Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman at 7ft 0.7in, has opened up about the unseen struggles she faces while chasing her dream of exploring the globe — including the jaw-dropping cost of booking six plane seats every time she flies.
The 28-year-old Turkish record holder, diagnosed with Weaver syndrome, a rare condition that causes abnormal bone growth, can’t travel like the average person. Instead, she must lie flat on a stretcher during flights, making air travel both physically and financially demanding.
Thanks to Turkish Airlines, which removed six seats to accommodate her with a custom stretcher, Rumeysa has now visited several countries including Spain, Italy, the US, and the UK. But it hasn’t come without a cost — not just monetarily, but emotionally.
Rumeysa revealed that accessibility issues at popular tourist sites have held her back from visiting even local wonders like Safranbolu’s Old Town, just minutes from her home. “I haven’t been able to go,” she shared, “not because I don’t want to, but because it’s not accessible.”
With spinal implants and mobility limitations, safety is non-negotiable. Even small falls could be life-threatening, so she prioritizes only places with proper accessibility features.
“Everyone deserves the chance to connect with history, regardless of mobility,” she said, calling for innovative solutions to make historic sites more inclusive.
As she sets her sights on Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, and Seoul, Rumeysa is more than just a travel lover — she’s becoming a voice for accessible tourism worldwide.
