Let’s talk solo travel for Black women. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through IG, double-tapping on those dreamy travel posts, and thinking, “That looks amazing, but I could never do that alone…”

Maybe it’s the fear of sticking out like a sore thumb, dealing with the unpredictable, or just the thought of getting lost in translation—literally and figuratively. I get it. We’ve all been there.

Through solo travel, I have seen women who would barely go to the movies by themselves venture out with a solo trip to places as far as Bali!

Most importantly, they came back with more than just cute pics. They brought back stories of empowerment, a bunch of new friends from around the globe, and a new sense of confidence that was just infectious!

Now, I won’t sit here and pretend that solo travel doesn’t come with its challenges, especially for us Black women. We’ve got a whole set of concerns from safety issues to the occasional, “Can I touch your hair?” (I wish I was kidding).

But hear me out: the rewards?

Priceless.

Solo travel is that glow-up for your soul that you didn’t know you needed… here are a few tips for those curious about solo travel for Black women.

1. Safety First

Safety is a legit concern, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. It’s all about being street smart, staying aware of your surroundings, and trusting your gut. Also, technology is our BFF here. Use those travel apps to stay connected and safe.

If you need a step-by-step guide to mastering solo travel, “Solo Travel: Try It at Least Once” by Marilene Shane is your go-to. This book is like the big sister you never had, guiding you through the dos and don’ts of navigating new territories solo and embarking on your own solo missions.

2. The Freedom

There’s something liberating about being in a new place where no one knows your name. It’s your chance to reinvent yourself, even if it’s just for a few days. An opportunity to be who you want to be without others holding you captive with the version of you that lives inside their minds.

It’s honestly a freedom you don’t know you are missing until you experience it for yourself. Want to dance in the rain? Do it. Craving a midnight snack in Paris? Why the heck not? Want to hang out with random strangers? Go ahead (using your intuition of course)!

As the phenomenal Maya Angelou said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” That’s the solo travel spirit right there!

3. The Growth!

Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone and into the growth zone. You’ll learn to trust yourself, make decisions on the fly, and handle whatever life throws at you. It’s like a crash course in Adulting 101, but way more fun. Plus, the confidence you’ll gain? Unmatched. You’ll come back ready to take on the world.

And most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to tune into your own wants and needs…

4. The Global Tribe

One of the coolest things about traveling alone is the people you meet. Other solo travelers, locals with stories to share, you name it. These connections can turn into lifelong friendships. Such friendships force you to disrupt narratives that have been painted about other cultures that we subconsciously accept as truth. In the same fashion, our presence disrupts false narratives about Black women.

As these narratives are disrupted, we are reminded of how connected we all are–adding more depth to our sense of self.

5. The Self-Love

Sometimes it feels like the world wants Black women to hate themselves… to feel inadequate… to give ourselves to others at the expense of ourselves! But, in the words of the incredible Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Solo travel is the ultimate act of self-love and preservation. It’s about listening to your needs, desires, and dreams. It’s about choosing you over and over again to the point where it feels natural as opposed to selfish.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to see the world for yourself, by yourself!

“Solo Travel: Try It at Least Once” by Marilene Shane is your first step towards embarking on this incredible journey of self-discovery, growth, and freedom. Grab your copy, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin. Because, trust me, if you never try, you’ll never know just how bold, brave, and brilliant you truly are.

Safe travels, sis!

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