Drew Binsky: Travel YouTuber, Destinations, Videos and Travel Style

Quick facts

Who is Drew Binsky?

Drew Binsky, born Drew Goldberg on May 24, 1991 in Dallas, Texas, is an American YouTuber, travel blogger and author known for visiting every country in the world.

He grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a double major in economics and entrepreneurship. The travel turning point, told on his official about page, was a study-abroad semester in Prague from January to May 2012, during which he visited more than 20 countries in Europe.

After graduation he moved to South Korea to teach English for 18 months. There he started his first travel blog, The Hungry Partier, documenting travel and nightlife, growing it with 50+ hours of work per week to 150K+ monthly readers according to his own account. The name later felt misleading, so he rebranded under his own name: Drew Binsky.

In 2017, after moving to Hanoi, Vietnam, his partner Deanna Sallao bought him a camera. He started publishing regularly on YouTube. In May 2017 a guided tour video in North Korea went viral with about 10 million views in two days, moving his focus fully to YouTube and Facebook video.

He lived and worked from Bangkok, Thailand in 2018, then Manila, Philippines in 2019. The Philippines became one of his most-visited countries, with more than 45 visits mentioned in his 197-countries recap.

His stated goal became visiting all 197 countries — 193 UN members plus Vatican, Palestine, Kosovo and Taiwan in his counting. Initially planned for end of 2020 before age 30, it was delayed by COVID-19 and completed on October 29, 2021 at 1:31 AM crossing into Saudi Arabia, his 197th country.

He married Deanna Sallao in 2023. This is public information; this article does not speculate on private life.

His YouTube journey

Three phases are observable from public sources:

1. Blog to video (2012–2017). Study abroad, Korea teaching, The Hungry Partier blog and Instagram/Snapchat documenting. YouTube channel exists but regular storytelling starts in 2017.

2. Viral growth and 197 quest (2017–2021). North Korea May 2017 as accelerator. Then systematic country coverage, $10 challenge series (60+ episodes, 1B+ views claimed in his own video descriptions), focus on countries perceived as dangerous: Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Libya, Iran — his words on drewbinsky.com/about. Team grows; CNBC in 2021 reported a team of 26 and seven-figure business from ads, brand deals, merchandise and a travel-hacking course.

3. Post-197 storyteller (2022–2026). Longer documentaries, book Just Go in 2024, Border 197 documentary project announced in 2020, speaking, and on September 2, 2026 Variety announced a Netflix deal: curated episodes from September 19, 2026, including Entering The World’s Narrowest Island (100 Feet Wide), day-and-date with YouTube. Variety reported 7.3M subscribers and 22M followers across platforms at that date.

Language is English. Subtitles are auto-generated by YouTube. No dubbed channels are officially listed.

What kind of travel content does Drew Binsky make?

Based on actually published videos, not slogans:

• People-first short documentaries. Encounters: Wim Hof in the Netherlands, Zablon Simintov in Afghanistan in October 2019, Thai Ngoc in Vietnam who says he has not slept since 1962, tallest people in South Sudan. The hook is a person, not just a place.
• $10 challenge. What $10 buys in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and dozens of countries. Concrete prices, markets, transport, food. Retired after Saudi Arabia as final episode.
• Budget to mid-range adventure. Early years backpacking, street food, rickshaws, local dress. Later production is more professional but stays street-level, not luxury hotels.
• Culture and food. Kebabs in Mazar-i-Sharif, sugarcane juice, handmade ice cream, shisha, market tours in Nigeria, empanadas in Paraguay, momos in Nepal.
• Stereotype-breaking destinations. Turkmenistan Ashgabat compared to Pyongyang, Afghanistan hospitality, Pakistan generosity, Venezuela, Syria. He explicitly says he loves breaking stereotypes with positive people stories.
• Country-count storytelling. The September 27, 2022 video I Traveled ALL 197 Countries! Here’s What It’s Like! reviews each country in a few sentences — useful to pick your next destination.
• Challenges and records. 12 UNESCO sites in 24 hours, suitcase packing record.

What he does not do: silent walks, no-commentary city immersions, luxury resort reviews, or detailed logistics guides with maps and itineraries. His value is inspiration and human context before a trip.

Countries and destinations covered by Drew Binsky

He visited all 197 countries. Below are representative destinations with context, organized by region to stay readable. For exact video dates, check the official YouTube links — titles and availability can change.

Asia

• North Korea – Pyongyang. Organized 3–4 day trip, Pyongyang marathon 10K, May 2017 viral video. Most isolated destination in his catalog.
• Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, central villages. Base in 2017, Thai Ngoc story, street food and motorbike culture.
• Thailand – Bangkok. Lived and worked here in 2018, markets, temples, street food.
• Philippines – Manila and islands. 45+ visits, scuba diving, jeepneys, buko juice, shortest man story.
• India – Kerala, Varanasi region, rat temple. Colors, crowds, spirituality.
• Pakistan – Peshawar, Lahore. Why is Everything Free in Pakistan? Hospitality focus.
• Afghanistan – Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul region. $10 video, Blue Mosque area, kebabs, turbans, rickshaws.
• Turkmenistan – Ashgabat, Mary/Merv. World’s Strangest City video, white marble, 170th country at filming time.
• Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar. Throat singers highlight.
• Nepal – Kathmandu. Momos, lassie, streets, golf anecdote.
• Myanmar – Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan. Described as Bangkok 30 years ago.
• South Korea – Seoul. Teaching base 2013–2015, first Asia shock, taekwondo black belt.

Middle East

• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah, Riyadh. 197th and final country, October 29, 2021. $10 final episode.
• Iran, Iraq, Syria. Culture and hospitality series, among best memories per his about page.
• Palestine – Ramallah (2017). Hospitality focus.
• Qatar – Doha, Souq Waqif. Described as one of best night markets.
• Oman – Salalah. Green south near Yemen border.
• Yemen culture via Salalah and Socotra references. Check official channel for current titles.

Africa

• South Sudan – Juba region. Tallest Humans on Earth, one of three most-viewed videos.
• Morocco – Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen. Medina, mosque, mint tea and juices. See our Marrakech Silent Walk to explore the medina differently.
• Rwanda – Kigali, gorillas. Cleanest country in Africa in his words, post-genocide recovery story.
• Senegal – Dakar, Pink Lake. Mosque, restaurants, West Africa base.
• Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria. Safest wide-open spaces vs Lagos market chaos he says he loves.
• Egypt – Cairo, pyramids. See our Egypt eclipse guide for a different slow-travel angle.

Europe

• Czechia – Prague. Study abroad Jan–May 2012, 20+ countries that semester.
• Netherlands – Amsterdam, The Hague. Wim Hof Ice Man video, Guinness UNESCO base in 2016.
• Poland – Krakow old town, Auschwitz. History and memory.
• Romania – Brasov, Transylvania. Dracula castles.
• Norway – Oslo, Tromso, Svalbard. Fjords and polar bears.
• Monaco, San Marino, Moldova. Micro-states and Soviet vibe.
• Greece – Athens. See our Athens guide for walking context.

Americas

• USA – Arizona, New York. Hometown Phoenix/Scottsdale, New York urban energy.
• Peru – Machu Picchu. Llamas, alpacas, wonder of the world.
• Venezuela, Ecuador, Jamaica. Among last countries before 197, docuseries material.
• Panama – Embera tribe overnight. Temporary tattoos, modern Panama City contrast.
• Nicaragua, Paraguay, Brazil. Borders, empanadas, slow capitals.

Oceania and Caribbean

• Palau – Koror. Met the president, scuba diving, peaceful English-speaking islands.
• Samoa, Nauru, Papua New Guinea. Tattoos, hula, WWII relics, rugby villages, betel nut culture.
• New Zealand – Queenstown, Auckland. Outdoor sports capital.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia Pitons, St Vincent. $100 challenge, island time.

A YouTube thumbnail alone is never proof of a visit in this article — only videos actually watched/described and official texts are used.

Drew Binsky videos to discover

A selection, not a Best-of without criteria. All links are official YouTube.

1. 3 Things You Can’t Do in North Korea

• Destination: Pyongyang, North Korea
• Published: May 2017
• Subject: Guided tour rules and daily life
• Why watch: The viral breakthrough, about 10M views in 2 days. Short, clear, historical for the channel.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNsx0Nqryos

2. Spending 3 Days in World’s Strangest City (Ashgabat)

• Destination: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Subject: White marble capital, empty boulevards, wedding hall, propaganda TV
• Why watch: Best example of his weird-cities storytelling, Pyongyang comparison.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmIa2SGpm6s

3. What Can $10 Get in AFGHANISTAN?

• Destination: Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan
• Subject: Shalwar kameez, turban, rickshaw, flag, juices, ice cream, shisha, kebabs for $9.84
• Why watch: Perfect $10 format: prices, bargaining, food, people.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Momo6NaD0t8

4. He Is The Ice Man (Wim Hof)

• Destination: Netherlands
• Subject: Encounter with Wim Hof
• Why watch: One of three most-viewed videos per Wikipedia sourcing his channel. Human encounter format.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF8dkjEdKNo

5. Tallest Humans on Earth

• Destination: South Sudan
• Subject: Dinka people meeting
• Why watch: Second of top three most-viewed, respectful curiosity, remote travel logistics.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u03kNQNclGY

6. Why is Everything Free in Pakistan?

• Destination: Pakistan, notably Peshawar
• Subject: Hospitality and generosity
• Why watch: Stereotype-breaking thesis in one title.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWeWxl7ruGE

7. I Traveled ALL 197 Countries! Here’s What It’s Like!

• Destination: All countries recap
• Published: September 27, 2022
• Subject: 1–2 sentences per country from Micronesia to Saudi Arabia
• Why watch: Best starting point to choose destinations to explore further.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yStZR_mmfrQ

8. My Guinness World Record: 12 UNESCO Sites in 24 Hours

• Destination: Netherlands/Germany region relay
• Published: September 27, 2017
• Subject: Record attempt vlog
• Why watch: Proves fast-travel logistics style behind the records.
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muDJhexX-vI

If a link is dead, search the exact title on @drewbinsky.

Drew Binsky travel style

Observable facts vs editorial reading:

• Narration: Fast, energetic, direct-to-camera English, lots of prices and first names. Fact: quick cuts, on-screen text for costs.
• Rhythm and editing: 8–15 minute vlogs, hook in 15 seconds, pay-off with food or people. Interpretation: built for retention, not contemplation.
• Camera: Vlog hand-held, then team-shot documentaries post-2020. No drone-only silent sequences.
• Interactions: Constant street interviews, shop owners, guides. He asks permission on camera, bargains, dresses locally in Afghanistan.
• Culture: Tries to show normal life in labeled-dangerous places. Stated mission: world friendlier than headlines.
• Food: Street tastings in almost every video, always priced.
• Transport: Rickshaws, shared cars, organized tours where mandatory (North Korea, Turkmenistan), flights for country counting.
• Accommodation and budget: Early backpacker, later mid-range; $10 videos are street-level, not hotel reviews.
• Storytelling: One person or one question per video, not city history lectures.

Difference from Global Silent Walks: Drew tells you what happened to him; a Silent Walk lets you walk yourself without commentary.

Who is Drew Binsky channel for?

• First-time big-trip planners: 197-country proof that logistics are solvable, visa and budget tips in Just Go.
• Solo travelers: Street confidence, bargaining, blending in examples.
• Culture-curious viewers: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Venezuela beyond headlines.
• Budget travelers: $10 series as price benchmarks, not as fixed 2026 prices.
• Country collectors: Ideas for Timor, Nauru, Palau, São Tomé and Príncipe.
• Families: Less relevant — fast pace, some destinations require expert planning and risk assessment. Always check official travel advisories.
• Slow walkers: Use Drew for inspiration, then our Silent Walks for real street immersion.

No score or ranking — just fit.

Destinations inspired by Drew Binsky on Global Silent Walks

After watching Drew in a city, you can re-explore it on foot with us, no commentary, 4K natural sound:

• After Drew in Tokyo street food and neon, walk it quietly: Tokyo Silent Walk.
• After Bangkok markets with Drew, try our calm side: Bangkok Silent Walk.
• After Marrakech medina prices with Drew, hear the medina itself: Marrakech Silent Walk and Marrakech Medina.
• After Venice crowds stories, walk early morning Venice: Venice Silent Walk.
• After Kyoto temples glimpsed in Japan series, slow down: Kyoto Silent Walk.
• After New York energy, walk it without cuts: New York Silent Walk.

Drew Binsky does not recommend, sponsor or use Global Silent Walks unless officially stated. These are independent editorial bridges.

Explore the destination differently

Watching Drew is like having a funny friend show you a market: you learn prices, you laugh, you meet someone. A Global Silent Walks Silent Walk is the opposite exercise: same streets, no talking, no music, just steps, light and ambient sound.

Practical use: watch Drew to decide where to go and what stereotypes to drop, then open a Silent Walk to feel how it sounds to be there at 7 AM — Marrakech without haggling, Kyoto without narration, Bangkok without cuts. Travelers planning photo spots, accessibility, crowd levels or walking distances get more from 20 silent minutes than from 20 edits.

Start with World Destinations, France Guide and Paris Guide.

Official socials

Only official accounts. Follower counts from drewbinsky.com homepage display and third-party trackers, September 2026, change daily:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drewbinsky — ~7.2M displayed on site, ~7.41M SocialCounts Sep 2026
• Website: https://drewbinsky.com/
• About: https://drewbinsky.com/about/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewbinsky/ — 1.4M on site, 1.47M Socialpruf Aug 2026
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drewbinsky — 864K on site, 865K Sep 2026
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbinsky — 9.1M on site
• X: https://twitter.com/drewbinsky — 176.7K on site
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbinsky/

No other accounts listed here to avoid fakes.

In pictures: Drew Binsky

FAQ

Who is Drew Binsky?

American travel YouTuber born Drew Goldberg May 24, 1991 in Dallas, raised Scottsdale, Wisconsin-Madison graduate, visited all 197 countries by Oct 29, 2021, author of Just Go.

How many subscribers does he have?

About 7.41M YouTube subscribers, ~1,292 videos, 1.65B YouTube views per SocialCounts Sep 2026. Variety reported 7.3M Sep 2, 2026. Check live channel for today.

What is his most famous video?

North Korea May 2017 (~10M views in 2 days) launched him; most-viewed include Wim Hof Ice Man, Tallest Humans South Sudan, and Pakistan generosity video.

Is 197 countries verified?

His method: 193 UN + Vatican, Palestine, Kosovo, Taiwan. Final Saudi Arabia Oct 29, 2021 documented on world.drewbinsky.com and media. Other counters use 193 only — hence variations.

Is Drew Binsky reliable for travel planning?

Good for inspiration, culture context and price orders of magnitude. Always cross-check visas, safety advisories, prices and transport with official sources — videos age fast.

Where to start?

Watch the 197 recap (Sep 27, 2022), then one $10 video (Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia) and one human story (Wim Hof or South Sudan).

Sources

• Official site: drewbinsky.com, about
• Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drewbinsky
• 197th country post Oct 29, 2021: world.drewbinsky.com
• Variety Sep 2, 2026 Netflix deal by Todd Spangler
• Simon & Schuster Just Go page, BenBella Books, ISBN 9781637742693, May 21, 2024
• CNBC Select interview by Trina Paul on career and team
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jan 16, 2020 on Guinness records (12 UNESCO, 35.59s suitcase)
• Wikipedia Drew Binsky, updated July 2, 2026 — used only for cross-check, not as primary source
• SocialCounts analytics Sep 2026: 7,411,416 subs, 1,652,991,831 views, 1,292 videos
• Socialpruf Instagram/TikTok Aug–Sep 2026

Data verified September 27, 2026. Subscribers, views, social counts to refresh monthly. Recent videos and Netflix availability to check on official channel.

Last verification: September 27, 2026.