Black girls vacationers can face further challenges when touring, notably when touring solo. Listed below are the locations author Stephanie Yeboah and her social media followers have chosen for giving the very best experiences for solo Black girls vacationers.

A number of years in the past, whereas contemplating choices for the proper vacation spot for my annual birthday vacation, I made a decision to do a name out on my social media channels for the very best spots to journey solo as a Black girl. Frankly, I used to be uninterested in having to go looking on-line for sincere solutions concerning the locations I might go to with out being harassed and uncovered to racial slurs.

I’ve written about my experience of traveling as a Black woman previously and the way the surprising racial micro (and macro!) aggressions I skilled discouraged me from visiting some locations once more. I imagine that one of many largest considerations Black vacationers have relating to worldwide journey is security, and with the extra challenges girls face as a part of every day life, it is little marvel that I really feel hesitant earlier than reserving a flight. Will I be racially profiled? Will strangers come as much as me asking to the touch my hair? Will I be topic to impolite stares in public?

Whereas no vacation spot is an ideal utopia, there are numerous locations the place Black vacationers can really feel snug exploring, and a few of these locations are notably thrilling for vacationers proper now. I’ve taken a cross-section of responses I acquired from Black feminine vacationers and added them to my very own record of non-public experiences. 

Listed below are a number of the prime locations for Black feminine vacationers to go to solo.

1. Accra, Ghana

It’s been greater than 400 years for the reason that first slave ships departed from the shores of Ghana earlier than arriving in Europe and the Americas. Ghanaian politicians have additionally lengthy been advocates of the Pan-African motion and in 2019, Ghana began to ask individuals of African descent to go to with the promise of simpler visa purposes and a particular calendar of culturally immersive occasions, dubbing it the “Year of Return.”

Since then, many individuals with Ghanaian ancestry have been touring again to Ghana to attach with their roots, so there has by no means been a greater time for Black girls to journey there. Talking as an individual of Ghanaian descent, I can attest to the truth that it’s certainly one of many most secure locations I’ve ever visited and lived.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Whereas Portugal can typically be seen as a companion vacation spot to neighboring Spain, it is a nation that is greater than in a position to stand by itself. And since it’s such an extremely various nation in its personal proper, it’s undoubtedly among the best nations for Black vacationers. If you’re going for the primary time, I might recommend visiting Lisbon, Porto and Faro, which have enormous African communities.

3. Montreal, Canada

There’s a lot to like about Toronto, particularly with its thriving Caribbean tradition, however Ontario’s capital can get fairly busy for that very motive. That’s why it’s best to head to Montréal as an alternative! Montréal has a powerful Afro-Caribbean tradition, and this can be a foodie metropolis with the best variety of eating places per capita in Canada.

In April, the town hosts the Festival International de Cinéma Vues d’Afrique – a celebration of African and Creole tradition by movie – adopted by the Montréal International Black Film Festival in September. Music lovers ought to attempt to go to in June or July for the annual Montréal Jazz Festival, that includes well-known Black blues and jazz musicians akin to Dianne Reeves and Buddy Man.

4. Thailand

Thailand has change into some of the common journey locations for individuals of colour – particularly Black girls. There are such a lot of buddies and influencers that I see posting photos of their spa days, seashore journeys and visits to world heritage websites in Bangkok on Instagram that I’m beginning to really feel the itch myself. A buddy of mine spent a 12 months finding out overseas in Thailand and had nothing however great issues to say.

Like many Southeast Asian nations, Thailand is especially identified for its hospitality; locals are all the time prepared to increase a hand to vacationers. As well as, the nation is a superb funds possibility for these of us trying to make our cash go additional. Reasonably priced lodging will be present in just about any a part of the nation and for those who skip eating places in favor of native road meals, you will be shocked at how far your funds will stretch.

5. Tokyo, Japan

I’ve put Japan on the record due to their historic love of Black tradition. You’ll be able to go to most of the nightclubs in Tokyo and different main cities and all the time discover hip-hop music blaring from the audio system. Throughout my quick keep in Tokyo, I heard Cardi B being performed extra instances in a single night time than I ever have in my lifetime.

Along with Japan’s deep appreciation of our tradition, you could find wonderful meals and very welcoming individuals. As an individual who often travels alone, I am unable to overemphasize how useful it’s to have locals who’re completely satisfied to offer suggestions and instructions.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil is thought for having one of many largest populations of Black individuals exterior of Africa, with individuals of Nigerian origin topping the record. There’s a lot to study from the way in which this place has mixed each African and Portuguese cultures. In Rio de Janeiro, there’s a wealthy and accessible arts group that vacationers can have interaction with and immerse themselves in.

Whether or not you come for Carnival or decide a quieter time, Rio ought to be on the bucket record for any traveler, but it surely’s particularly good to know you will obtain a heat welcome if arriving alone. Whereas many main cities in Brazil are identified for being harmful at night time, through the day there shouldn’t be any points as long as you keep in well-lit and populated areas – recommendation all girls sadly have to remember irrespective of the place they journey.