On Dec. 7, 2018, Taylor Demonbreun’s family arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport to see the 24-year-old Tuscaloosa native’s plane land.

The last couple of years had taken its toll on Demonbreun. After graduating from Vanderbilt University two years earlier, Demonbreun began what was meant to be a dream job: working in New York City as an intern at global investment firm Jefferies. With this new chapter in her life, Demonbreun was not happy and decided to see the world, something she had always wanted to do.

By the latter part of May 2017, Demonbreun was on a plane for her first stop in the Caribbean.

When Demonbreun’s flight came into Toronto, she became both the youngest and fastest person to visit every country in the world. The record was confirmed by Guinness World Records last week.

During one year and 189 days, Demonbreun visited 196 countries, beating the record previously held by Cassie De Pecol, 29, who visited every country in one year and 194 days.

Before arriving at her final destination in Toronto, Demonbreun had just been in Lebanon. Remembering how she hugged her family after she landed, she was overjoyed that she was able to accomplish her goal.

“It was a huge sense of relief and being ecstatic,” Demonbreun said. “I put so much time and effort and energy into this, so it was just a great feeling to be done.”

Demonbreun’s father, David, said he was proud not just of her daughter’s accomplishments, but how she set up all the logistics of the trip herself, raising money through online fundraisers and donations as well.

“That’s what makes this stand out to me,” he said.

Demonbreun visited many countries she grew to love during her trip, such as Singapore and France, but said one of her favorite countries to visit was Iceland.

“I loved Iceland because there is so much natural beauty,” she said. “It’s almost like being on another planet at times.”

In many ways, Demonbreun feels like she is a different person since first embarking on her trip in 2017. For example, she feels more confident about doing things for herself now.

“There’s never going to be another period that even compares,” she said.

Paula, Demonbreun’s mother, said her daughter was very reserved and quiet before the trip. Now, she sees a change in her.

“If anyone wants to travel alone, you’re just forced to grow as a person,” Paula said. “She was pushed to her limits.”

Now that she has accomplished what she set out to do, Demonbreun is contemplating what her life will look like now. Some ideas include writing a book on her travels or possibly working in television.

“I’m hoping to do something I’m passionate about,” she said.

Looking back on her trip, Demonbreun said she was blessed to have met so many wonderful people in so many different countries and that despite cultural differences, all people want the same things in life.

“Everybody wants to live somewhere that is safe and wants the best for their family,” she said. “I think it’s something everyone can understand.”

Reach Drew Taylor at drew.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0204.