World Traveler And Author Jessica Nabongo Talks Solo Travel For Black Women And Says ‘Quitting’ Was Key To Her Success

Jessica Nabongo needs no formal introduction, especially in the adventurous world of travel and all things luxury. Her journeys have captivated audiences worldwide, and her impact extends beyond exploration. MadameNoire was able to speak exclusively with Nabongo during the 28th American Black Film Festival in Miami, where she was an esteemed guest of Cadillac.

During the event, she conducted a book signing for her acclaimed work, The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World, and participated in a thought-provoking talk back session alongside Cadillac’s Head of Multicultural Marketing, Juanita Slappy.

Source: Cadillac’s Head of Multicultural Marketing Juanita Slappy hosts a talk back session with Jessica Nabongo (Photo credit: Porsha Monique) / Porsha Monique

Nabongo’s name resonates with global exploration and cultural storytelling . As her book title alludes to, she’s the first Black woman to travel to every country worldwide and has been recognized among Travel and Leisure’s 50 Most Notable People in Travel. Through her compelling narratives and influential platforms, Jessica educates and inspires, fostering a global community enriched by diverse perspectives and untold stories.

A native of Detroit with Ugandan roots, Jessica’s academic journey spans St. John’s University and the London School of Economics. Beyond travel and living out her audacious lifestyle, she is the creative force behind The Catch lifestyle brand.

Read below for the exclusive interview.

MadameNoire: You are absolutely making your mark in the solo-travel world for Black women. Briefly, share your journey to becoming a world traveler. How did you get started, and did you always know it would lead you to such iconic heights?

Source: Jessica Nabongo and Porsha Monique discuss solo travel, leaving a legacy and more during ABFF / Porsha Monique

Jessica Nabongo: I’m very grateful for the parents I had, who are from Uganda, Africa. They moved to the U.S. in 1969 and settled in Detroit. Everything I have and am is because of them. I started traveling internationally at age 4. My parents put me in private schools and set up our lives differently. They allowed me to quit things, which I think is key. I did ballet, tap, played piano at age 3, softball, tennis, percussion, clarinet—I quit many things without attachment. Therefore, I don’t fear leaving things. I quit all my jobs. When something doesn’t fit, you have to quit and move on.

Did quitting allow you to make quick decisions and move forward?

Exactly. That’s how I got here. I quit an amazing corporate job, worked for the UN, consulting firms—I quit a series of things, but it’s also a series of new starts, new beginnings and exploring that next step.

For those who don’t know, you’re the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world. You were also in Paris with Cadillac recently. Let’s talk about that. You also celebrated a milestone—you just turned 40. Happy belated birthday. Tell us about your journey with Cadillac and turning 40 in Paris.

It was amazing. I partnered with Cadillac in 2020 and again in April of 2024 to finish visiting every U.S. state before turning 40. I drove an XT4 to my last five states. Then I went to Paris for the opening of ”Cadillac City” and the global reveal of their new electric vehicle. It was incredible—Detroit to Paris, celebrating a Detroit brand, which is now global.

Take a look at Nabongo’s IG reel describing her epic trip to Paris with Cadillac:

That’s fantastic. What was the most memorable part of that journey for you?

Hanging out with Cadillac executives. I have a disarming personality, treat everyone the same, whether serving champagne or a global VP. It was great.

During ABFF, you were a part of a panel discussion moderated by Cadillac’s Juanita Slappy. Among the things you chatted about was solo travel, especially for Black women—daunting yet important. What advice do you give Black women about solo travel who are hesitant due to safety concerns and cultural differences?

Just go. Move past fear. Ask yourself what you’re afraid of. I’ve traveled solo to over 90 countries. I’m not afraid of people. Most people in the world are good. Interrogate your fear and move past it.

That’s powerful advice. You’re also an author. Tell us about your book, The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World .

My editor at National Geographic reached out after a Washington Post article came out. I wrote 100 stories from 100 countries, with over 100 of my images. It’s being used in Detroit Public Schools as a sixth-grade textbook, reaching 4,000 students. It’s been a beautiful journey.

Congratulations! What legacy do you hope to leave with your travels and work, inspiring the next generation?

I hope to inspire people to find joy and curiosity, to explore the world, and learn about places they’ve never heard of.

You’re certainly paving the way as the blueprint for many. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. How can we follow your journey?

You can find me on Instagram @JessicaNabongo and my book is, The Catch Me If You Can.

Click through the post below to find out how Jessica showed up during ABFF.