Travelling While Black
Welcome to Be Your Own Date - a space dedicated to all things self-care and wellbeing. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to take a look at my other posts; I hope you’ll like them and find them useful too! In this post, I am sharing my experience and top tips for Travelling While Black, whether you are travelling independently or as part of a group. And if you enjoy solo travel or would like to try it for the first time, my Guide to Solo Travel is definitely for you! You will soon notice an emphasis on travelling alone with confidence, which is a great accompaniment to this post.
Top tips for Black travellers
Support for Black travellers | Graphic by Amy-Jo Lynch
This is a post that you probably won’t find in most travel guides or blogs, which is even more of a reason to talk about it here. I am referring to the unique experience of Travelling While Black or as a person of colour. If you are not a person of colour and haven’t had to consider this before, keep reading. I hope you learn something new today.
First and foremost, and in answer to a common question posed to me…Yes, sometimes I do stand out and so will you. You might even be stared at and treated poorly - sadly, some people have no shame. It is rare that I am made to feel uncomfortable due to the colour of my skin, but it can happen. There are no excuses. Real talk!
The nod
Have you observed, received or initiated ‘the nod’? I have! That special little moment when two people or a group, often strangers, connect and really see each other. Don’t worry if you haven’t had the opportunity to experience it yet, it may well happen on your travels. You feel a strong sense of unspoken connection and subtly lower your heads in acknowledgement with ease. There is something so comforting, magical even, about the shared experience of the nod with another Black person when you are away from home, especially if you are one of a few. This small gesture contributes to a shared sense of understanding, community and belonging for Black travellers.
How to deal with unwelcome attention
Well, acknowledge that this may happen and also be open to the fact that some people may be curious rather than harbouring ill will towards you, even if you have been likened to an exotic fruit or public figure/celebrity that you look nothing like - yeah, I know (sigh)! Know that experiencing a strange or peculiar situation, will not necessarily lead to a negative experience overall.
We can only control our own thoughts and behaviours, and should not take on the weight of trying to control how others might think of us, at home or abroad. My advice is not to entertain negativity and to focus on the positive aspects of your travels. Simply put, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time, leave the situation and do not stay or engage in dialogue, otherwise it will probably leave you feeling worse afterwards - I’ve been there! You have worked far too hard to make this trip happen, only to compromise your joy and give your time to unpleasant behaviour and comments. This is partly why I cannot emphasise enough, taking the time to think about where you want to go and why. Be true to yourself. I want you to have the most enjoyable trip possible and to achieve that holiday glow!
May you explore with confidence and enjoy your trip to the fullest, wherever you choose to travel!
Tip: Going away can easily disrupt our self-care and wellbeing routines, so remember that it’s also important to look after yourself while on holiday/vacation.
That holiday glow!
A sense of belonging…
One of the wonderful things about travelling to the Caribbean and Latin America - my favourite part of the world - is how relaxed and at home I feel there. Travelling in such a cosmopolitan and welcoming part of the world, and intentionally seeking out spots with a high African or Indigenous population feels really good. I have had a largely positive experience travelling alone or with company, for that matter, but there are some places where I feel a stronger connection to the people and my surroundings. That’s how I would sum up my affinity to the Americas, which keeps on drawing me back again and again. I feel a sense of belonging and the ability to be my authentic self despite being in a new and/or different environment. I think this is really important when stepping outside of your comfort zone and making the decision to travel, particularly if you decide to travel solo. I want you to experience this wonderful feeling too.
Tip: Learn the lingo and get to know the locals - a few key phrases like 'hello', 'thank you' and 'goodbye' can really help you to feel more immersed in the culture, boost your confidence and convey that you are open to learning.
Women of colour abroad
Whilst it should not be this way, being a woman of colour abroad does add another layer to your travel experience. Many women have expressed concern to me about their safety, especially if they are keen to travel and explore alone. My response is to be cautious and take precautions just as you would in any new environment, and remember not to be complacent. I encourage you to travel with caution rather than fear, so that you can truly travel with confidence.
I hope that sharing my experience and tips will be helpful for your next holiday/vacation, and many more to come. If you need a confidence boost or a pick-me-up, Be Your Own Date is certainly the place for you. Happy travels! You got this!
Tell me, where are you looking forward to travelling next? Let me know in the Comments section below and connect with me on your socials.
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You would like support with bringing your travel dreams into reality Well, why not consider 1:1 Wellbeing Coaching with me? I am here to guide and cheer you on throughout your journey, from short trips to wellbeing breaks to sabbaticals!
The next step is to book a discovery call. Let’s talk!
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Explore with confidence. Be kind to yourself. Be Your Own Date.
~ Amy-Jo ☀️
