Harry Mitsidis of NomadMania redefines travel, mapping 1,301 regions, promoting meaningful exploration, and challenging global travelers to think deeper.
For most, the world consists of 193 nations, as recognised by the United Nations. But for Harry Mitsidis, the founder of NomadMania, this number is a mere starting point.
Harry’s mission has always been to expand horizons, literally and philosophically. “I wanted to make the world bigger and more complex,” he explains. To that end, NomadMania now identifies 1,301 distinct regions, challenging even the most intrepid travellers to explore further. Harry, who has already visited all 193 countries twice over, is tantalisingly close to completing this broader map.
The journey, however, has been about more than ticking boxes. Born in London to a Greek father and South African mother, Harry’s multicultural upbringing instilled a fascination with the wider world. Despite academic stints in sociology at the University of Oxford and a teaching career spanning four countries, wanderlust prevailed. By the age of 36, Harry had visited every UN-recognised nation, marking Equatorial Guinea as the last on his list.
Not content to rest on his laurels, he founded NomadMania, a platform that has since redefined the way people perceive travel.
The impact of NomadMania has been profound. “I am truly surprised at how it has changed people’s lives and their way of travelling,” Harry reflects. What began as a niche project a decade ago has grown into a global community with a dedicated team, annual awards recognising the world’s most committed travellers, and representation at major travel events. This success, he admits, was unimaginable at the outset.
But Harry’s ethos is not merely about adventure for adventure’s sake. He is deeply concerned with the ethical dimensions of travel, particularly in an era of geopolitical turmoil.
Harry challenges the celebratory nature of visiting sites of recent atrocities or conflict zones, where the act of taking a selfie can verge on the grotesque. “Travel should be about respect, showing understanding and empathy for those affected, rather than treating destinations as trophies.”
Harry’s approach to travel isn’t solely about critique; it’s also about codification. The issue of what constitutes a legitimate visit has long divided the travel community. NomadMania has established standards for a “minimal visit,” though Harry is quick to advocate for deeper, more meaningful engagement with each region.
Despite his expansive travels, Harry finds it hard to pick a single place to call home. London remains a touchstone, but Argentina, with its rich culture, nature and cuisine, and perfect climate, is a strong contender. “If I had to choose, I’d happily live there,” he admits.
Balancing his nomadic lifestyle with personal relationships has also required careful negotiation. Fortunately, Harry credits his “very patient partner” for supporting his globe-trotting ambitions, and he admits that his partner is the one who works while he prefers to travel.
For those contemplating the daunting leap into global exploration, Harry offers words of caution. Some destinations, like war-torn Sudan, are best left off the itinerary for now. Yet his overarching message is one of encouragement: travel farther, dig deeper and, above all, travel responsibly. For budding global travellers, head on over to www.nomadmania.com and register for free.
Catch the full conversation with Harry Mitsidis on YouTube and the Traveller’s World podcast on Podbean—a fitting platform for a man whose vision has made the world not just larger, but infinitely more fascinating.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
