Introduction

Masha and Robert Glanville have embarked on an incredible journey, exploring 195 countries— and counting— over the last eight years. Their adventures have taken them from the sun-kissed villages of Burkina Faso to the breathtaking biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and the stunning beaches of East Africa.

Living the Dream

At 60 and 58 years old respectively, the Toronto-native Masha and Vancouver-born Robert are living a lifestyle that many dream of, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. It all started when Robert suggested a simple idea: “When we began, travel was just about the journey itself. But Masha proposed, 'Why don't we have a purpose? Why not challenge ourselves to visit every recognized country in the world?'” This sparked the mission that would reshape their entire lives.

The Shift to Full-Time Travel

Before setting out on this global odyssey, Masha was entrenched in a demanding executive role in the biotech industry— a high-stress job that left her feeling drained and yearning for a change. “I was simply done,” she reflected. The couple, who had previously carved out time for travel, found themselves increasingly restless and eager to delve deeper into diverse cultures and communities around the world.

Downsizing for Adventure

By 2017, with their son out of the house and Masha ready to leave her corporate job behind, the couple began the monumental task of downsizing their home and lives. “We worked at it like training a muscle,” Robert said, recalling how they pared down their belongings to just two backpacks apiece. The couple has learned that happiness is often intertwined with minimalism, a lesson they’ve witnessed time and again from the locals they’ve encountered.

Cultural Engagement

Their travels usually last between four to seven days in each country, providing them the chance to engage deeply with local cultures. They frequently return to their roots in Toronto every few months to reconnect with family, regroup, and plan their next adventures.

Venturing into the Unexpected

In a delightful twist, the couple has ventured into countries that many others might shy away from, including Syria, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They’ve found that some of the most dangerous-sounding destinations often reveal welcoming people and stunning landscapes. “Some of the countries that people warned us about have revealed the most beautiful, friendly, and generous individuals,” Masha remarked.

The Language of Kindness

With cultural exchanges at the heart of their travels, language barriers dissolve in the warmth of smiles and kindness. “A smile is the most universal language you can share,” Robert noted, emphasizing the remarkable generosity they’ve experienced from people in various countries.

The Allure of the Unexpected

They prefer to allow their curiosity to guide them rather than heavily researching every destination. “Discovering the unexpected is part of the allure of travel,” Robert believes. Their journey isn’t devoid of challenges— they’ve encountered visa headaches in Djibouti and theft in Italy, yet they remain steadfast in their commitment to positive, mindful travel.

Immersive Experiences

Masha and Robert prioritize immersing themselves into local experiences rather than merely checking boxes. For instance, they dedicated ten days in Niger to participate in the Gerewol festival, a rich celebration of Wodaabe culture, which included navigating rugged terrains and military escorts to access remote tribes. Masha described it as a transformative experience.

Financial Planning for Travel

Their financial security comes from a thoughtful approach— post home sale, they smartly invested their savings and rely on returns. Also, they actively support social causes that resonate with their values, such as the Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand, advocating for abandoned animals.

Future Adventures

Looking ahead, the couple has plans to continue their travels, including a highly anticipated trip to Greenland, along with returning to enchanting destinations like Japan, Italy, and Spain. They’ve also expressed an interest in incorporating mountain biking into their travels.

Slowing Down

Despite their love for exploration, slowing down has become a new focus. “We often experience burnout if we move too fast,” Robert explained. Now, they aim to spend a bit longer in each destination, making their concept of “slowing down” mean staying in one location for at least a week.

Conclusion

To Masha and Robert, each day presents the opportunity to learn something extraordinary— whether through vibrant cultures, life lessons, or warm connections. As Robert beautifully articulated, “Every day is something amazing,” and they are determined to uphold that philosophy for as long as they're able.