Karl Bushby nears finish line of his 27-year-old trek around the world

Karl Bushby, a British ex-paratrooper, is nearing the end of his extraordinary 27-year journey to walk around the world, a trek he began in 1998. Currently traversing northwest Hungary in pouring rain, Bushby reflects on the stark differences between his expedition and today's digital landscape.

Initially, Bushby relied on a basic plastic camera and 35mm film to document his journey across Latin America, focusing primarily on survival and navigating challenging terrains, such as the treacherous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama. "Back in the day, there was no social media... it was just a whole different ball game," he remarked. This year, he finally embraced platforms like TikTok, acknowledging the pressure and visibility they bring, as well as the potential they offer for sharing his experiences.

His expedition, named the Goliath Expedition, spans an estimated 36,000 miles and has been completed entirely on foot, without any motorized transport. Noteworthy achievements include crossing the Bering Strait on foot in 2006 and swimming across the Caspian Sea in 2024. However, what was initially envisioned as an eight-year journey has faced numerous delays due to the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and visa restrictions. Bushby expects to reach home by September-October 2026.

The mental challenges of such a long journey can be daunting, especially during phases of monotony, such as long stretches in the deserts and Arctic landscapes. "Sometimes the monotony is incredible... it can get a little mind-bending," he shared.

As he approaches the conclusion of his epic trek, Bushby is already contemplating his next steps. He believes that starting a new, challenging endeavor will help ease the transition. Passionate about promoting science literacy and engagement, he plans to focus on these areas once he completes his journey.