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Travel Blogger Jessica Nabongo Completes Visiting Every Country in the World

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/28 .. mpletes-visiting-every-country-in-the-world.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 0:35 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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The World Through Her Lens: Travel Blogger Jessica Nabongo Reflects on Visiting Every Country

Jessica Nabongo isn't just a travel blogger; she’s a record-breaker, an advocate for responsible tourism, and a powerful voice challenging conventional notions of who gets to explore the world. Having recently completed the monumental task of visiting every country recognized by the United Nations (193 member states plus observer state Palestine), Nabongo is sharing her experiences and insights with audiences worldwide, as detailed in a recent interview with The New Zealand Herald. Her journey, documented on her popular blog "The Jet Black Page," has become far more than just ticking off destinations; it's about fostering understanding, dismantling stereotypes, and inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones.

Nabongo’s initial foray into travel wasn't driven by a grand ambition to conquer the globe. It began as a way to escape the monotony of her corporate life in New York City. "I was feeling really unfulfilled," she told The Herald. “I needed something that would challenge me, and I realized that traveling could do that.” What started with weekend trips gradually expanded into international adventures, fueled by a desire to experience different cultures firsthand. The idea of visiting every country emerged organically as her travel list grew longer and the logistical challenges became increasingly fascinating.

The journey itself spanned seven years (2016-2023), an impressive feat requiring meticulous planning and significant financial investment. While she acknowledges the privilege inherent in being able to undertake such a venture, Nabongo emphasizes that it’s not about lavish spending or luxury accommodations. She prioritizes authentic experiences over opulent hotels, often opting for local guesthouses and embracing public transportation. "I don't want people to think this is something only wealthy people can do," she explained. “It’s really about prioritizing travel.”

Crucially, Nabongo approached her mission with a deep sense of responsibility. She actively sought to learn about the history, culture, and current events of each country she visited. This wasn't just about sightseeing; it was about engaging respectfully with local communities and understanding their perspectives. She consciously avoided contributing to overtourism by seeking out less-visited regions and supporting locally owned businesses. As reported in The Herald, Nabongo actively researched the political climate and potential safety concerns of each destination, often consulting travel advisories and connecting with locals for advice.

One recurring theme throughout her travels was the shattering of preconceived notions. Nabongo frequently encountered stereotypes about different countries and their people that were demonstrably false. “I realized how much misinformation there is out there,” she stated. "It’s easy to form opinions based on headlines or what you see on social media, but it's a completely different experience to actually be somewhere and interact with the people who live there." For instance, her experiences in countries often portrayed negatively by Western media were consistently positive, highlighting the importance of direct engagement over relying on filtered narratives.

The article highlights Nabongo’s deliberate effort to challenge the dominant image of who travels – typically a young, white, male demographic. She is keenly aware of the need for greater diversity within the travel industry and actively promotes inclusivity in her online presence. Her blog features stories from travelers of all backgrounds, encouraging more people to see themselves as potential explorers. She’s also become an advocate for sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact and supporting local economies.

The final country on Nabongo's list was Palestine, a poignant choice that underscored her commitment to visiting places often overlooked or marginalized by mainstream travel narratives. As noted in The Herald, she recognized the significance of including this observer state as part of her mission, acknowledging its complex political landscape and highlighting the resilience of its people.

Beyond the personal satisfaction of achieving such an extraordinary goal, Nabongo hopes her journey inspires others to broaden their horizons and challenge their own biases. She wants people to understand that travel is not just about leisure; it's a powerful tool for education, empathy, and connection. "I hope my story encourages people to consider what they want out of life," she said. “To pursue those things with intention.”

Nabongo’s journey isn't over. She now plans to focus on her writing and speaking engagements, sharing her experiences and advocating for responsible tourism. The New Zealand Herald article concludes by emphasizing that Jessica Nabongo's accomplishment is more than just a travel record; it’s a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the transformative potential of human connection. Her journey reminds us that the world is vast and complex, full of beauty, diversity, and untold stories waiting to be discovered – if we are willing to seek them out with an open mind and a respectful heart.

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