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.
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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:

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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

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