Being a President of the United States comes with a lot of perks: private planes, access to some of the world’s most guarded places, warm welcomes at every trip.
It’s safe to say President Barack Obama has done more traveling in his eight years in office than most of us will in our lifetimes.
On Air Force One, Obama has taken 445 trips to 56 different countries, over his entire presidential career. That’s 2,799 hours and 6 minutes of air time, or about 116 days. In other words, as POTUS 44 he was a serious globetrotter.
While a handful of those trips may have been for family relaxation time, most of them were done with work in mind. One of Obama’s most storied travels was when he visited Cuba, making him the first sitting United States president to visit the country in 88 years. Another highlight was Obama’s trip to Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Parks on Father’s Day weekend. (He brought the family along on that one.)
We sure are going to miss living vicariously through Obama’s Instagram posts and tweets, but here’s to hoping he and the rest of the Obama family gets to spend more time relaxing and less time working while on vacation in the years to come. And if you want to channel a little bit of Obama on your next trip, book your next trip with Plush Voyage today.
Great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt. Obama paid Egypt a one-day visit back in Summer 2009, but took some time to take in the incredible sights in Giza.
Centre Pompidou, Paris
Obama strolled the halls of Paris’s modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, before heading back to Washington, D.C. in June 2009. The rest of the family spent a few days in France’s capital city.
National September 11 Memorial, New York City
Obama takes a moment of reflection at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
The entire First Family toured the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, before Obama gave a few remarks on the history of the centuries-old site.
Forbidden City in Beijing, China
Obama embarked on a tour of China’s Forbidden City in the summer of 2009.
Christ the Redeemer Stature in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The First Family took a trip to Rio de Janeiro in March 2011, where they took in the most iconic sights (including the Christ the Redeemer statue) and spent some time relaxing with locals.
Esperanza Resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Obama takes a stroll with fellow presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.
Montana
Obama tries his hand at fly fishing.
The Great Wall of China
Obama takes in the Chinese countryside in a rare quiet moment on The Great Wall of China.
Holocaust Museum, Jerusalem
Obama addressed a crowd on the importance of “never again” when it comes to the treacherous moments of our world’s history. You can read the entire speech on the White House website.
Los Angeles Airport
Obama disembarks Air Force One in Los Angeles.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Obama hikes along Cadillac Mountain with his family at Acadia National Park in Maine.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Obama hits The Great Outdoors, taking some time to kayak while visiting Massachusetts.
Seneca Falls, New York
Obama indulges in a photo opp at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York.
Seoul, Korea
During a trip to Korea, Obama pays a visit to The Blue House official residence and executive office the South Korean head of state while in Seoul.
Stonehenge, England
The best presidential perk may be taking in the world’s most mysterious places minus the crowdslike the time Obama got to admire Stonehenge without the buzz of onlookers.
Newport, Rhode Island
Obama spent some time at Brenton Point in Newport, Rhode Island. White House Photographer Pete Souza named this as one of his favorite presidential photos of 2014.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Obama admires a lesser-seen angle of the Golden Gate Bridge from afar.
Krun, Germany
Angela Merkel joins Obama in what appears to be an intense conversation with the most scenic of views.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Obama not only took in the sights of Kenai National Park by boat, but he also climbed a glacier during his visit.
Hiroshima Memorial, Japan
On a visit in May 2016, Obama laid a wreath and took a moment of silence at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.
Havana, Cuba
Obama takes some time to talk with locals on his historic trip to Cuba.
Pensacola, Florida
Even presidents like long walks on the beach.
New Delhi, India
Obama pays a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the President of India, while on a trip in New Delhi.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal as viewed from the cockpit of Marine One, the name they give to any United StatesMarine Corps aircraft carrying the president at any given time.
Argentina
Obama partakes in a Tango lesson while visiting Argentina.
Globe Theater, London
Obama had the rare chance of experiencing the Globe Theater from the stage on a trip to London.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Obama escapes the rain with Anthony Bourdain after meeting for lunch in Hanoi.
Manila Bay, Philippines
Obama takes a moment to appreciate the stunning scene that is a sunset in Manila Bay.
Kingston, Jamaica
A rainbow appears as Obama waves to nearby well-wishers.
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