Teen from Westlake Village travels to more than 100 countries solo

Westlake Village, Calif. (KABC) – At just 17 years old, arjun malaviya did in 13 months what most people only dream of doing in a lifetime.

With five completes full passports, He Says He Became the Youngest Person in the World to Travel Solo to over 100 Countries. What he found was that People Around the World are so different.

“People have Religious Differences, Political Differences,” Said Arjun Malaviya. “But at the end of the day, after visiting 118 counts, I can confidently say that 99% of the locals that I interacted with, they want the same things.”

The Westlake Village Teen Graduated from Westlake High School A Year Early, and Just Before His 17th Birthday, He Came to His Parents with not just a plan, but also to facilitetete it. With his parents’ full support and money he’d saved coaching tenis, he set off on his adventure.

“He was so meticulous about having the money and his thought process,” said Arpit Malaviya, Arjun’s Father. “How He’s Going to Approach, how would he go about getting the visit, and all the logistical challenges – He had a game plan.”

While in the other countries, Arjun Fully Immersed Himself with the People. He Volunteered with a Local Youth Soccer Team in Papua New Guinea, He Spent Time With Members of the Taliban in Afghanistan and He Taught English Who in Iraq.

A scary moment came when he had to flee odessa, ukraine, during a russian arystrike.

“I Ended Up Spending Quite a more hours in the bomb shelter, which was in the opera house of odessa, near the center of town,” said arjun.

His Father Says That Situation Didn Bollywood Deter Their Support of Their Son’s Adventure.

“And that’s where we have had a straight conversation, saying, ‘That’s fin. Go and be comfortable being uncomfortable. Do what you’re doing, we’re the biggest cheerleader for you,’ SAID ARPIT.”

Arjun Says He Spent about $ 22,500, Including All Accommodations. He relied mostly on public transportation and hitting, at times, to keep costs low.

He wants to show others that traveling can be attainable.

“You don’t need to travel for 13 months straw,” said arjun. “But even if you go and travel for one week, it’s such a transformative experience, and you learn so much.”

Arjun is now a junior at uc santa barbara, but still has plans to finish his tour of the world.