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Just Go: A Globe-Trotting Guide to Travel Like an Expert, Connect Like a Local, and Live the Adventure of a Lifetime
USA TODAY BESTSELLER
National Indie Excellence® Awards Finalist in Travel
Popular travel YouTuber and content creator Drew Binsky, who has visited every single country, walks readers through the most amazing places in the world and shares everything you need to know to go anywhere you want.
In 2021, Drew Binsky completed his 10-year journey to travel to every country in the world—all 197 of them. Now, for the first time, Drew reveals his craziest stories and best moments, even from places the UN deems the most “dangerous” like Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
As you’ll discover with Drew as your guide, the world is more accessible than you think—and no matter where we’re from, people around the globe have more in common with us than differences.
Just Go offers readers the adventure of a lifetime, presenting not only the tricks Drew himself used in his trips, but also the best-kept secrets from every corner of the world. Just Go is equally a practical handbook for globetrotters and aspiring travelers as it is an intimate and heartwarming celebration of people and cultures all over.
In this fun and friendly guide, Drew will show you how
Obtain visas for obscure destinations Make fast friends with trustworthy locals Find and enjoy street food like a pro Navigate language barriers Have the greatest adventure of your life
As one of the few people who traveled the globe in 2020, Drew witnessed and recorded the pandemic response in countries everywhere—and realized how crucial it is for the world to reconnect. In Just Go, filled with photos, stories, and tips Drew has never before shared, you’ll find the toolkit and the inspiration to do just get out there and go wherever you want!
National Indie Excellence® Awards Finalist in Travel
Popular travel YouTuber and content creator Drew Binsky, who has visited every single country, walks readers through the most amazing places in the world and shares everything you need to know to go anywhere you want.
In 2021, Drew Binsky completed his 10-year journey to travel to every country in the world—all 197 of them. Now, for the first time, Drew reveals his craziest stories and best moments, even from places the UN deems the most “dangerous” like Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
As you’ll discover with Drew as your guide, the world is more accessible than you think—and no matter where we’re from, people around the globe have more in common with us than differences.
Just Go offers readers the adventure of a lifetime, presenting not only the tricks Drew himself used in his trips, but also the best-kept secrets from every corner of the world. Just Go is equally a practical handbook for globetrotters and aspiring travelers as it is an intimate and heartwarming celebration of people and cultures all over.
In this fun and friendly guide, Drew will show you how
Obtain visas for obscure destinations Make fast friends with trustworthy locals Find and enjoy street food like a pro Navigate language barriers Have the greatest adventure of your life
As one of the few people who traveled the globe in 2020, Drew witnessed and recorded the pandemic response in countries everywhere—and realized how crucial it is for the world to reconnect. In Just Go, filled with photos, stories, and tips Drew has never before shared, you’ll find the toolkit and the inspiration to do just get out there and go wherever you want!
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
46 people are currently reading
3026 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 25, 2024
I received a free copy of, Just Go., by Drew Binsky, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have never heard of Drew Binsky before, apparently he is a popular Youtube and content creator. I just like to read about travel, Drew gives good bside tips on travel, what to pack, how to feel safe, avoid (as much as you can) being scammed, tips on language, how to socialize, etc. This is a real good read, I fond it to be interesting and helpful.
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April 20, 2025This book found me on the “available now” section of Libby and I’m glad it did. Short and sweet, Drew emphasizes the aspects of culture around the world that are simultaneously unique and bring us together. Music, dance, food, nature, history. I’ve taken away some tips on how to be a more prepared traveler and more importantly, been inspired to connect more with locals abroad and be a better villager in my own community.
October 25, 2025
Listened to this on the airplane. It felt surreal listening to this on the plane to the first destination. It gives some good advice on traveling, I also enjoyed the addition of Drew's stories. I don't think it's a replacement for vagabonding, they are both different books and both should be read.
Wrote this review a couple of days ago but never published it.
Wrote this review a couple of days ago but never published it.
April 10, 2024
This was such an enjoyable read. The book includes travel advice as well as stories from some of Binsky’s adventures around the world. Any kind of traveler can benefit from this book as it inspires and furthers wanderlust. I especially appreciated the stories about some countries I do not plan to travel to, which is one of the main reasons why Binsky is such a valuable voice. Through his passion, Binsky distinguishes governments from people and shows more similarities among people than not while still celebrating other cultures. I am eager to check out his videos now!
Thank you NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and BenBella Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2025
2.5 out of 5
I’ve said this to a few friends but this book would’ve been better as a memoir rather than a “how-to guide”. Drew acknowledges on a handful of occasions that he comes from a privileged situation of being a cis, white American man; but as a queer person, I knew it would be hard to apply Drew’s advice for myself.
He thinks a little highly of himself and sue me, but I don’t think going to every country in the world makes you a travel expert. He’s had some really cool experiences, and I love his perspective on humanity. I appreciate his passion to share stories while traveling— especially for communities and tribes many people might never otherwise know about.
I’d recommend for people beginning to travel for content, and will probably gift to my mom, but not the best for me.
I’ve said this to a few friends but this book would’ve been better as a memoir rather than a “how-to guide”. Drew acknowledges on a handful of occasions that he comes from a privileged situation of being a cis, white American man; but as a queer person, I knew it would be hard to apply Drew’s advice for myself.
He thinks a little highly of himself and sue me, but I don’t think going to every country in the world makes you a travel expert. He’s had some really cool experiences, and I love his perspective on humanity. I appreciate his passion to share stories while traveling— especially for communities and tribes many people might never otherwise know about.
I’d recommend for people beginning to travel for content, and will probably gift to my mom, but not the best for me.
September 14, 2024
Great read! Been a follower of Drew's for a long time! Very interesting to hear how he prepares for trips and where his journey started! Will definitely be taking on some of his tips for future travels as well as looking into sharing my journey in future.
February 19, 2025
Mixed feelings on this one. I follow Drew Binsky on YouTube and enjoy getting a glimpse of cultures around the world from the comfort and safety of my own home.
Drew shines in the parts of the book where he recounts his own experiences in different countries. It's when he speaks directly to the reader that I don't like it as much.
Drew starts by saying why he loves travel and centers his life around it. Which would have been a wonderful introduction, if he didn't go on to talk about why we (his readers) should also love it and do it as much as we can. Everyone has their own passions in life, and just because he devotes the bulk of his time and money to traveling doesn't mean that it's the best way for everyone to live. I felt like there was a bit too much ego and assumptions that his readers wanted to emulate him in parts of the book (mainly the beginning). This was not only a turn-off but also a surprise, because he comes across as pretty humble in his videos. It's probably a result of someone who's not a writer by profession or education attempting to write a book. (I did notice that his packing checklist did not include a book, as any good writer's would.)
Other thing I didn't care for was his repeated refrain of how we are all the same inside, even if we live under different governments. A very nice sentiment, to be sure, but that's communicated most effectively with stories. I got tired of reading the same "moral of the story" re-worded only slightly differently on page after page of the book.
I will give Drew credit for the parts where he speaks to the reader without coming across as lecturing them. I read this on the plane down to Mexico, and finished up on the beach and in the mornings over coffee, and there were some good travel tips tucked in there.
Overall recommended? If you're about to travel, then yes: Pick it up, consider his tips, and enjoy his stories. Otherwise, stick to his YouTube videos. Like I said at the beginning of this review, when Drew shares his experiences with other cultures is where he really shines, and I think he does this more effectively in his travel vlogs. (And this is coming from a woman who would almost always prefer to read things rather than watch them.)
Drew shines in the parts of the book where he recounts his own experiences in different countries. It's when he speaks directly to the reader that I don't like it as much.
Drew starts by saying why he loves travel and centers his life around it. Which would have been a wonderful introduction, if he didn't go on to talk about why we (his readers) should also love it and do it as much as we can. Everyone has their own passions in life, and just because he devotes the bulk of his time and money to traveling doesn't mean that it's the best way for everyone to live. I felt like there was a bit too much ego and assumptions that his readers wanted to emulate him in parts of the book (mainly the beginning). This was not only a turn-off but also a surprise, because he comes across as pretty humble in his videos. It's probably a result of someone who's not a writer by profession or education attempting to write a book. (I did notice that his packing checklist did not include a book, as any good writer's would.)
Other thing I didn't care for was his repeated refrain of how we are all the same inside, even if we live under different governments. A very nice sentiment, to be sure, but that's communicated most effectively with stories. I got tired of reading the same "moral of the story" re-worded only slightly differently on page after page of the book.
I will give Drew credit for the parts where he speaks to the reader without coming across as lecturing them. I read this on the plane down to Mexico, and finished up on the beach and in the mornings over coffee, and there were some good travel tips tucked in there.
Overall recommended? If you're about to travel, then yes: Pick it up, consider his tips, and enjoy his stories. Otherwise, stick to his YouTube videos. Like I said at the beginning of this review, when Drew shares his experiences with other cultures is where he really shines, and I think he does this more effectively in his travel vlogs. (And this is coming from a woman who would almost always prefer to read things rather than watch them.)
September 18, 2024
This book might be good for someone who has never traveled before or is just starting out. However, for me, I thought the advice in the book was very basic. He touched on many of his travel experiences but didn't elaborate. I wanted to read more about the adventure other than just reading that the place was beautiful or the people were beautiful or "just go" which he repeated pretty much on every page. A little over the halfway mark, I found myself just skimming over the pages and I skipped the last part about how to become a vlogger because that wasn't interesting to me. The book was a bit all over the place and a tad boring.
September 30, 2025
On the one hand, the stories of traveling to remote places are very engaging and sometimes really unexpected. I love that he is very clear about what risks there are and how to avoid them.
On the other hand, it's extremely repetitive, and draws the same conclusion (we are all human underneath, all just living our lives) over and over and over again. That got old.
I think I am the wrong audience, because I had never heard of him before picking up this book -- so the sections that are all about how to become a YouTube content creator are of minimal interest to me. I also had a hard time with the section on lying to keep out of trouble. Yes, I can see where that's a useful skill and sometimes a necessary one. However, feeling justified in lying in order to enter countries that do not allow tourists crosses a line for me -- yes, his goal was to visit every country. That doesn't mean he (or anyone else) is entitled to the experiences he seeks.
It's also bizarre to me that so many of the experiences he most cherishes are spaces that are too dangerous or remote for most people to get to (cool) but that his big takeaway is that these should be tourist destinations -- as though tourism _is_ the best thing that could happen for a region. I don't understand that point of view.
On the whole the messages are good, and kind, and full of wonder at the world. The book doesn't live up to what he's trying to achieve.
On the other hand, it's extremely repetitive, and draws the same conclusion (we are all human underneath, all just living our lives) over and over and over again. That got old.
I think I am the wrong audience, because I had never heard of him before picking up this book -- so the sections that are all about how to become a YouTube content creator are of minimal interest to me. I also had a hard time with the section on lying to keep out of trouble. Yes, I can see where that's a useful skill and sometimes a necessary one. However, feeling justified in lying in order to enter countries that do not allow tourists crosses a line for me -- yes, his goal was to visit every country. That doesn't mean he (or anyone else) is entitled to the experiences he seeks.
It's also bizarre to me that so many of the experiences he most cherishes are spaces that are too dangerous or remote for most people to get to (cool) but that his big takeaway is that these should be tourist destinations -- as though tourism _is_ the best thing that could happen for a region. I don't understand that point of view.
On the whole the messages are good, and kind, and full of wonder at the world. The book doesn't live up to what he's trying to achieve.
April 28, 2024
Just Go by YouTuber Drew Binsky is about Drew's global adventures and tips to get the best from your travels. He has visited all 197 countries, after all, and did so by the age of thirty. The book is jam-packed with gorgeous photographs and the layout is easy to follow.
Amongst other topics, he includes visas (extremely difficult for Venezuela), cultures, scams, food, openness to learn, packing and people. He encourages travelers to be safe, social and spontaneous and to find similarities. Hearing how locals view your home country is fascinating. As an international travel, I agree 110%. There is nothing like travel adventures...they prompted my husband and I to make a huge move to a different continent and culture.
Binsky describes many of his most impactful and memorable adventures such as his favourite destination (one of mine, too), hospitality of the Middle East, "dangerous" countries, jungle tribes, chocolate hills of the Philippines, and salt flats of Bolivia. He even provides vlogging tips. I like his three rules for big adventures as well. What makes this travel book stand out are anecdotes, photography and unique experiences. Often it's the little unexpected details which create lasting memories.
My sincere thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this inspiring and encouraging book.
Amongst other topics, he includes visas (extremely difficult for Venezuela), cultures, scams, food, openness to learn, packing and people. He encourages travelers to be safe, social and spontaneous and to find similarities. Hearing how locals view your home country is fascinating. As an international travel, I agree 110%. There is nothing like travel adventures...they prompted my husband and I to make a huge move to a different continent and culture.
Binsky describes many of his most impactful and memorable adventures such as his favourite destination (one of mine, too), hospitality of the Middle East, "dangerous" countries, jungle tribes, chocolate hills of the Philippines, and salt flats of Bolivia. He even provides vlogging tips. I like his three rules for big adventures as well. What makes this travel book stand out are anecdotes, photography and unique experiences. Often it's the little unexpected details which create lasting memories.
My sincere thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this inspiring and encouraging book.
April 3, 2024
This book is different from other travel books because of how spontaneous this guy is. Binsky says he doesn't always have reservations at every place and that's how he has such great adventures. He also talks to people to learn the best ways to see the most unique and beautiful sites in different locations.
Not all of these adventures are for everyone -- as an older woman, I'm positive I wouldn't be able to do some of these things for several reasons. But the advice in this book could make anyone's travel experiences better.
Most people don't travel enough, and this book is a great argument that great experiences are not totally out of reach. I'm inspired, and I'm going to try to decide what I should do next.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Not all of these adventures are for everyone -- as an older woman, I'm positive I wouldn't be able to do some of these things for several reasons. But the advice in this book could make anyone's travel experiences better.
Most people don't travel enough, and this book is a great argument that great experiences are not totally out of reach. I'm inspired, and I'm going to try to decide what I should do next.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
May 1, 2024
I would first like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! As someone who has always thought of herself as pretty adventurous, the author definitely impressed me with all of his stories of places he’s been and experiences he’s had. i also appreciate his outlook on travel — that it’s a way to access our shared humanity, gain confidence, and learn about other places beyond what western media tells us. that’s exactly why i love to travel so much. no matter who you are, this book will definitely inspire wanderlust in you and give you practical advice on how to actually get to these places. i will be looking at flights right after finishing this review.
September 15, 2024
Feels like that one over-eager friend who insists they know everything about travel… until they start talking. This book leans heavily on basic advice, which might work if you’re prepping for your first solo trip (think ‘don’t forget your passport’ level), but if you’re even slightly seasoned, it’ll start rolling your eyes at the clichés. Some advice contradicts itself, be open and relaxed vs. be wary/prepared for bad situations. There are a couple of decent insights tucked in there, but they’re about as rare as finding a true local experience at an all-inclusive resort. I was hoping for more tangible, nitty-gritty tips for crafting unique trips, but it never quite hit the mark. Overall, 5.3/10—not a disaster, but it didn’t exactly take me anywhere new.
May 27, 2025
(4 ⭐️) I have been a fan of Drew Binsky’s travel videos for awhile—primarily due to the fact that he has this unrelenting passion of sharing stories of humanity, and that’s a passion I share through writing. Moreover, when I heard that he had a book out, I knew I just had to read it. This was one of those books I wanted to savor and really take in, and I’m so glad I did. Drew’s wisdom and travel advice was helpful, and each story he shared made me smile—especially the one about the older men in Syria that ran the shop. I have yearned to begin traveling and because of Drew’s videos, I aspire to also travel to places I never thought I’d consider. Great book overall! Only complaint? I wish more travel stories were told!
March 10, 2024
BUY THIS BOOK!
Drew Binsky completed a 10-year journey around the world visiting Ever.y. Single. Country!
This book combines his adventure and pictures into a fun and engaging guide for travel.
Just Go includes info for :
Obtain visas for obscure destinations
Make fast friends with trustworthy locals
Find and enjoy street food like a pro
Navigate language barriers
Have the greatest adventure of your life
Drew's enthusiasm is contagious and comes through in every chapter. This is a great guide for those who have traveled or for those who have yet to get their passport. Perfect present for the newly graduated OR the newly retired! #benbellabooks #justgo. #drewbinsky
Drew Binsky completed a 10-year journey around the world visiting Ever.y. Single. Country!
This book combines his adventure and pictures into a fun and engaging guide for travel.
Just Go includes info for :
Obtain visas for obscure destinations
Make fast friends with trustworthy locals
Find and enjoy street food like a pro
Navigate language barriers
Have the greatest adventure of your life
Drew's enthusiasm is contagious and comes through in every chapter. This is a great guide for those who have traveled or for those who have yet to get their passport. Perfect present for the newly graduated OR the newly retired! #benbellabooks #justgo. #drewbinsky
Read
March 25, 2024I couldn't put this down. Drew Binsky is currently the youngest person to have visited all 197 countries in the world (a feat he accomplished by age 31). As someone who does not spend a lot of time on Youtube, I found myself curious to look into Binsky's popular videos that he references throughout. Binsky pairs travel advice with anecdotes of his experiences in a way that is truly inspiring. The thesis, in short, is that most of humanity is good, and that by opening ourselves up to the world and its inhabitants, we will see just how much we have in common. A true must-read for avid travelers or for those who are just looking to read about someone else's adventures.
December 13, 2024
If you’re a fan of Drew Binsky, you’ll know you’re in for a treat! It’s funny that I can picture his voice while reading this book! That’s how much of a fan I am!
Although most of what I read was stuff I knew from his videos, I finally got to read him saying bad words lol! He bleeps his stuff online I get it but I got some juicy cuss words in here
Anyways the book is great whether you’re a new traveler or an experienced traveler like me (43 countries). It’s good to refresh and perhaps learn new things you didn’t know about the travel industry!
I’m inspired and can’t wait to get back out there and make travel content doing what I love to do!
Although most of what I read was stuff I knew from his videos, I finally got to read him saying bad words lol! He bleeps his stuff online I get it but I got some juicy cuss words in here
Anyways the book is great whether you’re a new traveler or an experienced traveler like me (43 countries). It’s good to refresh and perhaps learn new things you didn’t know about the travel industry!
I’m inspired and can’t wait to get back out there and make travel content doing what I love to do!
January 9, 2025
More biography than how-to manual. Has one throw away line about how he is a white male traveler then proceeds to ignore the realities of women, minorities around the world (both tourists and locals). Claims to want to connect on a deep personal level, many countries stays for less than one week. Recommends local travel friends but is short on instruction to get such friends.
As a collection of stories- highly entertaining and inspiring. I am impressed by the stubbornness required to get to North Korea, Libya, Yemen etc.
It does make me want to travel. But I will be avoiding the iron ore train.
As a collection of stories- highly entertaining and inspiring. I am impressed by the stubbornness required to get to North Korea, Libya, Yemen etc.
It does make me want to travel. But I will be avoiding the iron ore train.
March 31, 2024
I have been a HUGE Drew Binsky fan for a long time and have followed his YouTube channel. I’ve always enjoyed his down to earth approach on traveling the world and his core value that we are all the same, no matter where you come from.
I could not wait to get my hands on this book the minute I heard it was coming out. It was a wonderful insight into how Drew travels and the things that make his storytelling unique. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a Drew Binsky fan or anyone who’s looking to travel more and broaden their horizons.
I could not wait to get my hands on this book the minute I heard it was coming out. It was a wonderful insight into how Drew travels and the things that make his storytelling unique. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a Drew Binsky fan or anyone who’s looking to travel more and broaden their horizons.
August 19, 2025
I'm a Binsky fan. I've seen all his videos, and as a fellow traveler; I want to see as much of the world as possible. I've always enjoyed Drew's philosophy, as you all know it's "Just Go." I've done that a lot of my life, just not as much as some people. I enjoyed his take on people and cultures around the world, and it was a good read. I will continue to watch this man as he travels on YouTube, and hopefully get a little bit as much notice as I've started to share my travels on there too. Thanks for the inspiration Drew Binsky!
September 4, 2024
A very good read! Really enjoyed reading the adventures. As the youngest American male to travel to all countries it’s an amazing feat. The premise is great as well. It did get a bit repetitive with his stories however I did enjoy reading them all. I wish there was a bit more about his professional journey but maybe a sequel!? Fingers crossed. Keep doing what you do Drew! Youngest person to travel the world is one amazing feat.
January 28, 2025
I love this book for the wanderlust spirits and the souls who want to explore the world but feel like they have a string pulling them back. This book inspires me to book a vacation; be open-minded about cultures and the world; to want to learn how different cultures and environments are beautiful and thrive in their own way. Love how it's a lighthearted and easy read that gives me confidence to book a flight.
June 3, 2025
Inspired me to look into travel blogging or blogging in general on topics of interest to me… and def travel more because there is SO much to see and experience in the world! Loved the pictures of countries with the little blurbs, stories he shared, and the advice, which seems easy to implement. If I do foreign travel, I def need to check out the guides he suggests! I do not think I am as brave as him going into war torn countries, but I loved the stories and finding hope still in those places.
May 22, 2024
In exchange for an advanced copy of Just Go by Drew Binsky, I was to provide honest feedback about the book.
Just Go, by Drew Binsky, discusses how travel to most parts of the world can be done with relative safety if you follow certain tips Drew provides. One of the very few people to have visited every country in the world, Drew has found himself in unsettling situations at times, and he uses his experience to provide advice for others considering to visit what are are deemed “dangerous” areas that many travelers may not even consider traveling to. Although I will most likely keep my own travels to the more developed areas of the world, I did find some advice that is important for safe travel anywhere. I was able to live vicariously through some of his stories, and I wish there had been more detailed stories included of far-off lands many of us will never be able to experience first-hand for ourself.
Just Go, by Drew Binsky, discusses how travel to most parts of the world can be done with relative safety if you follow certain tips Drew provides. One of the very few people to have visited every country in the world, Drew has found himself in unsettling situations at times, and he uses his experience to provide advice for others considering to visit what are are deemed “dangerous” areas that many travelers may not even consider traveling to. Although I will most likely keep my own travels to the more developed areas of the world, I did find some advice that is important for safe travel anywhere. I was able to live vicariously through some of his stories, and I wish there had been more detailed stories included of far-off lands many of us will never be able to experience first-hand for ourself.
June 18, 2024
I am a huge fan of Drew and this book was a engaging read. He has travel tips ranging from the general (dress like a local, say yes to adventure) to the specific (what SIM cards he uses, what Visas work where). I loved all of the stories that he used as examples- some I've heard from his videos, some were new to me. Just go!
December 18, 2024
This book spoke to me and assured me before going to Ethiopia. Although I already know a lot of things about Binsky as I watched his videos, but his book gave me a calming sense in growing as a traveller. I do think that people are fortunate to find each other who can support and support their travel endeavours.
January 15, 2025
I never give reviews other than five stars. I thought the idea of someone who went to every country in the world would have extremely interesting things to say or advice to give. But it felt like an extended YouTube script or blog post. It was very repetitive. I hope he has more interesting things to write about (in book form) in the future !!
September 8, 2025
Drew has so much to offer, all the insane stories and experiences, but he did not write them very well. Instead, the book is full of “xxx is the best in the world”, and “xxx is amazing”. He kept saying the people are wonderful, but failed to show that in the writing. I would recommend watching his Youtube videos instead.
June 18, 2024
Well done, Drew. I came across the Author’s Instagram page a while back and started following (mostly because he’s a fellow UW Madison grad). Drew has a great story to tell and does so in his first book with captivating writing.
June 30, 2024
Loved reading about his stories. Would have been an even better read if he put more in about how he affords all that travel!! But maybe that’s just me lol, I wanted to know every single detail. Overall this was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews