You can’t scroll through your reels or TikTok FYPs without seeing happy Black Queens taking calculated strolls on picturesque beaches, basking at the balconies of over-the-water bungalows, or stuffing themselves with some savory delicacies. It’s the lifestyle we’ve chosen and the one way most of us keep stress, anxiety, and depression at bay.
But even with the upsurge of love for travel, Black women still face tribulations as they scour the globe. In some parts (especially those countries where a woman traveling alone is seen as a novelty act), their presence can trigger unwanted attention, leading them to feel unsafe. Yap. There are actually countries where a Black woman is sooo foreign that strangers will come up to you and touch your hair (your freakin’ hair).
So, if you want to avoid all this and the typical racial profiling, we’ve rounded some of the safest, most Black woman friendly destinations based on our favorite travel influencers.
Psstt …some of these are obvious, but a few will knock off all the stereotypes.
@soulsync_discoveries: Bali
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No more living vicariously through your favorite travel influencers and the Real Housewives of wherever; it’s your turn to bask in the mystical wonders of the Island of the Gods and take thousands of photos as you walk down the beautiful Bali beaches, get wowed by the views at Uluwatu Temple, and stuff your mouth with the island’s cornucopia of mouth-watering cuisines.
And with a Black-woman-friendly destination stamp, what else could you be waiting for? So, get your cards and your monthly planner and head to the SoulSync Discoveries page. These guys have an April 2023 Bali trip that’ll get you that spiritual balance you’ve been looking for!
@ravennavera: Zanzibar
It’s true what they say: Zanzibar is a dream! Crystal clear waters, warm, welcoming locals, and finger-licking cuisines, this beautiful island is the perfect destination for anyone looking to sprinkle their Black girl magic!
And if you’re looking to witness the eighth wonder of the world – the Great Wildebeest Migration – Tanzania is one of the few African countries that allows you to fully take in the experience. Additionally, Zanzibar is home to numerous historical sites, including the Old Fort, the Stone Town Market, and the awe-inspiring architectural designs of the House of Wonders.
@rianna_gallery: South Korea
Go to South Korea, babe. Seriously, it’s one of the most Black-woman-friendly destinations in Asia – so safe that you can literally sleep on the streets, and no one would try anything funny. Plus, it’s filled with mouth-watering culinary experiences, rich, diverse cultures, and memoir-worthy adventures waiting for you to discover.
It’s got some quirky events like the Boryeong mud festival, stunning remote islands like the Jhindo Island, and even adrenalin-triggering activities such as skiing in Pyeongchang county. If you’re more laid back, you can chill by the Han river, check out Seoul Grand Park or visit some of Busan’s famous beaches.
@simplycyn: Merida (Yucatan) Mexico
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If you’re a Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) fan, this should be on your “places to visit in 2023” list. As seen in the film (fictional though), Yucatan is one of the most destinos mágicos (magical destinations) and one of the few places in Mexico where a history buff can fully embrace the magic of the Mayan culture ( K’uk’ulkan’s people).
And while it has a reputation for crazy party scenes, Yucatan is the place to be if you’re on the hunt for a place where you can enjoy a little quiet (some solo travel).
Oh, and if you’re on a strict budget but want to enjoy all the scenic views, go to Mérida (it offers all the perks of Cancún and Tulum without the hefty price tags).
@blessingbeyondborders: Iceland
Iceland as a Black-woman-friendly destination? Are you sure? Yes, we are. And according to statistics, this ice-cold “hotspot” has gone from relatively unknown to one of Europe’s coolest and most traveled destinations. Just scroll through Instagram, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t listed it on your bucket list.
The Skógafoss Water Fall is a must-see when frozen, the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is just so eerie, the Blue Lagoon will have your skin feeling like butter, and the ice hotels and bubble rooms will have you wondering whether you’re in the city of a thousand planets.
Plus, if you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, this is the place to be!
@silvianjoki: Cartagena, Columbia
Cloudy, dreamy sunsets. Vibrant, rich culture. Beautiful, extensive biodiversity. Flavorful, finger-licking cuisines. That’s the only way to describe Cartegena (and we’re still not doing it justice). The scenic port city of Columbia’s Caribbean coast is one of the most memorable destinations and one you’ll love (and feel safe) as a Black woman.
Black culture is strongly acknowledged and celebrated, and you’ll often find locals of African descent proudly strutting the streets. As you can see from her post, famous globetrotter Sylvia Njoki was especially thrilled by this side of Cartagena.
Dancing with the colorful Palenquera women was the highlight of her trip and perhaps one she’ll never forget. So, if you’re tired of the same old-same old, book a trip to Cartagena this year and enjoy some of the city’s culturally-rich experiences (and its gorgeous sunset views, of course).
@thebizzyboss: Aruba
Before you throw shade (yes, Aruba is the most obvious Black-woman-friendly destination on earth), you have to agree that’s there no other happiness-inducing destination like Ms. Aruba. She is literally known as the “Happy Island” and has been known to bring out the best in people.
And unlike Paris, Sydney, and other vacation spots, Aruba offers endless, gorgeous beaches, plate-licking delicacies, nonstop fetes, and stunning flamingos (surely, who can be mad around pink flamingos? Not us).
So, if your partner, kids, and current inflation rates have been triggering your migraines, here’s a place to escape to. It’s not so far from the U.S and is bound to bring nothing but joy and peace (something we know you desperately need).
@oneikatraveller: Puerto Rico
Girl, you’ve been sleeping on this world-class destination. Though it’s considered a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is far from American and offers you some of the most mind-blowing experiences that the U.S. wouldn’t match up to.
From the island’s distinct vibes to the mashup of cultures – African, British, Dutch, French, and Spanish, and the smell of fresh mofongo, Puerto Rico is the one Black-woman-friendly destination you can’t afford not to visit. It’s home far away from home!
@natalietewa: United Arab Emirates
In case you didn’t know, Black women, thrive in Dubai – U.A.E. The glitz, glam, picturesque deserts, and of course, the award-worthy photoshoots are just some of the reasons this desert paradise is a must-visit.
Dubbed the “Vegas of the Middle East,” U.A.E is home to unique dining experiences like the underwater restaurant at Al Mahara, bucket list adventures like passenger rides around the F1 race tracks at Yas Marina Circuit, and record-breaking architectural designs like the Burj Khalifa.
It’s everything futuristic and provides a decadence of luxury you can’t find anywhere in the world – unless you’re from an alternate universe, of course.
@nneyarichards: St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands
Looking for the perfect vacay spot to soak in some sun and slay your woes? Look no further than the laid-back island of St. Croix. The Black-woman-friendly destination boasts of stress-free vibes, soul-soothing beaches, and some of the most picturesque views – the kind that’ll keep your psychiatrist and her meds far away.
And while it’s U.S.-owned (your trip there will be so seamless), nothing on the island will remind you you’re on a U.S domain. We won’t even talk about the delicious cuisines because you have to try them yourself to get the full picture.
Pro-tip, though, tap in with the locals for the cuisine recommendations. They won’t steer you wrong.
