100 Stories by Henrik Jeppesen
By Henrik Jeppesen
I have many stories from my life and travels. Here are some teasers.
1. A Tourist in Syria During the War
I visited Syria in 2015, in the middle of the war, and was told I was the only tourist in the country at the time. On the way to Damascus, I saw smoke rising from bombings…
2. Meeting the Prime Minister in Tripoli
Libya was one of the hardest countries to enter, but I managed it with great help from the person in charge of the foreign press. I entered as a freelance journalist and ended up meeting the Prime Minister in Tripoli, shortly after he had informed his team that the Islamic State had beheaded several police officers…
3. Stress in North Korea – How I Avoided Prison
I travelled with an Englishman who was carrying the ashes of his best friend. His goal was to leave some of the ashes in every country in the world. North Korea, however, is the only country where tourists are not allowed to move freely. Since the guides wouldn’t allow him to do as he wished, he had to make a choice: give up on his project or find another solution…
4. Scary Midnight Hitchhiking Trip with a Vodka-Drinking Indian
I was in a unique region of India with its own border control. I arrived at the border at night and tried to hitchhike, but it was difficult. The border guard helped me find a ride, but after just a few minutes, the driver stopped, drank an entire bottle of vodka, and what followed was a frightening journey through dangerous roads at night…
5. Somaliland Gave Me a Free Visa
Before arriving in Somaliland, I knew a visa on arrival was possible, but expensive. I waited until everyone had passed through passport control, then asked if there was a cheaper option. To my surprise, I got the visa for free. “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
6. The Best Hitchhiking Adventure Was in Iran
When I landed at Tehran International Airport, I was frustrated—there was no public transport to the city. I didn’t want to spend my limited budget on a taxi, so I did what I’d done many times before: I stuck out my thumb. And it worked out very well.
7. My Taxi Driver Was Jailed in South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s newest country, is also one of the least developed. Despite getting a visa in Nairobi and doing some planning in advance, it wasn’t enough to guarantee a smooth visit…
8. Rwanda Surprised Me the Most
Given the horrors of the 1994 civil war, I didn’t expect Rwanda to be so well-functioning. But it had excellent roads and stunning landscapes. It’s rightly called “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”
9. Food Poisoning in the Andaman Islands
In 2014, I got severe food poisoning in the Andaman Islands that led to breathing problems—not just during the trip but several times over the following months.
10. Denied Entry into Ethiopia
As a Danish citizen, I could get a visa on arrival in Ethiopia. But when I told immigration that I had a meeting at the Sheraton, I was denied entry. About a year later, I returned—and this time, got in as a tourist.
11. Robert De Niro’s Hotel in New York
I stayed at Robert De Niro’s hotel in New York, which was special enough. But it became even more memorable when I found a tablet in the room with someone still logged into Facebook—one of the world’s most famous directors.
12. Over 100 Airlines Helped Me
Over the course of my project, I managed to secure support from more than 100 airlines around the world…
13. Socotra – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Destinations
Socotra is one of my favourite destinations. This remote island in the Indian Ocean is home to extraordinary nature. Due to the conflict in mainland Yemen, it was difficult to visit in 2014, but it worked out with the help of several Yemenis.
14. How I Visited Annobón
In 2016, I made it to the remote island of Annobón in the Atlantic Ocean after quite an adventure.
15. The World’s Most Remote Inhabited Island Was a Disaster
In 2017, I appeared live on Danish national TV to talk about my upcoming trip to Tristan da Cunha, but the journey turned into a disaster due to extreme weather conditions…
16. Before Uber: How I Hitchhiked in Johannesburg
Johannesburg appears on several lists of the world’s most dangerous cities, but that didn’t stop me from hitchhiking there. I did, however, use a rather unique tactic…
17. How I Ended Up in an Ambulance in Dubai
I ate a local salad at a Radisson hotel in Dubai in 2015. Shortly after, I felt very unwell and ended up in an ambulance…
18. Lomé to Niamey: A 30-Hour, Extremely Uncomfortable Bus Ride
I’ve travelled extensively by bus in many countries, and it’s rarely been very uncomfortable—but there have been exceptions. The worst journey I’ve ever taken was undoubtedly between the two underdeveloped nations of Togo and Niger, via Benin. Terrible roads, clouds of dust, and extreme discomfort…
19. Chased and Robbed in Brussels
At 18 years old, alone in Brussels and searching for somewhere to sleep for the night, I must have looked like an easy target. A man began following me, and I had no idea what to do. I entered a hotel, sat down and thought I had managed to avoid trouble—but when I left, something unpleasant happened…
20. I Hitchhiked with a Mayor in The Gambia
I returned to The Gambia in 2018 thanks to a brilliant Spies offer—DKK 299 (approximately 50 dollars at the time) return from Copenhagen. Probably Denmark’s best charter deal ever. During that trip, I set out to visit the landmark Wassu Stone Circles. Locals tried to charge an absurd fare for a taxi, so I stuck out my thumb—and ended up getting a lift from a friendly mayor…
21. Denied Entry to Benin
After researching Benin’s visa policy for Danish citizens, I was confident I could get a visa on arrival. But when I crossed over from Togo, I was denied entry. Then a bus driver said: “This is Africa—money talks…”
22. Over 50 Hours at Osaka Airport
Sometimes travel plans go terribly wrong. Osaka Airport remains the only airport in the world where I’ve slept for two consecutive nights…
23. My Jamaican Nightmare
First, my flight from Montego Bay to Kingston was cancelled just days before departure. I booked another, but when I arrived at the airport, it was severely delayed. Taking that flight would’ve meant missing my same-day connection from Kingston to Barbados. So I opted for a taxi, which turned out to be a chaotic and stressful experience…
24. I Prayed in Samoa
While hitchhiking in Samoa, I was dropped off in a remote area as the driver was heading a different way. The heat was intense, and I quickly became dehydrated. I started to panic—but then I prayed, and something incredible happened…
25. Robbed in Liverpool
At 17, just beginning to travel on my own, I was robbed at a train station in Liverpool…
26. Over 50 Private Island Resorts in the Maldives
To me, the Maldives is one of the world’s finest destinations for relaxation—stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, idyllic islands, and the unique “one island, one resort” concept. That’s why I’ve spent the night at more than 50 private island resorts across the country.
27. Shocking Comment from an Irish Driver
Fortunately, nothing bad happened during this hitchhiking trip—but a driver in Ireland made a rather shocking comment…
28. Central African Republic – The Most Dangerous Country for Me
The Central African Republic is among the most dangerous countries in the world, having endured civil war since 2012. At first, fear kept me away. But after some research and assistance from a Swedish expat, I decided to go. It became a very special experience. For the first—and so far only—time in my life, I paid someone to meet me the moment I stepped off the plane…
29. A Lot of Stress in St Vincent
An unexpected departure tax—and a broken airport cash machine—caused major stress as I was preparing to leave St Vincent…
30. My Passport Was Stolen in The Gambia
While queuing for a ferry in The Gambia, my passport was stolen. But then, something quite amazing happened…
31. Bitten by a Centipede in a Private Home in Fiji
I arrived at Suva International Airport without accommodation. A taxi and hotel were beyond my daily budget, so I started talking to people at the airport. Soon, someone offered me a lift and a place to stay—but the next morning…
32. A Wild Night Hitchhiking in Azerbaijan
I was turned away at the Georgian–Azerbaijani border because my visa was only valid from the following day. I returned just after midnight, but once inside Azerbaijan, there was no transport in sight. I stuck out my thumb again, and what followed was a special night and a true cultural experience…
33. My Terrible Experience in Congo
Pointe-Noire, the second-largest city in the Republic of Congo, started off promisingly—and it’s definitely worth a visit—but the experience ended terribly…
34. The World’s Most Boring Country
A tiny Pacific nation with fewer than 12,000 inhabitants, often predicted to be the first country to disappear due to climate change. At the same time, I found it to be the most boring country in the world…
35. Why Nigeria Surprised Me
During my research, I discovered that Lagos had been labelled the worst place in the world by two of the most widely travelled people. That set my expectations very low when I visited in 2016, but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up extending my stay…
36. Stopped by American Soldiers in Kabul
In many developing countries, taking photos can be risky. I learned this firsthand when two Americans and I were stopped by armed soldiers in tanks in Kabul…
37. The Worst Train Journey Was in South Africa
Although South Africa is one of my favourite countries, not everything about it is impressive—especially the train journey I endured there, which was by far the worst I’ve experienced…
38. Australia Was the Best Couchsurfing Country
Couchsurfing was a huge help in the early days of my travels, offering free places to stay. The most welcoming Couchsurfing destination of all was Australia in 2009…
39. Food Poisoning and a Hospital Emergency in Bali
My first serious case of food poisoning happened in Bali in 2013—most likely from a Japanese soup at a five-star resort. A costly mistake that landed me in hospital…
40. Cité Soleil: The World’s Most Dangerous Place
Located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, Cité Soleil is considered by the United Nations to be the most dangerous place on Earth. I visited back in 2012—in a bulletproof vehicle…
41. The Police Picked Me Up in Samoa
I had never been in a police car before—until it happened in Samoa while I was hitchhiking. Thankfully, the police didn’t stop to arrest me, but rather to offer me a lift to my hotel…
42. My 25th Birthday at a Bus Station in Banja Luka
I spent my 25th birthday alone at night in a bus station in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska…
43. Stress While Leaving Djibouti
On my way out of Djibouti, I arrived early at the airport, but my visa letter for Yemen still hadn’t arrived in my inbox. It caused some degree of stress…
44. I Flew with Air Marshall Islands for Approximately One Minute
I was excited when Air Marshall Islands agreed to fly me to another island—but around a minute after take-off, we were back on the ground…
45. Taxi Nightmare in Azerbaijan
Although I usually travel on a low budget, I sometimes opt for a taxi. My worst experience was in Azerbaijan: I was taken to the wrong place, the driver lit a cigarette despite I clearly saying no earlier. I eventually left the car in frustration, only to have the driver follow me through the streets of Baku…
46. My Wallet Was Stolen in China
My bag was opened on the streets of Xi’an, and suddenly I was left without money and an essential document I needed to leave the country. I ended up at the police station, wondering what to do in China with no money…
47. The Hotel Didn’t Pick Me Up in Chad
In frustration, I decided to stick out my thumb, and an adventure was about to begin.
48. An Uncomfortable Hitchhiking Trip in California
Frustrated by the cost of a taxi, I set off on foot between two hotels. A young couple offered me a lift, and although I was tired and accepted, it turned out to be a decision I regretted…
49. How I Visited Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia was one of the most difficult countries for me to enter as a Dane in 2016. I had to get creative to secure a visa…
50. Rejected at the Ukrainian Border
In 2019, I was turned away at the Ukrainian–Hungarian border. It was not permitted to leave Ukraine on foot, so I tried hitchhiking instead—and then something surprising happened…
51. How I Got Over Five Million Views on a YouTube Video
I’ve uploaded more than 1,800 videos to YouTube, mainly featuring hotels and flights. One video from Pakistan has amassed over five million views.
52. My Story Went Viral in Latin America
After visiting my final country, I used tools like ManageFlitter to follow journalists on Twitter. It was worth the time spent on it, as I received valuable media coverage, including getting interviewed by CNN and the BBC. An article about me became the most-read piece on CNN en Español, while a BBC Mundo article stayed on their front page for several days. The exposure led to many new social media followers, which I’m sure helped in securing important new partnerships.
53. How I Got a Visa for Angola
In 2016, Angola was one of the most difficult countries for a Dane to visit, but I found a creative way to obtain a visa while in São Tomé.
54. Earthquake in Guatemala
I’ve only ever experienced one earthquake – it happened in 2012 while I was in Guatemala.
55. Only When It Got Dark Did People Stop on Corfu
Upon arriving in Corfu, I tried to hitchhike to my hotel without success. Refusing to pay for an expensive taxi, I began walking towards the hotel while still attempting to get a lift. Only when night fell did drivers finally start to stop.
56. The World’s Only One-Star Airline Didn’t Feel Safe
I’ve felt nervous on planes before, especially small ones in the Seychelles, Namibia and the Maldives. But one of the worst flights was with Air Koryo, North Korea’s state-owned airline, once rated the world’s only one-star airline.
57. How I Got to Greenland for Free
Greenland is notoriously expensive to visit. Working with a limited budget, I approached Air Greenland for collaboration– it didn’t work out, but thanks to a cargo company, I still managed to visit. Some years later, I visited Greenland again and this time got to experience Nuuk and Ilulissat, which were both fantastic travel experiences.
58. When You Have Nowhere to Sleep
Finding a place to sleep was sometimes a challenge. I’ve spent nights in airports, at a gym in the Maldives, and even at a public toilet at Brisbane Airport. I’ve also simply asked strangers directly for help, like an American in Paramaribo and a Fijian at Suva Airport – both of whom offered accommodation within minutes.
59. Hitchhiking Saved Me a Lot in New Zealand
In 2011, on my first trip to New Zealand, I had a major hitchhiking adventure – travelling between two rural hotels via six different cars. It saved me around $200 in taxi fares. That evening, the hotel owner offered me a lift the next morning after hearing about the hitchhiking, bringing the total savings to around $400 over two days.
60. Eight Wild Days in Kiribati
Kiribati is among the world’s least visited countries, but very interesting. I slept in a tent and on sofas, ventured to North Tarawa and Abaiang, hitchhiked, and had many memorable cultural experiences.
61. I Gave Up Hitchhiking in Sint Maarten and Tried to Sleep at the Airport – Then It Closed
After a failed attempt at hitchhiking from Sint Maarten Airport to St. Martin late at night, I returned to the airport to sleep, only to find it was closing. I went back out and gave hitchhiking another try.
62. I Met My Wife on Facebook
Following media coverage after visiting my final country, I received many Facebook friend requests – one of them eventually became my wife.
63. My Italian Adventures
Italy is one of my favourites – amazing food, rich culture, and countless attractions. I’ve spent months exploring the country. Once, while hitchhiking, the police stopped me and claimed “autostop is absolutely forbidden in Italy”, which isn’t actually correct.
64. The Warmest Night Was in Burkina Faso
I stayed with a local family in a room without air conditioning – it turned out to be the hottest night of my life.
65. They’re Building a New Capital in Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is constructing a new capital on the mainland to replace Malabo on Bioko Island. I visited this planned capital in 2016, and it was a special experience.
66. I Celebrated My Final Country Without Electricity
Eritrea was the last country on my list, but there was no celebration on arrival. The hotel had no electricity for hours.
67. Terrible Air Pollution in Bamako
The worst air pollution I’ve ever encountered was in African capitals like Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and especially Bamako, where old cars and intense traffic made the air so bad I began to feel unwell.
68. When a Taxi from the Airport Is Too Expensive
Transport from airports can be overpriced and frustrating. When a pricey taxi was the only option, I often found creative alternatives – sometimes just by asking fellow travellers, as I did in Mauritania and Martinique. “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
69. The Worst Language Barrier
The most difficult language barrier I faced was at São Tomé’s international airport. I didn’t know if I had missed the check-in, but I didn’t understand what they were saying to me. I only found someone who spoke English after stepping outside.
70. I Was Scammed in Beijing
Despite being an experienced traveller, I was scammed during my first trip to China in 2009.
71. The Worst Welcome
Most places gave me a warm welcome, but not Sierra Leone. At the airport, I was asked for a fee to stamp my passport, which I avoided by talking my way out of it. A woman then shouted at me for sitting in an empty waiting room. Outside, a policeman asked for money. Thankfully, my experience in the country improved afterwards.
72. Locked Inside a Taxi in China
China boasts many great sights, but I’ve had several bad experiences there. The worst was when a taxi driver locked the doors and demanded payment in US dollars instead of what the metre showed. I was young, scared, and shouted for help.
73. Travelling Without Luggage in the Pacific
In 2016, I travelled for several months without a backpack or suitcase – just with what fit in my pockets. It had both pros and cons.
74. I Got Very Weak During a Meeting at Kuala Lumpur Airport
One of my worst experiences happened in 2018 at Kuala Lumpur Airport. After arriving from Phuket, I met a friend with whom I’d previously travelled in Laos. During the meeting, I suddenly felt extremely weak, ended up in a wheelchair and was given an injection by the airport doctor.
75. The Worst Countries for a Strict Non-Smoker
I’m a strict non-smoker and dislike passive smoking. I have many stories, such as an airport security guard in Cairo smoking, people lighting up near gates in Beirut, and ashtrays at a McDonald’s in Andorra.
76. Tibet Impressed Me
Although it’s not an independent country and difficult to access, I was granted permission to visit Tibet in 2015 and was impressed with its natural beauty and cultural sites.
77. The World’s Strangest City
Turkmenistan is one of the world’s hardest countries to visit and, in my view, the second most bizarre after North Korea. Its capital, Ashgabat, might be the strangest city I’ve ever seen.
78. South Georgia Island: A Very Remote Island
Located in the South Atlantic, about 1,400 km from the Falkland Islands, South Georgia might be one of the most stunningly beautiful places on Earth. I visited in 2017, and was very impressed.
79. I Underestimated the Time in the Falkland Islands
In 2017, I was on a cruise from South America to South Africa. It could have ended in disaster, as I underestimated the time we had during a stop in the “capital” of the Falkland Islands…
80. In Cuba, They Wanted Money for Hitchhiking
I’m used to hitchhiking being a way to travel for free, but in Cuba, I discovered it’s more like a form of informal public transport – and you’re expected to pay for the ride.
81. St. Barths: The Best of the Caribbean
There’s a saying that you get what you pay for – and in St. Barths, that seems true. It’s probably the most expensive destination in the Caribbean, but I can’t think of a better one in that part of the world.
82. A Wild Welcome in Okinawa
Okinawa is a Japanese territory in the Pacific. The local tourist office helped arrange a ticket for me, and in return, I agreed to participate in a promotional campaign. After spending over 50 hours at Osaka Airport, I finally arrived in Okinawa, where the tourist agency was ready to film an advert for the Chinese market…
83. 36 American States
I’ve visited 36 of the 50 US states. In 2011, it helped that I could book tickets between some major cities for just one dollar each (plus a booking fee) through a company called Megabus…
84. Car Stuck in France
France is one of my favourite countries, and in 2019, I went a big road trip in the country. Due to bad weather, the car got stuck in a remote natural area. What do you do in France in that situation – with limited French language skills?…
85. Transnistria: A Bizarre Experience
Transnistria is a so-called “breakaway republic” in Moldova. At “the border”, you’re given an important slip of paper – and without it, you cannot leave the territory…
86. Saba: A Unique Caribbean Island
Saba is a fantastic little island in the Caribbean with a population of approximately 2,000. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve experienced in the region…
87. Equatorial Guinea: The Most Difficult Visa as a Dane
The Danish passport offers great travel freedom, giving access to around 140 countries without prior paperwork. However, some countries are still extremely difficult to visit, and Equatorial Guinea was perhaps the hardest. I finally got the visa on my third attempt, using a new tactic in Nigeria…
88. South Africa Is a Favourite
I’ve visited all the provinces in South Africa and spent more than five months exploring this fascinating country, which has given me many impressive experiences…
89. Comoros is an Underrated Gem
The Comoros is one of the least developed countries in the world, yet despite the poverty, this Indian Ocean nation is an underrated gem with stunning beaches…
90. A Small Piece of France in North America
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas territory off the coast of North America. I visited in 2014 and spent three nights exploring this unique destination…
91. Bora Bora: One of the World’s Most Beautiful Places, But Very Disappointing
Bora Bora is a dream destination for many, and yes, it is stunningly beautiful – but I may never return. The prices are extremely high, and the service was disappointing at all four resorts I stayed in. For better service and value for money, I recommend the Maldives or Mauritius instead.
92. Remote Places in the Pacific
I have many stories from my adventures across the Pacific. Besides the sovereign countries, I’ve visited places like Aitutaki, American Samoa, Bora Bora, Easter Island, Espiritu Santo, the Galápagos, Guam, Hawaii, New Britain, New Caledonia, Okinawa, Raiatea, Rarotonga, Saipan, Tinian, and Vava’u…
93. How I Visited Antarctica for Free
After visiting every country in the world, I also completed the last continent, Antarctica, by collaborating with a Chilean airline.
94. My 29th Birthday at the World’s Most Expensive Hotel
North Island in the Seychelles has been listed as the world’s most expensive hotel. I stayed there for my 29th birthday, thanks to the help of a man I’d met in the country more than five years earlier…
95. Locked in a Toilet in Newcastle
In 2018, I stayed at the Novotel near Newcastle Airport. At one point, I went to use the toilet in my room, but the handle broke, and I became trapped in a tiny space. I couldn’t get out, so I shouted for help…
96. Credit Card Stress in Hawaii
In 2018, I was offered a plastic cup of water on a plane after buying a sandwich. I should never have accepted it – I later became seriously unwell, possibly because the water probably wasn’t clean. To make matters worse, my credit card stopped working in Hawaii, and I was turned away from several hotels, creating a very unpleasant situation when I needed a place to rest…
97. Ogasawara: 25 Hours Each Way
Ogasawara is a fascinating Japanese territory in the Pacific. Getting there takes about 25 hours by ferry.
98. My First Lecture Was in Papua New Guinea
My first ever travel lecture took place in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, back in 2013…
99. The World’s Worst Security Check Was in Israel
The worst airport security experiences I’ve had were in Cairo, Kabul and Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv, I was asked a lot of questions and treated in a completely unacceptable manner at the security. I understand that Israel faces many threats, but why should their procedures be so much more intense than those of other high-risk countries like the US or Iran?
100. Lyme Disease After 40+ Specialists
In 2019, I became very sick. After desperately trying numerous treatments and undergoing many tests, my condition worsened following a vaccine. I saw more than 40 specialists and even created a website about my health issues in a desperate attempt to get help. Eventually, I was tested for Lyme disease and hospitalised, but long-term infections are extremely difficult to treat.
So far, I’ve undergone hundreds of treatments, some in Germany, Kazakhstan, and the US, and I expect to continue to do treatments for the rest of my life. My life has changed significantly, and I now also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which causes many limitations in everyday life and travel.
