There is something freeing about traveling the world: creating lasting memories and experiences, self-discovery, appreciation of diversity, and cultural immersion.
However, for Black travelers, the adventure can be tinged with different realities. While racism exists globally, traveling while Black, adds an undeniable layer of complexity. Feeling a sense of peace where you can walk down the street and not have to be on guard because of your skin color is an underrated blessing.
Our people are taught to be hyper-vigilant, to be aware of the surroundings, and to monitor how one talks, dresses, or acts in certain places that won’t get us killed. Black people have a violent past associated with travel, especially with race relations in the US, and that history lingers over time.
Unfortunately, there are instances where Black people are targeted and discriminated against. The ignorance and prejudice against skin color transcends any language barrier. Racism abroad is more hostile, and the stares are more noticeable. This isn’t to scare you from booking that international ticket, but if you are looking forward to traveling soon, it’s important that you not only take up space but also be prepared to understand the dos and don’ts of traveling while Black.
Facing the Reality: Safety and Microaggressions
In 1936, a book called The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guide to help Black Americans travel during the Jim Crow era. The creators, Victor Green, a Harlem postal worker, and a colleague gathered a list of private homes, bars, hotels, and restaurants that welcomed Black travelers nationwide. During that time, Black people faced restrictions while traveling. Even though the publication ended in 1967 after the Civil Rights Act, it reminds us to be prepared for instances that might make us feel unsafe anywhere in the world.
The unfortunate truth is microaggressions – those subtle, often unintentional interactions that convey racial bias – can be a travel companion for Black globetrotters. “Will my brown skin be an issue?” is a valid question. The answer, regrettably, can be yes.
Here’s where preparation comes in. Research your destination. Look for reviews and travel blogs from Black travelers to get a feel for the cultural climate. Can you connect with a Black community or cultural center for support? Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid any misunderstandings.
Sojourner White never knew that she would be spending her career traveling the world while being able to work a 9-5 as a social worker. White is a travel blogger and an award-winning travel journalist and has written extensively about her Black solo travel experiences.
“I have a very historical name, and I’m always reminded of it. It means traveler (a person who resides temporarily in a place),” she said. “Being in the US, we have strong passport privilege, and we have the freedom to move throughout so many countries visa-free, and I don’t take it for granted.”
She earned a Fulbright Spain Fellowship at age 21 and has since had a “love-hate relationship” with the country and surrounding locations. Her experiences with micro-aggressions are few, but she has occasionally experienced stares from locals.
“Sometimes you have to ask yourself, as a foreigner, if you really want to engage. You have to pick your battles. It’s too much emotional labor trying to educate folks on their biases and misperceptions unless there is an established personal connection,” she said. “When you go abroad, you wonder if they being rude or being racist or if they’re just genuinely interested in why I’m walking around with purple hair and blue nails. There is no one Black experience because it varies depending on where you go.”
Lauren Washington is a digital creator known for sharing the latest hotspots in Houston and beyond with the name Searching High With Lo. She and her husband are known in their circle for going out and exploring new things, and in 2021, she established her brand, introducing viewers to her travel escapades.
“I haven’t had negative experiences per se, but I do get those weird stares from people who tell me I’m beautiful, and it makes me uncomfortable,” Washington said. “I just have to be very polite and make sure I’m mindful about what’s happening around me.”
Her reasons for travel go well beyond the aesthetically pleasing photos and reels on Instagram. It’s the opportunity to share special moments with her two young daughters.
“This is our [husband] chance to provide our children with a rich, fulfilling experience so they can be more open-minded and cultured and not bounded by the Texas border,” she said. “There’s a huge world out there, and you don’t have to be on a bougie budget always to do it.”
Despite these challenges, here’s how both ladies maximize their experience and travel with confidence:
- Connect with the Diaspora : Seek out Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and cultural events.
- Do Your Research : Be aware of areas with higher crime rates or historical tensions. Choose well-lit, well-traveled accommodations.
- Embrace Technology: Download translation apps local safety apps, and stay connected with loved ones back home.
- Find your tribe : Consider joining group tours catered to Black travelers. Find accountability partners. Many travel companies offer culturally immersive experiences focusing on Black history, cuisine, and community.
- Learn languages : Understand basic survival words for getting around in the country you’re in
- Prepare for emergency: Carry your medical insurance information if an urgent situation arises.
