The Trip That Changed My Life After Paralysis | Sophie Morgan

Award-winning broadcaster, travel writer and disability rights advocate Sophie Morgan joins Tanya Rose to share the journeys that have shaped her extraordinary life.

At just 18 years old, Sophie was paralysed in a car accident. In the months that followed, she believed the adventurous life she had imagined was over. Then one unforgettable trip to Canada helped her realise it wasn’t. It reminded her that adventure was still possible and marked the beginning of a lifetime spent exploring the world.

In this episode, Sophie shares:

• why Scotland is the one destination everyone should experience

• the snowmobile ride in Canada that transformed the way she saw her future

• what she learnt from a gruelling expedition through Nicaragua

• the most memorable meal she’s ever had, at the White House

• riding a motorbike across America

• why “accessible” doesn’t always mean accessible

• the reality of flying as a wheelchair user and why airlines still have so far to go

• an extraordinary safari in South Africa that shows what’s possible when accessibility is truly considered

• learning to scuba dive in the Maldives

• why she’s determined to become one of the first wheelchair users to travel to space

Chapters:

00:00 Highlights

00:35 Introduction

02:05 How travel helped Sophie rebuild her life after paralysis

05:39 Visiting the White House & campaigning for disability rights

06:40 Why everyone should visit Scotland at least once

10:52 The Canadian adventure that helped Sophie believe she could still live boldly

16:18 Nicaragua, adventure, resilience & knowing your limits

20:40 Sophie’s most memorable meal

30:35 Why you can’t trust the word “accessible”

44:13 Learning to scuba dive in the Maldives & why luxury travel should be for everyone

46:21 Sophie’s favourite travel photograph

49:20 What’s next: painting, television… and going to space

Places:

Scotland • India • Canada • Toronto • Nicaragua • South Africa • Kruger National Park • Maldives • Washington D.C. • The White House • Los Angeles • Yellowstone National Park • Grand Teton National Park • Oregon • Pacific Coast Highway • London