All Episodes

January 4, 2024 78 mins

79-year-old Luisa Yu had no intention of becoming famous after completing her nearly 50-year-journey to visit every country in the world. But a Croatian social media travel influencer she met along the way had other plans for her, insisting she make Serbia her final country. So, when Luisa arrived in Serbia, a throng of media awaited to interview her and the influencer (Vanna Bojovic @vannabojovic) released an Instagram reel featuring Luisa that garnered 2.7 million views.

The rest, they say, is history!

Since that day, just last month, Luisa has been featured in news outlets everywhere in the world – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and many more.

However, those interviews feature a quote or two, a favorite country or experience, and little more. As with all interviews on the Pick My Adventure Show (and podcast), we dig a little deeper.

Luisa’s first full interview gives us a glimpse of:

  • The lives of all the social media influencers she has met on her travels who have adopted her, lovingly calling her “Mama”

  • How she went to 47 states in the United States while waiting for her green card in the 70s (and which state and city was her favorite)

  • Why and how she went against her doctor’s orders to skydive last year (at 78 years old!)

  • Why two of the countries she was most-advised AGAINST going to turned out to be two of her favorites (Afghanistan and Somalia)

  • Her advice for other “senior”-aged travelers – and travelers of all ages!

  • How her daughter has attempted to stop her from going to some destinations

  • Why her travels are far from over and what she wants to do next

Listen on all your favorite apps – including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more – or in video format below on YouTube or Podbean. 👇

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.