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5 Amazing Black-owned Travel Companies to Know and Support

“Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does.”

The second time Zim Flores ever traveled internationally, it was an across-the-world move to India . Landing a fellowship post-college in the South Asian country, the then-20-something sold everything she owned and made the life-changing leap. But what she discovered when she arrived was jarring: India’s fixation with fair skin. Flores first got a glimpse into this color complex while in Delhi, when she saw a commercial for a skin-lightening cream, advertising dark-skinned complexions as something to conceal.

This was coupled with the fact that she rarely, if ever, encountered someone who looked like her during her travels. “I had been living in India and traveling frequently around Southeast Asia , and never ran into someone who looked like me doing the same thing,” Flores, who spent a little over a year in the region, told Travel + Leisure .

Though tarnished, this still-transformative trip inspired Flores to change the narrative — to find a way to amplify Black travel experiences .

“Living and working in India afforded me the luxury of frequent and inexpensive travel. In addition to close proximity to other Asian countries, I was jetting to new destinations monthly — for as little as $8 for a one-way flight,” said Flores. “I believed instead of being the subject, someone who looked like me could be the traveler…so, I set out to create a place for Black travelers to connect and explore new boundaries.” And in 2013, Travel Noire was born.

According to a 2018 study by Mandala Research , African Americans spend nearly $63 billion on travel annually. Showcasing this representation, Travel Noire launched as a space for Black travelers to be seen and share their stories, providing tools, resources, inspiration, and eventually even guided tours. “I simply wanted to create a company that spoke to the unique experiences that I encountered while traveling,” said Flores, who served as the CEO until 2017, when she sold the company to Blavity, where it continues its mission to serve as a platform for Black millennials.

Flores is still known and celebrated as a powerful voice and presence in the travel space. When asked what it means to her to be a traveler of color, The Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, who has racked up quite a few passport stamps over the years, said, “It means that I am a cultural asset. The world is informed by Black culture — in clothes, in music, in art. I am proud, but I am also aware. I’m aware of my privilege as an African. And then as an African born in America. And as a Black person. These are all very different and carry with [them] different nuances. So, I carry these many identities with me as I travel around the world.”

And with that often comes challenges. “There are many who will mistake Black skin for dirt. There are people who have put their hands in my hair,” said Flores. “It’s getting the awkward stares when I fly in business class. It’s being denied a taxi because of the color of my skin. Then there are experiences of my friends who have been called immigrants, prostitutes, thugs, and thieves. You name it, we know it. I often have to dress nice enough for [people] to know that I have money, but not too nice so that I’m not a target. It can be an exhausting line to dance around, but when you travel as often as I have, you recognize that it’s part of the territory.”

But her relationship with travel remains strong. “I love the way [travel] challenges me to be a better person. For the way that it inspires me to dream. For the way my mind creates new worlds as a result of it. Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does,” she said. As a travel expert — one that is tapped into the latest trends — we asked Flores to share some of her favorite Black-owned travel companies to know and support.

The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective hosts group trips that offer a mix of creativity, adventure, and cultural immersion. Travelers can choose from a variety of themes including nature, wildlife, food, culture, and nautical experiences. “What Clé and his team are doing for travel and travel content is nothing short of remarkable. Some of the most breathtaking imagery I've ever seen.”

Dipaways specializes in coordinating private and group getaways. “This brand was started by a former Travel Noire experience designer, Chadricks. He is a master at experience design — so much so that Dipaways has grown exponentially in a matter of months. He has a knack for bringing good people together. If you find yourself on this trip, you won't regret it.”

Airfordable

Drawing from her own experience of struggling to buy expensive airline tickets to visit her family in Ghana, Ama Marfo co-founded Airfordable to make travel more accessible.“They allow you to split up the cost of your flights into payment plans. I had a family friend of ours use this to fly their family of six out to France for our wedding."

Curiocity is “a network of African-designed hostels rooted in community," with locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. "I’ve had the pleasure of staying at their Johannesburg hostel several times over the years and we’ve partnered with them to create unique experiences.”

Siviwe Tours

“ Siviwe is an inbound operator that I’ve worked with for many years. [They] specialize in guided experiences through Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township." Founded and owned by Siviwe Mbinda, a Langa local, Siviwe aims to share the culture of Langa with a wider audience, employ local residents, and support grassroots initiatives. "Much of what I know about South Africa is because of him.”

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7 Black-Owned Travel Companies You Should Know About

Jul 31. 2017.

This article was originally posted on Las Morenas de España .

This is the age of the Black Travel Movement. Despite what mainstream media may depict, there are more African Americans traveling, now more than ever. Also, despite the stereotypes, we’re traveling to more than just the Caribbean, Bahamas, Miami, and Vegas. With the rise of social media, online platforms, and travel communities, travel resources have become more readily available. Not only that, but the visibility of black travel has vastly increased as well; showing people of color that “Hey, you could be doing this too!”.

In the wake of this new age black-owned start ups have been able to fill in the gaps in the market, providing experiences, products, and services catered specifically to people of color. Here are 7 black-owned travel companies you should know:

Airfordable

When you hear the term “layaway” you probably think of clothes, toys, and big ticket items from Supercenters and places of the like. Where your mind probably doesn’t go is to airline tickets. However, it is a real thing and I’m here to tell you all about it. Birthed from the struggle of not being able to go to her native country, Ghana, during school breaks at university, Ama Marfro created Airfordable . This black-owned, travel company has made it easier and more affordable than ever to book flights. How so? Airfordable allows customers to secure their desired flight with an upfront deposit, and then pay in bi-weekly, recurring, installments until their flight is paid off. The best part about the service is no credit check is required. So, no more putting off your travel dreams because you’re low on cash or credit. No more dropping buckets of money on a flight at one time when you have other things that may take precedence at that time (you know, like rent/mortgage, lights, water, and gas). No more missing out on group trips because “the way your bank account is set up”. No more!

Travel Noire

Millennial women of color are dominating the travel scene right now. One of those women on the forefront, leading the pack, is Zim Ugochukwu, the creator and CEO of the online travel community, Travel Noire . I’ve been a fan and a follower of this community from early on and have witnessed it’s immense growth. It’s where I learned that glitch fares even existed, and how I nabbed an incredible deal to Abu Dhabi for $187, roundtrip.

  Learn How to Spot Error-Fare Flights!

This brand provides tools, resources, and experiences for the unconventional traveler. It offers everything from travel tips and tricks on how to save for travel to how to make travel a part of your lifestyle. Whether you’re sauntering through the world solo or gallivanting with a group, TN has built an inclusive community with resources for everyone. With their TN Experiences you can “discover a world you never knew existed”. Carefully curated, Travel Noire has cultivated local group trips that allows travelers to journey deeper and have a true authentic experience. Some of their 2017-2018 destinations include, Amalfi Coast, Bali, Cape Town, Cuba, Salvador, Zanzibar, and more.

We all need a tribe – that select group of people who are “family by choice”. That’s exactly what Evita Robinson set out to create when she created the Nomadness Travel Tribe. Likeminded individuals, with an urban edge, who have a lust for travel is what the Tribe is all about. Nomadness didn’t just stop at curated group trips; from their web series to Nomadness apparel to annual travel conferences, it has become an entire lifestyle brand.

Black Girl Fly

This group was founded for women and girls who love travel. It has since turned into a melanin movement and tight-knit sisterhood. What started as a way to share her personal journey, owner’s Gabrielle Victoria corner of the interwebs eventually morphed into an entire network of women who enjoy the same interests. Since 2015 BGF has begun offering group trips. However, these ladies take group trips to another level! Glamping in Gatlinburg anyone? Or how about sliding on your fuzzy slippers or a cozy onesie for a weekend Slumber Party in Atlanta ? You can also experience the world, and immerse yourself into various cultures with BGF, visiting places like Cartegena, Nairobi, India, etc.

Up in the Air Life

Work hard. Play harder. Enjoy the finer things in life. This is, essentially, the concept of the black-owned, travel company Up in the Air Life (UITAL), founded by Claire Soares. Claire noticed there was a gap in the market for working professionals of color who, not only loved travel, but also enjoyed the finer things in life. This realization lead to the creation of UITAL, a luxury travel company that creates epic experiences.

UITAL curates meetups, trips, and events, all in the name of inspiring, connecting, and growing. They do all the leg work and heavy lifting with the planning, and all the members, known as Lifers, have to do is show up and have fun.

I’m sure by now we’ve all heard of the unfortunate discrimination issues with Airbnb (remember hashtag #AirbnbWhileBlack?). Though the company made strides to address the issue, those efforts may have came just a little too late. Such was born Innclusive . After experiencing their own fair share of Airbnb grievances, founders Rohan Gilkes and Zakiyyah Myers set out to create an online booking platform where people of all backgrounds can travel the world and stay with respect, dignity, and love. They now have accommodations in over 130+ countries.

  Learn About Other AirBnb Alternatives!

Las morenas de españa.

Of course I can’t talk about black-owned travel companies without mentioning LMDES . This was my go to guide/source when making my move to Spain, and I have been fortunate enough to now be a contributor to this incredible site. Our founder, Sienna Brown, first launched LMDES as a resource for women of color who lacked resources about life in Spain. Since then, this digital platform has reached greater heights and not only cater to expats in Spain, but travelers and expats worldwide.

LMDES is all about inspiring and building communities, so they often host various events in Spain, such as the LMDES Rooftop Social, Madrid Afternoon Soiree, and Sake & Vibe. One of the biggest events was the Thrive Conference , where people from all over the globe came to learn, share, and network in a day packed with informative workshops and panels. There are so many great things to come with LMDES. Stay tuned!

These are all separate entities who share a common goal: Inspire. Enrich. Build. Connect. Grow. Learn. The Black Travel Movement is taking the world by storm, and it’s black-owned travel companies like these that help facilitate and pave the way.

What are some of your favorite black-owned travel companies? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! 

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Monique Y. Wells

Thanks for publicizing the names of these black-owned travel companies. My husband and I are the founders of Discover Paris!, a black-owned travel company that provides guided walking tours on African-American history in Paris. Visit our website here: https://discoverparis.net .

Ms.Mac’s Teach and Travel llc

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The 14 Best Black Travel Specialists to Help You Create Your Next Dream Vacation

Luxury travel doesn't always prioritize the black traveler. these industry advisors are making it sure it does., demetrius simms, demetrius simms's most recent stories.

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Three years ago, travel research and marketing firm MMGY Global released a report showing that Black Americans spent more than $100 billion on travel in 2019, a banner year for the industry. A staggering figure, for sure, driven by 458.2 million Black travelers stays or 13.1 percent of the US leisure travel market at the time. The pandemic upended such progress for all groups in 2020, and its lingering hold was evident in 2021 and 2022. Now, though, with the world fully reopened, expect Black travelers to expand their reach and ambitions alongside most five-star travelers: 49 percent of respondents in a survey conducted by Booking.com said they would likely spend more on their next trip.

What will drive their decisions on where to spend that expanding budget? Per a  follow-up report by MMGY Global in 2021 54 percent of Black travelers were “more likely to visit a destination if they see Black representation in travel advertising.” Additionally, 71 percent of US and Canadian respondents agreed that “safety was extremely or very influential” in their decision-making on whether a destination was perceived as desirable for Black people. A chance to connect with locals and engage with activities that highlight Black culture were also decision-drivers, according to a poll by Global Green Book of Black travelers from over 60 countries, attracting 67 percent and 40 percent of respondents, respectively.

The travel industry as a whole has a poor reputation for representation: More than two thirds of travel advisors in America identify as white, and barely more than 7 percent are Black. Finding those Black advisors, though, and working with one who truly understands the luxury market is time consuming and complicated—and that’s where Robb Report ‘s list can help. We’ve pulled together 14 need-to-know names, with varied specialties from cruise to safari, living and working everywhere from Atlanta to Tanzania—these are the people to call when you next want to book a vacation.

Amina Dearmon, Perspectives Travel

Following a 15-year stint as a luxury beauty and fashion exec, Amina Dearmon launched her membership-based travel agency Perspectives Travel  in 2019. Based in New Orleans, her firm Perspectives Travel operates on a tiered basis, with three levels of service: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The latter, costing $1,000 for 10 hours of planning, includes preliminary phone consultations, tour and restaurant bookings, as well as special offers after your trip for future travels. 

Crucially for her luxury bona fides, her firm is affiliated with Virtuoso , an invitation-only organization that effectively acts as a guarantee of quality in the luxury travel space. Dearmon hopes to encourage Black travelers to absorb her sense of adventure. “I share my experiences as a luxury traveler with my clients in the hope that it will encourage other travelers of diverse backgrounds to feel confident in visiting the destination or property,” she tells Robb Report.

Brianna Glenn, Milk + Honey Travels

Milk + Honey Travels founder Brianna Glenn realized her love for travel after college via a 10-year professional track-and-field athlete. “I got to compete all over the world,” she tells Robb Report . “Travel had become such a huge part of my life and I loved the idea of finding a career that would keep me connected to that in some way. Glenn has visited over 30 countries and launched her Orange County-based agency in 2015 with a focus on properties and experiences that are “boutique in nature.”      Milk + Honey Travels, a Virtuoso member, plans trips around membership-based and per trip fees. Its services range from custom trip planning to VIP travel packages, and à la carte services. VIP travelers pay a one-time $2,000 retainer which includes unlimited travel planning for a year, travel concierge for all your trips and insider access to amenities at luxury partner properties—from Four Seasons to Mandarin Oriental —in destinations like Italy, Spain, France and Croatia.

Kareem George, Culture Traveler

As a lifelong traveler, Kareem George has ventured to over 80 countries across all seven continents. Managing a team of nine at his luxury travel agency named Culture Traveler in Franklin, Michigan, the specialist aims to foster greater global understanding through travel. “I feel strongly that travel is our best teacher,” he tells Robb Report. His firm helps diversify travel by promoting less visited destinations to its clients, with luxe stays from Hungary to New Zealand.

George is hoping to expand the cruise world’s relationship with Black travelers via his role on Hurtigruten Expeditions ’ Black Traveler Advisory Board in 2022. “Black travelers are a large group keen to travel,” he tells Robb Report, and notes that 2023 looks stronger than ever, “The number of Black travelers we serve has already risen by 12 percent over this time last year.” Weeklong trips rates for two can range from $5,000 to $7,000 per person. Weekend escapes via yacht charter and private jet trips can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000. 

Maurice Smith, Eugene Toriko

Sustainable luxury travel specialist Maurice Smith is the founder of Eugene Toriko , a four-year-old company in Atlanta, with a team of eight Black advisors, including Smith. “After being in the industry for years, I noticed that there’s an inconsistency in the level of support provided to travel advisors/independent contractors,” he tells Robb Report via email. “This sparked my drive to build relationships within the industry with the ultimate goal to start my own independent travel agency.”

Come to him for adventurous, eco-minded trips—he has particular expertise in Central America. Smith’s focus on sustainability includes collating an assortment of affiliate properties that share his values— Bawah Reserve in Indonesia is a personal favorite, but he’s also an advocate for Habitas , the new luxury boutique operator which emphasizes minimal footprints with maximum impact. Trip design fees start at $499.

Kemi Wells, Wells Luxury Travel

U.K. native and Wells Luxury Travel founder Kemi Wells, has visited more than 60 countries across six continents and has lived on three of them. She joined the travel industry in 2014 as an executive for a travel management company before launching her own Vancouver-based travel agency in 2021 that specializes in curating luxe trips around celebrations, wedding anniversaries, honeymoons and birthdays. 

For one recent trip she planned to Rwanda, a country that has helped pioneer the high-end, low-density tourism model that’s increasingly emphasized across Africa: Kemi coordinated a private jet-based trip there which included a stop in South Africa, too, with stays at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita Kwitonda . Fees start at $500 for 4 hours of planning at WLT. When booking trips during peak season, longer, complex trips can total around $150,000 to $250,000.

Linda Scroggins, Affluent Luxury Travel

Affluent Luxury Travel is the brainchild of founder and president Linda Scroggins. Scroggins spent time in asset management and dispositions before launching her travel agency in 2019. She says she segued into the industry by turning her after hours abilities into a career. “While working in the legal profession for almost two decades, my hobby was researching and making travel arrangements for my friends and family, doing it for free because it was fun,” Scroggins tells Robb Report. 

Her concierge-style, Virtuoso-affiliated company offers three tiers of membership—the highest end, Black, costs $200,000 per year. For that, expect access to booking everything from private jets to VIP one-off experiences like meeting actor Denzel Washington or receiving two ringside tickets to a boxing match in Las Vegas. Planning rates for ALT start at $1,000 per person and can reach up into the six figures for bespoke vacations and cruise adventures.

Antoine Wilson & Okello Jao, Melanated Safaris

Looking to explore the Africa’s Serengeti or mainland Tanzania? Try Melanated Safaris founder Antoine Wilson and its co-owner Okello Jao. Their 100% Black-owned, Tanzania-based firm offers a diverse assortment of safari packages, varying from a five-day Serengeti-focused outing to two-week-long Ultimate Tours focused on various corners of the country.

“Each and every safari we give back to the local community in some shape or fashion, whether it’s giving school supplies to local Maasai Villages, or passing out sanitary napkins to school girls,” Wilson tells Robb Report . The firm specializes in small groups, with specific dates earmarked for each itinerary. Trips planned by the agency can range from $3,500 per person to $20,000 with VIP packages including 5-star hotels, expedited customs screenings and private transportation for your adventures.

Belvin Baldwin II, Showtime Travel

Showtime Travel , founded by Belvin Baldwin II, is an Atlanta-based company that specializes in five-star all-inclusive vacations. Baldwin identified that niche as a turnkey option for the busiest of Black professionals—the ultimate five-star fly & flop—but will also work with anyone to custom-design a trip, as with a recent ask, where he helped organize a $200,000 trip to Ghana for a client’s birthday. It included a stay at five-star Kempinski hotel, private excursions, custom tailored clothing for each guest and a dedicated driver for the entire trip.    “The major challenge I see is the limited diversity marketing from luxury travel suppliers,” he says of the Black traveler today, “If they don’t see any diversity, they may feel that they are not wanted or may not enjoy their vacation.” 

Valerie Dorsey, Cruise Planners

Valerie Dorsey’s niche is in her name: Cruise Planners. Dorsey launched the company after a 21-year career in pharmaceutical sales, as a post-retirement career, with an already existing love of travel. “About half of my business is with black travelers,” she says, noting that her role is as much advocate as agent. “I sit on the Board of ASTA South Florida as the director of membership. We are strong advocates of Blacks in the C-Suite of the cruise lines and all other aspects of the travel industry.”

Dorsey has expertise in all major cruising destinations from Alaska to the Mediterranean, and works almost exclusively with luxury lines like Viking, Silversea and Oceania. Cruise Planners’ rates average between $30,000 to $50,000 in total among luxury clients, Dorsey claims. One recent trip she planned, part cruise and part land, totaled $60,000 for clients to explore Greece and Italy.

Jackie Williams, NuVibe Travel Experiences

Jacksonville, FL native Jackie Williams had a life-changing trip in 1998, two years after Hurricane Bertha ravaged St Martin and the Virgin Islands. Seeing students walking along the streets there amid still-ruined streets was an indelible memory for 16-year-old Williams and it set her up on the professional path she’s followed since: establishing a travel agency to help others experience similar awakening experiences via their travels.

NuVibe Travel Experiences specializes in destination weddings and vow renewals, as well as destination celebrations and bucket list adventures that includes safaris and luxury expeditions. Her rates for trip-planning start at $750, and $1,695 for destination weddings. Starting budgets are $1,500 per person and can add up to a starting budget of $21,000 for a seven-night experience.

Tisha Neufville, Neufville Travel

Virtuoso-accredited, Atlanta-based Tisha Neufville is passionate about travel. As a teen with Jamaican roots, the luxury travel advisors explored the world from a young age with her parents and has now visited a total of six continents.

Neufville has lived in Asia three times, and is an insider guide to Japan above all—she’s recognized by the country’s notoriously picky tourism board, JNTO, as an advanced specialist in the country. Consulting fees for Neufville’s insider services range between $450 and $1,500 per trip.

Tillie and Joseph James, Tilly James Travel

After 20 years of working in federal government, Tillie James became a travel advisor three years ago, and now co-owns her namesake firm with her husband, Joseph, a former event manager; planning rates start at $500 per itinerary.

The Richmond VA-based couple will plan luxury vacations across the world, from Peru to Paris, but has specific know-how in cruising, whether river-cruising in Europe or island-hopping around French Polynesia. They also operate select group tours—later this year, these include a 10-day trip to Provence and a music-focused Caribbean cruise.

Demetrius Simms is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Following a brief stint in public relations, their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture publications such as Men's Health, Complex…

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10 Black-Owned Travel Businesses Making It Easier To See The World

Black people are spending a lot on tourism and we want to spend those funds supporting Black-owned businesses . But where does one start?

In 2019, MMGY Global reported that Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4 billion on domestic travel. In that same year, they also spent $129.6 billion on international travel. As we re-enter pre-pandemic travel levels, those numbers are increasing. Although the industry is ever-growing, it can still do more for diversity and inclusion in its advertising and outreach. This sentiment is resonating within the travel community. In a follow-up report conducted in 2021, the group found that 54% of Black tourists were “more likely to visit a destination if they see Black representation in travel advertising.” 

For Black Business Month, we compiled a list of some of the movers and shakers in the this particular industry creating dynamic travel experiences for novice and veteran Black globetrotters.  

Goods and Services

Orion Brown, Black Travel Box : It’s no secret that skin and body care products in hotel rooms are not always melanin-friendly or readily available in travel-size packaging. To bridge the gap, the company offers a variety of Black hair and skin products such as balms, co-wash, and conditioners in TSA-compliant sizes. 

Tech and Resources

Martinique Lewis, ABC Greenbook App : Safety has always been a concern for Black tourists domestically and abroad. As an expert in travel diversity and a globetrotter , Lewis understood the importance of keeping both issues at the forefront. Inspired by the Negro Motorist Green Book used during the Jim Crow era, she created this app to help Black travelers find community anywhere in the world. 

Tour and Experience Operators

Yollie Copeland, Explore Jax Core : Although the tours offered by Explore Jax Core are specific to the Jacksonville, Fla. region, for those venturing to the city with a quest for Black history, culture, and exploration, this is the premiere option. Copeland carefully maps out stops based on participants’ interests and provides an unfiltered look at Jacksonville throughout the years. 

Stephanie M. Jones, Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism : CHAT is an award-winning receptive tour operator, connecting travelers with local experts on Black history. By using small businesses as local experts, they can provide culturally curious travelers with authentic storytelling. CHAT magnifies the Black culture in any city they operate in by acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of unknown and little-known trailblazers, inventors, and activists. 

Christina Rice, OMNoire : Retreats and wellness spaces have been another category that has held little to no representation for Black women. Created to offer a place to rejuvenate, find healing, or grow in certain aspects of life, OMNoire hosts global retreats . From book lovers to wine enthusiasts and yoga experts, there are retreats for every interest.

Travel Agents and Planners

Tisha Neufville, Neufville Travel : Recognized as a “ Top Travel Specialist 2023 ” by Conde Nast, Neufville’s travel agency goes beyond traditional tours to provide clients with immersive and unforgettable experiences across the globe. As a former resident of Asia, she has a concentrated focus on creating itineraries for Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. The latter has earned her recognition from the Japan National Tourism Organization as an advanced specialist. Whether visiting for rest, exploration, or cultural experiences, travelers can expect an elevated itinerary beyond traditional tourist encounters. 

Tillie and Joseph James, Tilly James Travel : The husband and wife duo specialize in luxury vacation planning for coveted destinations worldwide, including customized itineraries for any occasion, solo, group, or corporate travel, and luxurious cruises. The pair are also experts in planning heritage tours to assist travelers in connecting with their roots. For non-profit organizations, the agency can aid in planning fundraiser trips. 

Priscilla Powell, Prissi Travels : The itineraries designed by Prissi are done with busy professionals in mind who are ready to be fully immersed in vacation mode. The agency is also known for hosted experiences in locations such as Kenya and Dubai that are perfect for solo travelers who may want to be a part of small groups of like-minded people. Also a premiere choice for celebrations, they take celebratory vacations and destination weddings to the next level with unlocked hidden gems in well-known and under-the-radar destinations. 

Lodging Platforms

Jessica E. Boyd, Journey Black Home : Boyd’s platform curates listings of Black-owned Airbnb stays in the United States to assist fellow travelers in connecting with Black hosts. The listing is a much-needed answer to the long-standing history of discriminatory practices by other hosts on the platform towards minorities. The travel platform also contains listings of Black-owned restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences. Essentially, the website is a comprehensive guide to everything a Black traveler would need to feel at home during their journey.

Flight Arrangements

Ama Marfro, Airfordable : Airfare can sometimes be the most expensive part of travel. Airfordable seeks to make the prices of flights manageable for all budgets by breaking up the cost of flights into bi-weekly installments. Patrons will not undergo a credit check, but a deposit is required to secure the ticket(s). The final payment must be made before the departure date. This service allows passengers to lock in a great price or purchase multiple tickets at once, absorbing some of the financial strain of a costly upfront transaction. 

For your next vacation, consider using the services of one of these trusted travel experts or services.

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12 Black-Owned Companies Setting New Standards in Luxury Travel

Many travelers would love to give some or all of their business to firms owned by people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups. If you’re one of them, this one’s for you. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the notable black-owned firms in the world of luxury travel right now, including hotels, destination spas , tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies.

black-owned firms to know in the world of luxury travel

OK, we’ll admit it. We have been daydreaming a lot lately about traveling to spend time with friends and family. Or to have a solo adventure in a place we’ve always wanted to go.

Top black-owned luxury travel companies and tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies.

Ah . . . we have so many travel fantasies that we have been forever putting off. Like renting a villa in Ibiza, cruising through the Greek islands, or going on safari. But for black Americans, travel hasn’t always been as simple as dreaming up the perfect destination and then heading out to explore it. In some cases, it’s still not.

the green book

More than 80 years ago, Victor Hugo Green created The Negro Motorist Green Book. This unique travel guide catered to the concerns of black travelers at a time when Jim Crow laws and racial segregation were prominent in the U.S. It featured trusted hotels, restaurants, and gas stations – so that black people could travel without fear. Or at least, a little less fear.

What are the top black-owned luxury travel companies and tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies?

Circumstances have improved mightily for black travelers in the decades since the Civil Rights Act banned segregation in America. But when it comes to the luxury travel and hospitality industry today, black-owned businesses are still few and far between.

Less than 2% of hotels across the country are currently Black-owned. And although spending by African-American travelers has steadily increased to $63 billion (from $48 billion in 2010), much of the luxury travel market still targets and showcases predominantly white tourists —only 2.6% of ads focus on black audiences. A recent study cited by Bloomberg Business reported that fewer than 2% of executives in the hospitality industry are Black.

One benefit of having ample time to dream and plan is that we can be deliberate and conscious about which businesses we choose to support in our travels. With this guide, we are hoping to make it easier to identify and support Black-owned luxury travel businesses, ranging from resorts to travel agencies to yacht and air charters.

In a perfect world, travelers of all races will be able to travel with confidence, secure in the knowledge that the hospitality industry is . . . actually hospitable to everyone. But until then, all travelers can know that these Black-owned businesses offer more than just traditional luxury. They also offer peace of mind from implicit bias and discrimination.

And as always, putting dollars into Black-owned hospitality companies will foster the dawn of a more inclusive and diverse global luxury travel industry. Which would be a true luxury indeed.

black-owned luxury hotels 

1. salamander resorts and spas: virginia, florida, south carolina, jamaica.

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, is the owner of the luxurious 340-acre property, Salamander Resort and Spa located in the countryside of Middleburg, Virginia.

It is the DC area’s only 5-star destination resort and offers a 23,000 square foot spa, as well as outdoor adventures like zip-lining, hiking, and horseback riding. Our ace travel agent Judi spent a long weekend there recently, and she said it was one of the best resort experiences she’d ever had. It’s pure luxury all the way, from the horse barn and stables to the resort rooms.

Johnson’s company also manages equally sophisticated and luxuriously appointed properties in Destin, Florida ; Charleston, South Carolina ; Montego Bay, Jamaica ; and Tampa Bay, Florida , should you be up for a tour of the South.

2. Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns: New York, Washington D.C, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Husband and wife team — Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood (former editor-in-chief for Essence magazine), grew their upscale lodging collection from a dilapidated mansion in Brooklyn that the neighborhood children once called “the haunted house.”

They restored the 14-foot ceilings, ornate fireplaces, intricate parquet wood floors of the 1860’s landmark mansion with modern amenities like oversized Jacuzzi tubs. And decorated it throughout with antiques and elegant Afrocentric decor.

Their vision extended to a Victorian inn in the beach town of Cape May, NJ ; a literary-themed townhouse in DC ; a luxury spa resort set in a Gilded Age mansion that once belonged to the founders of the F.W. Woolworth Corp. in the Poconos Mountains ; and a historic manor in Philadelphia .

3. La Maison in Midtown: Houston, Texas

Houston attorney Genora Boykins and her business partner Sharon Owens are the epitome of boss women. Both juggled their full-time jobs while building and opening the three-story New Orleans-inspired B&B with a conference room for meetings and a parlor, living room, and dining area for that quintessential at-home vibe.

The property is surrounded by some of Houston’s finest dining, best shopping, and entertainment venues. It has also been included on BedandBreakfast.com’s list of the World’s 10 Best Urban Bed and Breakfasts.

4. The Ivy Hotel: Baltimore, Maryland

Husband and wife, Eddie and Sylvia Brown met as college students at Howard University and embarked on opening this exquisite hotel after nearly 50 years of marriage.

The historic Mount Vernon mansion underwent 4 years of renovations and is now complete with 18 posh and charming suites and guest rooms, a luxury spa, and home to Magdalena , the culinary jewel of Baltimore.

5. Urban Cowboy B&B: New York and Tennessee

Jersey Banks is one-half of the hipster B&B venture, Urban Cowboy, that she shares with partner Lyon Porter. Together, they have created impossibly cool and Instagrammable accommodations in the Catskill mountains of New York and in Nashville, Tennessee.

Each property is decked out with a maximalist’s eye for design: regional craft traditions, handpicked antiques, loud pattern mixing that just works. Their Catskills Lodge is set on 68 sprawling acres with access to hiking trails and swimming streams. The Nashville property boasts eight experiential suites housed in a historic Victorian mansion while the on-site Public House Bar serves up amazing craft cocktails.

black-owned transportation services

1. soca caribbean yacht charters.

If the Caribbean is calling your name, you’ll need to charter a yacht for a true luxury experience. Howard Law graduate Sheila Ruffin grew up boating with her grandfather on Virginia’s eastern shore. Those experiences inspired her to start her own travel company after a stint in St. Thomas.

Her company provides full crew charters based in the Bahamas, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Whether it’s providing door-to-dock-to-door service, personal gourmet chefs, or bartenders, Ruffin’s company is dedicated to making your vacation an epic experience.

2. B2Aviation

Bernie Burns is defying odds in more ways than one- first, as a black pilot (only 3% of commercial pilots are African American) and second as the owner of a private aviation company.

Prior to the launch of B2 Aviation, Burns worked for Cessna Aircraft Co. and Bombardier – two of the largest companies in private aviation. With $6,000 in personal savings, he started his company, which now arranges private jet flights all around the world and curates exceptional travel experiences.

If you’re fed up with the constant Uber and Lyft controversies, consider Moovn instead. Launched in 2015 by Godwin Gabriel, Moovn Technologies is proudly black-owned and comprised of almost 99% black driver-partners.

Tanzania-born Gabriel immigrated to the U.S where he taught himself to code. His app works the same way as any other ride-sharing app, allowing the passenger to schedule or pre-schedule a ride up to a month in advance. The company has operations in most major US cities, as well as in Canada and Africa.

black-owned travel and tour services

1. perspective travel.

Perspective Travel prides itself on offering unique access to the places that even Google can’t find.  Nothing that they do is copy and paste. They believe that “needle in a haystack” travel experiences should be the norm and not the exception.

Founder Amina is passionate about seeing a destination through the eyes of locals is a privilege, respecting the culture and traditions of a destination is a necessity.

2. Travel Noire

Travel Noire is an award-winning boutique travel company founded with one lofty goal in mind. Founder, Zim Ugochukwuthe, wanted to make international travel more inclusive and representative for explorers of color.

The multimedia site offers a community membership that helps discerning travelers discover, plan and experience new destinations. From partnerships with black owned hotels and brands around the world to exclusive content for travelers of color.

3. Showtime travel

Showtime Travel is a travel agency that focuses on helping busy professionals plan leisure luxury all-inclusive vacations since 2002. Their goal is to give busy professionals peace of mind so all they have to do is show up and enjoy their vacation.

4. The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective a bespoke community travel experience. They host monthly group trips “for the constantly curious, the daringly brave.” Every trip is crafted alongside local partners in their destinations provide adventurers with an immersive experience from the moment they land to the moment they leave.

Whether it’s Sri Lanka, Morocco, Japan or the South of France, founder Clé Hunnigan, believes travel can heal and inspire creativity.

black-owned firms in the world of luxury travel

As these companies prove, traveling with Black-owned luxury travel businesses can open up your mind and the world. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for when you’re planning your next big trip !

Julie Murphy

Julie began her career in fashion as a design intern at 3.1 Phillip Lim after graduating from Parsons School of Design. As the fashion editor at Dandelion Chandelier, she brings over a decade of experience as a designer and marketing creative to cover trends and styling.

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5 Black-Owned Travel Companies to Have on Your Radar Right Now

These Black-owned travel companies, focusing on inclusivity, community and sustainability, are the best places you can spend your money.

Are you getting antsy to plan your next vacation ? I am too! And what better time to support Black-owned businesses than now?

Travel has always been seen as a white person’s game, with most websites heavily featuring white faces with a “diversity shot” thrown in. Racism is not only felt by travelers while visiting other cities and countries, but also while planning their travel; with companies not understanding what is important for people of color. However, Black-owned travel businesses are changing the game, ensuring that travelers of color are included and centered in the travel world.

These 5 Black-owned travel companies focusing on inclusivity, community and sustainability are the best place you can spend your money:

Travel Noire

Founded by Zim Ugochukwu, Travel Noire aims to make international travel more inclusive and representative for people of color who want to explore the world! Essentially a digital media company serving millennials, they craft authentic content; featuring images of travelers of color, inspiring you to take a leap and plan your next getaway. With a focus on community building and changing the world, Travel Noire claims to be all about transformation at its core. 

Henderson Travel Service

Henderson Travel was the first African-American-owned travel company in the U.S., established in 1955 and still going strong! Founded by Freddye and Jake Henderson, they took American tourists to Ghana in 1957, before commercial planes even flew there. Their revolutionary history of Black-centric travel persists as they plan Black History Month tours, Akwasidae Festival tours to Ghana, and more. So next time you want to take a vacation, go with the original travelers of color.

Airfordable

While not a traditional travel company, this startup allows you to pay for your airline tickets in installments. Your dream vacation doesn’t seem too far away now, does it? All you have to do is submit your itinerary and other trip details; and allow Airfordable to work their magic by recommending the best payment plan.  Shoutout to CEO Ama Marfo for recognizing the need to support those low on cash but don’t lack a passion for travel! 

Tastemakers Africa

Tastemakers Africa, founded by Cheraé Robinson, connects the continent and the Black diaspora; online and in real life! With tours ranging from ‘Magic and Art in Morocco’ and ‘Scenes, Sand, and Safari in Kenya’, who can resist booking their next trip to Africa? Don’t worry, though! Tastemakers Africa has got you covered in quarantine, too. Offering exclusive virtual experiences and opportunities to network and collaborate, here is your chance to build a community across the world while sitting at home. 

Sisters Traveling Solo

That empowering feeling you get when you travel solo? That is what Sisters Traveling Solo wants to create for all women of color! Their mission is to connect, empower, inspire, and support Sisters; and in doing so, they’ve built a community of 70,000+ Sisters on Facebook that you can join. Along with solo travel, they also offer cool group tours ranging from cultural to traditional and a master course by founder Cole Banks to help you turn your vacations into a full-time job!

While we wait and anxiously check the news to see if it’s safe to travel again, take the time to indulge in the online experiences offered by these companies. What are your favorite Black-owned travel companies? 

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Back to Africa: 11 Black Tour Companies That Will Take You There

Africa has a lot to offer the eager traveler.  From the fledgling drummer drawn to the music, to the student of politics trying to wrap one’s mind around apartheid’s legacy, to the seeker in search of a personal connection to their ancestral homeland, the continent extends its welcome.  And while it’s certainly possible to go on one’s own, some may want to enlist the help of a travel professional.  The Atlanta Post has rounded up eleven black companies that specialize in coordinating tours from the US.  While all help with standard requirements like airfare, accommodation, tour guides, translation, etc., some go further, organizing trips that explore such concepts as spiritual development or investment opportunities.  Whatever your interest, you’re bound to find a firm that can assist you in realizing the ideal travel experience.

Henderson Travel

Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey

Opening its doors in 1955, Henderson Travel considers itself the first full-service, black-owned travel company to operate in the United States. In 1957 when commercial travel between the US and Africa did not exist, Freddye and Jake Henderson chartered a flight to Ghana to celebrate its independence. Today the founders’ daughter, Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey, heads the firm, continuing a long tradition of promoting African travel.  Itineraries reach across Africa and, of late, Brazil, where African culture has strong resonance.

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Africa’s captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife raise awareness of the continent’s natural beauty and ecological importance. Through sustainable tourism initiatives, travelers gain firsthand knowledge of Africa’s rich biodiversity, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and environmental stewardship. At Melanated Safaris, we’re committed to promoting awareness through responsible travel practices, ensuring that each journey educates and inspires our guests to become advocates for Africa’s preservation.


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Melanated Safaris is deeply committed to uplifting the indigenous tribes of Africa. Through various initiatives, we contribute financially, provide essential resources such as school supplies and clothing, and engage in community development projects to support their well-being. By investing in the education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods of tribal communities, we aim to foster resilience and prosperity for generations to come.


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We curate unforgettable experiences that immerse our clients in the richness of African culture and heritage. Each moment is crafted with care to leave a lasting impression, ensuring that our clients reminisce about their vacation for years to come. With Melanated Safaris, the journey is not just a trip—it’s a transformative experience that transcends expectations, changes one perception of Africa, and creates lifelong memories.

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Cultural immersion is a must and a top priority at Melanated Safaris, where every journey is crafted to foster genuine connections with the heart and soul of Tanzania. Through dedicated partnerships with local communities, we don’t just offer experiences; we open doors to authentic, enriching encounters that redefine your safari adventure. Welcome to a world where every moment is a celebration of the vibrant culture of Tanzanian life.

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Black-Owned Travel Companies You Should Know and Support

As we continue to stand in solidarity with the Black community , it remains vital that we support Black-owned businesses in every way possible. Regarding this, the  travel industry particularly remains one of the hardest-hit markets during this pandemic. So, as we plan our next getaway, a transformative trip can be more meaningful if we could help amplify Black travel experiences .

Black Americans have a deafening history with travel; before the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Black Americans were downgraded to poor-quality public transportation, denied lodging in hotels, and were intimidated to stay put.

Today, thanks to the rise of social media, online platforms, and travel communities, more African Americans have been traveling more than ever, and the visibility of  Black tra vel has vastly increased as well. As reported in a 2018 Mandala Research , African Americans were known to spend nearly 63 billion dollars on travel annually.

With that said, here are some of the best Black-owned travel companies that can help you navigate the globe.

Travel Noire

Travel Noire is a stylish, trailblazing Black travel group geared towards young professionals. CEO and founder  Zim Ugochukwu created the community to give the people of color a space to share and bond over experiences abroad. The objective for this initiative is simple yet profound, that is “to make international travel more all-embracing and evocative for travelers of color.”

By inspiring individuals to disturb their traditional governance, travelers can live their life with people who constantly challenge themselves to be better.

Nomadness Travel Tribe

Evita “Evie” Turquoise Robinson , an African-American pioneer of the urban travel movement, is the founder of Nomadness Travel and Nomadness TV . The Nomadness Travel Tribe , in particular, was established for like-minded individuals who have both an urban edge and a lust for travel. 

Thus, unlike other travel companies, Nomadness is not only limited to curated group trips; they also have their web series , Nomadness apparel , and annual travel conferences , which allowed them to set off as an entire lifestyle brand .

Up in the Air Life

Founded by Claire Soares with the concept, “Work hard. Play harder. Enjoy the finer things in life.” , Up In the Air Life (UITAL) is a luxurious travel company dedicated to social adventures . 

With its unique combination of in-person group-hosted tours and a  vibrant online community with over 20,000 members , UITAL is the go-to hub for world-class travelers who are pursuing unique vacations. Moreover, UITAL is also perfect for working professionals who enjoy both traveling and the  finer things in life – such as champagne and wine tastings.

Las Morenas de España

Founder Sienna Brown first launched LMDES as a resource for women of color who lacked means concerning life in Spain . From then on, the digital platform has reached greater heights and expanded to cater to travelers and ex-pats worldwide . 

On that note, travel expert of color Zim Flores mentioned,  “I've known Sienna for years and I love what she's built with LMDES. She helps Black women move abroad, providing them with remote working tools and templates along the way.”

LMDES  is all about inspiring and building communities, so they often host a  variety of  events  – one of the biggest events being the Thrive Conference . During this one-day event, people from all over the globe came to learn, share, and network in several informative workshops and panels. 

All of these Black-owned companies  (and more) share the same goals, which are to inspire , enrich , build , grow , connect , and learn . The Black Travel Movement  is taking over the world one step at a time. Thus, by supporting Black-owned travel companies like these, we can be part of this great cause.

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5 Black-Owned Travel Companies to Book With Today

The businesses to know about

A view of Table Mountain, one of the locations offered by Curiocity © WIN-Initiative / Getty Images

For the second part of our series celebrating Black History Month, we are looking to the future: at the tastemakers and game-changers in the travel industry who are from the black community. Black people when travelling still experience prejudice, of this there can be no question. Some of the businesses we highlight below were created in response to the most direct forms of racism, others the soft bigotry of low expectations. Rohan Gilkes, for instance, the founders of Innclusive started his company after experiencing racism on AirBnB. Claire Soares founded Up in the Air Life, as there were few other companies geared towards luxury travel for black tourists. As she says, “we want every trip to be such a unique experience where our clients, who have historically been ignored in the travel space, feel deeply respected and special”. Orlebar Brown’s central purpose is to encourage people to holiday better – and the group of black-owned businesses we highlight below have that down to a tee. Read on and find inspiration for your next trip.

Innclusive Vacations

After experiencing racism on existing rental platforms and writing about it in a viral essay, Rohan Gilkes came up with a Silicon Valley-solution: he decided to launch an alternative. So Innclusive was born. The concept, as Rohan has described is thus: “[it is] a new platform where people of all backgrounds can travel and stay with respect, dignity, and love”. The service has three objectives: for everyone to feel welcome; for guests to connect with the community; and give users and hosts peace of mind. Just add your dates, choose your destination and you’ll find a selection of safe, secure rentals tailored to your specifications.

Up in the Air Life

Claire Soares was flying over Dubai in a private jet when she got the idea for her business, Up in the Air Life. It was then she decided to set up a travel company geared towards premium experiences for black travellers, something that had been, up until then, conspicuously absent from the marketplace. Up in the Air Life has, in the past, organised everything from special tastings with black champagne makers in France to private dinners on the Great Wall of China. Her company starts from the notion of what’s impossible – and then makes it possible. Soares recently described it as “affordable luxury curated “for us, by us”.

Tastemakers Africa

Tastemakers Africa is a creative disrupter in the travel industry. Founded by Cheraé Robinson, it offers experiences that connect visitors to Africa’s creative class. Whether it is learning traditional cooking techniques, experiencing the continent’s rich history or eating your way around Accra, Cape Town, Dakar, and Johannesburg, Robinson and her on-the-ground curators know the people to connect you with. It is these connections which are at the heart of what makes Tastemakers special, because it allows guests to see modern Africa in all its creative glory. As Robinson has explained in the past, “Tastemakers is about building community, fuelling passions, and creating sustainable change in a way that values both the visitor and the person who calls Africa home”.

Up in the Air Life have, in the past, curated a private dining experience on the Great Wall of China © Ian.CuiYi / Getty Images

The story of Dipaways begins with its founder Chadricks Everette. After a successful career working in marketing, Everette decided to give it all up and go travelling. So much did he enjoy it that he decided to make a career of it – Dipaways was born. Everette describes his company as “a black-owned premium travel brand offering perfectly designed group and private trips. We happily welcome travellers of all types from around the world”. Dipaways will organise every step of a guest’s trip – from hotel bookings to the ministrations of a professional photographer for your Instagram. Where Everette’s special skill lies though is in designing one-off experiences and bringing together interesting people, so every trip he curates is once-in-a-lifetime. As Everette says, “Dipaways was created to spread a lifestyle of happiness and freedom”.

Founded by Bheki Dube – who was named Africa’s Best Tourism Entrepreneur in 2019 Tropics Changemakers Awards – Curiocity is a new network of African design hotels. The group was created to give visitors an authentic experience of South Africa, and specialises in organizing experiences in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Whether you want to learn about Zulu culture in Shakaland, take an inner-city walking tour, learn about culture through the cuisine or even swim with sharks, Curiocity will organize it for you. What makes them stand out from the crowd in particular, though, is their programme of partnerships. They work with local creatives and businesses to get their guests into places they otherwise might not know about. If you want to get a real feel for South Africa’s cities, Curiocity is the place to start.

Curiocity offers experiences in Johannesburg, pictured above, as well as Durban, and Cape Town © Wayne Knoesen / EyeEm / Getty Images

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Five Black-Owned Travel Companies Worth Your Attention

• Post author: Black Travel Lounge
• Post published: February 22, 2023
• Post category: Uncategorized / Content Highlights / Featured Travelers

We have compiled a list of 5 Black-owned travel companies that you should know about. Black Americans are expanding their horizons year over year, spending more than $65 billion on travel annually. Yet national travel companies still do not create itineraries that cater to the Black traveler. Yes, I know that we are not a monolith, but experiences that speak to our overall culture are often ignored.

Luckily, today there is a Black travel movement that has made international travel not only readily available but also incredibly affordable for African Americans and other passionate travelers. Through established liaisons and offices all over the world, various Black-owned travel companies have made it possible for people of color to travel and experience different parts of the world. Read more below about 5 of these companies that create experiences that speak to our tastes.

Here are the 5 Black-Owned Travel Companies

#1 – black travel lounge.

In 2018, the travel realm welcomed a game-changer— Black Travel Lounge —founded by Bruce Powell, a passionate Travel Enthusiast and Entrepreneur. Boasting personal exploration of over 70 countries and a wealth of experience as a Travel Advisor, Bruce leads a dynamic team dedicated to supplying the Black American community with cutting-edge resources for all things travel.

Black Travel Lounge, is launching their own Small Groups Tours starting in 2024. Their focus extends beyond wanderlust; it’s about curating exceptional small-group experiences marked by inclusivity and safety for ALL black travelers. Choosing luxury as a standard, the company opts for 4 & 5-star accommodations in every destination. From welcome and farewell dinners fostering connections to engaging, exploring, and learning throughout their tours, Black Travel Lounge strikes a balance between sophistication and enjoyment.

Tailored for the modern traveler seeking extraordinary experiences, their itineraries, available on their website, provide day-by-day details and inclusions for a sneak peek into the magic that awaits. Their fair pricing and flexible payment options allow you to turn your dream bucket list trip into a stress-free reality.

#2 – Nomadness Tribe

Nomadness Tribe is one of the founding companies of the black travel movement. The black owned travel company was the brainchild of Evita “Evie” Turquoise Robinson, an African-American woman whose passion for travel and exploration has inspired thousands of other people of color to venture abroad.

Started in 2011 as a YouTube web series, the group has grown to more than 15,000 members and a collective total of over 100,000 travel stamps. Nomadness unites like-minded individuals seeking alternatives to mainstream travel. Evie’s dream has become such a success that tickets to Nomadness trips sell out in less than 5 minutes. Way to go, Evie!

#3 – Travel Divas

Travel Divas is an award-winning, premier travel company that redefines group travel management. Since its establishment in 2007, Travel Divas has pioneered a unique concept in the travel industry by creating and hosting its own travel events around the world. Unlike traditional travel companies, Travel Divas curates over 100 travel events annually, offering a diverse range of domestic and international experiences for its community of travelers.

Founder Shanterria Earley’s vision for Travel Divas was born out of a desire to provide unforgettable, luxurious travel experiences. Despite initial challenges and setbacks, Shanterria remained resilient, determined to make her dream a reality. In the early years, she faced difficulties selling out trips and encountered reluctance from established travel industry professionals to support her venture.

However, Shanterria’s perseverance paid off, and Travel Divas eventually became the success she had envisioned. Today, Travel Divas consistently sells out its domestic and international trips, thanks to Shanterria’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the travel industry.

#4 – Black Girls Travel Too

Yet another black-owned travel company,  Black Girls Travel Too , is a travel company that helps facilitate travel for women. Founded in 2015 by Dianelle Rivers-Mitchell as an Instagram account it has now expanded into a travel company that offers various group travel experiences.

Black Girls Travel Too are intentional in their efforts to create a sisterhood in their journies. Per their website, Black Girls Travel Too curates travel experiences with the intent on stretching, growing, and enriching women through travel. They create a sisterhood on their journeys and many travelers become lifelong friends and repeat clients.

#5 – Up in The Air Life

Up In The Air Life , is a trailblazer in the world of black travel groups. Founded by the visionary Claire B. Soares, a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, this luxury travel company transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending the art of connections with unparalleled travel experiences.

Crafting memories, milestones, and magic, Up In The Air Life goes beyond traditional travel offerings. International trips and carefully curated meetups form the core of their mission, inspiring, connecting, and fostering growth within a global community. Claire, the mastermind behind this black-owned travel group, is not just a luxury travel planner – she’s a true luminary with a passport stamped across 6 continents and 64+ countries. Up In The Air Life isn’t merely a service; it’s a lifestyle, an invitation to elevate your travel experiences with style, purpose, and a touch of black brilliance. Join the movement, embrace the magic, and let Up In The Air Life redefine what it means to explore the world. Your adventure awaits!

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Black-Owned Tour Companies

These black-owned tour companies showcase the best of their destinations., united street tours.

An art teacher and later a dean of students, Chakita Patterson wanted to bring Black History Month to life for her class. In lieu of more homework, she planned a Nashville walking tour. “I wanted to get my students out of the classroom and into the community to learn about Black history in their own backyard,” Patterson said.

She took her students through Music City to sites related to the Civil Rights Movement and knew she was onto something. After tinkering with the presentation, she knew United Street Tours was here to stay.

“We stop at places where history actually happened, like Woolworth’s, where sit-ins happened,” she said of the now notorious five-and-dime. There, in 1960, nonviolent protestors sought to desegregate Nashville lunch counters and were attacked by whites. But the protesters were the only ones jailed.

“My group from today didn’t realize how organized the movement was,” she said. “The students who participated in the sit-in movement had to go through training and practice before they got to participate.”

Guests appreciate the fuller view of history they gain.

“The thing that makes United Street Tours unique is we lift stories that were once buried and we raise them front and center in a country music town,” Patterson said.

unitedstreettours.com

Soul of DFW

Dallas-fort worth.

On a Soul of DFW tour, participants will eat, taste and sample their way through Black history and culture unique to Texas with founder, food historian and author Deah Berry.

“I love to educate different communities about Black culture,” Berry said. “One of the ways I love to do that is with the bus tour, because it allows me to intermingle a lot of different disciplines. It brings everything to life.”

Berry has been in business since 2018, serving groups of 40-50. Each tour visits a variety of Black-owned restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Participants will enjoy two or three bites or sips at each one. They will also get the opportunity to learn at a few significant historic stops.

“There are a number of different homes used in the Civil Rights Movement that have been converted into museums,” Berry said. “Churches also have super interesting stories. There’s one called St. Paul’s United Methodist that has a twofold story. It was designed by the first African American architect in the state of Texas, and I get to give them the opportunity to speak to people who came from formerly enslaved histories.”

Berry hopes Soul of DFW bus tour participants will be fed not just physically but also mentally and emotionally at the conclusion of the tour.

deahberrymitchell.com

Tours by NOLA

New orleans.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a deeper well of Crescent City history than that shared by Robin and Harris Parson.

The married couple honed their skills as docents and archivists for the Louis Armstrong Foundation. When COVID shook everything up in tourism, the Parsons were forced to reconsider their paths as well. Tours by NOLA was born.

Walking tours tend to serve 18-28 people and cover multiple fascinating New Orleans destinations, including the Garden District, Treme, the French Quarter and nearby plantations.

“We’re oral historians,” Robin Parson said. “I love bringing them to the first African American newspaper, L’Union, on Conti Street. People are blown away when they learn it was here in New Orleans.”

Harris Parson tells about historical figures as if he knew them personally. Ask him about Henriette DeLille and the St. Louis Cathedral, and participants will soon gain an intimate knowledge of the pitfalls of the law, Black communities, the impact of the Catholic Church and the sheer will to survive.

“No matter where we go, each tour is a different story with a very common thread of indigenous and formerly enslaved people. We try to get everyone’s story, connect the dots and tell how they fit in this gumbo,” Harris Parson said.

toursbynola.com

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7 Black-Owned Travel Groups That You and Your Squad Should Join

If you haven’t already noticed, black women are currently slaying the travel scene.

In fact, we are traveling now more than ever before. African-Americans’ intent to travel reportedly increased by 19 percent just from 2015 to 2016. According to the Mandala Research Firm, 17% of us take one or more international trips a year, and we spend $48 billion on travel in the United States alone.

But in a society where the typical jet-setter is portrayed as white, minority travelers are consistently underrepresented by the mainstream travel industry. Despite the media’s misrepresentation, there is a large, fast-growing community of black travelers, and these six trailblazing black travel groups are at the forefront.

All owned and operated by BAUCE women, they share a common goal: to shatter the stereotype that people of color don’t travel.

1. Nomadness Travel Tribe

With a demographic that’s 80% female and 85% African-American, the Tribe unites like-minded individuals looking for an alternative to mainstream travel. Those wishing to join must have at least one passport stamp and complete a Newbie Bootcamp. The average sellout time for their trips is five minutes!

2. Urban Events Global

Last but not least, this travel group is a secret gem that will help you discover the world. Founded in 2011, Urban Events Global members are predominately people of color who enjoy experiencing all that life has to offer, from exotic trips to international travel. The group currently has more than 50,000 members and includes accommodations for their international packages .

Every year the group hosts an adult camping trip in Central Texas for individuals who love the outdoors and are looking to bond and make new friends in the company of Mother Nature. For people that love the seas, Urban Events Group also offers a luxurious cruise weekend every March for ultimate party-goers.

If using your passport is more your travel style, then you can also partake in an annual international meetup that occurs in far-off, activity-packed locations. If you’re looking to mingle with a mature and fun-loving crowd, then Urban Events Global is your crew.

3. Travel Noire

Travel Noire’s message is simple: you can and should make travel a priority—and you don’t need a ton of money or vacation days to do so. And the best part? They’re here to show you how . Aside from offering exclusive group trips dubbed “Travel Noire Experiences,” the company recently launched Compass, a community course designed to equip members with the knowledge and tools needed to travel the world on their own terms. It features guides like “How to Convince Your Boss to Work From Anywhere” and “Hidden Destinations You Won’t Believe Exist”, along with live Q&A calls and trainings with world-class experts.

If that doesn’t draw you in, one look at their Instagram account will leave you overcome with wanderlust. Be prepared to spend hours scrolling through their colorful collection of real black travelers in the world’s most stunning destinations.

4. Tastemakers Africa

Cherae Robinson started the company to change the often-negative perceptions of the continent. Her former NGO job frequently led her to African countries, but her journeys were often met with fear and skepticism from those at home. But upon seeing people’s positive interest in response to the photos and stories she brought back with her, she saw an opportunity to transform the narrative by inviting people to experience some of the lesser known aspects of African life. Soon after, the Tastemakers brand was born, and it has since grown into a global community with offices around the world.

If you’re planning your own trip, be sure to check out their mobile app, TSTMKRS, to find the best events at your destination, ranging from hidden beach escapes to pop-up dining with local chefs!

5. Black Adventuristas

Inspired by her own life-changing experience, Garnett launched Black Adventuristas as a platform to encourage, celebrate, and connect adventurous black women. According to their Facebook page, the group “aims to inspire black women to conquer their fears, pursue their dreams, and fully experience the adventure that is life. Whether it is traveling the world, tackling an epic bucket list, quitting a “good” job to pursue a non-traditional career, trying a daring new hair or lipstick color, or simply dining alone for the first time, all adventures are worthwhile.” Check out their Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr, and keep an eye out for their upcoming website.

6. Black Girls Travel Too

With that empowering message—along with their group tours of incredible destinations like Cuba and Barbados—Black Girls Travel Too is emboldening more and more women of color to discover the world on their own terms.

7. Passport Posse

Are you into traveling in crews? Then this is the group that you need to know about. Started by two travel addicts, Shantoya and Willie, outside of a cafe in Greece, Passport Posse was born from the need to reverse the negative perceptions and encounters that they had experienced as African-Americans in foreign countries. The goal of Passport Posse, according to their website, is to 1) encourage the travel frequency of minorities abroad, 2) provide a platform for healthy travel interactions and communities of practice, and 3) create trips and sponsor activities aimed to immerse globetrotters in the culture of the countries they have elected to visit.

One thing that makes Passport Posse unique is the fact that they really help you to reduce your overhead costs when lodging abroad if you sign up to become a member. Not to mention, this crew is filled with serious travel enthusiasts — the lead ambassadors have both collected at least 25 stamps (and counting) in their passports!

Many people will choose a tour group when they travel, because it will be more convenient, and traveling with a group of people will produce more interesting things. How to make your tour group more unique, you can customize your unique lanyards, and you can customize the group logo or pattern on it to give it to your members, which can not only promote your tour group but also easily distinguish your members for easy management. If you are traveling for a family or an individual, custom lanyards can be hung with a mobile phone or water bottle to free your hands and prevent them from being lost. Order now on GSJJ, it is more cost-effective to order in bulk.

Featured photo via BrooklynAl

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This content was produced via a paid partnership with BAUCE Magazine.

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Comments 34.

Check out The Pack Roadtrip Travel club founded and operated by Andrae Marable based in Portsmouth, VA!! I have been on numerous trips with “The Pack” and each experience has been memorable. Andrae’s professionalism enhances the variety of events offered and the price packages are easy on the pockets. The Pack is one of best black travel groups on the rise!

The Pack Roadtrip travel club is a great black owned business in Virginia. I have done short weekend tris and extended stay trips. Andrea Matabele is the greatest.

Wonderful article!! I have utilized The Pack Road trip Travel Club (owner Andre Marable) which is a black owned travel company. His trips are exquisite, fun, exciting and innovative! He’s always so pleasant and professional to work with and I encourage your readers to check him out! He’s located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia! thepacktravelclub.c om/ Thank you for your time!!

Great article, Nikki.

Missing one of my favorite group – Black Travel Movement… I’ll look for the update

Check out Jet Black! @globaljetblack on Instagram.

Check out MyWanderYear.com

You should check out Travel By Design also. It’s based in Philly and they do some awesome trips!!!

Are all of these groups predominately female?

Very inspiring . I love it!!!

Yep! It’s a phenomenon I’ve noted for a while now and also why I intentionally try and curate trips which include men.

I always want the freedom to travel and connect with others 🙂

Check out BlackGirlFly.com all black women!

I would like to know more about this group…

How do i join the travel group,?

I seek culture travel club!!

Black Travel Movement has nearly 175,300 members in their Facebook group.

Great article!

LS Travel Club is another, both male and female. Affordable travel packages Payment plans available

• Pingback: 15 Travel Bloggers of Color You Should Be Following

You missed a vital one — “Black Kids DO Travel” For all our brown beauties all over the globe. You should check it out too :)

Videnda travel is huge too! Surprised they didn’t make the list

• Pingback: How Evita Robinson Grew Nomadness Travel Tribe With Zero Advertising

I’m a 57 y/o married female that wants to travel. My husband isn’t interested so I’ll go it without him. But I’m not interested in the beach/bikini loving groups. What’s the best travel group for me?

Urban events global >> https://www.urbaneventsglobal.com/

• Pingback: Why Solo Travel Is so Worth It - and Reasons Why You Should Try It!

Can’t believe my favorite travel group didn’t make the cut! A well blended travel group out of Dallas, Texas is Curlfriends Abroad! I recently traveled to Bali with them and had a wonderful time! http://www.curlfriendsabroad.com

Wow, you missed the most dedicated black girl travel group Black Girl Travel Movement (BGTM) is an international membership based organization that facilitates transformational experiences “BGTM does not host trips”all around the world to improve the lives of black women and their families. Through their unique one of a kind travel experiences, BGTM offerS a sacred space for its members that encourages black women to make self-care their top priority, assist black women with identifying personal goals, fellowship with likeminded women while celebrating their individual life achievements through travel.

I booked with Black Girls Travel Too, and their customer service was horrible. After they canceled the trip due to poor attendance, we only received a credit for a future trip. I would never book with them again.

I have travelled with http://www.thetraveldivas.com . They have wonderful trips and do a great job!

For ladies in your late 30’s to early 60’s, Well Diva Lifestyle and Fly Life Travel offer a classy and mature experience each time. Our trips are usually intimate experiences for about 15 to 35 ladies. By the end of your time with us, you realize that you’ve just gained a new sisterhood. We offer one to two travel experiences a year where we invite you to bring your male partner. The rest of our trips are ladies only, and at least two per year are wellness retreats. Visit welldiva.com to take a look at the blog and travel experiences coming up. Visit Facebook.com/groups/flylifetravel to connect with the sisterhood on Facebook. We look forward to hosting your next amazing travel experience.

The Wanderlust Tribe http://www.wanderlust-tribe.com is a reputable travel group based in the DC metro area. The trips are co-ed and the group size averages between 14 and 20. Our itineraries are unique and the trips are a good value. Check us out at @wanderlusttribeadventures on IG.

Weekend Travelers – Black Female Travel Group! joinweekendtravelers.com

Love this list. Extremely useful. I think I may have found y tribe. fingers crossed

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For us, by us: 5 black-owned travel groups you should know about | Travelling While Black

By oneika raymond.

Are you a Black traveller itching to see the world? Here are five groups shaping the Black Travel Movement and showing us how different and exciting Travelling While Black can be.

As a black traveller, I’ve been very vocal about the lack of diverse faces and voices in the travel industry as a whole (see this post for one of my more detailed rants on the issue). Western travel media in particular is rife with tourism campaigns and travel shows that are practically devoid of people of colour.  To hear them tell it, black travellers are few and far between, and “travelling while black” an anomaly.

But despite not being considered or targeted in mainstream travel marketing, people of colour *are* travelling– for fun, work, education, and spiritual growth– more than ever before.

Especially African-Americans. According to the New York Times , the Mandala Research firm found that nearly one-fifth of African-Americans take one or more international trips per year, and they spend $48 billion on travel within the United States *alone*.

And with the explosion of black travel (often referred to as the “black travel movement”) has come the much-needed creation of black-owned travel startups that provide resources and support for melanin-rich voyageurs .

Could it be that travelling while black is now a “thing”?

The Black Travel Movement

With this in mind, I’d like to feature five of my favourite black travel groups. These companies work hard to provide experiences that are tailored to a more diverse set of travellers; they change the narrative about what travellers look like and how they travel.

These companies go further than just featuring brown skin on marketing materials– they travel to lesser known “brown” destinations, and offer itineraries designed to foster integration and appreciation (rather than just observation and appropriation).

They not only make Travelling While Black look good, they make it normal and feasible.

And if that weren’t exciting enough, these five companies are all led by fierce, fearless sistas, who are as well-versed in how to run a successful business as they are in navigating foreign territory. I’m deeply honoured to know them all personally and have gleefully watched their ventures flourish over the years.

So, without any further ado, here are five black-owned travel startups you should know about:

 Nomadness Travel Tribe & TV (f or the budget-conscious black travel junkie)

The brand: One part web-series, one part online travel community, the Nomadness umbrella was one of the first of its kind. Over 15,000 members strong and anchored by a popping Facebook group, Nomadness is a one-stop shop for the urban traveller looking to see the world by any means necessary. Members can chat travel and trade tips on the forum, arrange international meetups, participate in group trips, and rock branded merchandise that identify them as part of what is affectionally known as “Tribe”. While adherents may be hardcore in their pursuit of passport stamps, they are also so close-knit that the unofficial tagline of the group has become “Family by Choice”.

The leader:  Plucky Evita Turquoise Robinson is as vibrant as her middle name suggests. A native of New York, she’s a born hustler and innovator– she initially started NomadnessTV as a way to record her experiences living in Japan, France, and Thailand and show other black people that they could travel too. She is also the brainchild behind NMDN ALTERnative Travel Conference, the first ever travel conference geared towards urban travellers. (Shameless plug: I spoke at a panel about travel blogging there!)

How to join: Tribe hopefuls can apply to join the group on Facebook by searching for Nomadness Travel Tribe on the site.

Up in the Air Life (for the black traveller who enjoys the finer things in life)

The brand:  A self-proclaimed “upscale travel company dedicated to social adventures”,   Up in the Air Life specializes in creating lifestyle experiences for working professionals who enjoy the finer things in life. While this travel tour company’s online forum explicitly states that it’s open to all travellers, its owners and employees are all people of colour, and its tour offerings (which boast jaunts to places like Haiti, Brazil, and Colombia) are skewed toward locations that comprise the African diaspora. Members (known as Lifers) are wanderers who not only explore the world in style but live life to the fullest.

The leader: Software sales rep and travel enthusiast Claire Soares is an adventurer at heart: I first met her in London (where she flew, on a whim, for 48 hours from the U.S.) then in Madrid, Spain (the day before she ran with the bulls in nearby Pamplona).  Affable and fun, Claire’s zeal for life and knack for planning group trips for family and friends prompted her to found UITAL.

How to join: Sign up for UITAL’s tours on their website and join their Facebook group for updates and travel advice.

Bucket List Beasts (for the black travel adrenaline junkie)

The brand: Bucket List Beasts is the startup that takes adventure travel to another level.  Offering adrenaline- filled experiences that push the envelope (and the limits of your sanity), the emphasis is on living each day as if it were your last. Members post pictures of themselves bungee jumping, shark diving, and drinking shots of cobra blood to the group’s online forum, and go on hosted trips to extreme destinations as far flung as Antarctica. Like surprises? Last year the enterprise hosted a mystery trip to Easter Island where attendees had no clue where they were going until they got to the airport. If you’re looking for a group that will excite you and challenge you to break out of your comfort zone, this is it.

The leader: It’s not hard to see why Sonjia Mackey is known as “Lioness” to her friends and acquaintances.  After all, she embodies her feline counterpart in every sense of the word: she’s a fearless bosslady with a competitive streak. Carpe diem personified, Sonjia has travelled to all 7 continents, done the world’s highest bungee jump in Macau, and swum with crocodiles. If it’s extreme, Sonjia has done it, and would like to inspire you to do it, too.

How to join: Search for the Bucket Lists Beasts group on Facebook.

Travel Noire (for the savvy, ultra-hip black traveller)

The brand: With features in major media outlets like CBS, The New York Times, and TIME Magazine, Travel Noire is the little startup that could. Now a huge digital platform dedicated to making travel more inclusive, Travel Noire’s slick Instagram feed (which has amassed an impressive 340,000 followers) was one of the first to share a steady stream of real travellers of colour interacting with jawdropping foreign backdrops.  The message is loud and clear: not only do we travel, but we look darn good doing it . Artisanally crafted group experiences and travel education are at the core of the company’s mission– group trips to places like Bali are offered alongside online seminars teaching newbies the art of travel hacking.

The leader: Zim Ugochukwu is a visionary, wise beyond her years, and used to thinking outside the box. At 19, she cloned a gene and was the youngest precinct judge for the state of North Carolina, and this year she was included in Forbes’ prestigious 30 under 30 list.  Despite these heady accolades, she radiates light and humility– something I couldn’t fail to notice when we both served as travel experts on Toyota’s digital campaign for the 2016 Avalon.

How to join: Go to Travel Noire’s website to find information for upcoming excursions as well as details for how to join their online community #TNDistrict.

Tastemakers (for the black traveller who has Africa on their mind)

The brand: This company’s slogan is bold but sets the tone for its mission: jetsetters are encouraged to “Travel Africa, Skip Mediocre”. With bespoke itineraries promoting immersive experiences in less-touristed places like Senegal, Rwanda, and Ghana, Tastemakers Africa is changing global perceptions about travel to the continent. It also has a mobile app that links curious travellers to unique cultural experiences from Cairo to Cape Town and Addis Ababa to Accra. At the forefront of the movement to use technology to empower people of colour to see more of the world, this insider’s guide to experiences in the Motherland is perfect for the traveller who wants to scratch beneath the surface.

The leader: Cherae Robinson has gone where few (wo)men have gone before in her quest to encourage more millenials to travel to Africa. This tenacious entrepreneur has worn many hats in her professional tenure (she has expertise in fundraising, media, and international development) and her work with humanitarian and public health agencies like the CDC, WHO, and CARE means that her resume reads a bit like an ad for alphabet soup. This superwoman, cited as one of the 10 Women to Watch by the United Nations, responds to the demands of a rapidly growing startup with aplomb.

The Takeaway- Travelling While Black is totally a thing!

Bottom line: The Black Travel Movement is growing at a spectacular rate and being shaped by groups like the ones highlighted above. Spread the word!

Are you part of any of these black travel groups?  Any other good ones that I’ve missed? And what do you think of the whole “Travelling While Black” phenomenon?

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Connect With One Of These 6 Black-Owned Travel Groups For Your Next Trip

From customized itineraries to travel resources, here are six black-owned travel groups you should consider when planning your next trip.

Mitti Hicks • Jul 5, 2019

When news broke that African Americans contributed more than $63 billion to the travel and tourism economy in 2018, it proved to be an opportunity for many travel agencies missing out on black travel dollars.

But there are groups who have recognized not only the importance of black travel dollars but also the importance of authentic experiences.

Yacht Week East Africa

Yacht Week East Africa is the premier travel and sailing company in East Africa.

The organization’s focus is the beauty and culture of the Eastern coastline of Africa and its neighboring islands.

Tastemakers Africa

Tastemakers Africa offers unique tours created and hosted by artists and creators in Africa. The groups will help you connect with people in an authentic way to create a unique itinerary for your trip.

You can choose from a personalized itinerary or travel with others with their group tours.

Wind Collective

Based in London, the Wind Collective is a global travel community that expresses freedom through adventure and creativity.

The group’s founder, Clé Hunnigan, has a team that hosts monthly group travel experiences for those looking for adventure.

You Me Travel Co

You Me Travel Co is a boutique travel company that works to inspire millennials of color to see the world by sharing stories, producing events and designing custom travel itineraries.

What’s great about You Me Travel Co is the team creates a personalized itinerary to fit your unique travel style and preferences.

Black Adventuristas

Created by Veronica E. Garnett, Black Adventuristas aims to inspire black women to conquer their fears through traveling by offering travel resources, including quitting a “good” job to pursue a non-traditional career, trying a daring new hair or lipstick color, or simply dining alone. 

Garnett’s philosophy is that all adventures, no matter how small, are worthwhile.

Urban Events Global

Beginning as a camping trip in 2011, Urban Events Global has grown to become the hub for several events such as Urban Camp Weekend, Urban Excursion Weekend, Urban Cruise Weekend, and the annual UEG Meet Up. 

During the many adventures, travelers range from 400 to 2,000 participants, so it’s like traveling with one big family.

NOMADNESS Travel Tribe

With more than 20,000 members, ho have accumulated over 100,000 passport stamps, NOMADNESS Travel Tribe  has been coined a “Digital Green Book” as it creates a safe space where black travelers share travel resources and experiences from around the globe. The goal, according to the group’s founder Evita Turquoise Robinson, is to increase diversity in the travel industry.

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• Entrepreneurship

November 11, 2018

7 Cool Black Owned-Business Tours From Coast to Coast

As buying black grows to something that is beyond a trend, entrepreneurs, local organizations, and business development councils are taking it upon themselves to coordinate black-owned business tours in an effort to get more consumers to buy black.

According to a 2014 report by Nielsen and Essence, black buying power is estimated to climb to $1.3 trillion over the next few years, however a fraction of that will support black-owned businesses. The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University administered a study which found that if higher-income black households spent only $1 of every $10 at black-owned stores, between half a million and a million jobs could be generated by their support.

It is crucial for the black community to support ourselves to create wealth and opportunities within our communities. Take a look at our list of inspiring black businesses tours, including two bus tours that provide an ingenious approach for people to buy black. They will have you wanting to shell out your dollars at your local black-owned establishment.

Official Black Wall Street: Various Cites 

The Official Black Wall Street is hosting the first ever nationwide black-owned businesses crawl. The millennial driven tech start-up has taken notice that 30% of black businesses in New York City alone have disappeared.

During the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 10 – Sunday Nov. 11, the crawl aims to bring in some major black dollars.The tour plans to reach 11 prominent cities including  Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Durham, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Tulsa, and Washington, D.C.

Consumers across the nation will have the opportunity to buy black from a variety of black-owned businesses from clothing stores to food trucks. Special discounts will be offered to shoppers who show the Official Black Wall Street app on their phone as well as entering a contest for a $700 gift card.

Find out more information, here .

The Black Business Tour: Los Angeles, California

The Black Business Tour (TBBT) was founded in 2016, by South Los Angeles native Mone’t Lamb. TBBT brings attention to black-owned businesses throughout Los Angeles, and Southern California by bringing consumers directly to the source. Participants board the bus to shop at a variety of black-owned establishments in the area. Lamb was inspired to start the company after her video promoting a black-owned beauty store in Inglewood, California,  went viral and she received plenty of positive feedback. The tour is also her way of tackling gentrification by giving black-owned businesses exposure and building businesses.

One can book a tour through their website and social media.

Find out more information, here  and here .

Black Businesses Bus Tour: Tampa Bay, Florida

The Black Businesses Bus Tour (BBBT) is a nonprofit organization founded by Candy Lowe and launched in 2006. Located in the Tampa Bay area, the BBBT shines awareness and the importance of black businesses in the community. The tour gives black businesses an economical way to endorse their businesses to the community. For $10 a seat, consumers can take a ride in the following Florida cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, LakeLand, Brandon, Sarasota, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale. Shoppers have the opportunity to support and buy black through the tour.

Lowe is a strong leader when it comes to supporting black businesses. Her company had taken a four year break after its launch. When the tour resumed in September, Lowe noticed that nearly 80% of the businesses her tour had first visited were gone.

Store owners who take part in the tour rave about the increase of business the tour has brought to their store. In an interview with USA Today, a store owner Taiwo Igbinosun said: “ It brings a lot of crowds to the business, and almost everybody who comes walks out of here with something .’’

The tour is an excellent source for unknown black businesses to receive exposure.

I Buy Black: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, African Americans make up 41% of the population, out of that percentage only 2.4% are businesses owners, compared to 78.8% white-owned and 10% Asian-owned.

The Philadelphia Community of Leaders (PCOL) took the initiative to create the iBuyBlack discount card, a $10 card that gives shoppers a 15% discount in black-owned stores throughout Philly. Proceeds support the PCOL. When it was first launched in April 2017, about 80 business owners had signed up.

The discount card gives an incentive for consumers along with exposure to black businesses. iBuyBlack also holds different events, listed on their website and social media. An upcoming event is the Shoppers Paradise Fourth Annual Holiday Shopping Expo/Black Friday. Shoppers will have the chance to buy unique gifts by black owned companies while enjoying free food and entertainment.

Buy Black Market Place: Phoenix, Arizona

Every month, the Buy Black Market Place is hosted by Archwood Exchange in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2016, Archwood Exchange endorses economic empowerment in the African American community by highlighting the products and services offered by black-owned businesses and creating spaces for the community to connect and support.

The first Market was held on May 6, 2017, with 35 businesses and 300 shoppers. The Market gives local black businesses owners a chance to personally connect with consumers and gives the needed disclosure for their business. The Buy Black Market Place takes place every first Saturday of the month from at the Parsons Center.

Find out more information, here and  here .

Little Caribbean Food and Culture Tour: Brooklyn, New York

Shelley Worrell first launched CARIBBEING in 2010. The organization curates programming that highlights Caribbean culture throughout the year, including film screenings, rum tastings, and pop-up shops.

Each year, for those interested in black Caribbean culture, style, and cuisine, Worrell hosts a tour of the black-owned, Caribbean businesses in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, while offering inside access to the social and cultural life of the neighborhood.

Kwanzaa Crawl: Brooklyn and Harlem, New York

Held for the past two years in December, Kwanzaa Crawl happens the day after Christmas or the first day of Kwanzaa, and it celebrates black-owned bars. When it launched in 2016, the event had over 1,600 participants who visited more than 17 black-owned businesses in Brooklyn. In 2017, the Harlem leg was added, allowing more than 25 bars across both neighborhoods to participate.

The event’s organizer, Kerry Coddett, told Edible Manhattan that it is a chance to “ educate people and make Kwanzaa cool again .”

This year it’s happening again on Dec. 26.

A portion of the proceeds from tickets go Barbershop Books, a nonprofit that brings youth reading spaces to barbershops across the country, and The BLK Projek, a Bronx initiative that promotes food security by teaching youth of color how to farm.

• black-owned businesses

A Black-Owned Nonprofit Is Boycotting Hilton Hotel For Alleged Racist Incident

H aving a go-to hotel brand is something special, especially for avid travelers who need reliable and  comfortable accommodations  with  high standards  of hospitality and service. Safety is a significant factor in selecting a favorite hotel brand.

Staying loyal to a specific hotel chain can benefit travelers even more if they are part of  loyalty programs . No one wants to experience subpar or offensive service at a trusted travel accommodation. Unfortunately, for one Black-owned nonprofit organization, this nightmare occurred at a Hilton Hotel location after years of loyalty.

The Nonprofit Boycotting Hilton Hotel

The nonprofit organization  Buy From a Black Woman (BFABW)  has released a statement about a negative experience at the Hilton Hotel. This organization is a prominent space that supports Black women-owned businesses. Since 2016, it has been a hub for those who value giving back to their community. It offers an online business directory, educational programs, and funding opportunities for Black women in business. When the incident happened, the organization was on its Buy From a Black Woman Inspire Tour.

According to the statement, over the second weekend of July, the organization experienced a racist incident during a stay at the Tulsa Club Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A team member of Buy From a Black Woman experienced overt racist behavior. After the alleged racist encounter, Buy From a Black Woman tried to reach out to Hilton corporate. Much to the team members’ dismay, they did not receive an appropriate response.

Following this experience, the organization decided to sever all ties with the Hilton brand. Despite the BFABW Inspire Tour team members and participants staying at Hilton Hotels and Resorts since 2020, the organization canceled all reservations and began boycotting the Hilton Hotel. This move clearly demonstrates BFABW’s commitment to a safe environment for all and its stance against racism.

Implications For Travelers

This is not the hospitality conglomerate’s first case of alleged racist behavior. The hotel has faced numerous discrimination lawsuits from Black guests who experienced undesirable situations at Hilton Hotels. This pattern has raised concerns about foundational issues within the brand. While Buy From a Black Woman has expressed openness to discussing how to address systemic problems and prevent future incidents, Hilton has much work to do to recover from these repeated offenses.