Nigerian travel content creator Alma Asinobi has expressed heartbreak over her inability to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest journey across all seven continents, blaming visa restrictions and passport limitations for her failed attempt.
Asinobi, who had aimed to complete the journey in under 64 hours to beat the record set by American veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham in February 2025, confirmed in an Instagram update on Sunday that her total journey time would be 71 hours and 35 minutes, falling short due to multiple travel hurdles.
“I know that I could have beaten this record but for all the hurdles I had to face,” she wrote. “I really hope this attempt was worth something for a Nigerian out there.”
“So Close, Yet So Far”
Asinobi’s biggest challenge came when she was denied boarding on a flight to Perth, Australia, forcing her to rebook on a later flight to Sydney. She also referenced unexpected disruptions, including a fire incident at London’s Heathrow Airport, which further complicated her journey.
Despite her disappointment, she acknowledged that if she had been racing against the previous record of 73 hours, set by Indian travelers Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Ali Irani in 2022, she would have succeeded.
“So close, but so far away,” she lamented. “My eyes may be swollen from all the tears I’ve cried, but I promise to find moments of laughter in between.”
A Story of Passport Privilege and Travel Inequality
Asinobi’s journey has reignited conversations about passport privilege, with many supporters highlighting the challenges faced by travelers from countries with weaker passport rankings.
Unlike competitors from nations with more favorable visa policies, Asinobi had to navigate complex travel restrictions, expensive flight changes, and repeated document scrutiny, all of which slowed her down.
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Throughout her attempt, she remained vocal about these difficulties, using her experience to shed light on the reality of global travel inequality.
A New Record in Sight
Though she may not be taking home the Guinness title, Asinobi is channeling her energy into a new challenge—a homecoming event on March 30, where she aims to break another record by gathering Nigerians to sign a national flag in solidarity.
“We still have one more record to break,” she announced. “I totally and physically cannot do that one without you. So please show up for me.”
Despite the setback, many have celebrated her resilience, calling her an inspiration.
“You did win! A personal win, a win for Nigerians, a win for me as a fellow Black girl navigating the world without passport privilege,” one supporter commented.
While Asinobi may not have crossed the finish line first, her journey has left a lasting impact—one that speaks to the struggles of millions of people who dream of seeing the world but are held back, not by their ability, but by their nationality.