Travel is often celebrated as something that unites different groups of people, fosters cultural understanding, and improves global empathy. But while many travelers pat themselves on the back for being “compassionate global citizens,” this sentiment is often left at the border and delivered by an industry that lacks proper representation for Black and minority travelers.
It’s incredibly and infuriatingly disingenuous. How can we, as travelers, as human beings, humblebrag about how wise and empathetic travel makes us, and then ignore those around us suffering solely because of their skin color?
How can we continue to turn a blind eye to an industry notorious for their lack of inclusion for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities in their media marketing, collaborations, and employment, as we proudly claim that travel helps dispel racism, intolerance, and ignorance?
With everything that’s happened in 2020, and that’s always been going on in our society, it’s time we—and by we, I do mean white people— put to use that empathy and compassion we thank travel for and start proactively living by what we preach.
We need to start being anti-racist and stop minimizing the very real discrimination minorities face at home and abroad.
One of the very first steps is to actually listen to the perspectives of the marginalized and their personal experiences with travel and race and how they intersect. Change starts with the baby step of amplifying the voices of the unheard, putting in the work to understand their point of view, and taking the initiative to educate ourselves so we can do and be better.
Here are personal accounts from the Black female travel bloggers and creatives that are killing the travel game. They’ve graciously agreed to share what traveling Black means to them through their personal travel experiences abroad and at home to enlighten those who don’t face discrimination based on our skin color.
Black Female Travel Bloggers on Traveling Black
Melissa of The Global Ghana Girl
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Like so many of my Black brothers and sisters, I do have fears of how I will be treated because of my skin color. My experience being Black in America has meant being the only Black person in a class or on a team at work, getting followed or watched in a store, people touching my hair without permission or asking if this is my real hair, having to search what racism is like in a place I want to travel to or move to, just to name a few.
I believe that travel is meant to be an opportunity to immerse yourself in other cultures, to deepen your knowledge of this vast world, and to take time away from the monotony of the daily routine. However, it pains me that as a Black person, I still have to be aware of my skin color when I visit a predominantly non-Black country.
Even though Black people contribute billions to the travel industry, we are not reflected as often in advertisements, publications, and brand campaigns. With recent events, there’s been a surge in support for Black businesses and content creators, but it doesn’t stop there. We must continue to fight for equality for all.
I hope that we, as a global community, can make serious changes, to create a better world for future generations so that no one has to feel differently because of their skin color. I will continue to use my platform to uplift Black voices, as well as share my own unique experiences in travel and in life.
Melissa is a travel blogger and photographer based in the Philadelphia area. She’s always had a passion for traveling and enjoys sharing her tips and experiences. On her blog, she provides travel tips and guides for busy female 9-5ers who are balancing life, work, and travel. Melissa’s other hobbies include reading, watching Netflix, arts and crafts, playing piano, and researching random topics that intrigue her.
Wunmi of Thrifty With A Compass
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There is a misconception about Black female travelers that we only see discrimination in the United States. While I have experienced my fair share of microaggressions within these borders, I am not naive to think that treatment based on the darkness of your skin doesn’t happen elsewhere.
One memory in particular sticks out because it took place in one of my favorite cities. I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for 4 months, and it quickly became a home to me. But despite the many reflections of flamenco street dancing and sangria day drinking, not all memories from that semester were good ones.
I found a volunteer opportunity to play soccer with kids and teens from an impoverished neighborhood outside of Sevilla. What was meant to be a day of activity and connection, turned into a day of hate. Instead of playing soccer, the teens and kids used the time to make fun of me for my dark skin, spewing hateful and derogatory speech my way. They began pulling at my hair because they were convinced that it had to be fake. I have learned that there is a power hierarchy based on the “level of dark” that you represent on your skin. Even in Spain, where their darkness is just a few shades lighter than mine, I experienced discrimination. As a Black female traveler I am often seen as the lowest person on the totem pole, even to children.
While this memory still burns in my mind, I am reminded of the last few weeks, where brothers and sisters from all different races, creeds, and ages were marching with me in the streets. There is a lot of progress still to be done, especially within the travel space, but I am relieved that the conversations are happening. As a Black female traveler, I am hopeful our voices will soon be heard.
Wunmi is a proud Nigerian American living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has traveled to over 15 countries and is semi-fluent in Spanish. She is Co-founder of the creative travel blog, Thrifty With a Compass, where she shares how to travel for less, while still making unforgettable memories! Her co-blogger and best friend joins her on their thrifty adventures, from road tripping in Iceland, to Flamenco dancing in Spain.
They started Thrifty With a Compass because they wanted people of color to see women who look like them traveling the globe. Growing up with immigrant parents struggling to learn the new American ways of living, they did not have the luxury of going on family trips. They want to spread the message that travel does not have to be out of reach, despite the roadblocks the American system puts in place against people of color.
Kay of The Awkward Traveller
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Traveling as a woman of color is an act of resistance. It is actively combating racist and sexist ideologies that hypersexualize and vilify non-white women. But traveling as a Black woman? That is a revolution. If you are a Black woman who is hesitant about traveling, especially out of your country of residence, I want to let you know that your concerns are valid.
You very well might be discriminated against because of your skin. Strangers might come up to you and try to touch your hair. You might get stares on the public transport, or locals whispering comments that they think you can’t pick up on or understand. But as a seasoned Black traveler, I can also say that I have never experienced more racism than in my own home country. Travel has been the most eye-opening and constructive part of my self-growth and development than anything else, and I am privileged to some extent to have the opportunity to travel at all.
Traveling as a Black woman isn’t always as easy or straight-forward as it is for other people. But it is always worth it – every time. Black women – we are out here, we are showing up, showing out, and THRIVING.
Read her incredible list of Black Travel Bloggers for more inspiration!
Kay is a travel blogger who is focused on making travel more relatable, inclusive, and accessible to those wanting to travel. Along with hilarious tourist tales and travel guides, her posts offer travel tips for communities who are frequently under-served in the travel community. Kay also uplifts local voices in interviews about their culture so that the audience may gain a deeper understanding of the region from a local’s perspective. Featured in Forbes, Travel Oregon, Dame Traveler, Buzzfeed, and more
Niqueea of Happily Ever Poor
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It’s sad to say, that as a Black female traveler, that I have to Google search “countries safe for Black people” when I plan any trip. Like seriously, let that sink in.
I have to search if my skin color is welcome or safe in cities before I even purchase my ticket. However, bad nor good reviews haven’t stopped me from seeing the world. Bad reviews only make me more cautious and alert of my surroundings and a sense of what can be expected.
I love to travel and to think that my ancestors couldn’t just hop on a plane and travel to a different country without being harshly criticized for their skin tone makes me want to see the world even more and honor them.
So, what are my personal experiences as traveling as a solo Black female? Honestly, they have all been great so far. I have travelled to almost 18 countries and not one of them has given me “uncomfortable” or “racist” vibes towards my skin color.
Now, I have heard the opposite from other Black female travelers from the same countries I visited as them. Everyone will have a different experience but don’t let someone’s bad experience stop you from experiencing the country itself. Form your own opinion and I pray to God that it’s a good experience to help guide other Black female travelers to that country.
Now, I won’t lie but, I do get lots of stares! Yup, my brown skin is rarely seen in many of the countries I have visited so getting stares wasn’t unusual. However, the stares weren’t of disgust but more of curiosity or interest. I have received free meals, drinks, tickets and bus rides just because of my skin color and a smile on my face. I mean I have stories for days!
So no, I have never experienced racism while travelling abroad and I hope I never have to. I’ve actually experienced and witnessed racism more in North America than anywhere else! But, if I do, I won’t let someone’s racism affect my freedom to roam and learn more about the world. Racism doesn’t hold me back. My skin color doesn’t hold me back. Only you and your mindset can hold you back from experiencing life. Don’t let the ignorance of others take a toll on how you experience and live your life.
Check out her post “Top 10 Cities for Black Female Travelers”
Niqueea is a budget solo female traveler and lifestyle blogger who shares her experiences on how to travel the world for less (or safely by yourself!). If she’s not travelling, she’s sharing her amazing home budget DIYs or being goofy on her IG stories. She takes the fear out of solo travel and proves that it is possible to travel on a budget and stay safe as a solo female traveler.
Imani of Imani Escapes
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My experience of travelling as a Black person often means having to do some research into the racism and experiences of people of colour in the country or area I want to visit. This makes spontaneous travel and flight buying more difficult, and can add an extra layer of anxiety onto travel, which is already quite anxiety inducing for me (though clearly not enough to stop now I’ve caught the bug). Stories you’ve heard from friends can also be quite off-putting, but I try to view them as a balance because most countries have their own issues with racism to some degree, and that doesn’t necessarily mean you will encounter any issues.
If I wasn’t from the UK and researched racism in my here it would probably put me off visiting, in all honesty. The truth is I’ve experienced more issues at home than I have on my travels, but on top of being a solo female traveller, being in a new place where you’re more of a minority than you’re used to can make you feel that extra bit vulnerable.
The recent surge in online support for the Black Lives Matter movement has made it really apparent to me how non-diverse the travel industry is. I know that travel is a privilege that excludes a lot of people but I’d love to see more representation for the many Black people and people of colour who do travel. It has also sadly brought out of the woodwork fellow travellers and bloggers who are not allies, which to me seems at odds with the nature of travel itself – the desire to explore other places and cultures and meet different kinds of people. In any case I am glad that these things are now being openly discussed in the public eye, which is something I’ve even worried about discussing on my own platform at risk of upsetting people. I realise now that it is something I should be discussing more often and that should be more normalised.
Imani of imaniescapes.com is a mixed raced blogger of Nigerian and British heritage living near Birmingham in the U.K. She loves city breaks, time in nature and arts and culture. Prior to lockdown she was travelling around Europe after quitting the 9 to 5 . She loves to write about street art, city guides and all things travel.
Sam of Some Call Me Adventurous
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Traveling as a Black woman can be difficult. You’re always on your guard because you’re not sure if the location you’re in has racist tendencies towards people who look like you. But that’s not going to stop me from seeing the world. For too long, women, and especially Black women, were not allowed to leave their homes without permission or social constructs making them look unruly. But we’ve moved into a future where now anyone can buy a plane ticket, so why wouldn’t I go see the world? Many places are so much more welcoming than you’d expect, and most people are just curious more than anything else.
If the locals haven’t seen many Black people, they may stare or ask to take photographs with you, but the more Black people who travel, the more it will become the norm for future generations. So if you’re a Black woman who is afraid to travel because of the stigmas against us, please push through it. We deserve the rights and freedoms to explore just as much as any other person.
Check out Sam’s awesome post of Black Female Travelers to Follow.
Sam is a creative digital strategist by day and performance artist by night. She’s a Pacific Northwest-raised, nomadic-spirited soul who lives between London, New York City, and Seattle. You can follow her adventures and body positivity activism on Instagram @callmeadventurous or view her blog at somecallmeadventurous.com
Sophia of Beauty in a Backpack
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Travel for me is as essential as the air we breathe. From my Jamaican and English roots, to the warm cultures that surrounded me growing up, I was compelled to travel and discover more about the history and forces that brought us all together.
But as a black or mixed woman, you are exposed to some unusual experiences that give you a very unique take on the world. In a number of places the locals don’t even look at you, assuming you’re one of them. While in other destinations, be prepared for a number of confused stares of whispers when locals see your darker skin tone and big curly/afro hair. As a seasoned traveller, its clear some cultures are still getting used to seeing solo female travellers let alone black solo female travellers. So you may just be the first black or mixed-race person they have ever encountered.
As black and mixed women, we are a physical embodiment of movement, acceptance and cultures mixing. But like so many, be it at home or abroad, I’ve unfortunately witnessed the anti-blackness that is structurally embedded in societies across the world. At home, I’ve been rejected from multiple clubs with my black and brown friends, in one instance the club owner telling us “too many black people makes the club look ghetto”. While abroad I often meet people that can’t believe black people live in England, or that a black and white people may conceive! This overwhelming reality leads to feeling that you are deconstructing stereotypes and having to represent your black brothers and sisters.
Slow travelling has allowed me to find peace. And this would be what I want to see more of. Being able to travel at your own pace allows you to deeply explore your destinations, and uncover black history in places you didn’t expect.
One way or another, you will uncover cultural gems relating to our cultural impact on the rest of the world. Through music, art or colonial landscapes and architecture, there is truly so much out there to discover. I believe that by us deeply immersing ourselve amongst the local people and making real friends, that we have the opportunity really spread black awareness. Travel for me, has given me the opportunity to educate others and some of the most eye-opening and liberating experiences.
Education is key to curing the disease that is racism. From learning and teaching more about our Afro- Caribbean heritage, we can ensure have a GLOBAL IMPACT on the next generation.
Read more from Sophia and check out her personal account of Confronting Black Consciousness and Wellbeing While Traveling
Sophia is a conscious slow travel blogger and food-lover born and bred in colourful South London. Preferring to stay in one place for extended periods of time, Sophia’s travels are truly about taking our time to appreciate all of life’s beauty in culture, nature and internal growth. A true free spirit, she has travelled to over 20 countries and has been intrigued with living local amongst the diverse cultures for most of her life. On her blog, she shares unique travel stories, local food itineraries, and wellness posts for long term slow travellers.
Resources + Communities That Support Black Travelers
To do more, here are the communities and organizations that are actively supporting Black travel creatives in a mission to shift the balance of inequality in the industry.
Black Travel Alliance
The Black Travel Alliance is a new community dedicated to holding brands accountable and offering support and resources to other Black travel content creators across all medias in the name of representation and equal opportunities. You can follow them on Instagram to learn more about their mission.
Black & Abroad
Black & Abroad is a travel website that shares travel guides, organizes trips, and encourages travel within the Black community. Their mantra is Explore. Embrace. Empower. Peep their Instagram for Black travel inspo.
The Black Travel Club
The Black Travel Club is an online community that connects fellow Black travelers seeking incredible experiences. They offer inspiration, travel tips, and booking support to Black millennials. Check them out on Instagram.
Black Trans Travel Fund
Focused on local travel at home, the Black Trans Travel Fund provides women access to safe transportation options in New York and soon New Jersey. Their mission is to ultimately give Black trans women the freedom to live their lives without fear of physical or verbal harassment. You can donate and follow along with their cause on the website and their Instagram.
Organizations That Support Black Lives Matters
Travel aside, here are organizations that you can support to fight against racial injustice and inequality here at home.
- Black Lives Matter
- Color Of Change
- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc
- The Bail Project
- ACLU
For even more ways to support the BLM movement, check out this list by NYMag.
This is just a glimpse into what traveling Black means to a very short list of creators, but it’s an important small step towards understanding and anti-racism.
If you or another Black female travel blogger you know should be added to this list, please comment below or shoot me an email at [email protected].
This was so beautiful! And eye opening! Thank you for sharing these wonderful perspectives!
All thanks to these lovely ladies!! And thank to you for your kind comment! ☺️❤️❤️
Loved this post and the recommendations Brit! So nice to see activism in the travel blogging world and making sure we are recognised! I would also love to be added to the list- you can see one of my posts below: https://beautyinabackpack.com/blm-even-in-india/
Yes, absolutely! I’d love to get you added to this list! Would you mind sending me an email at [email protected] and I can send you what I need from you in terms of bio, links, etc 😍 Thanks so much for your comment! Looking forward to speaking more!!