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{{Short description|Northern Irish travel blogger (born 1983)}}
{{Short description|Northern Irish travel blogger (born 1983)}}
{{COI|date=January 2022}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
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'''Johnny Ward''' (born 1983)<ref name="onestep4ward"/> is a Northern Irish entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and [[Travel literature|travel blogger]]<ref name="CNN-Durston">{{cite news | last=Durston| first=James| title =How travel blogger Johnny Ward became a millionaire on the go| publisher = [[CNN]]| date =30 June 2016 | url =http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/travel/million-dollar-travel-blogger/| access-date =29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701165024/https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/travel/million-dollar-travel-blogger/ |archive-date=2016-06-29}}</ref><ref name="Vagabonding">{{cite web|title=The vagabonds: No home, just travel|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-0430-vagabonding-travel-short-20130430,0,1229139.story|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|first=Alexia|last=Elejalde-Ruiz|date=30 April 2013|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="CNN-Street">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/forbes-travel-top-influencers/index.html|title=World's top 10 travel influencers, according to Forbes|first=Francesca|last=Street|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=27 June 2017}}</ref> known for visiting every country in the world.<ref name="Indie">{{cite news | last=Meltzer| first=Hannah| title =From Ireland to Yemen and South Sudan: Meet the Man Who's Just Visited All 197 Countries in the World| newspaper =[[The Independent]]| date =16 March 2017 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/johnny-ward-visit-all-197-countries-world-travel-yemen-iraq-south-sudan-borders-donald-trump-travel-a7632001.html| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Tele">{{cite news | last=Meltzer| first=Hannah| title =This man has visited every country on Earth and made $1m – and you can do it too| newspaper =[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date =29 March 2017 | url =https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/man-travels-world-1-million-dollars-johnny-ward/| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Rizzo">{{cite news | last=Rizzo| first=Cailey| title =How One Man Became a Millionaire While Visiting Every Country in the World| publisher =[[Travel + Leisure]] | date =29 March 2017 | url =http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/johnny-ward-millionaire-world-travel| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="BI">{{cite news | last=Lakritz| first=Talia| title =This 33-year-old traveled to every country in the world and made $1.5&nbsp;million doing it| publisher =[[Business Insider]] | date =31 March 2017 | url =http://www.businessinsider.com/traveled-to-every-country-in-the-world-2017-3/#johnny-ward-didnt-come-from-money-growing-up-in-ireland-1| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref>
'''Johnny Ward''' (born 1983)<ref name="onestep4ward"/> is a Northern Irish entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and [[Travel literature|travel blogger]]<ref name="CNN-Durston">{{cite news | last=Durston| first=James| title =How travel blogger Johnny Ward became a millionaire on the go| publisher = [[CNN]]| date =30 June 2016 | url =http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/travel/million-dollar-travel-blogger/| access-date =29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701165024/https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/29/travel/million-dollar-travel-blogger/ |archive-date=2016-07-01}}</ref><ref name="Vagabonding">{{cite web|title=The vagabonds: No home, just travel|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-0430-vagabonding-travel-short-20130430,0,1229139.story|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|first=Alexia|last=Elejalde-Ruiz|date=30 April 2013|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="CNN-Street">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/travel/article/forbes-travel-top-influencers/index.html|title=World's top 10 travel influencers, according to Forbes|first=Francesca|last=Street|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=27 June 2017}}</ref> known for visiting every country in the world.<ref name="Indie">{{cite news | last=Meltzer| first=Hannah| title =From Ireland to Yemen and South Sudan: Meet the Man Who's Just Visited All 197 Countries in the World| newspaper =[[The Independent]]| date =16 March 2017 | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/johnny-ward-visit-all-197-countries-world-travel-yemen-iraq-south-sudan-borders-donald-trump-travel-a7632001.html| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Tele">{{cite news | last=Meltzer| first=Hannah| title =This man has visited every country on Earth and made $1m – and you can do it too| newspaper =[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date =29 March 2017 | url =https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/man-travels-world-1-million-dollars-johnny-ward/| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Rizzo">{{cite news | last=Rizzo| first=Cailey| title =How One Man Became a Millionaire While Visiting Every Country in the World| publisher =[[Travel + Leisure]] | date =29 March 2017 | url =http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/johnny-ward-millionaire-world-travel| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="BI">{{cite news | last=Lakritz| first=Talia| title =This 33-year-old traveled to every country in the world and made $1.5&nbsp;million doing it| publisher =[[Business Insider]] | date =31 March 2017 | url =http://www.businessinsider.com/traveled-to-every-country-in-the-world-2017-3/#johnny-ward-didnt-come-from-money-growing-up-in-ireland-1| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
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After graduating from university in 2006, Ward began to travel. He initially flew to New York City<ref name="BBC"/> and worked as a summer camp counselor in the United States for a brief period.<ref name="Tele"/><ref name="Indie"/> He returned to Ireland and took part in a medical research experiment to earn more money to travel.<ref name="Indie"/> He then travelled to [[Thailand]] where he taught English for a year before moving to Sydney, where he worked as a telephone [[sales representative]].<ref name="CNN-Durston"/>
After graduating from university in 2006, Ward began to travel. He initially flew to New York City<ref name="BBC"/> and worked as a summer camp counselor in the United States for a brief period.<ref name="Tele"/><ref name="Indie"/> He returned to Ireland and took part in a medical research experiment to earn more money to travel.<ref name="Indie"/> He then travelled to [[Thailand]] where he taught English for a year before moving to Sydney, where he worked as a telephone [[sales representative]].<ref name="CNN-Durston"/>


Dissatisfied with office work, Ward left his job and sought to make a living from travelling full-time. In 2010, Ward started a blog named "OneStep4Ward" to document his travels.<ref name="Nomadic Samuel">{{cite web|title=Top 100 Travel Blogs|url=http://nomadicsamuel.com/top100travelblogs|publisher=Nomadic Samuel|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref> By the end of that year, he was reportedly earning an average of $40,000 per month,<ref name="CNBC"/> working around 10 hours per week from his laptop to manage his staff and run a portfolio of websites.<ref name="Doherty"/> During this period, Ward based himself in [[Bangkok, Thailand]], and also began investing in property.<ref name="Vagabonding"/><ref name="Doherty"/>
Dissatisfied with office work, Ward left his job and sought to make a living from travelling full-time. In 2010, Ward started a blog named "OneStep4Ward" to document his travels.<ref name="Nomadic Samuel">{{cite web|title=Top 100 Travel Blogs|url=http://nomadicsamuel.com/top100travelblogs|publisher=Nomadic Samuel|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="Doherty"/> During this period, Ward based himself in [[Bangkok, Thailand]], and also began investing in property.<ref name="Vagabonding"/><ref name="Doherty"/>


By August 2012, Ward had visited over 80 countries,<ref name="Doherty">{{cite web|title=Wish you were here?|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features//humaninterest/wish-you-were-here-203364.html|publisher=[[Irish Examiner]]|first=Niall|last=Doherty|date=8 August 2012|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref> and over 100 countries by the end of that year.<ref name="XPO">{{cite news | last=A| first=Chanel| title =Travel Blogger Interview with Johnny Ward| publisher = Cultural Xplorer| date =31 January 2012 | url =http://www.culturalxplorer.com/johnny-ward/| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref> In 2014, Ward was a founding member of the Professional Travel Bloggers Association,<ref>{{cite web|title=Founding Members|url=http://travelbloggersassociation.com/founding-members/|publisher=Travel Blogger's Association|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref> and on several occasions in that period, sources have identified OneStep4Ward as a top travel blog.<ref name="Nomadic Samuel"/> By 2015, he had earned a total of around $1&nbsp;million and had visited 152 countries.<ref name="News"/> Over the course of his travels, Ward "broke an ankle in Korea, his leg in Thailand, [and] had been in hospital about 20 times".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/irish-travel-blogger-completes-visit-10048146|title=Irish travel blogger completes worldwide travels – just before St Patrick's Day|first=Cormac|last=O'Shea|date=18 March 2017|work=[[Daily Mirror]]}}</ref> Ward has recounted entering several countries through questionable or illegal means; it was reported that he "entered China illegally after a five-day trip up the [[Mekong River]] while stowed away in a cargo boat",<ref name="Vagabonding"/> that he was arrested after paying a smuggler to take him from [[Liberia]] to [[Ivory Coast]] during the [[West African Ebola virus epidemic|Ebola epidemic]],<ref name="Rizzo"/><ref name="BBC"/> and that he was able to enter [[Yemen]] during an [[Yemeni Crisis (2011–present)|ongoing civil war]] by meeting a dignitary who "bribed Yemeni officials and I ended up hitching there on a cement cargo ship".<ref name="Indie"/> Shortly after arriving in [[Angola]], Ward witnessed a person being shot only a few metres away from his taxi cab, which quickly left the scene.<ref name="CNN-Durston"/><ref name="BBC"/>
By August 2012, Ward had visited over 80 countries,<ref name="Doherty">{{cite web|title=Wish you were here?|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features//humaninterest/wish-you-were-here-203364.html|publisher=[[Irish Examiner]]|first=Niall|last=Doherty|date=8 August 2012|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref> and over 100 countries by the end of that year.<ref name="XPO">{{cite news | last=A| first=Chanel| title =Travel Blogger Interview with Johnny Ward| publisher = Cultural Xplorer| date =31 January 2012 | url =http://www.culturalxplorer.com/johnny-ward/| access-date =29 May 2017}}</ref> In 2014, Ward was a founding member of the Professional Travel Bloggers Association.<ref>{{cite web|title=Founding Members|url=http://travelbloggersassociation.com/founding-members/|publisher=Travel Blogger's Association|access-date=27 June 2014}}</ref> By 2015, he had earned a total of around $1&nbsp;million and had visited 152 countries.<ref name="News"/> Ward has recounted entering several countries through questionable or illegal means; it was reported that he "entered China illegally after a five-day trip up the [[Mekong River]] while stowed away in a cargo boat",<ref name="Vagabonding"/> that he was arrested after paying a smuggler to take him from [[Liberia]] to [[Ivory Coast]] during the [[West African Ebola virus epidemic|Ebola epidemic]],<ref name="Rizzo"/><ref name="BBC"/> and that he was able to enter [[Yemen]] during an [[Yemeni Crisis (2011–present)|ongoing civil war]] by meeting a dignitary who "bribed Yemeni officials and I ended up hitching there on a cement cargo ship".<ref name="Indie"/> Shortly after arriving in [[Angola]], Ward witnessed a person being shot only a few metres away from his taxi cab, which quickly left the scene.<ref name="CNN-Durston"/><ref name="BBC"/>


In 2017, Ward visited his 197th and final nation, [[Norway]], chosen because its proximity to Ireland made it convenient for friends and family to join him for the occasion.<ref name="Indie"/><ref name="Tele"/><ref name="Ruggiero">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/03/how-to-quit-your-job-and-travel-the-world-according-to-people-who-have-done-it.html|title=How to quit your job and travel the world, according to people who have done it|first=Nina|last=Ruggiero| publisher = [[CNBC]]|date=4 July 2017}}</ref>
In 2017, Ward visited his 197th and final nation, [[Norway]], chosen because its proximity to Ireland made it convenient for friends and family to join him for the occasion.<ref name="Indie"/><ref name="Tele"/><ref name="Ruggiero">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/03/how-to-quit-your-job-and-travel-the-world-according-to-people-who-have-done-it.html|title=How to quit your job and travel the world, according to people who have done it|first=Nina|last=Ruggiero| publisher = [[CNBC]]|date=4 July 2017}}</ref>


== Adventurer ==
== Adventurer ==
Ward has since declared his intention to be the first person<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onestep4ward.com/goal-diggers-whats-your-everest/|title=Goal Diggers. What's your Everest?|last=Jon|first=Johnny|date=2018|website=One Step 4Ward|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> to visit every country, plus visit the [[North Pole]], [[South Pole]], and climb all of the [[Seven Summits]]. He has since finished 8th in the [[North Pole Marathon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.npmarathon.com/html/race-results/|title=2018 North Pole Marathon Results|date=2019|website=North Pole Marathon|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> and summited Africa's highest peak, [[Mount Kilimanjaro]], Australasia's highest peak, [[Puncak Jaya]], South America's highest peak, [[Aconcagua]], North America's highest peak, [[Denali]], and Europe's highest peak, [[Mount Elbrus]]. Alongside this, Ward has also completed multiple long-distance [[Ultramarathon|ultra-marathons]] ranging from 100&nbsp;km to 260&nbsp;km,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewhalemag.com/johnny-ward-the-first-irish-who-traveled-the-world/|title=Johnny Ward: First Irish Who Successfully Traveled the World|date=8 November 2021}}</ref> and competed in the [[Marathon des Sables]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tyronecourier.co.uk/community-lifestyle/2018/08/28/gallery/i-hate-sand-and-dont-like-running-says-mourne-man-bound-for-sahara-marathon-879/|title=I hate sand and don't like running says Mourne man bound for Sahara Marathon!|last=Boyd|first=Barbara|date=28 August 2018|website=Tyrone Courier|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref>
Ward has since declared his intention to be the first person<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onestep4ward.com/goal-diggers-whats-your-everest/|title=Goal Diggers. What's your Everest?|last=Jon|first=Johnny|date=2018|website=One Step 4Ward|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> to visit every country, plus visit the [[North Pole]], [[South Pole]], and climb the [[Seven Summits]]. He has since finished 8th in the [[North Pole Marathon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.npmarathon.com/html/race-results/|title=2018 North Pole Marathon Results|date=2019|website=North Pole Marathon|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> and summited [[Kilimanjaro]], [[Puncak Jaya]], [[Aconcagua]], [[Denali]], and [[Mount Elbrus]]. Alongside this, Ward has also completed multiple long-distance [[Ultramarathon|ultra-marathons]] ranging from 100&nbsp;km to 260&nbsp;km,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewhalemag.com/johnny-ward-the-first-irish-who-traveled-the-world/|title=Johnny Ward: First Irish Who Successfully Traveled the World|date=8 November 2021}}</ref> and competed in the [[Marathon des Sables]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tyronecourier.co.uk/community-lifestyle/2018/08/28/gallery/i-hate-sand-and-dont-like-running-says-mourne-man-bound-for-sahara-marathon-879/|title=I hate sand and don't like running says Mourne man bound for Sahara Marathon!|last=Boyd|first=Barbara|date=28 August 2018|website=Tyrone Courier|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref>


Ward rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in March, April, and May 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kilkeel native Johnny Ward makes epic row across Atlantic Ocean for charity|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/kilkeel-native-johnny-ward-makes-epic-row-across-atlantic-ocean-for-charity-40402641.html|access-date=2021-05-11|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He also spent 2 months attempting to climb [[Mount Everest]] in April and May and successfully summiting the world's highest mountain on May 17, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Galway hero climbing Mount Everest reaches summit as young man completes 'big dream' |url=https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-hero-climbing-mount-everest-8447887 |website=galwaybeo.ie |publisher=Erika Sassone |access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Everest diaries: Johnny Ward reaches summit after 'brutal' climb |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-41143297.html |website=irishexaminer.com |access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Irish adventurer climbing Everest is close to completing the ultimate challenge |url=https://www.joe.ie/life-style/irish-man-climbing-everest-johnny-ward-773927 |publisher=Stephen Porzio}}</ref>
Ward rowed across the [[Atlantic Ocean]] in March, April, and May 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kilkeel native Johnny Ward makes epic row across Atlantic Ocean for charity|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/kilkeel-native-johnny-ward-makes-epic-row-across-atlantic-ocean-for-charity-40402641.html|access-date=2021-05-11|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He also spent 2 months attempting to climb [[Mount Everest]] in April and May and successfully summitted the world's highest mountain on May 17, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Galway hero climbing Mount Everest reaches summit as young man completes 'big dream' |url=https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-hero-climbing-mount-everest-8447887 |website=galwaybeo.ie |publisher=Erika Sassone |access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Everest diaries: Johnny Ward reaches summit after 'brutal' climb |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-41143297.html |website=irishexaminer.com |access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Irish adventurer climbing Everest is close to completing the ultimate challenge |url=https://www.joe.ie/life-style/irish-man-climbing-everest-johnny-ward-773927 |publisher=Stephen Porzio}}</ref>


==Blog==
==Blog==
Ward started his travel blog, [http://OneStep4Ward.com OneStep4Ward.com], in 2010 whilst living in Australia, and soon began making a full-time income blogging. His blog is often listed as Ireland's leading blog,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/ireland/articles/the-10-most-popular-travel-bloggers-from-ireland/|title=The 10 Most Popular Travel Bloggers from Ireland|date=19 April 2017}}</ref> and one of the world's leading travel blogs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://everything-everywhere.com/best-travel-blogs/ | title=Top Travel Blogs of 2022 - Best Travel Blogs in the World | date=15 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2016/1107/829787-on-the-blog-with-johnny-wards/|title = On the Blog with...Johnny Ward|website = [[RTÉ.ie]]|date = 7 November 2016}}</ref>
Ward started his travel blog, [http://OneStep4Ward.com OneStep4Ward.com], in 2010 whilst living in Australia, and soon began making a full-time income blogging. His blog is often listed as Ireland's leading blog,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/ireland/articles/the-10-most-popular-travel-bloggers-from-ireland/|title=The 10 Most Popular Travel Bloggers from Ireland|date=19 April 2017}}</ref> and one of the world's leading travel blogs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://everything-everywhere.com/best-travel-blogs/ | title=Top Travel Blogs of 2022 - Best Travel Blogs in the World | date=15 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2016/1107/829787-on-the-blog-with-johnny-wards/|title = On the Blog with...Johnny Ward|website = [[RTÉ.ie]]|date = 7 November 2016}}</ref>


Ward was nominated for the [[11th Shorty Awards|11th]] [[Shorty Awards]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shortyawards.com/11th/onestep4ward|title=@onestep4ward - the Shorty Awards}}</ref> the 'Oscars for Social Media'<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/1671715/how-shorty-awards-became-oscars-social-media|title = How the Shorty Awards Became the Oscars of Social Media|date = 20 July 2010}}</ref> for 'Best in Travel'
Ward was nominated for the [[11th Shorty Awards|11th]] [[Shorty Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shortyawards.com/11th/onestep4ward|title=@onestep4ward - the Shorty Awards}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/1671715/how-shorty-awards-became-oscars-social-media|title = How the Shorty Awards Became the Oscars of Social Media|date = 20 July 2010}}</ref> for 'Best in Travel'.


==Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam==
==Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam==


Ward aims to be the first person in history to complete the Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam (the [[Explorer's Grand Slam]] plus visiting every country in the world).<ref>{{cite web |title=Johnny Ward: traversing the world's mountains and poles - one step at a time |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-41111707.html |website=irishexaminer.com |access-date=9 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Explorers Grand Slam |url=https://explorersgrandslam.com/}}</ref> Reportedly, around 500 people have climbed the [[Seven Summits]], with 73 people having climbed the Seven Summits and reached both North and South Pole. Reports vary from 250 to 500 people having visited every country in the world, but no-one has yet completed the set.<ref>{{cite web |title=Climbing The Seven Summits: Facts & Information |url=https://www.expedreview.com/blog/2020/11/the-seven-summits |website=expedreview.com |publisher=Blake Penson |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Inside the Exclusive Club of Travelers Racing to Visit Every Country in the World |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/inside-the-exclusive-club-of-travelers-racing-to-visit-every-country-in-the-world |website=cntraveler.com |publisher=Katherine Lagrave |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Drew Binsky on Visiting Every Country in the World |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/drew-binsky-interview#:~:text=For%20those%20counting%2C%20that's%20193,every%20country%20in%20the%20world |website=mensjournal.com |publisher=Bailey Berg |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref>
Upon reaching the South Pole on the 12 January 2024,<ref>{{cite web |title=‘If I can do it, anyone can’: Meet the NI man who has visited every country in the world |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/if-i-can-do-it-anyone-can-meet-the-ni-man-who-has-visited-every-country-in-the-world/a1810594266.html |website=belfasttelegraph.co.uk |publisher=Amy Cochrane |access-date=13 January 2024}}</ref> Ward became the first person in history to complete the Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam (the [[Explorer's Grand Slam]] plus visiting every country in the world).<ref>{{cite web |title=Johnny Ward: traversing the world's mountains and poles - one step at a time |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-41111707.html |website=irishexaminer.com |access-date=9 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Explorers Grand Slam |url=https://explorersgrandslam.com/}}</ref> Reportedly, around 500 people have climbed the [[Seven Summits]], with 73 people having climbed the Seven Summits and reached both North and South Pole. Reports vary from 250 to 500 people having visited every country in the world, but no-one has yet completed the set.<ref>{{cite web |title=Climbing The Seven Summits: Facts & Information |url=https://www.expedreview.com/blog/2020/11/the-seven-summits |website=expedreview.com |publisher=Blake Penson |access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Inside the Exclusive Club of Travelers Racing to Visit Every Country in the World |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/inside-the-exclusive-club-of-travelers-racing-to-visit-every-country-in-the-world |website=cntraveler.com |publisher=Katherine Lagrave |access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Drew Binsky on Visiting Every Country in the World |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/drew-binsky-interview#:~:text=For%20those%20counting%2C%20that's%20193,every%20country%20in%20the%20world |website=mensjournal.com |publisher=Bailey Berg |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref>


====Countries visited====
=== Countries visited ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Country total !! Years
! Country total !! Years
|-
|-
| 197 Countries || 2007-2017
| 197 Countries || 2007-2017
|}

=== The Seven Summits ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Mountain !! Height !! Date climbed !! Location
|-
| [[Mount Everest]] || 8848m (29,035ft) || 17 May 2023 || Asia
|-
| [[Aconcagua]] || 6,961m (22,841 ft) || 20 January 2023 || S. America
|-
| [[Denali]] || 6190m (20,320 ft) || 29 May 2022 || N. America
|-
| [[Carstensz Pyramid]] || 4,884m (16,023 ft) || 23 September 2019 || Oceania
|-
| [[Mount Elbrus]] || 5642m (18,510 ft) || 26 June 2018 || Europe
|-
| [[Kilimanjaro]] || 5,895m (19,340 ft) || 10 March 2013 || Africa
|-
| [[Vinson Massif]] || 4,892m (16,050 ft) || 7 January 2024|| Antarctica
|}

=== Other mountains ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Mountain !! Height !! Date climbed !! Location
|-
| [[Mount Kosciuszko]] || 2,228m (7,309 feet) || 31 May 2019 || Australasia (Bass)
|-
| [[Mont Blanc]] || 4,807m (15,771 feet) || 27 August 2019 || Europe (disputed)
|-
|}

=== Three Poles Challenge ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Mountain !! Date climbed !! Location
|-
| [[Mount Everest]] || 17 May 2023 || Asia
|-
| [[North Pole]] || 17 April 2018 || Arctic Ocean
|-
| [[South Pole]] || 12 January 2024 || Antarctica
|-
|}
|}


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| [[Shorty Awards]]
| [[Shorty Awards]]
| Best In Travel
| Best In Travel
|Himself
| Himself
|}
|}


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In 2019, Ward helped his mother, who had previously been diagnosed with [[Parkinson's disease]], raise £14,444 to climb [[Mount Fuji]] in [[Japan]], with the funds going towards the Cure Parkinson's Trust.<ref name="Maura" />
In 2019, Ward helped his mother, who had previously been diagnosed with [[Parkinson's disease]], raise £14,444 to climb [[Mount Fuji]] in [[Japan]], with the funds going towards the Cure Parkinson's Trust.<ref name="Maura" />


In Quarter one of 2021, Ward rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, spending 51 days on a rowboat on a meat-free expedition. Raising over $20,000 for men's mental health and animal rights.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Atlantic row 'the hardest thing I've ever done'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-northern-ireland-56929679|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>
In Quarter one of 2021, Ward rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, spending 51 days on a rowboat on a meat-free expedition. Raising over $20,000 for men's mental health and animal rights.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Atlantic row 'the hardest thing I've ever done'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-northern-ireland-56929679|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>


In November 2021, Ward took a group of people, including his mother once more, to partake in the [https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/serengeti-safari-marathon Serengeti Marathon] in Tanzania, raising $16,000 (£14,000) for the [[The Michael J. Fox Foundation|Michael J. Fox Foundation]] to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/2hcYX0X5RCA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211203061106/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hcYX0X5RCA Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hcYX0X5RCA| title = My 72 year mum, with Parkinson's Disease, attempting the Serengeti Marathon (10km) | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In November 2021, Ward took a group of people, including his mother once more, to partake in the [https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/serengeti-safari-marathon Serengeti Marathon] in Tanzania, raising $16,000 (£14,000) for the [[The Michael J. Fox Foundation|Michael J. Fox Foundation]] to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/2hcYX0X5RCA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211203061106/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hcYX0X5RCA Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hcYX0X5RCA| title = My 72 year mum, with Parkinson's Disease, attempting the Serengeti Marathon (10km) | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In June 2023, Ward and his mother, Maura, undertook a 100km tandem cycle through the Jordanian Desert, raising $15,000USD in order to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet the 74-year-old woman with Parkinson’s taking on a 100km cycle across Jordan |url=https://irishcountrymagazine.ie/meet-the-74-year-old-woman-with-parkinsons-taking-on-a-100km-cycle-across-jordan/ |website=irishcountrymagazine.ie |publisher=Claire Murrihy |access-date=6 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CHARITY CYCLE ACROSS JORDANIAN DESERT |url=https://mourneobserver.com/charity-cycle-across-jordanian-desert/ |website=mourneobserver.com |access-date=18 October 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from County Galway]]
[[Category:People from County Galway]]
[[Category:Irish travel writers]]
[[Category:Travel writers from Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:21st-century travel writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Irish travel writers]]

Latest revision as of 13:29, 14 December 2024

Johnny Ward
Ward visiting elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2019
Born1983 (age 41–42)
Galway, Ireland
NationalityNorthern Ireland
CitizenshipIrish, British
Occupations
Websiteonestep4ward.com

Johnny Ward (born 1983)[1] is a Northern Irish entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and travel blogger[2][3][4] known for visiting every country in the world.[5][6][7][8]

Early life and education

[edit]

Ward was born in Galway, Ireland in 1983 to a single mother named Maura.[9][1] His family moved to Kilkeel, Northern Ireland soon after, and Ward largely grew up there.[10][2] His family often subsisted on welfare during his childhood.[11] Ward studied international economics at university in England, graduating in 2006.[10][12]

Travel and career

[edit]

After graduating from university in 2006, Ward began to travel. He initially flew to New York City[10] and worked as a summer camp counselor in the United States for a brief period.[6][5] He returned to Ireland and took part in a medical research experiment to earn more money to travel.[5] He then travelled to Thailand where he taught English for a year before moving to Sydney, where he worked as a telephone sales representative.[2]

Dissatisfied with office work, Ward left his job and sought to make a living from travelling full-time. In 2010, Ward started a blog named "OneStep4Ward" to document his travels.[13][14] During this period, Ward based himself in Bangkok, Thailand, and also began investing in property.[3][14]

By August 2012, Ward had visited over 80 countries,[14] and over 100 countries by the end of that year.[15] In 2014, Ward was a founding member of the Professional Travel Bloggers Association.[16] By 2015, he had earned a total of around $1 million and had visited 152 countries.[12] Ward has recounted entering several countries through questionable or illegal means; it was reported that he "entered China illegally after a five-day trip up the Mekong River while stowed away in a cargo boat",[3] that he was arrested after paying a smuggler to take him from Liberia to Ivory Coast during the Ebola epidemic,[7][10] and that he was able to enter Yemen during an ongoing civil war by meeting a dignitary who "bribed Yemeni officials and I ended up hitching there on a cement cargo ship".[5] Shortly after arriving in Angola, Ward witnessed a person being shot only a few metres away from his taxi cab, which quickly left the scene.[2][10]

In 2017, Ward visited his 197th and final nation, Norway, chosen because its proximity to Ireland made it convenient for friends and family to join him for the occasion.[5][6][17]

Adventurer

[edit]

Ward has since declared his intention to be the first person[18] to visit every country, plus visit the North Pole, South Pole, and climb the Seven Summits. He has since finished 8th in the North Pole Marathon,[19] and summited Kilimanjaro, Puncak Jaya, Aconcagua, Denali, and Mount Elbrus. Alongside this, Ward has also completed multiple long-distance ultra-marathons ranging from 100 km to 260 km,[20] and competed in the Marathon des Sables in 2019.[21]

Ward rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in March, April, and May 2021.[22] He also spent 2 months attempting to climb Mount Everest in April and May and successfully summitted the world's highest mountain on May 17, 2023.[23][24][25]

Blog

[edit]

Ward started his travel blog, OneStep4Ward.com, in 2010 whilst living in Australia, and soon began making a full-time income blogging. His blog is often listed as Ireland's leading blog,[26] and one of the world's leading travel blogs.[27][28]

Ward was nominated for the 11th Shorty Awards[29][30] for 'Best in Travel'.

Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam

[edit]

Upon reaching the South Pole on the 12 January 2024,[31] Ward became the first person in history to complete the Ultimate Explorers Grand Slam (the Explorer's Grand Slam plus visiting every country in the world).[32][33] Reportedly, around 500 people have climbed the Seven Summits, with 73 people having climbed the Seven Summits and reached both North and South Pole. Reports vary from 250 to 500 people having visited every country in the world, but no-one has yet completed the set.[34][35][36]

Countries visited

[edit]
Country total Years
197 Countries 2007-2017

The Seven Summits

[edit]
Mountain Height Date climbed Location
Mount Everest 8848m (29,035ft) 17 May 2023 Asia
Aconcagua 6,961m (22,841 ft) 20 January 2023 S. America
Denali 6190m (20,320 ft) 29 May 2022 N. America
Carstensz Pyramid 4,884m (16,023 ft) 23 September 2019 Oceania
Mount Elbrus 5642m (18,510 ft) 26 June 2018 Europe
Kilimanjaro 5,895m (19,340 ft) 10 March 2013 Africa
Vinson Massif 4,892m (16,050 ft) 7 January 2024 Antarctica

Other mountains

[edit]
Mountain Height Date climbed Location
Mount Kosciuszko 2,228m (7,309 feet) 31 May 2019 Australasia (Bass)
Mont Blanc 4,807m (15,771 feet) 27 August 2019 Europe (disputed)

Three Poles Challenge

[edit]
Mountain Date climbed Location
Mount Everest 17 May 2023 Asia
North Pole 17 April 2018 Arctic Ocean
South Pole 12 January 2024 Antarctica

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Show Category Nominee
2019 Shorty Awards Best In Travel Himself

Philanthropy

[edit]

Ward co-founded the non-profit Mudita Adventures (formally the Giveback GiveAway) in 2015[37][38] with a view to 'Change Travel. For Good.' Since then, Mudita Adventures has built schools, dormitories, playgrounds and clinics for developing communities in 10 countries, donating over $200,000USD.[39][40][41]

In 2019, Ward helped his mother, who had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, raise £14,444 to climb Mount Fuji in Japan, with the funds going towards the Cure Parkinson's Trust.[9]

In Quarter one of 2021, Ward rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, spending 51 days on a rowboat on a meat-free expedition. Raising over $20,000 for men's mental health and animal rights.[42]

In November 2021, Ward took a group of people, including his mother once more, to partake in the Serengeti Marathon in Tanzania, raising $16,000 (£14,000) for the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.[43] In June 2023, Ward and his mother, Maura, undertook a 100km tandem cycle through the Jordanian Desert, raising $15,000USD in order to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.[44][45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Blogging Brought Me Here" (PDF). OneStep4Ward.com. 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d Durston, James (30 June 2016). "How travel blogger Johnny Ward became a millionaire on the go". CNN. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b c Elejalde-Ruiz, Alexia (30 April 2013). "The vagabonds: No home, just travel". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  4. ^ Street, Francesca (27 June 2017). "World's top 10 travel influencers, according to Forbes". CNN.
  5. ^ a b c d e Meltzer, Hannah (16 March 2017). "From Ireland to Yemen and South Sudan: Meet the Man Who's Just Visited All 197 Countries in the World". The Independent. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Meltzer, Hannah (29 March 2017). "This man has visited every country on Earth and made $1m – and you can do it too". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  7. ^ a b Rizzo, Cailey (29 March 2017). "How One Man Became a Millionaire While Visiting Every Country in the World". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  8. ^ Lakritz, Talia (31 March 2017). "This 33-year-old traveled to every country in the world and made $1.5 million doing it". Business Insider. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Irish mother, 70, travels the world and climbs Mt Fuji after Parkinson's diagnosis". Irish Central News. 4 November 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d e Flanagan, Eimear (17 March 2017). "Irishman Johnny Ward visits 'every country in the world'". BBC. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  11. ^ Elkins, Kathleen (27 January 2017). "How one 33-year-old went from welfare to making over $1 million traveling the world". CNBC. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  12. ^ a b Schneider, Kate (10 August 2015). "I became a millionaire while travelling". News.com.au. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  13. ^ "Top 100 Travel Blogs". Nomadic Samuel. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  14. ^ a b c Doherty, Niall (8 August 2012). "Wish you were here?". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  15. ^ A, Chanel (31 January 2012). "Travel Blogger Interview with Johnny Ward". Cultural Xplorer. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  16. ^ "Founding Members". Travel Blogger's Association. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  17. ^ Ruggiero, Nina (4 July 2017). "How to quit your job and travel the world, according to people who have done it". CNBC.
  18. ^ Jon, Johnny (2018). "Goal Diggers. What's your Everest?". One Step 4Ward. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  19. ^ "2018 North Pole Marathon Results". North Pole Marathon. 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  20. ^ "Johnny Ward: First Irish Who Successfully Traveled the World". 8 November 2021.
  21. ^ Boyd, Barbara (28 August 2018). "I hate sand and don't like running says Mourne man bound for Sahara Marathon!". Tyrone Courier. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  22. ^ "Kilkeel native Johnny Ward makes epic row across Atlantic Ocean for charity". belfasttelegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Galway hero climbing Mount Everest reaches summit as young man completes 'big dream'". galwaybeo.ie. Erika Sassone. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  24. ^ "Everest diaries: Johnny Ward reaches summit after 'brutal' climb". irishexaminer.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Irish adventurer climbing Everest is close to completing the ultimate challenge". Stephen Porzio.
  26. ^ "The 10 Most Popular Travel Bloggers from Ireland". 19 April 2017.
  27. ^ "Top Travel Blogs of 2022 - Best Travel Blogs in the World". 15 January 2019.
  28. ^ "On the Blog with...Johnny Ward". RTÉ.ie. 7 November 2016.
  29. ^ "@onestep4ward - the Shorty Awards".
  30. ^ "How the Shorty Awards Became the Oscars of Social Media". 20 July 2010.
  31. ^ "'If I can do it, anyone can': Meet the NI man who has visited every country in the world". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Amy Cochrane. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  32. ^ "Johnny Ward: traversing the world's mountains and poles - one step at a time". irishexaminer.com. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  33. ^ "Explorers Grand Slam".
  34. ^ "Climbing The Seven Summits: Facts & Information". expedreview.com. Blake Penson. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  35. ^ "Inside the Exclusive Club of Travelers Racing to Visit Every Country in the World". cntraveler.com. Katherine Lagrave. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  36. ^ "Drew Binsky on Visiting Every Country in the World". mensjournal.com. Bailey Berg. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  37. ^ "Help the World's Poorest Villages throughTCD". Global Hope Network International. 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  38. ^ "'I was literally on the breadline' - Irish blogger (33) makes over €1m after creating online travel journal to fund his wanderlust". independent. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  39. ^ Brooks, Anna (26 February 2017). "Calgary traveller bringing lucky donor to launch community development project in Thailand". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  40. ^ Elkins, Kathleen (27 January 2017). "How one 33-year-old went from welfare to making over $1 million traveling the world". CNBC. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  41. ^ McConville, Mark (17 January 2018). "If I can do it, anyone can' - Meet the Co. Down man who became a millionaire by visiting every country in the world". Independent. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  42. ^ "Atlantic row 'the hardest thing I've ever done'". BBC News. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  43. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: My 72 year mum, with Parkinson's Disease, attempting the Serengeti Marathon (10km). YouTube.
  44. ^ "Meet the 74-year-old woman with Parkinson's taking on a 100km cycle across Jordan". irishcountrymagazine.ie. Claire Murrihy. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  45. ^ "CHARITY CYCLE ACROSS JORDANIAN DESERT". mourneobserver.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
[edit]
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