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A Canadian entrepreneur is turning travel into an exhilarating adventure by tossing a dart at a world map while blindfolded and visiting whatever country it lands on. Sorin Mihailovici, 48, has embraced this unique travel method since 2012, as he seeks to immerse himself in cultures across the globe.
The concept emerged from a casual conversation with a friend, during which Mihailovici expressed a desire to wake up one morning and travel wherever his dart would take him. Unlike conventional travel plans, Mihailovici’s trips are guided by chance, offering a sense of unpredictability that many travelers may find daunting.
From Annual Trips to a Packed Schedule
Initially starting with annual excursions, Mihailovici now embarks on up to 16 journeys per year. His early trips included remote destinations such as the North Pole, Russia, and Indonesia. Initially financed through his life savings, his travel expenses have since been supplemented by sponsorships and partnerships with various companies.
While Mihailovici does not travel to the precise location where his dart lands, he often begins his journey in the capital city of the selected country. This is primarily due to the geographical limitations of smaller nations, such as Uruguay, which complicate accurate targeting.
Travel Preferences
When asked about his favorite destinations, Mihailovici highlights Iceland, Argentina, and Thailand as standouts. Conversely, he describes Madagascar as his least favorite, citing a misleading perception shaped by the animated film of the same name alongside experiences with unfriendly locals. These contrasting experiences shape his adventurous spirit as he explores unique cultures around the world.
During his travels, Mihailovici discovered that the street food in Vietnam is among the best he has ever sampled. Additionally, he identifies Vietnam as the most affordable destination he has encountered, showing a preference for budget-friendly travel options. On the other hand, he notes that countries like Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Maldives can be considerably higher in cost.
Creating Engaging Content
To share his adventures, Mihailovici produces a travel show titled “Travel by Dart,” which showcases footage from his explorations. He began editing and publishing videos during the pandemic, transforming his travel experiences into a captivating series. He managed to sell the show concept to a distribution company, further expanding its reach.
“While we were at home, I started editing all those materials from every country and created a season of 13 episodes,” Mihailovici explained. He often works with local videographers, allowing him to focus on creating engaging content that resonates with his audience. His growing portfolio now includes a series featured on Amazon Prime.
Facing Challenges with Courage
Mihailovici’s approach to travel has not been without its risks. Despite the unpredictable nature of his destinations, he remains undeterred by the prospect of visiting places considered dangerous. His recent trip to Iraq is a testament to his adventurous spirit, as he recounts naysayers expressing concern for his safety.
“People said, ‘Are you crazy?’ Maybe it was not safe, but nothing happened to me. We went to Baghdad and Babylon, and it was great. I was eating camel every day,” he shared, reflecting on his experience in a region often tagged as perilous.
Adventure Driven by Chance
While some travelers meticulously plan every detail of their trips, Mihailovici’s method is driven by chance. He aspires to visit every country in the world through his dart-throwing technique, undeniably a different approach to exploration.
“The smaller ones are hard to hit, and I’m also blindfolded while throwing the dart, so I can’t pinpoint it to a certain continent,” he explained. His journey is not just about hitting the big countries on the map; it is about experiencing the world in a way that defies expectations.
Future Travels Await
With his adventurous spirit thriving, Mihailovici remains committed to expanding his travel list. He dreams of visiting both Australia and Spain, acknowledging the challenge of hitting these countries with his dart. He plans to make another throw in August, which could dictate his next destinations.
A Journey Worth Following
Thus far, Mihailovici’s travels have taken him to diverse locales, including Easter Island, Indonesia, Bermuda, Portugal, Cuba, Thailand, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Japan, Antarctica, Germany, Vietnam, India, Turkey, South Korea, and Yemen. The breadth of his travels illustrates the power of spontaneity and the richness of immersing oneself in different cultures.
Additionally, some hotels have been known to offer incentives to be featured on his show, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between travel content creators and the hospitality industry.
Ultimately, Mihailovici’s journey exemplifies the thrill of exploration, reminding us that the world is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered. He encourages fellow travelers to embrace spontaneity and break away from conventional travel norms.
