Most asked questions
Where are you currently living?
I am currently living in Paris, France, where I’m completing the second year of my master’s degree in Digital Marketing & E-Business. I’m also working as a Marketing intern for a startup in Paris called Konsistent.
What are your favorite things to do in Paris?
I love exploring new neighborhoods, going for long walks, and of course, eating alllllllll the food. (You can usually find me stuffing my face at one of the amazing brunch restaurants here)!
Paris was the first city I moved to when I packed up and moved abroad back in 2019, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart.
What made you want to become a solo traveler?
There wasn’t any one specific thing that made me want to become a solo traveler – it was more of a gradual realization that I enjoyed my own company and didn’t necessarily need or want to travel with others all the time, and constantly trying to plan trips with friends who would just end up canceling at the last minute.
I think it started with small things, like preferring to go on day trips by myself or taking myself out to dinner instead of waiting for someone else to want to do those things with me. And then it just snowballed from there – I started planning longer trips by myself and eventually made the decision to move abroad alone.
What has been your favorite solo travel experience?
This is a tough question, because I’ve had so many amazing solo travel experiences! But if I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite experience was probably when I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and moved to Europe with no concrete plans.
It was definitely a scary experience, but it was also immensely liberating and empowering. I loved being able to just pick up and go without having to worry about coordinating with anyone else, and I loved the feeling of complete freedom that came with it.
What has been the hardest part of solo travel for you?
The hardest part of solo travel for me has definitely been dealing with the loneliness of traveling alone. I’m an extroverted person (most of the time), so I thrive on human interaction – and when you’re traveling alone, there are times when you just can’t find that. It can be tough to constantly be around people and then suddenly find yourself in a completely empty hostel dorm room or wandering around a city with no one to talk to.
But I’ve found that the best way to combat loneliness while solo traveling is to just put yourself out there – talk to people, even if it feels awkward at first. You’d be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you and are also looking for someone to chat with.
What’s the best thing about being a black woman abroad?
There’s something really empowering about being a black woman in a foreign country and feeling like you can conquer the world. I also love meeting other black women from all over the world and hearing their stories. I feel like we are underrepresented in the travel space, so it’s nice to be able to connect with others who understand the experience.
How can you afford to travel?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and the answer is simple: I save up. I’m not independently wealthy, and I don’t have a trust fund – I just budget carefully and make travel a priority.
For me, it’s important to experience as much of the world as possible, and I’m willing to make sacrifices in other areas of my life in order to make that happen.
I wrote all about the 7 ways I afford to travel and how you can do it too – I recommend checking that out for some practical tips and advice.
What low-budget destinations do you recommend?
There are so many amazing low-budget destinations out there! For me, some of the best places to travel on a tight budget are Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. In these regions, you can find incredible food, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals – all without breaking the bank.
What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?
This is such a hard question because there are so many amazing places in the world! If I had to choose, I would have to say Thailand. More specifically, I’d have to say Chiang Mai is 100% one of my favorite Thai cities. I love the local food, the culture, and the people. Plus, it was just an all-around beautiful country. I’ve even written a whole guide about my Chiang Mai experience including over 20 activities and attractions I’d recommend while you’re there.
What are your packing essentials?
This is a tough question because I’m such a light packer! But if I had to choose a few essential items, I would say a good sunscreen (I always get burned!), my iPad and of course my downloaded Spotify playlists (for those long flights or days when I just want to relax in my hostel), a small first aid kit (just in case), and last but certainly not least – my camera!
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about solo travel?
If you’re thinking about solo travel, my best advice would be to just go for it! Don’t overthink it or try to plan every single detail – part of the beauty of solo travel is that it’s spontaneous and unplanned. Solo travel is an amazing experience, and you’ll learn so much about yourself in the process.
Just be sure to do your research before you go and travel with confidence. And if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, always trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
Of course, there are some things you’ll want to research in advance (like where you’re going to stay, how to get around, etc.), but for the most part, just go with the flow and see where the wind takes you. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
What are some of your favorite solo travel tips?
Some of my favorite solo travel tips are:
- Bring a book or download some podcasts to keep yourself entertained on long bus/train rides
- Stop and talk to people! Solo travelers are usually more approachable than people traveling in groups, so strike up a conversation with someone at the hostel or in line for coffee. You never know who you’ll meet or where it will lead
- Invest in a good quality daypack – you’ll be carrying it around with you everywhere, so it’s worth it to get one that’s comfortable and will last
- Don’t be afraid to eat alone – some of my best travel memories are from meals I’ve had by myself
- Embrace the spontaneity of solo travel – go off the beaten path, take that detour, and see where it takes you!