1st Black Woman to Visit Every Country, Jessica Nabongo : Passport Privilege and Racial Diversity in Travel

Episode Overview:

The Unearth Women podcast celebrates travel through the stories of women. Nikki Vargas, Founding Editor of Unearth Women, chats with Jessica Nabongo, the first black woman to visit every country on earth, all before the age of 35. They discuss racial diversity in the travel space, passport privilege, and lessons learned from Jessica's record-breaking trip.

Today’s episode is adapted from an Instagram Live and edited by our Co-Founder, Elise Fitzsimmons. Liked today's episode? Please make sure to like, share, and subscribe.

Social Media:

Unearth Women: @unearthwomen

Guest, Jessica Nabongo: @thecatchmeifyoucan

Host, Nikki Vargas: @niknakvargas

IG Live to Podcast Producer, Elise Fitzsimmons: @elise_fitz

Show Notes:

(1:46) Jessica discusses living in Detroit and how she is coping with quarantine during COVID-19.  

(4:10) Inspired to see every country around the world before the age of 35, Jessica speaks about her record-breaking trip.

(6:34) Hear the most surprising country Jessica visited during her travels. 

(8:20) Jessica discusses how to form genuine connections and make an impact when traveling.

(11:40) Looking back on her around-the-world trip, Jessica discusses the challenges that she faced.

(13:49) Jessica discusses passport privilege and why she travels using both her American and Ugandan passport. 

(19:50) Jessica talks candidly about the challenges of traveling as a black woman.

(29:29) Jessica discusses ways in which she thinks brands can better be anti-racist and allies without being pandering. 

(35:20) Jessica discusses the importance of marketing in the travel space and how, despite the massive purchasing potential of black travelers, campaigns remain white-washed.