A Black woman traveling solo is an empowering image. When Black women travel the world, they break free from society’s expectations and limitations and show the world all the different facets of who they are.
Every time a Black woman goes out on her own, she sets an example for other Black women to do the same. If you want to travel solo or need inspiration for your next solo trip, these five women will motivate you to book your ticket.
1. Jewels Rhode @traveljewels
Jewels Rhode lived most of her life following a straight and narrow path. She went to one of the top graduate schools, performed well, did internships, gained work experience, and did everything a model job seeker should do. However, after graduation, she applied to position after position without securing a job. After dozens of rejections, she decided to take a step back. She had followed the path she thought she was supposed to be on, and it led her nowhere.
So, she decided to self-reflect and pursue a passion that lay dormant inside of her. She decided to explore the unfamiliar and began traveling. Since she started her new journey, she has been to over 44 countries and has shared her experience on her blog, Travel Jewels. Now, she has created a travel brand that focuses on wellness through travel.
Why you should follow: She is the perfect example of the magic and wonder that can happen when you step outside your comfort zone.
2. Imani Bashir @SheIsImaniB
A travel journalist and content creator, Imani Bashir is a world traveler who has lived in four countries. While crossing continents and seas, she has shared her stories with top travel publications, including Conde Nast, National Geographic, and Travel and Leisure.
More than just working with top travel brands, she also shares her unique story of being a Black Muslim woman moving through the world and melting into different cultures. She has even expanded her skills into entrepreneurship by creating a luggage brand, the Take Off Collection, and a travel magazine for marginalized communities.
Why you should follow her: I enjoy following Bashir because she consistently creates honest, informative, and insightful content. She doesn’t give in to travel content’s fluff and aesthetically pleasing side. While you may see vibrant photos of her visiting exotic places, you’ll also get a clear perspective of what it’s like traveling in a particular country.
3. Annette Richmond @fromannettewithlove
If you believe travel should be an open space for everyone, regardless of skin color, body size, or gender, then you should follow Annette Richmond. She is an award-winning content creator, public speaker, travel writer, and advocate. Amongst her many titles, she is most known for creating the fat-positive community Fat Girls Traveling, which consists of over 50,000 women.
Her advocacy work involves two fronts. First, she empowers women of different sizes and shapes to enter the travel space confidently. Second, she encourages the travel industry to be more inclusive of all types of travelers.
Why you should follow: Richmond’s content empowers and supports women of all shapes and sizes. She is a prime example of what it means to show up in the world and confidently take up space.
4. Francesca Murray @onegirloneworld
Travel blogs have become extremely popular, yet Francesca Murray was one of the originators of her travel blog One Girl One World, which she started in 2011. With a B.A. in journalism and public relations, she is passionate about storytelling and travel. She created a brand that combines exploring the world with cultivating a good skin and hair care routine. As an Afro-Latina, she is proud of her roots and advocates for diversity and inclusion.
Murray has also been wearing her natural hair for the past five years, so her content is not only filled with travel adventures but also with beauty advice and tips.
Why you should follow her: Her blog offers travel guides for Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the United States.
5. Martinique Lewis @martysandiego
A trailblazer and a disruptor, Martinique Lewis has made one of the most notable impacts on the travel industry. She is the president of the Black Travel Alliance and the creator of the ABC Travel Greenbook and App, which helps connect travelers to the African Diaspora. Her work focuses on helping to change the face of tourism so that the travel industry becomes more inclusive and diverse.
Why you should follow: Lewis’s content is where you can easily become inspired because she shares Black voices in travel. Whether it’s connecting a destination to Black history or featuring Black-owned businesses, Lewis’s content will help you learn that Black people are a crucial part of the travel space.
These five women have and continue to make travel open and accessible to Black women everywhere, and hopefully, they have inspired you to solo travel. In addition to these adventurers, plenty more women are stepping into the world to explore, learn, and grow. If this list inspired you, don’t forget to continue searching, following, and supporting other Black female solo travelers.
