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Traveling alone as a Black woman is not impossible and doesn’t have to be hard. Black solo female travel is 100% capable and completely freeing for the mind, body, and soul (and your pocket!)
As a twenty something Black woman who has traveled to over 17 countries and territories alone, I have quite a few interesting stories to tell. I’m a Jamaican-American dual citizen who started to travel solo at the young age of 18. Every Black woman will have her own unique experience during solo female travel but it’s important to discuss certain topics!
Let’s keep in mind there are Black people all across the globe and not just in the western world. So, this article refers to Black women of all ethnicities across the globe and not just from the USA, Canada, or Europe. Some Black women are Caribbean American (like me), Ethiopian, Colombian, or African American. However, when we step into unmarked territory with a homogenous population, we tend to come across similar trials for our shared skin color.
I’ve met Black people from all over the world during my travels but majority of the time I can say I’m the only one that looks like me. That never stops me from making my mark on the globe and shouldn’t stop you either! Never limit yourself because you’re afraid of what could happen and think about what you may miss instead.
My experience as a Jamaican-American dual passport holder will differ for other Black solo female travelers, for the main reality of my very American accent and USA passport. Although I hold a Jamaican passport, I benefit from Western privilege when traveling. More on that to be discussed later. Just know that whether you’re a Black woman from Nigeria or from Canada, I support your wanderlust!
With everything in life, there are risks and dangers. Black solo female travel can be totally safe and an amazing experience if done properly. Let’s discuss some safety tips for traveling international or domestic as a Black solo female traveler.
Bring Plenty of Hair Products-Black Solo Female Travel
I have extremely kinky coily thick afro hair, it’s incredibly hard to find good hair products when traveling. There have been plenty of “I’ll buy it when I get there” and I come to the hard realization I can’t find good hair products.
It’s important to always do research when traveling! Whenever I visit my home country aka Jamaica, there are usually stores with reliable hair products as African descent people are the majority. But if I want to go somewhere with a lower population of Black people like Mexico or Morocco, it’s a better idea to bring the products with me.
The “Are you From Africa?” Question
I get this question in literally every non-western country I visit. No one ever guesses my roots are from Jamaica! Or when I tell them they think Jamaica is in Africa (lol). At first, I thought it was rude to assume where someone comes from just how they look. Then I started to realize that race is viewed differently outside of the western hemisphere; people are curious!
However, it’s important to educate people on the African diaspora in North & South America. There are Black people in Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America due to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and many people outside of the Americas don’t know. So if someone assumes where you’re from try to kindly educate and use it as a learning experience.
Find a Black Travel Group on Social Media- Black Solo Female Travel
When my travel buddy and I were planning on visiting Indonesia, we joined the Black in Bali Facebook group. This was open to Black people from all countries so it was exciting to see people from Nigeria and Trinidad commenting!
We ended up visiting Thailand instead but it was still a breath of fresh air to know we had a mini community in the palm of our hands. Always research to see if there is a Black community in the country/area you’re visiting!
Research, Research, and more Research!
This next one applies to all races but especially Black women! Be sure to find information of your desired destination. Is it safe for solo travelers? Are there hostels and a popular destination for young people? Will it be expensive to find transportation?
There haver been too many times when people have gotten themselves caught up because they didn’t fully prepare themselves for a trip. Also, please be sure to quadruple check the weather. You don’t want to go to an island thinking it’ll be hot and its snowing when you arrive (cough cough New Zealand!).
Prepare for the Stares- Black Solo Female Travel
As a Black woman that has been to Vietnam, the European Balkans, and many other places with low African descent populations, I’ve received a fair share of stares. It’s important to note that not all stares mean the same thing. In the USA, if someone stares at you, they most likely have a problem.
I’ve noticed that a lot of stares that have come from places like Thailand or Montenegro are out of pure astonishment as they’ve probably never seen someone that looks like me before.
I once went into a reggae cafe in Montenegro (small Eastern European country) and the restaurant owner was so happy I was a Jamaican Black woman he almost cried. I have had stares that were malicious, but I can thankfully say these were in the majority.
Stay in Hostels vs. Staying alone
Staying in a fancy airbnb or an upscale hotel may be a great idea in hindsight… right? Surprisingly, no. All the times I’ve stayed by myself I haven’t felt the most safe. When I stay alone, I feel more of a target and can’t really ask people for help.
Staying in hostels is always my preferred method of accommodation. I’ve met so many other travellers who I’ve shared laughs, memories, and even went on tours with! You have a much higher chance at meeting other Black solo female travellers at a hostel than at a big couples hotel. Plus, a lot of times they have events and free meals!
Find hostels around the world on www.hostelworld.com
Passport Privilege is a Real Thing
I’ve had instances where I’m in Norway or Egypt and someone gives me a frown when they see my face. Their attitude instantly switches up when they heart my very preppy suburban USA accent! People from western countries (Canada, USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand) are treated better due to their association with the West.
When I was planning my birthday trip to Thailand with my mom (also a dual citizen) and friend, my Jamaican aunt planned to go! Imagine my despair when she said she couldn’t attend because the visa would take 3 months to arrive and we were leaving in 2 months. The crazy thing is Americans don’t need a visa to visit Thailand and most other countries. The passport privilege slapped me in the face at the very moment.
It’s important to remember that although we are Black women, those of us from 1st world countries get different treatment from our sisters from other parts of the world. My Jamaican passport has 72 visa free countries while my USA one has about 180. So as we make our mark on the world, let’s be mindful of ALL Black women’s experiences, not just westerners.
Always bring a Portable Charger- Black Solo Female Travel
This next tip may seem a bit laughable but it’s really not! Imagine you’re in a non-english (or your native tongue) speaking country and your phone dies. You’re on a bus and night time is about to reach. There’s no way to charge your phone and you don’t have your accommodation address. Sounds scary right?!
Prepared girl bosses always walk around with portable chargers, even in their home towns. When traveling alone, its important to stay ready and alert at all times. Having one or better yet two portable chargers is a must for any solo traveler.
Check out this article for more important stuff to pack during Black solo female travel!
Safest Countries
While I still have a ways to go to visit every country on earth (20/197), there are many Black women that have been to countless more than me! Based on experience, research, and other’s voices, here are some countries reported to be safe for Black solo female travellers.
Costa Rica
Mexico
Thailand
Puerto Rico
Portugal
Fiji
Canada
Ghana
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