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Maam!!! Your time has come!!! I know you see other Black women traveling. I’ve heard you talk about going abroad!! I know you’ve heard amazing stories of how amazing traveling is from other Black women!!! AND you still haven’t booked your trip? What exactly are you waiting for?

As a Black American, Muslima, who often travels, I have enjoyed extended stays in Egypt and Morocco, spent a summer in Spain, and have visited 28 other countries spanning five continents. I’ve met up with Black women traveling nearly every time. While solo traveling in Mexico, I met Black women who are now my best friends.

So let me be the first to tell you, it’s not as scary as it may seem. Black women travel literally everywhere, from the jungles in Central America to the Deserts of the Sahara. I do get however, that you may be a little hesitant. This post is here to ease your fears and get you abroad. Let’s get into it!

Do your research and read about other Black women’s experiences beforehand

Black women travel and are often eager to discuss their experiences! Black women travelprenuers like my friend, TaNesha Barnes (whom I met in Anguilla) is a Black woman who shares her adventures abroad. Her tips as a traveling Black women can help you plan your own trip, or join one of hers. From hair care to handling the ups and downs of being Black and abroad, blogs and social media can be a great resource of travel information.

Go solo

You don’t always need friends or family to go on a trip. It’s ok to go alone! Solo female travel is not as obscure as it used to be. Black women travelers are taking advantage of it too. It’s an opportunity to learn who you are and more cost-effective an ever. A few key tips for solo travel that I always follow are:

• Share your itinerary and location with a loved one. My husband and best friend always know where I am.
• Of course, bringing a portable charger for your phone, and
• Keep copies of your passport and visa in case of emergencies. Store a copy ink your favorites on your phone just in case.

Join Black travel groups on Facebook to connect with people

Black travel groups on social media are another excellent resource of travel information. If you’re on Facebook, search “Black travel,” and tons of groups will pop up. Some popular ones include The Black Travel Movement, the Black Cruise Group and Melanated Campout. Search past posts in these groups asking for tips in your destination, or make a new post if you can’t find your answer.

Understand that some people of other cultures will stare or take pictures

Listen, Black women solo travel is on a steady rise. However, some cultures may not be aware of this. In destinations that are less ethnically diverse, stares are common. As someone who was stared at a lot while in South Korea, it can be uncomfortable. Normally people stare, point, and keep it moving. 

On some occasions it leads to physical contact (a touch of your hair or skin) and sparks a conversation with a stranger. It can be a lot to process in the moment. Remember, that we cannot control what people do and how they perceive us based on what they’ve experienced.

Don’t forget to pack your go-to hair products 

Our hair is our crown, we know this. While preparing for your trip, pack the hair products you want or need. It is highly unlikely that your destination will have the products you are accustomed to using. This is especially true if you are traveling long-term.

Prepare and gather other travel essentials

Piggy backing off the hair products, be sure to gather other travel essentials! If you are backpacking, make sure you have a good one. For those who love to take photos or will be navigating with your phone, invest in a portable charger. A neck pillow, travel-size anti-bacterial wipes, packing cubes, your phone/camera. Don’t forget to let your bank know you are leaving the country so they won’t block your card. 

Learn a new language

For me, language learning is one of the most exciting parts about traveling. You don’t need to be fluent but, it’s helpful to learn key phrases such as “where is the bathroom,” “yes,” “no,” “thank you,” etc. iPhone has a translate app that is particularly useful for basic dialog, street reading or even menu reading. If you’re interested in taking it a step further, look into purchasing Babbel or Rosetta Stone. Taking the time to attempt the language can go a long way.

Beware of fetishes and hypersexualization

Traveling as a Black woman can be beautiful, as we are beautiful. Most people will be genuinely curious about Black women, Black culture, and Black people in general so they may fawn over you. But, there is a fine line between strangers admiring our beauty and a fetish. Every now and again, you may interact with people who would “love to *insert expletive* a Black girl.” Or someone who “has never been with a Black girl before.” That is what I would call a fetish and you should avoid them! Be firm. If you are uncomfortable, say so and feel free to leave the situation.

Don’t give into fear, but still trust your gut

Travel is absolutely amazing and as a Black travel professional and blogger, I encourage people who can travel to do so. Yet, there are still some precautions we need to take no matter where we are. As you are traveling, be aware of your surroundings. Let someone back home know your itinerary and occasionally check in, even if you are traveling solo. If you are out and feel uncomfortable at a bar, club, hostel, hotel, etc., find an exit plan. While it’s amazing to meet new people (or new flings), and most people are genuinely nice, still be smart. Trusting your gut will be key to a pleasant experience. 

Whether you read the stories of Black female travel bloggers, join Black women travel groups, know that the information is out there. You have the wanderlust to see the world, and I commend you for showing up and reading this post. Now sis, it’s time to book that adventure! Don’t be scared. Get out there and join the many traveling Black women creating their own path abroad. Black women travel – go be one of them!

Until next time!

Peace!