Dallas native Drew Goldberg, better known as Drew Binsky, has captivated his 12 million-strong audience with globe-spanning adventures, record-setting feats, and first-hand stories from every corner of the world. In fall 2021, he pulled off the remarkable feat of visiting every country recognized by the United Nations. His achievements have not only boosted his fame but also stirred widespread envy. Read more at dallaski.
Did He Need a Formal Education?
Some assume Drew’s choice of career reflects a lack of formal training. In fact, his background tells a different story. In 2013, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in economics and entrepreneurship. He was also enrolled in a study program in Prague, but after one semester, he realized his passion lay in travel and social media and decided not to return. Convinced that his future was on the road, he deemed further schooling unnecessary.
Launching His Own Blog
In 2017, Drew moved to Vietnam with his girlfriend, Diana Sallao. Knowing his love for exploration, Diana gifted him a camera, hoping his hobby would become profitable. That gift inspired him to launch a YouTube channel filled with engaging content. His first videos, filmed during a trip to North Korea, combined high-quality visuals, unique locations, and powerful storytelling—and they went viral. Within 48 hours, one video racked up over 10 million views. He quickly began monetizing his channel through sponsor partnerships, promoting brands he believed in. By 2018, Drew had relocated to Thailand, and in 2019, he made the Philippines his base.
To keep his audience hooked, Drew continued producing standout content. His most popular videos feature Wim Hof, the “Iceman” athlete famed for withstanding extreme cold; Thai Ngoc, the man who claims he hasn’t slept since 1962; and encounters with the world’s tallest people.
Guinness World Records Achievements
Despite his relatively young age, Drew has not only visited 197 countries but also earned two entries in the Guinness World Records. His first record was for packing a suitcase faster than anyone else. His second came when he visited the most countries in 24 hours.
He believes it’s possible to cross borders even more frequently, but visa hurdles are a major challenge. He managed to visit 160 countries visa-free, yet some nations—such as North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Venezuela, Turkmenistan, South Sudan, and Iran—require special political clearance.
Battling COVID-19 on the Road
COVID-19 was another obstacle in his quest for new records. Drew fell ill during a trip to Afghanistan, likely contracting the virus in Iraq. Surprisingly, he experienced almost no symptoms—apart from the loss of taste and smell. What frustrated him most was being confined to a hotel room for a week upon arriving in a new country. His followers were shocked; many shared heartbreaking stories of their own struggles, and a large portion of his audience had never even left home, only dreaming of such challenges.