(NewsNation) — Jessica Nabongo has traveled to all 195 countries, becoming the first Black woman to accomplish this feat.
Nabongo was born and raised in Detroit. She said her Ugandan parents loved to travel, and she started traveling abroad to Canada at an early age, and summers to places like Mexico, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.
“For me, it was just part of everyday life. Every year, we always went on vacation, even if it was domestic,” she said on “Morning in America.”
Nabongo said she is already well on her way to achieving her goal after visiting every country in the world and learning that no other woman has achieved it.
“Fewer people have been to every country in the world in outer space, with more than 600 people having been in outer space and fewer than 400 people having been to every country in the world,” she said. said. “There's one black person who did it.”
Nabongo said she believes her journey is more meaningful to others because it “has become a blueprint of sorts” for travelers.
“A lot of people, whether they're female travelers or black travelers, see what I do and feel more comfortable going out and exploring the world,” she said.
Furthermore, she added: “I have traveled to 96 countries by myself, including some so-called dangerous countries. Women have listened to me, followed me on Instagram, and said, “I can go there, I can do this.'' I hope you feel that way. You shouldn't wait for your friends because you shouldn't put your life on hold for someone else.”
Nabongo said she was “elated” to have achieved her goal of traveling to every country, but that doesn't mean she's finished exploring the world.
“It wasn't like, 'Okay, check this out.' It's over,” she said. “I've been to 53 countries multiple times. I'm currently writing a new book. So I'm planning on traveling to about 25 countries this year. So I'm always going to travel, Because it’s just part of who I am.”
Nabongo publishes 'Catch Me If You Can', She features 100 of her favorite countries. She is currently writing her new book.
