacation list. “It was the lightbulb moment for me,” Berencsi says. “I realised I could go to places beyond the typical tourist path, places with history and culture waiting to be experienced firsthand. That’s when I decided to visit every country.” And she did — spending every free moment and penny she could on her travels, always balancing the demands of a full-time job.

Now, after a decade of globetrotting, Berencsi has achieved an extraordinary milestone: she visited her 197th country. But it’s not just any country. This one holds a special place in her heart. “[I] saved Jamaica for last,” she says with a smile. “I wanted somewhere beautiful, warm, and full of life to celebrate this achievement. I’m drawn to the music, the food, and the incredible vibe of the Caribbean. And what better way to end this chapter than in a place that’s so vibrant and joyful?”

For Berencsi, Jamaica represents more than just a stunning beach and a destination for relaxation. It’s a place that embodies everything she has discovered on her travels: warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness. The island offers her the perfect space to reflect on her journey as she celebrates with friends from around the world — some of whom have joined her on other travels, including a memorable trip to Yemen years ago.

“I’ve always believed that travel is about connecting with people,” she says. “The warmth you receive in places like Iran, Yemen, or even in the Caribbean reminds you that the world is full of incredible, kind people. It’s easy to get caught up in the media’s portrayal of countries going through conflict, but when you’re there, you see the humanity, the kindness, and the hope.”

Ringing in Christmas in Jamaica and looking forward to New Year’s Day, Berencsi is already planning her next adventure: Antarctica. “It’s still on my list,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “But I’m saving it for next year. For now, Jamaica is where I’ll celebrate the culmination of my trip around the world.

Berencsi arrived in Jamaica just two days before Christmas, rented a car, and drove to Treasure Beach on the south coast. There, she spent Christmas Day playing dominoes and soaking in the vibrant charm of the world-renowned Pelican Bar.

Her Jamaican adventure also included exploring the laid-back allure of Negril, the bustling tourism hub of Montego Bay, the home of the iconic 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, the breath-taking scenery of Port Antonio, and Kingston, celebrated as the cultural heart of the Caribbean.

Berencsi’s journey is a reminder that the world is vast yet connected. Her story is a celebration of humanity, resilience, and the belief that the most meaningful travels are those that take you beyond the tourist traps and into the heart of a place, its people, and its stories.

She has convinced 11 of her travelling friends to take the Jamaican trip with her, including the woman she has travelled with since 2014, Kimberly Kapesi-Miller. “I met Kim on my trip to Yemen, where the idea of visiting every country was born, and she [is] in Jamaica as well to celebrate completing this quest.”

Berensci funds her travels primarily but said she gets tremendous assistance from a friend who is a pilot in the UAE. As an industry professional, she is well-versed in digital assets and their potential, which has allowed her to build a successful portfolio that supports her adventures. Berensci usually stays in mid-range hotels that offer a blend of comfort, local culture, and sustainability.

A few of Berencsi’s favourite places in Africa include Libya, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt; in Asia - Japan, Nepal, India, Thailand, and Georgia; in Europe - Italy, France, Iceland, and Switzerland; in North America - Canada, Mexico and the United States, particularly New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and the overseas territories of Guam and Samoa; in South America - Peru; and in the Caribbean - Cuba.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com