A Black Woman's Guide to Choosing Travel Experiences and Activities
To me, traveling is the ideal time to expand your horizons and try new things that enrich your life in some way. You might take a cooking class to learn how to prepare a new dish, zipline to conquer a fear of heights, or converse with a stranger to gain a new perspective on life.
When I browse social media these days, I’m particularly proud to see Black women travel everywhere you can think of, but more importantly, liberating ourselves to experience any and everything the world has to offer. The moment we decide to be daring is the exact moment we curate unforgettable memories. These moments celebrate of our heritage, allow our passions to flourish , and introduce new aspirations that will give our lives more depth than we could ever imagine.
1. Embrace Your Heritage
Black women are not strangers to events that allow us to connect with our heritage. Think about events that have been around for years like Essence Festival or The Bronner Bros. Beauty Show; these are national events that take place in predominantly Black areas and are a celebration of our culture. On a global scale, more and more Black women are traveling to events like Carnival in the Caribbean.
These events are entertaining, but the history and cultural significance are equally important. When planning activities, consider destinations and events that have rich and captivating stories behind them. You might also consider visiting landmarks and museums that commemorate our collective journey. Look for locations where you can connect with the local community and celebrate Black art, music, and cuisine.
2. Leverage Online Platforms
Online platforms like Viator and Airbnb Experiences have made travel planning much easier these days, because you can find unique activities that suit your interests and also reflect the best experiences for the destination you’re visiting. These platforms often have experiences led by locals who can provide authentic insights into their culture and daily life. When you use sites like Viator or Airbnb, you can browse by topic or collection and it’s even advantageous to read the reviews from fellow travelers to make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
3. Seek Immersive Experiences
While the tourist attractions that come up first in an online search have their charm, you will often find that the tours and excursions that are spontaneous or somewhat off the beaten path can be more authentic and immersive.
You wouldn’t go to the dessert and be looking to jet ski, would you?
Engage in local workshops, cooking classes, or activities that you can only do at that specific destination. Just by engaging in small talk or interacting with locals, you can come across unique experiences and learn more about customs and traditions that allow you to connect with the community, the people, and the land on a deeper level.
4. Harness the Power of Connection
Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling in a group, you can find networking events like meet and greets, conferences, or social gatherings that bring together individuals with common interests and/or experiences. These events can foster meaningful connections that may turn into friendships, relationships, and professional opportunities.
For solo travelers, making connections can also be meaningful for your safety and sense of belonging in a new place. Some activities are safer to do in groups like hiking or nightlife adventures like clubbing.
5. Support Local Black-Owned Businesses
I’ve always been very conscious of my travel footprint and how I interact with the land and the locals, but even more so recently, as it’s important for me to leave a destination better than I found it in any way that I can. One impactful way to contribute to a destination is to not only interact with locals but to support their businesses. Whether it's dining at a black-owned restaurant, buying handmade souvenirs from someone you may meet, or booking a stay at a hotel or B&B owned by locals, these choices allow you to support and empower the community economically.
I’ve visited Los Angeles more times than I can count, and whenever I do, I make it a point to try a new Black-owned restaurant each time. Everywhere that I’ve been abroad, I’ve bought at least one handmade item from a local I’ve met. Whenever I do things like this, I feel like I’ve brought a little of the destination home with me, but I also feel like I’ve left something positive there.
6. Embrace Your Adventurous Spirit
People vacation and travel for different reasons, and I respect that, but I also wholeheartedly believe in trying new things when traveling. Why go somewhere completely new and do the same things you’ve always done at home?
Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. You may not be so adventurous to skydive or bungee jump, but maybe you eat a dish you wouldn’t necessarily eat at home or maybe you have dinner with a complete stranger. Whatever it is that you choose, push your boundaries. You may discover that you like something or even have talents and passions you weren’t aware of. I have found that when I do something completely out of the ordinary, it always makes my trip that much more memorable.
Traveling as a black woman is a journey of self-discovery, connection, and celebration Stay curious and embrace the unknown. Let travel be an expression of your identity- who you are and who you’re becoming. Choose experiences that speak to you and be inspired by the result.