This

This
week we chat to trailblazer Jessica Nabongo, an influencer with actual influence.
Her following – 197,000 and counting – watched her, as we did,
become the first Black woman to travel to all 195 countries in the
world. She slept in a yurt in
Mongolia, toured pyramids in Sudan and broke bread in Pakistan
before finishing her two-and-a-half-year race around the world on
the shores of the Seychelles. We couldn’t think of a better guest
to have on Episode 6 of The Upgrade podcast, which
coincides with the launch of our Volume 31: The Freedom Issue.

It comes at a time when the idea of “freedom” sits awkwardly
with our social, political, economic and mental realities.
Nevertheless, we believe that the culture of travel, of building
connections across the world and immersing yourself in other
countries and communities can be incredibly freeing.

We catch up with influencer, travel expert and businesswoman
Jessica Nabongo about her thoughts on diversity in the travel
industry, the highs and lows of her journeys and how we can support
African artisans through her new business venture, The Catch.

We’d love to know where you’re going next and how you think the
travel landscape might change as lockdown restrictions ease. Send
your voice notes to [email protected] or drop us
a DM on Instagram @indiadowley and @fleur_rm.

Catch up with our latest episode below.