Black women travel solo best locations to travel solitary ebony female in us, and if you’ve been wishing to as well, this post is for you! For those who don’t know, solitary female travel is a developing, popular form of travel. And Black women traveling alone have also seen an increase.
However, if you Google “solo female travel,” most individuals who come up are Caucasian women. Therefore, there is not as much racial nuance as there should be, even though Black women, such as myself, do travel independently. Even though our experiences can still differ, being distinct doesn’t always mean being being being being negative. Hopefully, this post demonstrates you Black women travel independently.
Traveling alone as a Black woman is abundant freedom
I have never felt as liberated as I have traveling alone as a Black woman. There is something liberating about living on your own terms during a voyage. You can rouse up when you want. No one is dictating your schedule and as a black, solitary female traveler, you determine what to do. Coming from Black American culture, where a lot is placed on Black women to solve, it is refreshing.
Some individuals may assume you’re strange or lonely
As a society, we are not taught to do things alone, so it is strange for some to hear others do it. In particular, traveling is fed to us as an activity to be done with other people for an epic adventure full of memories. However, do not let others opinions influence your adventure. You can have joy alone too as Black solitary female traveller!
People will be intrigued about you
Black people are not the preponderance in every metropolis or municipality in the globe. Thus, not having many Black people implies people in those countries may be intrigued in who you are and your country of origin. Depending on where you are, gazing is common and may lead to inquiries or even photographs.
If you are not acclimated to this as a Black female solitary traveller, it can be daunting and perhaps overwhelming. Take a few long breaths and think about how you want to respond. Sometimes those inquiries can lead to perceptive and impactful conversations. Other times, they may lead to more discomfort. Black solitary female travel means trusting your intuition and determining what is best for you at that moment.
Being fetishized or hyper sexualized can happen
Sexual stereotypes about Black women originate from media and assumptions people have about Black women. I experienced a little hypersexualization and fetishism when I lived in Europe. You may even witness Black women get misconstrued for prostitutes in various regions of the globe. These experiences can happen, however for me they have been few and far between!
There are centers of Black individuals around the globe
Many people presume that if you pursue solitary female travel in Europe or other predominantly white destinations, you will not find Black people. But don’t forget we are everywhere! There are communities of Black individuals throughout the globe, from Europe to South America to Asia.
While, of course, we should travel to connect with new people of all backgrounds. It is interesting to communicate with Black individuals of diverse nationalities and citizenships. Those connections generate dynamic conversations about being Black in your respective countries and learning about the culture you are in too.
Anti-Black prejudice is (unfortunately) conceivable
You knew this was coming, didn’t you? Yes, anti-Blackness and prejudice exists abroad as it is a global issue. If you have experienced discrimination in your own country, you may already have some strategies to respond. However, remember you are still in a country that is not your own. You may dispute with extremists back home or take matters further, without consequence. That is not always the case abroad, so be mindful of that if you choose to address it.
Yet, I do not want it to deter you from traveling solitary. There are Black solitary female travellers around the world and anti-Blackness is not our entire experience. I have experienced some unpleasant moments of individuals thrusting me into a picture without asking and handling my hair. It is not enjoyable, but we cannot control people’s behaviour. So it should not deter you from exploring the world either!
Safety recommendations for Black solitary female travellers
Lie, lie, lie
With solitary female travel, safety comes first – so lie when you need to. I suggest lying because everyone you encounter does not need to know that you are traveling solitary. Yes, people are authentically cordial and welcoming. I have had many wonderful experiences traveling unaccompanied as a Black woman in Mexico and throughout Europe. Yet, some individuals may not have the correct intentions. Be cautious. Make conversations and connections to be cordial but not too familiar and tell people all of your business.
Pack what you need
Solo traveling does require some essentials! And since you are on your own you want to be prepared. A robust knapsack and shoes, a door alarm, and a portable charger are a few. For some suggestions on what to bring, keep reading to the end of this post for more details.
Do not take all your money out at once
This advise is an unequivocal no-no! Never draw all of your money out at once, nor have it flying around when you do take it out. Take what you need and abandon what you don’t in diverse areas. You can safely place your money in a purse in your secured container at your hostel.
Also, think of distinctive locations such as your camisole (if you wear one) or even in your shoe. Just in case of a burglary, the individual would not take all of your money at once. We have to defend ourselves.
Get your protective attire
You can never go wrong with a decent protective attire on a journey! I adore Marley twists as a Black solitary female traveller myself. But you can choose whichever design works for you whether it is braids, twists, wigs, etc. So if you don’t wear your natural hair, you’ll need some Black hair tips.
Why you should become a Black solitary female traveller
It increases your confidence
Many times, and in so many ways, Black women are told to make themselves lesser for other people to flourish. Solo traveling breaks that down and shows us just how wonderful we are. And we have more freedom and independence while doing so.
Being on your own enhances your confidence in ways you may have never envisaged. You are your navigator and travel planner. No one is telling you what to do or where to go. You are more likely to be adventurous and meet new people. If you are on the fence about being a Black solitary female traveller, it is worth it!
It encourages language acquisition
I had a stammer in English as a child showed up in Spanish as an adult. I became self-conscious about my language-learning capacities as a 20-year-old who was eager to learn a new language. Therefore, I proved myself! I scheduled a vacation to Mexico for a week to travel independently. I navigated my entire voyage in my second language the whole time and enjoyed it.
Being on your own as a black, solitary female voyager means navigating alone too. If you are interested in acquiring a language and want to be immersed, solitary travel is the optimal opportunity. I felt much more confident in my language skills, and it bolstered my self-esteem, knowing that I can do it on my own.
You encounter more individuals than with group travel
When you are traveling by yourself, it is not dull and lot simpler to make acquaintances. Traveling solitary encourages you to be a little more sociable than if you were in a group of people you already know. I had met way more people and built stronger connections traveling solitary than I had when I was traveling with companions. While there is nothing with group travel, sometimes you want to go out and adventure on your own. Solo travel makes that possible, and there is no commitment to stay with someone you just met.
You cannot rely on your pals eternally
Listen, it is time for some harsh truths: your pals are not coming! Leave them! Sometimes our acquaintances cannot get ready when we want them to schedule a travel. Whether they cannot get the time off or do not have their money together, solo travel may be forced into your future travel experiences. Time is of the essence, and sometimes you have to go by yourself. Sorry, but book that trip and see your colleagues later. You are now a Black female solitary traveller.
Travel inspiration for Black women solo travellers
Ciara Johnson of Hey Ciara. Solo female travel is the existence that Ciara lives. She resigned her employment to traverse the globe and is now a full-time travel blogger and influencer. From language learning to must-have travel essentials, you can read more in-depth information and helpful advice on her blog or her Instagram.
Abena of Travelling Tuesdays. For all my Gen Z readers searching for solitary female travel advice, Abena is who you need to be following. Based in the UK by way of Ghana, Abena’s Instagram captions are detailed and rich in insightful information she has acquired as a solitary female traveler. She offers advice, including frugal travel guidelines, how to take photographs traveling solitary, and general destination-based advice.