Wilder's global journey wasn't part of a model parenting plan or an attempt to set records. It simply evolved from the spontaneous travels of his New York-based parents.

Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Wilder's mother and a travel writer, explained that she and her husband never intended for their child to travel the world to earn accolades. The idea of visiting seven continents only began to form when Wilder was 5 years old.

Before a trip to South America, the couple reviewed their itinerary and unexpectedly realized their young son had already visited five continents. "My husband, Ross, looked at the list and said, 'Well, let's just finish it'", Jordi recalled.

Wilder's family in Antarctica, November 2025. *Photo: Jordi Lippe-McGraw*

Wilder's passport received its first stamp at 8 weeks old during a trip to Portugal in 2018. Before turning two years old, he had already traveled with his parents to the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico. After a pandemic-induced break, the boy continued exploring wildlife in Zambia, Africa, at 4 years old, then visited Europe and the Galapagos Islands in South America.

Last summer, the family completed their sixth continent, visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands; Singapore; Australia; and New Zealand. In November 2025, Antarctica became the final continent. This trip held special significance for Jordi, who had visited the continent while five months pregnant with Wilder.

Returning to Antarctica with her son after seven years felt like "closing a circle I didn't even know I had opened", the mother said. Aboard the expedition ship, Wilder made friends and participated in hands-on science classes alongside researchers.

While the check-in photos appear glamorous, Jordi admits that traveling with young children is often complicated. In Antarctica, Wilder was bedridden for more than one day with seasickness and anxiety. Meal times frequently became tense negotiations between parents and child.

"It's not rosy; sometimes it's chaotic", Jordi said. What she remembers most are not the majestic landscapes but everyday moments: her son falling asleep in his father's arms during a Singapore food tour, or the boy's radiant eyes entering the stadium to cheer for Ajax Club after an overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Wilder McGraw with mementos from his journey across seven continents. *Photo: Jordi Lippe-McGraw*

According to clinical psychologist Michael G. Wetter, children benefit from travel even if they don't remember every detail. "Early experiences help shape neural structures, emotional regulation, and a sense of security", he noted.

However, the expert also warned that these benefits depend on how trips are organized. An overly packed schedule or parents lacking emotional connection can overwhelm children. The McGraw family chose to travel slowly, prioritize their child's sleep, and avoid forcing every moment to be "memorable".

As Wilder grew older, his school schedule and interests began to influence their trips. Instead of historical museums, a swimming session at the hotel was sometimes prioritized. "For young children, experiencing is more important than understanding or remembering everything", the mother concluded.

By Nhat Minh (Source: Nypost)