Breaking Boundaries: A Conversation with Jessica Nabongo, the First Black Woman to Visit Every Country
Her journey, born from a family love for travel and fueled by an insatiable curiosity, has taken her from the bustling streets of her Ugandan family's homeland to the tranquil beauty of Bhutan's untouched landscapes.
The Genesis of a Global Journey
Jessica's love for travel was kindled in her childhood home in Detroit, where her Ugandan parents instilled in her a deep appreciation for exploration. By the time she donned her graduation cap, Jessica had already set foot in eight different countries and a handful of territories. As she ventured into adulthood and financial independence, she continued to weave travel into the fabric of her life, driven by a burning curiosity to understand how people live across the globe.
An Unforgettable Journey to Bhutan
Among the myriad of places she's visited, Bhutan stands out. Nestled in the Himalayas, this untouched kingdom has managed to resist the wave of Westernization sweeping across the globe. Jessica's time in Bhutan was marked by a challenging yet rewarding hike to Tiger's Nest, a game of archery with local Bhutanese men, and the unforgettable kindness of her guide, Tshewang.
Empowering Women to Travel Solo
Jessica's passport is stamped with the memories of solo trips to 89 countries across six continents. Her advice to women yearning to venture out alone is straightforward: just go. She firmly believes in the inherent safety of the world and the kindness of strangers. As a black woman who has traversed the globe, she encourages women to trust their intuition and not let fear clip their wings.
Advice on Safety
Jessica believes that while unfortunate incidents can occur, they are but a speck in the grand canvas of travel. She emphasizes the power of positive thinking and intuition. Rather than being consumed by fear, she encourages women to focus on living and experiencing the world.
Immersing in Local Cultures
Jessica's approach to travel is deeply rooted in people and culture. She spends time with locals, asks questions, shares meals, and often forms friendships that open doors to local homes and deeper cultural understanding.
A Taste of Adventure
In Pakistan, Jessica defied local advice and tried a chickpea stew that locals warned might upset her stomach. To their surprise, she enjoyed the dish and had no adverse reactions. This experience is a testament to her adventurous spirit and her belief in the power of positive thinking.
Sensory Experiences
From the fresh air in Bhutan to the scent of rose water in the markets of Constantine, Algeria, Jessica's travels have been a feast for the senses. These sensory experiences have contributed to her overall travel experience, making each trip unique and memorable.
Marvels That Took Her Breath Away
From the Blue Mosque in Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan to the stunning mountains of Banff, Canada, and the underwater beauty of Roatan in Honduras, Jessica has seen some of the world's most breathtaking sights. These experiences have left her in awe of the world's natural and man-made wonders.
Advice on Safety
Jessica believes that while unfortunate incidents can occur, they are but a speck in the grand canvas of travel. She emphasizes the power of positive thinking and intuition. Rather than being consumed by fear, she encourages women to focus on living and experiencing the world.
Immersing in Local Cultures
Jessica's approach to travel is deeply rooted in people and culture. She spends time with locals, asks questions, shares meals, and often forms friendships that open doors to local homes and deeper cultural understanding.
Daring Adventures
One of Jessica's most daring adventures was swimming with humpback whales in Tonga. Despite the initial fear, the experience turned out to be an incredible encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.
Experiencing Local Traditions and Customs
Jessica's travels have also allowed her to experience local traditions and customs. In Namibia, she had the unique opportunity to be dressed by women from the Himba tribe, known for their distinctive redpaste used as a natural sunscreen. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the tribe's culture and way of life.
Sustainability and Responsible Travel
Jessica is committed to sustainability and responsible travel. She chooses to stay at hotels that prioritize sustainability and takes steps to reduce her own plastic waste. She travels with her own water bottle and reusable cup, small actions that, over hundreds of flights, have significantly reduced her environmental impact.
Empowerment Through Travel
Travel has empowered Jessica in many ways. It has reduced her fear of others, challenged her to question her fears, and allowed her to help others overcome their own fears. She believes that if you're not afraid of people, there's nothing to be afraid of when traveling to a new place.
Jessica Nabongo's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and a love for travel. Her experiences, both the good and the challenging, offer valuable insights for those who wish to follow in her footsteps. As she continues to share her stories, Jessica hopes to inspire more people, especially women, to explore the world and embrace the beauty of different cultures. Her story is a reminder that the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only
one page.
We wanted to know what Jessica's favorite Bohème product was
Jessica's Bohème Edit
Istanbul
$49
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ROAM by Bohème
Are you ready to be inspired by the adventurous spirit of women travelers from around the world? Welcome to "Roam by Boheme," an exciting new blog series that takes you on a journey through the eyes of inspiring women who have embarked on exciting adventures and explored fascinating destinations.