Super tourist carries the whole world on his shoulders

Many of us will have acquired bits of tat as souvenirs of our travels abroad. But William Passman has gone for something more permanent than a T-shirt or novelty beach towel.

The 59-year-old has a map of the world tattooed on his back and colours in each country he visits.

So far, he has travelled to more than 70 in Europe, Africa, South America, Australia and Antarctica.

The retired financial planner, from Louisiana, in the US, has only owned a passport since 2006.

‘I woke up one morning and wondered what happened to my plans for travel when I was much younger,’ he said.

Mr Passman does not travel to countries to colour in his tattoo but chooses those that interest him.

‘The overall reaction to my tattoo has been great, with many backpackers saying that they had always thought of doing something like that,’ he added.

His favourite travel memory was in Iguazu Falls on the Brazil-Argentina border when he became the centre of attention after taking off his wet T-shirt.

‘When I turned around all the cameras were pointed at my back instead of the fall, it was an amazing feeling,’ he said.