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Expedition 196: A Personal Journal from the First Woman on Record to Travel to Every Country in the World
A memoir of Cassie's life leading up to, and during her Expedition around the world.
At age twenty-seven, Cassie De Pecol accomplished something remarkable. She became the first woman on record to travel to every country on Earth, and did it faster than anyone in history, male or female. She was inspired by her experiences on the Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid: both the three weeks she spent in the Panamanian wilderness and the cyberbullying she endured after the show. And it opened her eyes to the need for women to make a difference in the world.
In Expedition 196, Cassie shares the secrets behind her personal triumphs and miraculous achievements. It's the story of a dreamer and a doer who went from restless college dropout to fearless adventurer to philanthropist and humanitarian activist dedicated to female empowerment and global sustainability.
Thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable, Expedition 196 views the world through the eyes of one extraordinary young woman whose heart took her farther than most people can even imagine.
At age twenty-seven, Cassie De Pecol accomplished something remarkable. She became the first woman on record to travel to every country on Earth, and did it faster than anyone in history, male or female. She was inspired by her experiences on the Discovery Channel's Naked and Afraid: both the three weeks she spent in the Panamanian wilderness and the cyberbullying she endured after the show. And it opened her eyes to the need for women to make a difference in the world.
In Expedition 196, Cassie shares the secrets behind her personal triumphs and miraculous achievements. It's the story of a dreamer and a doer who went from restless college dropout to fearless adventurer to philanthropist and humanitarian activist dedicated to female empowerment and global sustainability.
Thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable, Expedition 196 views the world through the eyes of one extraordinary young woman whose heart took her farther than most people can even imagine.
202 pages, Hardcover
Published July 30, 2018
29 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 29, 2018
I decided to read this book because I have been following the author, Cassandra (Cassie) de Pecol, on social media since early 2017. Cassie set out to become the first woman on record to travel to every sovereign nation while simultaneously breaking the Guinness World Record for being the fastest person to travel to every sovereign nation, a project she dubbed Expedition 196. This book tells the story of her preparation leading up to the expedition, as well as tales from a select number of countries along the way. As a female world traveler, I find Cassie’s undertaking to be incredibly brave and inspiring, but sadly, her book doesn’t really do this feat justice. For one, the book is too short, especially for the list price— I finished it in about two hours and the hardcover copy is $27.99 (thankfully, I purchased the Kindle version which was $9.99). You would think after traveling to 196 countries she would have an overabundance of stories to tell, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Cassie mentioned that it was suggested she work with a ghostwriter, and I think this book really could have benefitted from a professional writer or strong editor. Cassie has also endured a lot of online negativity which, understandably, seems to have really gotten under her skin. Unfortunately, this translated to a very defensive and prickly narrative. I wish I could have given this book a better review since I’m a big fan of Cassie. Better luck next time!
August 8, 2020
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It was the perfect readathon read, and it really inspired me to travel (although that's not happening this year, of course).
[previous update] I've been following Cassie since the end of her expedition when major news outlets began covering her story. So I'm excited to finally be able to read about her journey from the beginning! Having followed her online these last two years, I have to say she is such a HUGE inspiration and role model: she seems to accomplish so much, and she's currently training for an Iron Man. She is seriously goals, and I can't wait to read this book!
You can follow her on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cassiedepecol/ and pre-order the book on Amazon!
(And to read my review once the book is out, follow my blog here.)
[previous update] I've been following Cassie since the end of her expedition when major news outlets began covering her story. So I'm excited to finally be able to read about her journey from the beginning! Having followed her online these last two years, I have to say she is such a HUGE inspiration and role model: she seems to accomplish so much, and she's currently training for an Iron Man. She is seriously goals, and I can't wait to read this book!
You can follow her on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cassiedepecol/ and pre-order the book on Amazon!
(And to read my review once the book is out, follow my blog here.)
April 21, 2024
2.75 I didn’t hate it but it could have been so much better!! She traveled the world but we didn’t get to see much of it.
August 9, 2018
I loved this book and was genuinely surprised about how raw and honest she was about her different experiences. It was a quick, easy read but so informative and intriguing- especially her take on visiting terroristic countries. I’ve loved following her on Instagram and am even more inspired by her after reading her book.
March 28, 2019
An extraordinary book written by the first woman who traveled to all the countries on the planet and broke the Guinness Record by doing it faster than anyone in history. Cassie visited 196 sovereign countries (Expedition 196) and described the most unusual experiences she had during this adventure. She impressed me with the courage she had while visiting countries where it is very dangerous for a woman to travel solo, especially because she grew up with panic attacks and fear of flying by plane. I found out interesting details about the procedure to enter the Guinness Book of Records. The author did not describe all the countries that she visited, of course, but she outlined those which mostly stunned her, stetes in which her life was in danger, or countries with a bad reputation, but where she was welcomed kindly and she felt safe. It's more than a travel book ... it's motivational and inspirational.
July 21, 2019
Amazing autobiography of the first woman on record to travel to every country in the world and huge inspiration from travellers. A really good length, I read it in one sitting.
January 24, 2019
Dumb. Should’ve known it would stink since “Toby” was supporting it. He’s the worst.
August 25, 2018
A quick (199 pages) read that gives you a glimpse into Cassie's reason(s) for Expedition 196, a few stories from a handful of countries, and some general life lessons she learned/or "takeaways" you could say, from her experience.
I will say that the book does jump around a lot, and even within the chapters themselves, much less from chapter-to-chapter. Cassie did mention a couple times that she's not much of a reader at all, hadn't read a book cover-to-cover until her early-mid-20s, and she didn't graduate college, so perhaps the writing style reflects that a bit. Yeah, she could have used a ghost writer, but at the same time, then you'd lose the raw style of this book that seems to really show you more of who she is (someone who suffers from anxiety/depression, has had suicidal ideations, kind of a loner/prefers to be alone, someone who has had to deal with massive amounts of online hate spewed in her direction, etc)....so the writing is a bit jumpy, aloof, and jaded. So? If that's who she is at times, that's what the style of the book should be. We don't need an editor to clean things up so much that Cassie's own voice is lost.
For anyone who has traveled internationally at all (I myself have been to 6 continents and ~25 countries), you'll relate to her realistic descriptions of what its actually like to travel. Its not all glamorous. Its not all edited, beautiful Instagram posts. It is sleepless nights, men catcalling you in strange countries, its having to keep your money/valuables close to avoid mugging, its stress about catching flights/getting through security, its food poisoning/getting sick in a foreign country, its dealing with language barriers, and difference in cultures/customs.
...and then on top of that, all the paperwork and WORK Cassie had to put into Expedition 196?? -- researching flight patterns, obtaining sponsors and funds, mailing off visas, arranging accommodations/travels, all while adhering to the Guinness Book of World Record's stringent "rules" for this particular record (aka not traveling more than X miles via private transport/taxi, documenting your time in each country multiple ways-- GPS tracking, photos, border control stamps, credit card statements, etc)....DANG this was quite the feat. Hat's off.
Now I gotta save up some $$$$ and get my butt to Antarctica so I can say I've been to all 7 continents! Thanks for the kick in the pants, Cassie. lol.
I will say that the book does jump around a lot, and even within the chapters themselves, much less from chapter-to-chapter. Cassie did mention a couple times that she's not much of a reader at all, hadn't read a book cover-to-cover until her early-mid-20s, and she didn't graduate college, so perhaps the writing style reflects that a bit. Yeah, she could have used a ghost writer, but at the same time, then you'd lose the raw style of this book that seems to really show you more of who she is (someone who suffers from anxiety/depression, has had suicidal ideations, kind of a loner/prefers to be alone, someone who has had to deal with massive amounts of online hate spewed in her direction, etc)....so the writing is a bit jumpy, aloof, and jaded. So? If that's who she is at times, that's what the style of the book should be. We don't need an editor to clean things up so much that Cassie's own voice is lost.
For anyone who has traveled internationally at all (I myself have been to 6 continents and ~25 countries), you'll relate to her realistic descriptions of what its actually like to travel. Its not all glamorous. Its not all edited, beautiful Instagram posts. It is sleepless nights, men catcalling you in strange countries, its having to keep your money/valuables close to avoid mugging, its stress about catching flights/getting through security, its food poisoning/getting sick in a foreign country, its dealing with language barriers, and difference in cultures/customs.
...and then on top of that, all the paperwork and WORK Cassie had to put into Expedition 196?? -- researching flight patterns, obtaining sponsors and funds, mailing off visas, arranging accommodations/travels, all while adhering to the Guinness Book of World Record's stringent "rules" for this particular record (aka not traveling more than X miles via private transport/taxi, documenting your time in each country multiple ways-- GPS tracking, photos, border control stamps, credit card statements, etc)....DANG this was quite the feat. Hat's off.
Now I gotta save up some $$$$ and get my butt to Antarctica so I can say I've been to all 7 continents! Thanks for the kick in the pants, Cassie. lol.
April 16, 2019
I did NOT like this book at all!! I stubbled upon Cassie when she was half way though her expedition and I thought that this was super awesome, how someone can do this and put a positive effect on the world. Her Instagram stories were so informative and she kept us up to date on things she was going though and where she was. A lot of questions came up but most of the time she goes I will put it in my book when I finish. So I get this book I’m excited to read. 30 bucks okay most new books are up there then I see it’s 136 pages... are you kidding no way that’s to much. I understand you have to pay for all sorts of things when you write and publish a book but no. I bought the kindle version and 45 mins later I was so disappoint. Now you title the book expedition 196, however the cover is you in Antarctica. It amazing you went there and it’s great to included it however that wasn’t a place you needed to go to to complete the record. Second the whole book is her talking about herself and how much she HATES men. Okay then second she give little to no information on the places she went. How she started,how she got sponsors and even more about the peace though tourism she preached about. What countries she started with and why? How and what you should look in to before going to a country. Being caution as to what country you need to see first verse other, becaus some won’t let you in with a stamp on your passport. She hopes to see North Korea again. You trashed talked the president good luck ever see them again, if they read this book!! Then throwing a fit becaus you cut in line in Dubai, and you had to go to the back. Well UAE shouldn’t let you back in! Then at the end you got all mean because people wanted to break your record so in stead of anyone stealing your thunder you tell them to break a mans wreckered! What!? How distaste full encouragement but only if you stay under me. I’m not a fan of Cassie anymore she sounds like a spoiled brat and very closed minded. Don’t waste your money or time!
January 28, 2022
Really not a fan of this book. I bought this.book almost 6 months ago or more and was super keen to read it. Unfortunately I was too busy with work so didn't want to start a book I wouldn't be able to put down. Unfortunately this was not the case. I found it short and rushed. I was expecting a book of inspiration being a single female traveller myself. Instead I found she rushed through all 196 regions and gave a quick 1-2 paragraph review. More often then not actually not painting these countries in the best of light. She also spends most of the book bagging men out. I get there has been some unfortunate situation in her life but the book wasn't about men and there disregard to women..it was supposed to be about her travels. Congrats for being the first women to see 196 regions and breaking the Guiness World record. It's a shame the registrations associated with this lead her in needing to rush through her travels and not be able to learn and experience more.
If this was a book you have been inspiring to read. Don't waste your time. There are so many more books more worthy.
If this was a book you have been inspiring to read. Don't waste your time. There are so many more books more worthy.
October 19, 2018
I was really excited to read this book. Stories from every single country in the world, told by the lady to be the first to travel to all in the fastest time.
I enjoyed the chapters about the countries no one talks about, the countries that are small or underrated, never written about because they aren't glamourous vacation spots. It was easy to read, as the subheadings broke up each chapter into smaller sections.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Cassie calling herself a hero and a role model. Most people who are considered heros and role models don't call themselves such. She talks about being an inspiration to ladies all over the world, but it's a little self indulgent to call yourself an inspiration. Again, putting titles on herself that most people don't brag about.
I think this is an important story and should be told, but I think the self promotion and adulation she has adorned herself with was irritating.
I enjoyed the chapters about the countries no one talks about, the countries that are small or underrated, never written about because they aren't glamourous vacation spots. It was easy to read, as the subheadings broke up each chapter into smaller sections.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Cassie calling herself a hero and a role model. Most people who are considered heros and role models don't call themselves such. She talks about being an inspiration to ladies all over the world, but it's a little self indulgent to call yourself an inspiration. Again, putting titles on herself that most people don't brag about.
I think this is an important story and should be told, but I think the self promotion and adulation she has adorned herself with was irritating.
January 25, 2023
I was so excited about this book, but it wasn’t really an adventuresome tale of her experiences traveling the world. There weren’t very many country highlights, and many of the experiences she did share were gloomy, or dark. I’m very aware of the potential dangers of solo world travel as a female, but I don’t think her depiction of certain countries was entirely accurate. Nor are they accurate of travel as a solo female.
It felt both very blah and overdramatized at the same time. It glorified the negative, while neglecting what I feel like could have been a really amazing account of her adventures abroad.
It felt both very blah and overdramatized at the same time. It glorified the negative, while neglecting what I feel like could have been a really amazing account of her adventures abroad.
July 28, 2023
I thought this book was so interesting! I read it in a single afternoon, which shows how intriguing it was. It was an empowering book full of stories and insight into travelling to every country in the world. Great for aspiring solo female travellers. Only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is the writers view of the world is very straight forward and black and white. Which a lot of what she said is true, but I also disagree that life is extremely simple and that we are simply "ants" in a giant universe as she puts it. But that's her view of the world and I can appreciate and learn from her perspective. Overall a great and inspiring book for aspiring female travellers :)
April 14, 2019
What Cassie did write, it was great. Easy read and her simplistic and personal account really brought out her voice. I enjoyed the blog/letter style of story telling. I did want more though! It seemed perhaps a little rushed to print some of her most exciting stories but I could have kept reading, even about the less exciting occurrences. But what included was really interesting and everyone should read it. Very quick, easy read.
May 10, 2024
I had been wanting to read this book for a while. It took me a while to get my hands on it. And to be quite honest I think I had high standards on this book. That in the end. It wasn’t what I thought. It was ok. But I think it left out a lot of things that as female traveler you’d like to learn more on. I can’t pinpoint what it lacked but it definitely lacked something. I will agree that as women it is hard to be taken seriously and feel safe at times when traveling.
September 17, 2025
Incredible accomplishment of being the first woman to go to 196 countries in the shortest time. Not a very likable person and the book was horribly written. I didn’t realize that this was a business for her and she didn’t even enjoy the adventure Sure, tons of planning, begging for money from sponsors, organizing social
Media etc - but was it worth it? Writing was terrible but cheers to the author for the world record. Lacked in depth just tidbits
Media etc - but was it worth it? Writing was terrible but cheers to the author for the world record. Lacked in depth just tidbits
January 24, 2019
This book was quick and easy to read. Her journey and achievements are incredible. However I wanted more details about her travels. She could have made this book a lot longer and way more detailed and I would have enjoyed it that much more. I think she should publish her actual journal, no matter how long it is.
April 7, 2019
It was an excellent, easy read. I felt it gave you some suspense but didn’t give you the ending of some of the stories. It was nice to hear some of the things that have happened, whether they were both good and bad. Especially since I had been following Cassie through Expedition 196 on Social Media. I still want more! I couldn’t put it down!
May 22, 2019
As a fellow world traveler I was super intrigued by this book. My only criticism is that it’s a little on the shallow end for those who really want to dig into these countries. I want to hear way more about Bhutan and Jordan. But overall I’m impressed and beyond jealous of Cassie’s trips and adventures and at times can put myself right in her shoes.
July 6, 2019
Cassie is the first woman to travel to every country in the world and someone I have held in high regard for a long time. I have major respect for her as an explorer and advocate. Her book is full of beautiful stories relating to her travels and also personal struggles. However I couldn’t quite work out what genre the book was trying to be and what its purpose was, it isn’t self help or a diary or a documentation of her travels.
January 3, 2019
I’ve been following Cassie on Instagram for a few years now and knew I needed to read this as soon as the book was released. Her take on her worldly travels are different than I had imagined but very interesting and unique.
April 3, 2019
This was a quick read, but I enjoyed it so much! I love Cassie’s impactful message that we need to cast off the differences we’re told we have and to not fear other countries or peoples. I hope Cassie publishes another book with more diary excerpts!
June 25, 2020
I liked this book although I do wish she went into more detail about the countries that she visited. Although I do understand there are a lot of things about this trip that she would like to keep to only herself which is totally understandable.
August 2, 2018
Inspiring book
This book was inspiring to me. Cassie is truly a role model to all women. I hope more women will go out and travel the world.
This book was inspiring to me. Cassie is truly a role model to all women. I hope more women will go out and travel the world.
October 29, 2018
Interesting journey to read about and inspiring at times. Not the best book in a literary sense. You feel like you are reading a blog, more than a book. Her courage and risk taking is commendable.
December 6, 2018
A very personal story on a personal journey.
December 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! An account of a woman's solo trip to every country in the world. I just wish that the book had been longer as I wanted to know more!
September 17, 2022
Cassie, if you’re reading this, I am not trying to hate on you or make you feel badly about yourself.
From a writing perspective, this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
From a writing perspective, this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
March 6, 2023
Interesting to read about the journey, but the writer came across as arrogant tbh lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews