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Business Insider
28-05-2025
- Business Insider
I've visited every country in the world. I tried to travel cheap — here's where my money went furthest.
Luca Pferdmenges stayed in Pakistan during the early stages of his mission to visit every country in the world. Luca Pferdmenges stayed in Pakistan during the early stages of his mission to visit every country in the world. Luca Pferdmenges lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Luca Pferdmenges, a 23-year-old German travel influencer who has visited every country in the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I had already visited 76 countries by late 2020, when I decided to visit every country in the world. I completed that goal earlier this year, finishing in the beautiful Pacific island of Palau. When I set out on that goal, hoping to grow my social media following, I was just a 19-year-old circus artist. With the COVID-19 pandemic, live performances stopped, so I had to make the most of the money I had. I focused first on travelling to places where my money would stretch the furthest. That's why I started by spending several weeks in Pakistan. But while street food was incredibly cheap, finding decent accommodation was a different story. In Pakistan, if you want some comfort, you need to pay for a proper hotel. In contrast, decent and affordable hostels are more widely available in countries with more developed tourism infrastructure, meaning your money goes a lot further. Nepal Swayambhu Maha Chaitya is an ancient religious complex in Nepal. Luca Pferdmenges Nepal was one of the best-value countries I visited. Getting there can be expensive depending on where you're coming from, but it's extremely cheap once you're in the country. Nepal is used to having many visitors, and the tourism infrastructure reflects that. You can sleep in a good hostel for about $5 a night and eat well for just $2. The 'Stans' Luca Pferdmenges was impressed by the architecture in Bukhara in Uzbekistan. Luca Pferdmenges A lot of the "-stans" are off most people's radars, although getting to them can sometimes be tricky. Uzbekistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There's a lot to see, especially the ancient cities built along the Silk Road, like Bukhara and Khiva, where the architecture is unique and well-preserved; it feels like stepping into the past. Kazakhstan is also incredible value for money, especially if you're into winter sports. You can vacation there for a fraction of what you'd spend somewhere like Switzerland. I would argue that the mountains are just as beautiful. Related stories Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Hidden gems in Central America The travel influencer did a two-day hike around an active volcano in Guatemala. Luca Pferdmenges Costa Rica is a beautiful country and one of my favorites, but it has also become very gentrified. Just one country north, in Nicaragua, you'll find a much cheaper, similar place. The same goes for El Salvador and Guatemala, which are also cheaper. I did a two-day hike up an active volcano in Guatemala. It cost about $50 per person and was an unforgettable experience. Parts of the Balkans There are lesser-known countries around very touristy places where you'll get more for your money, and the landscapes and architecture are relatively similar. Greece's neighbor, North Macedonia, is cheaper and beautiful. The capital, Skopje, has loads of statues and feels like an open-air museum. While many tourists visit Italy's lakes during the summer, North Macedonia has Lake Ohrid, which gives you a similar experience at a fraction of the cost. Montenegro, next to Croatia, is another hidden gem. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, and the coastline is amazing. The country provides the same Mediterranean coastal charm at a lower price than Greece, Italy, or Spain. Sri Lanka The hotel Pferdmenges stayed at in Colombo, Sri Lanka, had a rooftop pool with a city view. Luca Pferdmenges One of the best hotel experiences I've ever had was in Sri Lanka. Tourism is a big part of the economy there. Everything is very affordable. You can stay in a hostel for around $5 a night, or, if you're willing to spend about $35, you can treat yourself to a massive hotel room with a bathtub, great service, and a rooftop pool. But some African countries that aren't tourism hot spots surprised me — my money didn't go as far as expected Some African countries that aren't tourism hot spots surprised me. In South Sudan, the meals are very affordable, but a hotel in Juba will likely cost you over $100. In Liberia, the main international airport is far from Monrovia, the capital, and public transport isn't really an option, so you end up paying for a long, expensive taxi ride. The Caribbean islands I visited were pricey Luca Pferdmenges doesn't think the Bahamas and many other Caribbean islands offered great value for money. Luca Pferdmenges Many countries where I felt I didn't get great value for money when I visited were in the Caribbean Antilles. Places like St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be expensive to reach, especially from Europe, and very pricey once you've arrived. The beaches and parties are nice, but the more exclusive a place is, the more expensive it will be. The beaches and snorkelling are incredible in the Bahamas. However, I wasn't blown away by the food, especially if you don't eat fish. Groceries were also extremely expensive. I ended up living on bagels and peanut butter. In Mexico, outside the expensive Cancun-Tulum corridor, you can find beaches that are just as nice. Australia is beautiful, but had a high price tag Australia is another beautiful country with a high price tag, especially during high season. In Brisbane, I paid more than $50 for a bunk bed in a hostel without a kitchen, meaning I had to eat out every meal. If you're traveling on a budget, I'd say skip Australia and go to Sri Lanka instead. You'll get way more for your money. Both offer surfing, snorkeling, and other beach activities. Brisbane, Australia, wasn't cheap during peak season. Luca Pferdmenges One of the biggest lessons I learned: always check accommodation prices before you go. It sounds obvious, but it can make a huge difference. If you go to a country during its peak months, prices can easily double or triple, and a place that looks budget-friendly can become a very expensive stop. With careful planning, you'll be surprised by how far your money can go.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eminem Stalker Convicted After Second Home Invasion
Eminem's stalker was found guilty of first-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking after breaking into the rapper's home outside of Detroit for a second time last summer, The Detroit News reports. Matthew David Hughes, 32, was convicted earlier this week after a short trial that began Tuesday (May 6) and ended the following day. Eminem testified during the trial, as did his security chief, and the jury returned the guilty verdict after about 90 minutes of deliberation. Hughes will be sentenced June 17. More from Rolling Stone See Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' Re-Created With Dialogue From Over 330 Films Eminem's 'Stans' Doc to Premiere at SXSW London Eminem Is a Grandpa! Rapper's Daughter Hailie Honors Him With Baby Name Hughes has a history of stalking Eminem, going back to 2019 when he broke into one of the rapper's former homes looking for him. He was ultimately convicted of breaking and entering and sentenced to 90 days in prison. The following year, Hughes successfully broke into Eminem's actual home, with the rapper claiming that he woke up to find Hughes in his bedroom and that Hughes threatened to kill him. Hughes pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years probation, though a violation in an unrelated assault landed him back in prison. He was released on parole in May 2024. Prosecutor Seven Fox said that, like the 2020 incident, Eminem was sleeping when Hughes broke into his property early one morning last August. This time, however, Hughes did not make it to the rapper's bedroom. Fox said that Eminem has taken to sleeping in a padlocked room in a secluded part of his home because of the past incidents with Hughes. 'Marshall Mathers has taken extraordinary steps to protect himself and his family,' Fox said. 'Security 24/7. And each time that step has had to increase, but only as the result of one person's actions, Matthew Hughes. The world becomes smaller. He's on an island.' According to authorities, Eminem's security team spotted Hughes near Eminem's home at about 7 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2024. Hughes had apparently entered the property through an unlocked door and fled with a stolen bike, likely after realizing he'd been spotted. He was apprehended a few days later after one of Eminem's employees saw him while shopping at a Walmart. Police believe Hughes was homeless at the time and living in the woods nearby. Hughes had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His public defender called the case circumstantial, saying there was no direct evidence linking Hughes to the break-in, including a lack of potential DNA or fingerprints from the door he allegedly used to break into the home. A representative for Eminem did not immediately return Rolling Stone's request for comment. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mytheresa Finalizes Yoox Net-a-porter Acquisition, Will Begin Trading as ‘LUXE' on May 1
— Mytheresa has finalized its deal to acquire Yoox Net-a-porter, creating an online mega-group with the aim of becoming 4 billion euros business. On Thursday, Mytheresa confirmed that it purchased 100 percent of YNAP from Richemont through the subsidiary Richemont Italia Holding SpA following approvals from all the relevant regulatory authorities. More from WWD Vuori Expands London Retail Operations With King's Road Opening Shein 'Welcomes' Review of De Minimis Rule in Britain 'Stans' and 'Life of Chuck' to Headline SXSW London Screen Festival As YNAP's sole shareholder, Mytheresa plans to consolidate the company under the MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. umbrella. As reported, the new parent company will be renamed LuxExperience B.V. and will continue to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the trade name 'LuxExperience,' and a new ticker symbol of 'LUXE' effective May 1. The deal saw Richemont receive 49,741,342 shares in Mytheresa, representing 33 percent of the company's fully diluted share capital, post-issuance, of the consideration shares. In exchange, Mytheresa acquired all shares of YNAP and a net cash position of 555 million euros, with no financial debt. Nora Aufreiter, chair of the supervisory board of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V., called the acquisition a 'milestone' in the history of the Munich-based company. 'Our company will become a group that includes some of the best retail banners in digital luxury. We will use our proven strength to execute on our strategic plans and create even more value for our shareholders, brand partners, customers and employees. 'We are confident that in the course of the integration and restructuring we will become one of the strongest and most resilient global players in the digital luxury sector,' she said. As reported, the retail brands Mytheresa, Net-a-porter and Mr Porter will operate alongside one another with 'differentiated and complementary profiles.' The off-season businesses Yoox and The Outnet will be run separately. Mytheresa said the three flagship brands will be strengthened by 'significant synergies that will be achieved primarily through a shared infrastructure and technology platform as well as operational efficiency improvements.' The off-price division will be separated from the luxury division 'to enable a much simpler and more efficient operating model under the new roof.' Mytheresa added that YNAP's white label service business will be discontinued as soon as the Richemont maisons' online stores, which are currently powered by YNAP, have been migrated to their own chosen platforms. As reported, Michael Kliger will become chief executive officer and managing director of the wider group while still running the Mytheresa business. Martin Beer, chief financial officer of Mytheresa, will become CFO and managing director of the new group. Earlier this month, Beer said the acquisition of YNAP fulfills Mytheresa's ambition to build a leading online luxury group worth around 3 billion euros in gross merchandise value per annum. Beer added that in the medium term, the goal for LuxExperience will be to grow to a 4 billion euros business in gross merchandise value terms. As reported, the restructuring is expected to take 24 to 36 months and will be funded with a net cash position of 555 million euros. 'We will fully leverage Mytheresa's operational excellence, proprietary technology and proven ability to execute large-scale projects,' Beer said. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Sean Combs Regains Control of Sean John Brand Isabel Marant Said in Play Again: Sources Holding Industriale Invests in Shoe Specialist Valmor Sign in to access your portfolio
