Top 9 Solo Travel Tips from Black Women Solo Travelers

If you’re a black woman who’s been thinking of traveling solo, but haven’t taken the plunge yet, then this post is for you.

 

Solo in Marrakech, Morocco!

If you’re new to traveling solo and the thought of traveling alone for the first time makes you uneasy, you’re likely wondering what it will be like and asking yourself many questions:

Will I feel safe? What’s the best way to go about it? Which countries are safe for black women to travel to?

On this blog, I share a lot of my own experiences as a black woman solo traveler. But I wanted to go beyond that, and interview other black women solo travelers about their experiences.

In an effort to encourage and empower more black women to explore the world on their own terms, I asked nine different black women solo travelers about their experiences traveling solo as black women, what advice they would give to someone considering it, and what countries they felt were safe for black women to travel to.

Read on for their tips and advice, as well as a glimpse into their personal experiences. You’ll hear a few of their stories and get their advice on how to make the most of your trip – and hopefully feel inspired to start planning your own adventure!

 

 

Adalia Aborisade

I’m originally from Houston, Texas. I’ve been traveling solo for leisure for the last 10 years. When I’m not traveling I enjoy sewing and playing tourist at home in Mexico City.

You can keep up with my travels over on my Youtube channel: Picky Girl Travels the World

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

People are the same all over the world. Some are good and some aren’t. I focus on connecting with the good and ignore the rest.

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

I’ve never felt unsafe anywhere but China came close to making me feel that way.

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Mexico, Iceland, Thailand

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Solo travel is no different than living your everyday life. If you can adult, you can solo travel.

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures? 

You can follow me on Instagram, @Pickygirltravels

Meeka AheVonderae 

I’m a business owner from the Bronx. I grew up in a family that prioritized traveling which lead to me living in Senegal for 3 years after college. I’m currently attempting to visit every country in Africa. Soft life only please 😂

You can follow my adventures on my blog, The Wandering Afropologist

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

You will find your tribe. The people I’ve met on trips sometimes get me more than my friends back home. Solo travel allows you to step into the person you seek to be.

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

Cairo was a bit hectic with lots of catcalling, tricky taxi men, and questionable tour guides. Aswan and Hurghada is a much better experience.

Definitely research reputable tour guides because they can make or break your experience. Don’t rely on reviews on Viator because I witnessed your guides pressuring people to write inaccurate reviews.  

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Italy, Senegal, Ghana, Amsterdam 

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Just do it! Once you start, you’ll become addicted.

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures? 

You can find me on all platforms at @thewanderingafropologist 

Erika 

I’m Erika, from Long Beach, CA and I’ve been to 54 countries! Traveling is my passion.

I don’t have a blog yet, but I’m working on it.

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

Be yourself, be vigilant, and have fun with no regrets 

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

No, no bad experiences.

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Central America, Iceland, Maldives 

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Never let anyone tell you differently! Follow your own gut and wits. 

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures?

You can find me on Instagram, at @Virgolovealways and onesoultraveler, or Erika Traveller via Facebook!

Anya Nichelle

My name is Anya Nichelle, I am a 22-year-old entrepreneur and creative from Philadelphia, PA, and I’ve been traveling seriously since I was 19, so about 3 years!

My travel blog currently being revamped is blackgoesglobal.com but my personal Instagram is @theanyanichelle

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

Solo traveling has honestly given me a new found level of independence and confidence in myself. I think knowing that I can wake up and decide that I want to go to a country, and in that same day plan and book the trip without waiting on or explaining to anyone else gives you a certain freedom that you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Especially as a Black American but a woman on top of that, there’s a lot of times where society may make you feel like you’re too small or not good enough to do something, but with solo travel it gives the sense of “well if I can do this all on my own I can do anything.”

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

Personally no. Obviously, racism is everywhere, but in general I think if you are cautious and smart (don’t go out alone at night, etc) you’ll be fine for the most part.

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Anywhere that is of Latinx origin! The Dominican Republic, and Mexico are some of the most welcoming places I’ve been as a black woman, and most of the times because I’ve also picked up Spanish, they don’t even assume I’m a tourist, and actually just think I’m a local, Afro-Latina

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

If you’re serious about traveling and seeing the world, completely disregard “mainstream” opinions and talk surrounding it.

For example, the last guy I briefly dated had never left our hometown of Philadelphia and upon meeting me he expressed that he really wanted to get into traveling. He said that he felt that he couldn’t because it was super expensive to travel. I quickly showed him that that wasn’t the reality when I found us tickets to Guatemala that same week for under $200 round trip (both of us) but he immediately shot down the idea and refused to go because one of the connecting flights was with Spirit. To which I responded to him asking which airline he would rather fly with and he said “frontier.”

This is particularly ironic because as frequent travelers know, Frontier is another budget airline which is the same if not worse quality than Spirit! He had never flown anywhere but let the opinions of mainstream media completely cloud his judgment and in turn limit his experience as a traveler.

With solo traveling in general though, especially as a black woman there are going to be a lot of opinions just like that that may discourage you from traveling, like people telling you that you can’t do it, and that you shouldn’t go anywhere alone. But if your desire to see the world is genuine, you definitely have to learn to tune out all the background noise!

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures?

You can find me on my personal Instagram @theanyanichelle and my travel Instagram @anyabydesign

Malecia Bynum

I’m from DC, been traveling since 2019 but first solo trip was Miami in 2008, I’m a music and travel blogger and when I’m not working I’m at a show (concert) or on a trip.

You can find blurbs of my travel blog and my music blog on my Instagram at @alesemalese (for music, search the hashtag #8mabc).

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

Make sure someone aside from yourself knows your plan/schedule.

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

No, no bad experiences yet.

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

I really enjoyed Guatemala!

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Definitely start within the U.S. first. Make sure you’re comfortable here somewhere before tackling international.

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures? (Social Media, Youtube, etc) *Optional

On Facebook, under my name Malecia Bynum I do detailed nightly recaps when on trips, and on Instagram at @alesemalese I’ll do a small blurb after a trip.

Marquita

I’m Marquita, I live in the Atlanta area and I have been traveling since I was a kid. I love wine, photography and spending time with nature. 

On my YouTube channel I talk about all things travel, photography and sustainability. You may check out my Youtube channel, Kita the Explorer 

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

Be you and show the world who you are!

Where there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

China. I was safe but the pointing, staring and chatter definitely didn’t allow me to be comfortable at all times. 

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Turks & Caicos, Barcelona Spain, Costa Rica

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Start small before working yourself to a big international trip. 

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures?

YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/c/kitatheexplorer 

IG: https://www.Instagram.com/kitatheexplorer 

Website: https://www.kitatheexplorer.com 

Bella Bombay

I’m Bella, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’ve been traveling internationally since my first trip to the Bahamas in 2008. My first solo trip was to Iceland in 2021. My hobbies are content creation, scuba diving, eating, and shopping. 

My YouTube channel Bella Bombay features travel vlogs & tips and some lifestyle vlogs about my Ph.D. journey. My instagram @BellaBombay also features travel content. 

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

My biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always have a second electronic form of communication whether that be a second phone, iPad, or laptop. When I was solo in Belize, I dropped my phone in the water and even though I retrieved it, it was damaged so I was so grateful to have my laptop to still communicate and get my phone back on and back up my content! 

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

Not so far!

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

I would 10000% recommend Iceland!

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

My advice is to just do it! Make a plan of your accommodations, transportation, and tours/activities and share your location with someone you trust at all times. And enjoy your time!

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures?

My YouTube is Bellabombay (https://www.youtube.com/c/Bellabombay) and my IG is @bellabombay 

Jennifer Danielle

I’m originally from Memphis, TN but currently live in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been actively solo traveling since 2020.

I also have a Youtube channel as well, called Little Life of Wealth

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

The biggest takeaway I’ve learned is that solo travel builds confidence. Every time I take a solo vacation, I’m amazed at how empowered I feel. Knowing that I can visit a place I’ve never been before and return home safely makes me feel that I can achieve anything!

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

None yet

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

I’ve only experienced solo cruising so I can say of the places I’ve visited, the Dominican Republic was the most black girl friendly. 

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

My biggest piece of advice is to start small. I recommend starting with a staycation to gauge you comfort level and then branch off to events such as concerts, spa days etc. Also, watch youtube for tips and inspiration. 

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures?

You can connect with me via Instagram @TheJennDanielle or via Little Life of Wealth on Youtube

Renata Davis-Katche

My name is Ranata and I’m originally from South Carolina, but an expat working in Qatar. I’ve been a solo traveler for as long as I can remember. Since arriving in Qatar I’ve hit about 20 countries or so!

I also have a travel blog, Jet Set Melanin.

What is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’ve learned from solo traveling as a black woman?

My major takeaway traveling as a solo, black female is to move through any country you visit with your head held high. Move as though you belong in the space; but not with arrogance. Whether it’s your first trip or one of many, this allows people to catch your aura. The aura is I’m confident and I know how to navigate spaces I’m not familiar with. 

Were there any countries or destinations where you didn’t feel safe as a black solo traveler?

I can’t think of a country I felt unwelcomed, but if you head to Marrakech, Morocco stand firm in your I’m not interested while shopping in the medina. 

I don’t have any counties I wouldn’t recommend, but in Austria I did feel out of place. Until this day, I can’t put my finger on it. While I enjoyed my time and I even met up with another black, female solo traveler it’s just a feeling. However, do not allow the experience of someone else steer you away. 

Are there any countries or destinations that are black girl friendly that you would recommend?

Countries that I absolutely loved are Slovakia, Hungary, Georgia, Kenya, Belgium, and Sri Lanka. The people in Sri Lanka and Slovakia are so welcoming. 

Georgia had some of the best wine and cheese of my life. My Budapest visit was during the Christmas markets in December. Drink all the mulled wine you can and eat all the food. 

For the beer lovers, Belgium will change your taste buds! In Kenya, I thought I was at home. The beaches of Diani on the Indian Ocean… Never seen anything like it. 

What’s your biggest tip or piece of advice for black women who want to start solo traveling for the first time?

Here’s the inside tip: Some countries have multiple airports. The most well-known airport is usually the most expensive. For example, in Turkey it’s cheaper at times to fly into SAW instead of IST.  Either way, you have to take the Hava bus into Istanbul, and it’s the same price for a bus from both airports. Same for Belgium. It’s cheaper to fly into Brussels South Charlerois and catch the Flixbus for about 15 euro. In fact, taking the Flixbus between eastern European countries is super cheap, comfortable, and clean – with wifi. 

Oops, I almost forgot… Don’t forget the two-for-one countries! I caught the train from Brussels to Amsterdam for about $40 USD for a day trip. And as always: be safe, but be vigilant (as my dad says every time I’m off to a new country!)

Where can people find you to keep up with your adventures? 

You can keep up with my journey on my blog Jet Set Melanin or on Instagram, @Jetsetmelanin2018

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