Drew Binsky

Early Life and Background

Drew Goldberg, known as Drew Binsky, was born on May 24, 1991, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. His parents, Danny and Ellen Goldberg, of German Jewish descent, gave him the nickname “Binsky.” Raised in a supportive family with a sister, Drew was always curious about the world. He attended a private high school in Arizona and later studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning degrees in economics and entrepreneurship in 2013. During his junior year, he studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, visiting over 20 European countries, which ignited his passion for travel. His love for geography, cultures, and connecting with people shaped his adventurous spirit from a young age.

Rise to Fame

Drew launched his YouTube channel, “Drew Binsky,” on October 31, 2012, posting his first video, “Why I LOVE Studying Abroad,” in 2013. Initially a blog called The Hungry Partier, it chronicled his post-college travels teaching English in South Korea from 2013 to 2015. His shift to YouTube in 2015, with videos like “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Korea,” gained traction. His 2017 video “I Got Kicked Out of Saudi Arabia” went viral, boosting his channel. By 2021, Drew achieved his goal of visiting all 197 countries, documented in his “197/197 Countries!” video, making him one of the youngest to do so. His Instagram (@drewbinsky) and TikTok grew with travel tips and cultural stories, cementing his status as a top travel vlogger.... Show More

Early Life and Background

Drew Goldberg, known as Drew Binsky, was born on May 24, 1991, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. His parents, Danny and Ellen Goldberg, of German Jewish descent, gave him the nickname “Binsky.” Raised in a supportive family with a sister, Drew was always curious about the world. He attended a private high school in Arizona and later studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning degrees in economics and entrepreneurship in 2013. During his junior year, he studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, visiting over 20 European countries, which ignited his passion for travel. His love for geography, cultures, and connecting with people shaped his adventurous spirit from a young age.

Rise to Fame

Drew launched his YouTube channel, “Drew Binsky,” on October 31, 2012, posting his first video, “Why I LOVE Studying Abroad,” in 2013. Initially a blog called The Hungry Partier, it chronicled his post-college travels teaching English in South Korea from 2013 to 2015. His shift to YouTube in 2015, with videos like “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Korea,” gained traction. His 2017 video “I Got Kicked Out of Saudi Arabia” went viral, boosting his channel. By 2021, Drew achieved his goal of visiting all 197 countries, documented in his “197/197 Countries!” video, making him one of the youngest to do so. His Instagram (@drewbinsky) and TikTok grew with travel tips and cultural stories, cementing his status as a top travel vlogger.

Videos and Content Style

Drew is a YouTuber, travel vlogger, and storyteller known for immersive videos about global cultures, food, and unique experiences. His YouTube channel features adventures like eating street food in Pakistan, visiting war-torn Yemen, and exploring North Korea’s DMZ. Popular videos include “7 Wonders of the World in 7 Days” and “Why I’ll Never Return to This Country,” blending storytelling with practical travel advice. He uses a GoPro and Sony A7S III for filming, editing with Final Cut Pro. His Instagram showcases vibrant travel photos, while TikTok offers quick cultural insights. Drew’s style is warm, curious, and respectful, focusing on human connections, like sharing tea with locals in Iraq. He sells travel guides and merch through his website and hosts a podcast, The Drew Binsky Show, launched in 2022.

Achievements and Recognition

Drew’s YouTube channel earned a Gold Play Button, with videos like his 197-country milestone hitting millions of views. He holds two Guinness World Records: most UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited in 24 hours (12) and fastest time to pack a suitcase (1 minute, 5 seconds). In 2021, Forbes named him a top travel influencer, and Travel + Leisure praised his storytelling in 2023. X fans call him “the guy who makes every country feel like home,” loving his knack for highlighting overlooked places like Somalia. ‽post:0 He’s spoken at events like TEDx and worked with brands like American Express and Marriott. His 2022 book, Just Go, shares lessons from his travels, inspiring fans to embrace adventure.

Personal Life

Drew lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, when not traveling, but spends much of his time abroad. He married Deanna Sallao, a Filipino travel vlogger, in 2022 after meeting her in the Philippines in 2019. They often travel together, sharing moments like their wedding in Siargao on Instagram. Drew stands at 5 feet 10 inches, weighs about 70 kg, with light brown hair and blue eyes. He loves spicy food, especially Ethiopian injera, and enjoys running, having completed marathons in multiple countries. A dog lover, he hopes to get a pet with Deanna someday. Drew’s Jewish background influences his values, and he stays close with his family, often mentioning his parents’ support in videos.

Impact and Future

Drew Binsky has inspired millions to see the world differently, showing the beauty and humanity in places often misunderstood, like Afghanistan or Haiti. His videos, like one about kindness in Iran, break stereotypes, with X fans saying he “makes travel feel fearless.” ‽post:0 He’s raised awareness for global issues, like poverty in South Sudan, and donated to local causes through his travels. Drew’s approachable style and focus on connection have built a community of adventure-seekers. Looking ahead, he plans to keep vlogging, explore new storytelling formats like documentaries, and grow his podcast. With Deanna by his side and a goal to revisit favorite countries, Drew’s set to remain a leading voice in travel, encouraging fans to chase curiosity and embrace the unknown.