Buzzfeed recently released an article profiling 11 people who have ditched their ho hum lives to travel the world. And while their stories are all awesome (like Ying Tey who was inspired to hit the road after her mother died), their list looks decidedly…pale.
Not one Black or Latino nomad made the list, which struck many of my Facebook friends (several of whom are avid travelers) as strange. I mean, how hard would it have been to profile the Nomadness crew, which boasts over 6,000 multicultural travelers? Or, you know, Google?
But because I’m pretty used to NOT waiting for the world to recognize the accomplishments of those who look like me I decided to put together my own list.
So here are 7 travels of color who will inspire you to hit the road:
Oneika Raymond – Oneika the Traveler
I’m not sure where Oneika HASN’T been (seriously), but the list HAS to be terribly short. Her blog, Oneika the Traveler, is FULL of travel stories and tips on how to see the world. I had the pleasure of meeting Oneika when I visited London and she was one of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met—and it shows in her writing. She’s been profiled in the Huffington Post and National Geographic and has filed stories for American Airlines’ Black Atlas and other outlets. If you’re thinking about taking a trip mosey on over to her blog to see if she’s been there first.
Evita Turquoise Robinson – Nomadness Travel Tribe
Nearly 3 years ago Evita Robinson decided to create the Nomadness Travel Tribe, a Facebook group of wily voyagers from all over the globe, and united them together for one cause: To see the world. Since organizing the tribe, Evita has led trips to Panama, India, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Bali, and across the US in the hopes of inspiring other young people of color to get a passport and see the world. What are you waiting for?
Greg Gross – I’m Black & I Travel
Need help planning for a trip? Want to know when’s the best time to buy your plane ticket or what to expect from the TSA? Greg Gross has you covered! His site, I’m Black and I Travel keeps would-be adventurers up to date on EVERYTHING they need to know before they head out.
Heather Greenwood Davis – Globe Trotting Mama
Think having a family means you can’t travel the world? Psh! Heather Greenwood and her family decided to pull their two kids out of school for a year, sell their things, and embark on a trip of a lifetime. National Geographic named them as Travelers of the Year (2013), and the Davis family certainly deserves it. In their year as nomads, they visited 29 countries and documented it all on the awesome blog, Globe Trotting Mama.
Carol Cain – Girl Gone Travel
Carol is another mother who proves that traveling with a family is not only possible, it can also be pretty easy (and fun!). Carol started blogging in 2008 under the moniker, NYCity Mama, but soon realized that her love of travel was calling her to explore (and write about) more than just the 5 boroughs. Carol and her family—three sons + her hubby—regularly head out on weekend jaunts, summer road trips, and international excursions, and she documents all of their awesome adventures on her site, Girl Gone Travel.
Bayyina Black – The Planet Blaster
Need more than pictures to get you interested in seeing the world? Bayyina has you covered. Through her blog and YouTube channel, Bayyina offers tips, tricks, and hacks for those itching to put some stamps in their passport. Be get ready: Bayyina is a fireball, full of spunk and heart. After watching her vids you’ll want to book a trip now. Like, RIGHT NOW!
Nneka – Afros y Paella
Ok, so technically this isn’t a travel blog per se; Nneka isn’t hopping on a plane every weekend to check out a hot new destination. But as the tagline of her blog Afros y Paella explains, it’s “an African woman’s Spanish journey through food, culture and spirit.” Nneka is currently teaching English in Spain, but what makes her blog so dope is her writing—brilliant, honest, and lush. If she doesn’t make you want to jump on a plane and visit Spain ASAP, I’m not sure what will. In the meantime, get you a big ol’ bowl of Afros y Paella.
This is an awesome article! I agree there could definitely be more coverage on travellers of colour in the media! Thanks for posting this, I didn’t know most of these bloggers, I will check them out!
This is an awesome article! I agree there could definitely be more coverage on travellers of colour in the media! Thanks for posting this, I didn’t know most of these bloggers, I will check them out!
Another great list! Adding these to my RSS feed now. Other than Oneika, these are new for me as well. I’d also recommend Erick from http://minoritynomad.com/
Thanks Matthew! I will check Erick out!
Another great list! Adding these to my RSS feed now. Other than Oneika, these are new for me as well. I’d also recommend Erick from http://minoritynomad.com/
Thanks Matthew! I will check Erick out!
Love this article! I too noticed that not a single minority was represented on the list. Some of these people I already know and some of them I need to add to my Feedly 🙂
Could I just point out that Ying and Yasmine were both minorities 🙂
I think we need to be more inclusive when using the term ‘minority’, just as that Buzzfeed article writer needs to be more inclusive of Blacks and Latinos when writing their article 🙂
Britni said the article was looking a bit pale – which is much more accurate!
Love this article! I too noticed that not a single minority was represented on the list. Some of these people I already know and some of them I need to add to my Feedly 🙂
Could I just point out that Ying and Yasmine were both minorities 🙂
I think we need to be more inclusive when using the term ‘minority’, just as that Buzzfeed article writer needs to be more inclusive of Blacks and Latinos when writing their article 🙂
Britni said the article was looking a bit pale – which is much more accurate!
have been blessed to meet the Davis family and would really love for people/family like them to be recognised! 🙂
have been blessed to meet the Davis family and would really love for people/family like them to be recognised! 🙂
Thank you so much! So humbled to be among these great travel bloggers!
Carol…you’re awesome 🙂 You make me feel like I can take Le Kid anywhere (and survive! lol).
Thank you so much! So humbled to be among these great travel bloggers!
Carol…you’re awesome 🙂 You make me feel like I can take Le Kid anywhere (and survive! lol).
Another great travel blog is http://www.vagabondingheights.com Nate Chambers. Over 30 countries at age 26. Living & studying in China right now and living like a foodie God!
Another great travel blog is http://www.vagabondingheights.com Nate Chambers. Over 30 countries at age 26. Living & studying in China right now and living like a foodie God!
Hi there! I would love to be considered for the next list! I’ve lived in two different foreign countries, learned my foreign languages fluently after 25 and I travel all the time, heading to Ghana next week! This is a great list but there are many more of us that are doing phenomenal things!
Hey Roni,
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. I only discussed 7 people and I know there are literally thousands more. Thanks for sharing your story!
~britni
Hi there! I would love to be considered for the next list! I’ve lived in two different foreign countries, learned my foreign languages fluently after 25 and I travel all the time, heading to Ghana next week! This is a great list but there are many more of us that are doing phenomenal things!
Hey Roni,
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. I only discussed 7 people and I know there are literally thousands more. Thanks for sharing your story!
~britni
I have been reading Greg Gross’ column since it’s inception. I highly recommend it!
I have been reading Greg Gross’ column since it’s inception. I highly recommend it!
Great list, Britni! I didn’t know about half of these travel bloggers either. I love discovering other black travelers who are passionate about travel!
Great list, Britni! I didn’t know about half of these travel bloggers either. I love discovering other black travelers who are passionate about travel!
yours truly…riding the Himalayan High roads –
http://www.cosurvivor.in
wwww.facebook.com/cosurvivorphotography
yours truly…riding the Himalayan High roads –
http://www.cosurvivor.in
wwww.facebook.com/cosurvivorphotography
I am a young, black woman and an avid traveller with a desire to show young, black women that travel is something that you can do while you’re single, even if you’re not filthy rich. I’ve just started using my blog as a travel blog and would love to eventually contribute to travel blogs, magazines, and websites. I’ve been to over 20 countries for both work and leisure and I love helping my friends and others plan their getaways. So…IM my favorite travel blogger!! I’d love any feedback you can give regarding how to get myself out there as a travel writer. Check out my blog! I welcome feedback!! tryphenawade.tumblr.com
I think this is a great start. As a travel blogger, I’d love to hear your tips on travelling as a single woman abroad. I’ve only been to 5 countries (Venezuela, Africa, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada). Each time I was with a group or a girlfriend. I’m reluctant to go it alone only because you become a target. What kinds of tips can you give for being safe as a black female traveling alone? Are there any ways to save on flights and hotels? I would love to visit Egypt. Any suggestions on places to visit?
Africa is a continent not a country, just saying……….
Hi Ms. Ethel!!!
I’ve done a bit of traveling on my own. I think you’re pretty safe with most European countries. I’d hold off on Egypt for now just because of the political climate in that part of the world. But wherever you choose to go, definitely do research on the political climate. This website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html is updated with travel alerts and warnings from the US government. You can look for any kind of warning on whatever country you want to go to. Also, once you decide where you’re going to go, definitely learn a few key phrases in the language of your chosen country and learn a little bit about the culture just so you don’t offend anyone…lol. Once you get to where you’re going you can join group tours to popular sites or ask the hotel concierge about places that are safe to go alone during the day. Definitely be careful and use caution and wisdom, but don’t be afraid. My suggestions for places to go it alone are Italy, Turkey (Istanbul, specifically), Thailand, France, Spain, UK, Aruba and other Caribbean countries. These are places where i’ve felt quite safe as a black woman. As far as travel deals, Groupon offers travel deals with groups. For a single traveller check out flight/hotel packages on travelocity.com, orbitz.com, kayak.com. and check Trip Advisor, Frommer’s, Rick Steves for travel ratings for hotels and tours. I hope all this information helps!!
I am a young, black woman and an avid traveller with a desire to show young, black women that travel is something that you can do while you’re single, even if you’re not filthy rich. I’ve just started using my blog as a travel blog and would love to eventually contribute to travel blogs, magazines, and websites. I’ve been to over 20 countries for both work and leisure and I love helping my friends and others plan their getaways. So…IM my favorite travel blogger!! I’d love any feedback you can give regarding how to get myself out there as a travel writer. Check out my blog! I welcome feedback!! tryphenawade.tumblr.com
I think this is a great start. As a travel blogger, I’d love to hear your tips on travelling as a single woman abroad. I’ve only been to 5 countries (Venezuela, Africa, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada). Each time I was with a group or a girlfriend. I’m reluctant to go it alone only because you become a target. What kinds of tips can you give for being safe as a black female traveling alone? Are there any ways to save on flights and hotels? I would love to visit Egypt. Any suggestions on places to visit?
Africa is a continent not a country, just saying……….
Hi Ms. Ethel!!!
I’ve done a bit of traveling on my own. I think you’re pretty safe with most European countries. I’d hold off on Egypt for now just because of the political climate in that part of the world. But wherever you choose to go, definitely do research on the political climate. This website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html is updated with travel alerts and warnings from the US government. You can look for any kind of warning on whatever country you want to go to. Also, once you decide where you’re going to go, definitely learn a few key phrases in the language of your chosen country and learn a little bit about the culture just so you don’t offend anyone…lol. Once you get to where you’re going you can join group tours to popular sites or ask the hotel concierge about places that are safe to go alone during the day. Definitely be careful and use caution and wisdom, but don’t be afraid. My suggestions for places to go it alone are Italy, Turkey (Istanbul, specifically), Thailand, France, Spain, UK, Aruba and other Caribbean countries. These are places where i’ve felt quite safe as a black woman. As far as travel deals, Groupon offers travel deals with groups. For a single traveller check out flight/hotel packages on travelocity.com, orbitz.com, kayak.com. and check Trip Advisor, Frommer’s, Rick Steves for travel ratings for hotels and tours. I hope all this information helps!!
Great post here and I also read that other Top 11 and felt they lack a bit of “real travel personality” (except Matt Kepnes and Katie Aune). A lot of “newcomers” on there too. I try not to follow too many travel blogs these days as they get repetitive and if you do 3 months in South East Asia, well frankly it’s nothing special and I don’t want to hear about it! Hence why I focus my own stories on places like Antarctica, Iraq, Ethiopia, Belarus and North Korea. Safe travels. Jonny
Great post here and I also read that other Top 11 and felt they lack a bit of “real travel personality” (except Matt Kepnes and Katie Aune). A lot of “newcomers” on there too. I try not to follow too many travel blogs these days as they get repetitive and if you do 3 months in South East Asia, well frankly it’s nothing special and I don’t want to hear about it! Hence why I focus my own stories on places like Antarctica, Iraq, Ethiopia, Belarus and North Korea. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi,
What an awesome post. I can’t wait to explore these 7 further! I have been traveling since I finished college years ago. It is one of my greatest pleasures. My last big trip was to Istanbul, Turkey, but I loved my extended tour of Morocco just as much. Major trips have included multiple visits to Bahia and other parts of Brazil, Senegal, Gambia, South Africa, Rome, Paris, Mallorca, Spain; many cities in Mexico and lots of Caribbean islands. My husband has been leading tours to Brazil and Africa for many years and his upcoming trip is in August 2014 to Bahia and Rio, Brazil and Buenos Aires. If you are curious, check out this blog post on my blog, UrbanNaturale.com for more info: http://urbannaturale.com/experience-salvador-bahia-rio-de-janeiro-iguacu-and-buenos-aires-august-2014/
Hi,
What an awesome post. I can’t wait to explore these 7 further! I have been traveling since I finished college years ago. It is one of my greatest pleasures. My last big trip was to Istanbul, Turkey, but I loved my extended tour of Morocco just as much. Major trips have included multiple visits to Bahia and other parts of Brazil, Senegal, Gambia, South Africa, Rome, Paris, Mallorca, Spain; many cities in Mexico and lots of Caribbean islands. My husband has been leading tours to Brazil and Africa for many years and his upcoming trip is in August 2014 to Bahia and Rio, Brazil and Buenos Aires. If you are curious, check out this blog post on my blog, UrbanNaturale.com for more info: http://urbannaturale.com/experience-salvador-bahia-rio-de-janeiro-iguacu-and-buenos-aires-august-2014/
Such a good list! I came over here from Buzzfeed and when I saw your comment, I was all–FINALLY someone has addressed this. I’m currently in the process of finding/connecting with Asian/Asian-American travel bloggers & reading their stories.
Such a good list! I came over here from Buzzfeed and when I saw your comment, I was all–FINALLY someone has addressed this. I’m currently in the process of finding/connecting with Asian/Asian-American travel bloggers & reading their stories.