The First Disabled Person To Visit Every Country With Hayley Kennedy
What would you do if you knew you were going to go blind? At 13, Hayley developed alopecia and lost all of her hair. At 27, she was diagnosed with Stargadts disease, causing her to lose all of her central vision. On a mission to see as much of the world as possible before her sight completely deteriorates, Hayley recently became the first known disabled person to visit all 193 United Nations member states (and more). Hayley and I have an open conversation about her story, the motivation at the heart of this quest, and the challenges she faced both at home and on the road. Many universal lessons are packed into this conversation, including insight on learning to ask for help, respecting other cultures despite your personal beliefs, traveling to dangerous countries, avoiding disappointment when visiting a new place, food for thought for those working 9-5 jobs, and much more. What did you take away from Hayley’s story? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: Why she opts for group tours and the advantages of group travel (for anyone) How her travels evolved as she learned to lean into her other senses The cultures she found challenging to navigate as a woman and how she approached these situations Her favorite off-the-beaten-path and mainstream destinations How she keeps an open mind and avoids the comparison trap when traveling Advice for researching your travels and insight for those who also want to visit every country The importance of determining your risk tolerance when exploring dangerous destinations How she was able to travel with her full-time job (and why it’s possible for you too) How her accomplishment changed the perspectives of those around her And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Want to travel with me to Morocco? Sign up for more info! Read Hayley’s blog Follow her on Instagram Want More? Blind and Partially Deaf Solo Traveler Tony Giles On Engaging Your Senses, Trusting Strangers, Inadvertent Inspiration and Traveling In 130 Countries Saying “Yes” To Full Time Travel w/ Christina McEnvoy Traveling The World In A Wheelchair: An Interview With Justin Skeesuck Thanks To Our Sponsors US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days. Nissan - There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com. Wise - Wise can help you send, spend, and receive internationally without the hidden fees or exchange rate markups. Learn how Wise can work for you by downloading the app or visiting www.wise.com/travel. AeroPress - Say yes to better mornings fueled by better coffee. Visit aeropress.com/zerototravel to save 20% off your order.