ALUMNI FEATURE
Laker Breaks World Record, Lands Book Deal
Michael Zervos ’12 has officially earned a Guinness World Record for achieving the fastest time to visit every country on the planet.
Family members greet Michael Zervos at the Detroit Metro Airport in May at the end of his world-record journey.
Family members greet Michael Zervos at the Detroit Metro Airport in May at the end of his world-record journey.
STORY BY ALEX PRIEBE
Over 499 days, the Detroit-based filmmaker visited all 195 nations, documenting the trip on his phone and sharing hundreds of interviews on social media. At each stop, he asked locals one question: What is the happiest moment of your life? On May 30, Zervos landed in the U.S., completing his journey at the Detroit Metro Airport.
He may remember the people he met more than the long journey. “The stories are as unique as fingerprints,” Zervos said. “I can remember each one like it was yesterday.”
Zervos averaged three days in each country, traveling quickly but thoughtfully. “There were highlights every day,” he said. “Visiting a new country is sensory overload. If you go in with few expectations, you aren't often disappointed.”
The trip came with some unique challenges. In Nicaragua, Zervos was deported without explanation. In Liberia, he spent a night in jail after photographing a government building. Still, Zervos said he found happiness by living in the moment with a clear sense of purpose. “If you want sustainable happiness — what I would call joy — it’s more of a state of mind than a pursuable goal.”
Zervos is writing a book about his journey, set to be published next year by Penguin Random House. He hopes the book will inspire readers.
“Happiness waxes and wanes,” he said. “One story is simply a way to reflect upon your own life. There are changes that you can make in your life. This is meant to be the spark.”
To learn more about Zervos's journey, follow him on Instagram at @theprojectkosmos.
