The Most Famous Traveler, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the traveler you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 5, 2024 07:14

Knowing who the most famous traveler is can be more than a matter of curiosity. The journeys of well-known explorers have long captivated the imagination of people around the world, inspiring others to venture beyond familiar borders and discover new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Keeping track of who tops the list can highlight changing trends in travel and cultural fascination. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects current popular opinions on these adventurous individuals. This ongoing input helps ensure that the ranking stays relevant and up-to-date, providing an engaging snapshot of which travelers are capturing the public's interest at any given time. Your vote matters in shaping this continually updated list.

Who Is the Most Famous Traveler?

1

62
votes
Salviati · Public domain

Marco Polo

He was a Venetian explorer who traveled to Asia in the 13th century and wrote extensively about his experiences, becoming one of the most famous travelers of all time.
Marco Polo is a popular game played in a swimming pool, primarily enjoyed by children and young adults. It is a combination of a tag and hide-and-seek game.

Number of players: At least 2 players

Objective: The 'Marco' player closes their eyes and tries to locate and tag the other players ('Polos') by calling out 'Marco'. The 'Polos' try to avoid being caught and respond with 'Polo' when called.

Gameplay: The 'Marco' player navigates the pool by listening to the sound of the 'Polos' responding 'Polo'. The 'Polos' can move around and change positions to avoid being caught.

Tagging: The 'Marco' player has to tag one of the 'Polos' to switch roles. If a 'Polo' is tagged, they become the next 'Marco'. The game continues until players decide to end it.

Rules: The 'Marco' player must keep their eyes closed at all times. 'Polos' cannot leave the pool during the game. The 'Polos' can't remain silent for an extended period or use deceptive tactics to confuse the 'Marco'.
Marco Polo in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous merchant
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
2

32
votes
Sebastiano del Piombo · Public domain

Christopher Columbus

A Genoese explorer who is credited with discovering the New World, Columbus made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean and opened up a new era of exploration and colonization.
Christopher Columbus in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous pioneer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous sailor
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
3

20
votes

Imre Solt · CC BY-SA 3.0

Ibn Battuta

A Moroccan explorer who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world and beyond in the 14th century, Ibn Battuta is known for his detailed travelogues and his curiosity about other cultures.
4

16
votes
Joseph Karl Stieler · Public domain

Alexander von Humboldt

A Prussian explorer and naturalist who traveled to South America in the early 19th century, Humboldt made significant contributions to the fields of geology, botany, and climatology.
Alexander von Humboldt in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous geographer
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
5

14
votes

Frederic Leighton · Public domain

Sir Richard Burton

A British explorer who traveled to India, Africa, and the Middle East in the 19th century, Burton was known for his linguistic skills and his interest in other cultures.
6

15
votes
Vasco da Gama

A Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea, da Gama made several voyages to the East in the late 15th century and helped establish Portugal's trading empire.
Vasco da Gama is one of the most popular soccer teams in Brazil. Founded on August 21, 1898 by a group of Portuguese immigrants, the team is based in Rio de Janeiro. Vasco da Gama has a rich history and has achieved numerous successes throughout the years.

Club colors: Black and white

Home stadium: São Januário

Nicknames: Gigante da Colina (Giant of the Hill), Bacalhau (Codfish)

Crest: A black shield with a white diagonal stripe, a golden star, and the initials CRVG

National titles: 4 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, 1 Copa do Brasil
Vasco da Gama in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Portuguese person
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous sailor
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular soccer team in Brazil
7

7
votes
Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0

Zheng He

A Chinese admiral who led several expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa in the early 15th century, Zheng He's voyages were some of the largest and most ambitious of their time.
Zheng He in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Admiral
8

5
votes
George Charles Beresford · Public domain

Ernest Shackleton

A British explorer who led several expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century, Shackleton is best known for his heroic leadership during the ill-fated Endurance expedition of 1914-1916.
Ernest Shackleton in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous adventurer
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous sea captain
9

12
votes
Mef.ellingen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Nellie Bly

An American journalist who traveled around the world in 72 days in 1889-1890, Bly's journey was a record-breaking feat that helped pave the way for future female travelers and adventurers.
Nellie Bly in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous muckraker
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous investigative journalist
10

10
votes

Herbert Arnould Olivier · Public domain

Freya Stark

A British explorer who traveled extensively in the Middle East in the early 20th century, Stark was known for her daring exploits and her detailed and poetic travel writing.

Missing your favorite traveler?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous traveler

Explorations and Discoveries

The extent and significance of the traveler's explorations and discoveries are vital. This includes the places visited, the uncharted territories explored, and the knowledge gained or shared.
Cultural Impact

The influence and impact of the traveler on different cultures and societies are important. This can include promoting cultural exchange, fostering understanding, or leaving a lasting legacy in the areas visited.
Historical Significance

The historical significance of the traveler's expeditions and adventures are relevant. This includes their role in shaping historical events, documenting important moments, or advancing scientific knowledge.
Durations and Distances

The length and distance traveled by the individual can be a factor. Longer and more extensive travels may demonstrate a higher level of dedication, endurance, and commitment to exploration.
Record-keeping and Documentation

The quality and comprehensiveness of documenting the travel experiences are important. This includes detailed journals, photographs, maps, or other forms of preserved records that contribute to our understanding of the traveler's journeys.
Influence on Travel and Tourism

The impact of the traveler on the travel and tourism industry can also be considered. This includes inspiring future generations of travelers, popularizing certain destinations, or shifting trends in travel habits.
Media Coverage and Public Recognition

The level of media coverage and public recognition garnered by the traveler is a significant factor. This includes books, films, interviews, awards, or public acclaim received for their travels.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous traveler. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or traveler is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2031 views
185 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each traveler once every 24 hours. The rank of each traveler is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous traveler

Traveling is a passion that many people share, and throughout history, there have been countless individuals who have made a name for themselves by exploring the world. From explorers who braved the unknown to adventurers who sought out new experiences, there are many famous travelers who have left their mark on the world. Some of the most well-known travelers include Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, and Ferdinand Magellan. These explorers helped to map out new territories and establish trade routes that changed the course of history. In more recent times, adventurers like Amelia Earhart and Sir Edmund Hillary have captured the world's imagination with their daring exploits. Whether flying across the Atlantic or climbing the world's highest mountains, these individuals have pushed the limits of what is possible and inspired generations of travelers to follow in their footsteps. Today, there are many famous travel bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers who have gained a massive following by sharing their experiences and insights with the world. These modern-day travelers have harnessed the power of technology to connect with audiences in ways that were once impossible, inspiring millions to explore new destinations and cultures. With so many famous travelers throughout history and in the present day, it's no wonder that the question of who is the most famous traveler is a topic of much debate. Regardless of who takes the top spot, one thing is clear: the spirit of adventure and exploration is alive and well, and there will always be new horizons to discover.