”If you wait for people to travel, you’ll wait forever.” I’ve lived(and traveled) by this motto for the past nine years and it’s led me to over 30 countries solo. Most recently, it led me to Brazil for Carnival with Luxe Tribes and I’m so glad that I didn’t have to wait around for others to make it happen. I’ve been wanting to experience this legendary celebration for YEARS, but none of my friends could ever make it work. I was blessed to be invited on a Luxe Tribes Group Trip, a Black-owned travel agency specializing in luxury group trips for Black women,  and I’m here to report back on the trip of a life-time. 

Though I will always advocate for solo travel, Carnival called for community – both for safety in a party/festival environment and in order to effectively navigate Brazil’s language barriers. While I could have done Carnival solo, Luxe Tribes effortlessly executed a trip that met all of my desires and beyond. The true magic? Being surrounded by Black women who just *got* eachother, creating an instant connection that isn’t always easy to come by. 

In this Luxe Tribes Group Trip review, I’m breaking down my entire experience traveling to Rio for Carnival with this Black women travel group. I’ll spill all the tea – the good, the real, and everything you need to know if you’re considering traveling with Luxe Tribes on one of their luxury group trips for Black women.

Where I Traveled with Luxe Tribes

I traveled to Brazil with Luxe Tribes February 26 to March 6 2025 for the biggest Carnival celebration in the world. The trip included a 6-day, 5-night stay at a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach. 

Who I Traveled With – Luxe Tribes

Luxe Tribes is a Black-owned travel agency that organizes some of the best trips for Black female professionals looking for upscale travel experiences worldwide. They plan trips that focus on cultural immersion and authentic experiences without sacrificing comfort and quality. After spending my early twenties hostel-hopping and riding on the struggle bus, my thirties are all about treating myself when the occasion calls for it – and Luxe Tribes definitely delivers in that department.

You can join a Luxe Tribes small group trip with up to 16 like-minded travelers or they can execute a personalized itinerary that will give you the best overview of the destination of your choice. I had the opportunity to experience both their private and group tour options, which were both planned out perfectly. 

I’ve traveled with many group companies before, but meeting the other Luxe Tribe travelers in Rio showed me that the quality of Black women LT attracts is what sets them apart. Being surrounded by brilliant, accomplished Black women who not only shared my passion for travel but also understood my lived experiences? Priceless.

How many of us have friends who can’t get PTO, can’t afford to travel, or simply don’t prioritize seeing the world? That same dilemma is what made me start traveling solo in the first place and ain’t nobody got time for that. With a Luxe Tribes group trip, you’re instantly placed with women who value these experiences just as much as you do.

Who is a Luxe Tribes group trip for? 

• Black women travelers who want luxury AND authentic travel experiences
• Solo travelers who want safety and community while exploring
• First time solo travelers who want to go solo without going completely alone
• Professional women who work hard and want their vacation to truly FEEL like a vacation. No planning necessary! 
• Travelers who need the perfect balance of structured activities and free time.
• Women looking to build genuine connections with other like-minded Black female professionals

Why travel to Brazil for Carnival with Luxe Tribes?

Why NOT do Carnival solo or with a small group of friends? As yall know, I never back down from a solo challenge but one thing is for sure – I would NOT recommend doing Carnival solo. Here’s why: 

• With Carnival bringing in tens of millions of travelers to Brazil, advance planning is a must. Day tours sell out quickly, traffic is chaotic, etc. Without local connections on the ground like Luxe Tribes provides, planning may be difficult to manage.  
• The language barrier in Brazil is significant. I met less than 5 people who spoke English across 3 weeks in Brazil. If language barriers overwhelm you, then you’ll feel pretty out of place while trying to navigate the biggest event in the country for 1 week straight. This means booking transportation, reservations, etc. will be a constant struggle. With Luxe Tribes, you’ll have local guides on the ground who speak Portuguese. They’ll take care of the logistics for you. 
• You must be very vigilant about safety in Brazil in general but things get much crazier during Carnival. A luxury group for Black women offers safety in numbers when enjoying block parties and nighttime festivities. I would never recommend partying alone in Brazil, but that’s the entire point of Carnival, so you’d miss out on the main events if you chose to go solo.

How Booking A Trip With Luxe Tribes Works

Booking a Luxe Tribes group trip is straightforward:

1. Visit Luxetribes.com to browse available trips

2. Select a trip based on your interests, dates, and budget

3. Make a down payment to secure your spot

4. Pay the remainder in monthly installments or all at once

5. Receive pre-trip information, including a PowerPoint presentation about the destination and what to expect

6. Join a group chat with other travelers to connect before the trip

7. Show up and enjoy your trip with everything planned for you!

What’s Included in the Luxe Tribes Trip Price?

This will vary depending on which destination you choose, but my 6-day, 5-night Carnival trip in Rio De Janeiro included:

• 5 nights at a luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach
• Daily breakfast and five included meals
• Welcome dinner at Fogo de Chão, a premier steakhouse
• Airport transfers and transportation to all included activities
• Christ the Redeemer tour with a professional photographer
• Helicopter tour over Rio
• Sugarloaf Mountain and Selarón Steps excursion
• Cooking class or forest tour option
• Samba dance class
• Professional makeup for Carnival
• Tickets to the Sambadrome for the Carnival parade
• Local guides and full-time assistance
• Luxe Tribes group trip goodie bag

Is Luxe Tribes Worth The Cost?

Let’s be honest – traveling with Luxe Tribes(and group travel in general) isn’t the cheapest way to experience Brazil. However, you’ll receive an amazing value for your trip investment:

• Convenience: Everything is planned and booked for you, saving countless hours of research and coordination.

• Access: Carnival tickets, restaurant reservations, and activities during peak season are secured on your behalf the moment you book your trip. No thoughts, just vibes! 
  
• Quality: Luxury accommodations and experiences that have been vetted

• Safety: Traveling with a group and having local guides in a city known for safety concerns

• Expertise: Local knowledge that helps you avoid tourist traps and experience the destination authentically

• Peace of mind: No stress about logistics, transportation, or language barriers

So while you might pay more upfront compared to planning everything yourself, the time saved, stress avoided, and quality of experiences gained makes it worthwhile for those who value these aspects of travel.

How Much Free Time Do You Get with Luxe Tribes?

One of my favorite aspects of traveling with Luxe Tribes was the balance between structured activities and free time. The trip was roughly 50/50:

Mornings and early afternoons were typically dedicated to guided activities and tours while later afternoons and some evenings were free to explore on your own. You’ll have a free day, and ultimately all activities are your choice to attend. 

They’ve set it up so that you’ll have enough day tours to ensure you don’t miss the highlights, but plenty of down-time to do your own thing or simply relax at the beach or hotel.

Should You Sign Up to Travel with Luxe Tribes Alone?

Absolutely! As someone who advocates for solo travel, I found traveling with Luxe Tribes to be ideal for solo travelers because you’ll instantly have a group of like-minded travelers to share experiences with. You can join group activities when you want and explore independently when you need time to recharge your batteries.

What’s It Like Traveling with Strangers?

I know what you’re thinking – “Girl, isn’t it awkward being stuck with people you don’t know?” It can be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but you quickly build bonds over shared experiences. With a max group size of 16, Luxe Tribes’ group trips are big enough to find your people but small enough not to feel like a tourist herd. There’s ALWAYS someone down to join whatever random activity you want to do during free time and there’s zero pressure to stick with the group 24/7 – unless you want to, of course. That pre-trip group chat helps break the ice before you even land and the welcome dinner on day 1 will help the group break the ice upon arrival. 

What really blew me away was meeting multiple women who were on their 2nd, 3rd, even 5th Luxe Tribes group trip! When people keep coming back, you know the company must be doing something right. These repeat travelers shared stories from their previous trips and how Luxe Tribes had handled any issues that came up with care and professionalism. They mentioned seeing consistent improvements based on customer feedback, which is exactly what you want from a travel company.

What Are the Accommodations Like?

Luxe Tribes booked us a stay at the Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. I loved it so much I paid extra to stay longer after the trip!

They nailed it with the accommodation because the hotel was perfectly situated for an event like Carnival. It was just steps away from Copacabana Beach. I’m talking walk across the street and your toes are in the sand. Not to mention, so many Carnival street parties (blocos) happened right outside of the hotel. When there’s that much traffic and chaos in the city, being able to just walk downstairs to join the fun instead of finding transportation is a game-changer.

The hotel offered room service(which I definitely utilized a time or two), buffet breakfast to feast on before long day tours, and a rooftop pool to watch the sunset from.

Choosing the wrong accommodation location in Brazil could cost you in more ways than one. Back in 2019, I booked what I thought was a cute Airbnb in Rio, and ended up witnessing a literal shootout on my street! This hotel was in a secure area with doormen and proper security. This is why it’s crucial to travel with a tour company that doesn’t cut corners on any aspect of trip planning or logistics. 

What’s Transportation Like?

Transportation was seamless throughout the trip:

• Airport transfers were included and on time
• Dedicated drivers for all excursions
• No need to navigate public transportation or deal with language barriers
• No worries about finding reliable and safe taxis or Ubers (which can be challenging in Rio)
• Consistency in drivers built trust and eliminated safety concerns

The value of reliable transportation cannot be overstated during Carnival when the city is extremely congested and ride services are in high demand.

Do You Need to Speak the Language in Brazil?

The language barrier in Brazil is no joke. This is where traveling with Luxe Tribes was a lifesaver:

• Local guides handled all the communication with drivers, restaurants, and attractions
• I didn’t have to stress about negotiating prices or getting directions. Guides informed us how much we should be paying for street snacks, souvenirs, etc. 
• The pre-trip materials included helpful Portuguese phrases (but honestly, even my attempts at pronunciation got blank stares)
• All bookings and reservations were handled in advance

If you’re planning to go, start practicing on Duolingo NOW. Even just basic phrases will help, though be prepared for rapid-fire responses you won’t understand. Having guides who speak the language fluently was one of the most valuable parts of this trip.

How’s the Food?

My Luxe Tribes package included: 

• Welcome dinner at Fogo de Chão, Rio’s premier steakhouse. Everything was on point! 
• Lunches at restaurants with stunning views of the city, which would have been difficult to book independently during Carnival.

Finding good restaurants on my own after the trip was actually quite challenging, which proves the value of having local experts select the best dining venues. 

How’s Customer Service?

The customer service from Luxe Tribes was excellent from start to finish:

• Pre-trip communication was on point with detailed information, timely responsiveness, and a helpful PowerPoint presentation about the destination
• Local guides and staff available 24/7 on the ground
• Local guides were accommodating and quick to resolve any issues that arose. When one activity had to be rescheduled due to traffic, they quickly arranged an alternative day and time so the group wouldn’t miss out
• The local guides were professional yet warm. They remembered preferences and made everyone feel valued, which isn’t always easy with a big group.

My Personal Experience on my Carnival Trip in Rio With Luxe Tribes 

My top 5 experiences included: 

1. The Helicopter Tour – Rio has one of the top five cityscapes in the world, so seeing Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and those beaches from above? Life changing.

2. Professional Photos at Christ the Redeemer

As someone who’s usually the one behind the camera on solo trips, having a professional photographer at one of the Seven Wonders of the World was a serious highlight. I’ve visited six wonders and have awkward selfies or random tourist-taken photos from all of them except this one! Now I’ve got professional shots that didn’t involve me asking strangers to take 15 versions.

3. Exploring the Santa Teresa Neighborhood 

This charming, quiet neighborhood was the perfect contrast to the high-energy beach areas. I visited Rio back in 2019 and never even heard about this spot – it wasn’t on any of my Pinterest boards or TikTok recommendations. This is exactly why traveling with a luxury group trip for Black women that has real local knowledge makes such a difference.

4. Carnival Done RIGHT

Getting tickets to the Sambadrome without the stress, having a professional makeup artist, and experiencing everything with a group of other Black female travelers? This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to DIY it.

5. Learning to Samba (Kind Of)

Dancing is the heartbeat of Brazil and Carnival itself, so having the opportunity to learn from actual Brazilian dancers gave me a deeper appreciation for what I was seeing at the parades. The fact that they offered this cultural experience (alongside a cooking class option) showed that Luxe Tribes really crafted a well-rounded culturally immersive trip.

Would I Recommend Traveling with Luxe Tribes?

Without hesitation, ABSOLUTELY YES! Especially for:

• Black women who want to travel solo safely without sacrificing authentic experiences or nightlife. 
• First-timers to Brazil who don’t want to deal with that learning curve during the chaos of Carnival
• Anyone who wants to kick back and relax on vacation without stressing about logistics
• Black female professionals looking for elevated travel experiences

After hitting 70+ countries through all kinds of travel styles, Luxe Tribes stands out as the absolute best tour company for Black female professionals. They understand our specific needs and preferences in a way that generic travel companies just won’t get.

My General Tips for Traveling to Brazil for Carnival

• Start practicing your Portuguese NOW!
• Research activities & restaurants for your free timeI saved some TikToks of restaurants and spots I wanted to check out during downtime.
• Get an eSIM. I used Holafly which gave me unlimited data throughout my trip with no issues. Having data is non-negotiable for maps, translation apps, and staying connected abroad – especially in Rio, since you won’t be able to use a physical sim card as a tourist 
• Bring a backup phone device for safety – I packed an old iPhone as theft can be common in Rio, especially with the crowds during Carnival
• Purchase travel insurance so you can be reimbursed incase of lost luggage, theft,  medical emergencies, or transportation issues 
• Extend your trip like I did to explore other parts of Carnival such as Salvador – the Blackest city outside of Africa
• Limit cash carried. I used Apple Pay for almost everything in Rio, which was super convenient. If your cards get stolen, you can still use your phone to pay. I only took about $50 cash out of the hotel per day and I used my card for bigger purchases
• Leave any expensive clothing or jewelry at home. I met a girl whose necklace was literally snatched right off her neck at a ‘bloco’ party. Better safe than sorry
• NEVER walk alone in Rio, especially at night. Take Ubers everywhere if you’re not with the group. I know multiple people who got robbed trying to walk short distances, even in “good” areas
• Print copies of your passport and store it digitally (I email it to myself)

What to Pack for Carnival

• Liquid IV for hydration in the heat, while drinking alcohol, etc.
• Portable fan for the strong Rio sun
• Fanny pack
• Money belt to avoid pickpocketing
• Colorful clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• High SPF sunscreen
• Packable shopping bag. Stop by Farm Rio for some vacay dresses and customize your own flip-flops at Havaianas

My Final Thoughts On Traveling with Luxe Tribes 

If it weren’t for Luxe Tribes, then another year would have flown by without me crossing Carnival off of my bucket-list. What could have been a stressful, potentially overwhelming experience turned into one of the most memorable trips of my life. Having traveled to so many places solo, I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed having everything handled for me while still having the freedom to do my own thing. 

For my fellow Black women travelers out there, especially those who work demanding jobs and don’t have time(or the desire) to research every little detail – this Black-owned travel agency will curate the ultimate adventure that will suit your travel needs. Luxe Tribes has a true understanding of our unique needs in various destinations around the world such as Brazil, Bali, Thailand, and many more. On top of that, their built-in community is something that you just can’t put a price on. 

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how difficult it can be to find people who share both my love for travel and my lived experiences as a Black woman. The women I met through Luxe Tribes were accomplished, intelligent, and inspiring. If you refuse to wait for the trip to make it out of the group chat in 2025 and beyond, then there’s no better tour company for you to travel with than Luxe Tribes. 

The post An Honest Review of My First Luxe Tribes Group Trip to Rio De Janeiro for Carnival | Black Woman Travel Group appeared first on Showit Blog.

I was hosted by Visit Casper and all opinions are my own.

Welcome to Wyoming – Casper, Wyoming to be exact! This year I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Wyoming TWICE. I first visited Yellowstone in Wyoming back in March and I recently returned for a trip to Casper. To be honest, I didn’t know much about this region of the United States prior to my Yellowstone visit. I was pleasantly surprised on that first trip, so I knew I was in for a treat when Visit Casper invited me to visit for a weekend.

My first impression? Casper is a relatively small town(population: 57k) that reminded me a lot of West Texas. The city is in central Wyoming with a long history of oil and cowboy culture. If you were simply passing through, you might miss all that Casper has to offer. I can definitely say that it’s a great weekend destination for eating your heart out, exploring the great outdoors, fly-fishing, and more.

As my mom is on a mission to visit all 50 states, I brought her along for the journey and we were able to enjoy Casper in ways that we never imagined.

As a very important note, Casper is currently open for safe visitation. They are doing all that they can to protect both citizens and visitors. Masks are enforced, businesses offer outdoor seating, and many activities can be done while social-distancing.

WHERE TO STAY 

While visiting Casper, I had the pleasure of staying at the Ramkota Casper. With a downtown location, this was the perfect launchpad for me to explore Casper. Every main attraction I visited was just minutes away, which made it easy to do as much as possible in a certain amount of time. My favorite aspects of staying at the Ramkota included:

• Free shuttle services to and from the airport

• Spacious rooms that allowed for complete relaxation with my mom

• Complimentary breakfast

As a note, masks are required. Measures are being taken to protect both employees and customers at the Ramkota Casper.

WHAT TO DO

Go Fly Fishing

People travel from all over the world to go fly fishing in Casper. With anywhere from 3000 to 5000 fish per mile, the area is one of the best big fish destinations in the USA. You’ve gotta put this on your Casper bucket-list. You can take a guided tour with Ugly Bug Fly Shop and learn everything from casting the rod to the process of tying a fly(bait used to lure the fish in). If you’re anything like my mother and me, you might not catch a single fish. However, I can say that this is the most peaceful thing I’ve done in a while. It certainly tested my patience. There’s a first time for everything, right?

Take The Scenic Route To Freemont Canyon

Drive out to Freemont Canyon to safely catch some of the best views in Natrona Country. You’ll witness geological wonders from start to finish. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can kayak, boat, climb, or fish in the area.

Visit the Nicolaysen Art Museum

The Nicolaysen Art Museum is a self-guided studio that features a collection of traditional and contemporary art. If you visit anytime soon, you must see Georgia Roswell’s exhibit which features Wyoming’s landscape via discarded textiles. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Note: You’ll be required to social distance inside of the museum. Don’t forget your mask!

Chase Waterfalls at Rotary Park

Garden Creek falls is a hidden gem at the base of Casper Mountain. You can safely hike the trails and stand at the base of the waterfall for gorgeous views.

Bring Out Your Inner Artist at Art 321

Stop by this art organization to shop local art or get your creative juices flowing with an onsite art class! Choose from pottery, photography, painting, and more.

Shop For Souvenirs While Supporting Local Businesses

In downtown Casper, you’ll find a local shop at every turn! For reference, you can carry a piece of Casper with you by shopping at Floral Rhino, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters, or WyoMade Apparel & Craft goods before you go!

Masks will be enforced inside local businesses.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

• Have a classic American breakfast at Eggington’s and Johnny J’s.

• Sneak your way to Backward’s Distilling Company’s Speakeasy where you can taste the best spiked hot chocolate of your life.

• Grab some chocolate-covered cherries and homemade popcorn from Donnell’s Candies!

• Taste brews in a 100-year building at Skull-tree Brewing.

• Do yourself a favor and swing by Branding Iron Boutique for the fried green tomatoes!!!

• Grab a slice or a whole pie at Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana. Trust me when I say this is the best pizza in town!

• Indulge in some sweet treats and coffee at the Bourgeoisie Pig!

• Treat yo’ self to Thai Food at Dsasumo!

• Enjoy award-winning ribs and premium steak at Prime Rib And Chophousee

Note: Bring your mask and be prepared to social distance in indoor establishments. Feel free to ask about outdoor seating when possible.

If you find yourself in Casper, I implore you to stick around to discover just how much this town has to offer! Trust me when I say, this is the kind of place that will take you by surprise!

The post How To Spend A Weekend In Casper, Wyoming – And Stay Safe While Doing So. appeared first on Showit Blog.

Me: “The United States…America.”⁣

Local: “No, but where are you REALLY from?”⁣

Me: “…America. Texas, to be exact.”⁣

Local: “Where are your parents from?”⁣

Me: “America :).”⁣

Local: “Your grandparents?.”⁣

Me: “Still…America.”⁣ ⁣

I’ve been asked this question by locals all over the world and I know what they’re getting at. I know they see my brown skin and while they can see that I am black by race, they’re curious about my ethnicity. They’re curious about my origins. Sometimes they’ll suggest countries in Africa or even the Caribbean. I simply smile and say, “Maybe. It’s possible.” This has triggered arguments, as if I’m lying or hiding something. I can see the confusion on their face, but I truly do not have an answer for them. ⁣ ⁣There are a few things to note about this conversation…

When I’m asked of my origins, people are often confused about WHY I don’t know where my family is “actually” from. I must then share a history lesson about the transatlantic slave trade in America. I must tell them that most(not all!) African Americans know that we have African Ancestry, but we were robbed of knowing our identity. We don’t know the true extent of our heritage. Eventually, the constant question revealed how great of a privilege it is to know where your ancestors come from. To carry their last names rather than that of a slave owner. To have remnants of family history that weren’t burned and records of your relatives that weren’t “lost” somewhere along the way. By the end of my mini-history lesson, they kinda sorta get it. I walk away feeling proud of the culture that black Americans have created in-spite of, while also having a burning desire to know more about my roots. Because at times, being black in America feels like being in the between.⁣

Then there’s the fact that many non-Americans(especially from non-western countries) have an idea of what “Americans” look like. Because my skin is brown, I can’t possibly be from the US. Western media tells them that an “All-American” girl is either blonde or brunette. Western media perpetuates the narrative that black & brown people are not REAL Americans.⁣
⁣
A few years back, I became fast friends with a blonde German girl in Nicaragua while we were both traveling solo. One day, we decided to visit a UNESCO heritage church in the capital city when suddenly we were swarmed by a large group of local school children. They all whipped their camera phones out and their teacher said they wanted to practice their English with us. Can you guess who they all ran towards? The Blonde GERMAN girl. They were shocked to discover that I spoke English at all & that I was in fact the American. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it’s interesting to see how skin color plays into global perception. ⁣
⁣
These instances occur around the world for me, especially when I am alone. Many non-white English teachers struggle to find work in foreign countries because they don’t ‘look the part’ as an American. In this way, travel has truly opened my eyes to my perceived place in the world. It’s revealed the ways an accent, skin color, language, passport, title, etc can subconsciously elevate or lower an individual’s status in the eyes of another.⁣

Who can relate? Can we discuss how media perpetuates the myth of “The Melting Pot” that is America it or that a convo for another day? *sips tea* And maybe one day I’ll take a DNA test. Who Knows? I worry about giving away that access. Can we trust the accuracy of this stuff anyway?  Have you taken a DNA test? What were your thoughts about it? ⁣ ⁣

The post The Biggest Question I Receive As A Black Traveler And Why I Don’t Have An Answer | “Where are you from?” appeared first on Showit Blog.

This was in response to another (White) guy in our trip asking why we, the black girls, were specifically being swarmed for photos. I mean, It was obvious to us. We were the only black people in sight during our entire time in Uzbekistan. How could he not see this? ⁣⁣After all, this is my norm while living and sometimes even existing while being black.
⁣⁣
Traveling(and living) while black means being hyper-aware of your existence and how it shapes your experience within the world. I’m also aware that other people are aware and it’s the exact reason that I have no choice but to be.

I can see the stares, sneaking of photos, and close whispers to their friends. Sometimes it’s in my face and sometimes it’s a bit more hidden. It mostly happens in places like Eastern Europe, Asia, and even parts of Mexico where there are few if any black people around.

I can usually chalk it up to curiosity, but the hardest part is not knowing. Thanks to media(especially historically) and universal stereotypes, we have a less than favorable image around the world and this may be the only perception that they have of us. So are these stares of pure interest or disdain? The latter must be taken into consideration and it can be exhausting when you simply want to enjoy your trip like everyone else. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Somehow I’ve ended up becoming the attraction at every main attraction in places like Uzbekistan and Budapest. Like, I couldn’t take a few steps without being approached for photos by entire families. People followed us the entire time waiting for their chance to jump in a frame with us to the point that we had to turn people away.

Contrary to regions that I’ve traveled like Eastern Europe, these locals weren’t shy about showing their interest in us. They didn’t hold back. They gasped and pointed and…smiled. “Black is beautiful.”, one man told us as he shook our hands. The stares weren’t blank or flat. Little girls acted as if they’d just seen their favorite celebrity. They were very enamored in a way that I’d never experienced before…so we reluctantly gave in.

How to Handle The Challenges That Come With Being A Black Traveler

This is a reality of traveling while black and it presents itself in different ways for black travelers around the world. Some of us find it entertaining and others find it annoying, as nobody wants to be treated like a zoo animal when they’re just trying to enjoy their vacation.

I understand the intrigue so I can usually brush it off and not take any offense to it…I mean, who could blame them?

The challenging part is discerning people’s true intentions and that would be up to the individual to decipher.

If you feel uncomfortable at any point, then throw your shades on and ignore with zero apologies. As a traveler, you owe nobody anything…especially not a photo. This isn’t as simple as changing our bright hair color in a primarily dark-haired region or even covering up tattoos that make one stand out.

We cannot change our skin tone. We cannot hide or coverup. With that being said, it’s important to do what you need to feel most comfortable and safe while traveling.

The black experience is not a monolith but that’s a completely different conversation.

I hope that you don’t let one place or experience stop you from seeing for yourself.

The world is your oyster too.

On another note, where do these photos end up anyway? Does anyone know?

I could start a series about being black abroad, especially as a solo female traveler. The treatment, assumptions, questions. Is that something you all would be interested in?

The post Being Black In Uzbekistan | What It’s REALLY Like Being Black Abroad appeared first on Showit Blog.

Don’t get it twisted.

I have doubts every time I take a solo trip

Every-time I’m in an Airbnb alone and I hear a thump

As I walk down the street with a man following closely behind behind

When I slide into the backseat of an cab- just a male driver and I

When I notice someone’s eyes lingering for a second too long

As I grip my valuables closely to my side on a crowded bus

And as I stare out the plane window during takeoff.

Despite how the photos turn out, it’s not always twirling in the streets,

sometimes it’s speed walking down a dimly lit alley while looking over my shoulder

Solo travel doesn’t necessarily get easier or less scary, at least not for me.

These thoughts still sit in the back of my mind because let’s face it, anything can happen anywhere at any time.

Even still, I refuse to let that stop me from living and seeing this great big world.

I choose to acknowledge the fear, be vigilant, and enjoy everything as much as possible.

I choose to go and keep going.

– phone notes from Guanajuato, Mexico ⁣

How I Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

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The post I Have a Confession: Solo Travel Scares Me. Here’s Why I Go Anyway… appeared first on Showit Blog.

This was one of my biggest goals of 2018. And what do you know? It happened. I was featured in the ‘On She Goes’ podcast, which is a platform made for and by women of color who travel. I discovered ‘On She Goes’ nearly a year ago and it was amazing to find an online space that was dedicated to a demographic of underrepresented travelers. Check out their podcast and website!

In this podcast I discuss everything from being the best version of my self while traveling solo to being a minority traveler.

I start talking at 18:00. You can listen here:

The post I WAS FEATURED IN A PODCAST | Traveling As A Black Woman appeared first on Showit Blog.

An In-depth Guide To Dealing With Parents Who Don’t Want You To Travel Solo

My parents tried to talk me out of quitting my job to travel alone and I’m so glad I didn’t listen.

It’s a shame because I would have missed out on the most enriching and dynamic experience of my life thus far.

I don’t blame them though and I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to be a parent. At the end of the day, they only want what’s best for us. It’s natural to have concerns about this kind of thing, but sometimes they may not realize that they’re holding us back.

I’ve known people with parents who gave them the silent treatment, threatened to send them to counseling, and even hid their passport when they told them they were traveling alone/visiting a foreign country. It’s a difficult position to be in. We all want our parent’s approval and acceptance, so it’s hurtful when they don’t support our dreams.

It’s no secret that I traveled alone AND quit my job against my parent’s wishes, but they eventually learned to accept my choices. Now, I couldn’t be more thankful for their support. I constantly receive messages from girls who struggle with the decision to travel alone without their parent’s support. From breaking the news to convincing them, this in-depth article will help anyone with parents who don’t want them to travel alone.

HOW TO BREAK THE NEWS

It’s always best to keep it real. Easier said than done though, right?

If you know your parents tend to freak out about your safety, then tread lightly.

Prepare yourself for the conversation. Think about the questions you have and come prepared like you would for a college exam. They’re going to have ALL the questions and you need to be ready to explain yourself.

Practical explanations include:

• “As I continue to grow, I’d love to discover more the world. I want to experience different cultures and meet new people while I can.”
• “I will become more independent. I’ll learn to rely on myself and make the most of every situation”
• “I think this trip will be great for my mental, physical and spiritual growth!”
• “Soon I’ll be starting my career. I’d love to take advantage of the freedom I have now so that I can focus on my goals once I return.”
• “I want to learn a new language!”
• “A study abroad experience will look great on my resume!”

These are a few reasons of substance. The goal is to convince them that this is a mature decision and you’ve really put alot of thought into it.

Impractical explanations include:

• “Ugh, but it’s SO lame here in *insert your hometown*”
• “I just want an escape”
• “I just want to!!!!!!!”
• “Why not?”

This might be the real reason that you want to travel, but it’s certainly not the way to convince them.

They’ll likely have a lot of concerns and questions including, “Why do you want to do this?”, “What makes you want to go there?”, “What about school/work?”, “What if you get killed?”, “Why do you want to waste your money on travel?”, “Why on EARTH do you want to go alone?”, “You get lost in the neighborhood we live in, so what makes you think you’re ready to take on the world?”.

Be ready to answer all of these questions.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY SAY NO? 

First, recognize that they love you dearly. I’m not a parent but I can only imagine how horrified I’d be if my child randomly decided to book a flight to a foreign country that I, nor they knew nothing about(SORRY MOM!). They are worried about your safety. Take a moment to be grateful for a family that has such deep concern for you. It’s a blessing!

Next, practice compassion. Try to understand why they feel so strongly about this. They may have limited experience with different people/cultures/places and they may be projecting their fears onto you as a result. Sometimes it’s even as deep as them feeling like you don’t appreciate your home or the life they gave you. They may feel like you’re “leaving” them and choosing a place over them, even though this couldn’t be further from the truth. Take a deep breath and try to put yourself in their shoes before arguing or getting angry that they don’t support this goal of yours.

BOTTOM LINE: Take their feelings into consideration.

And remember, Aaliyah, said it best – “If at first, you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again”

This is a long game. For example, if you want to study abroad next year, you’ve got 365 days to plead your case. It may take them a while to warm up to the idea.

Here are some things that might help: 

• Start small. Let them know that you’re going to the movies alone or taking a road trip with your friends. Visit the next town over. This will help you establish your independence, which is a win for the both of you. Eventually, they’ll begin to see you as a responsible adult. Prove that you’re ready through your actions.
• Talk to your most reasonable parent. You know the one. They may be able to convince the other parent over time.
• Give them previous examples in which their trust led to independence like going away to college or spending a week at summer camp.
• Pay for your own trip! If they don’t support or see the value in your desire to travel, the last thing they’ll want to do is fund your trip. Fair enough, right? Fund the trip yourself and prove that this is something you really want to do. This is the ultimate sign of maturity, so they’ll be impressed.
• Study abroad or join a travel group if this is your first solo trip. It might bring them comfort to know that you’re not completely alone.
• Invite them! I know you want to do this alone but sometimes you’ve gotta compromise. After traveling with you, they may see the value in it. They’ll be more likely to support your travels next time around. If they’re not interested, invite a friend or sibling. Once again, this experience might ease their fears the next time around.
• Show them (positive) pictures, youtube videos, or documentaries about the place you’ll be visiting. Sometimes parents have no idea what a place is actually like. Their fears are based on things they’ve heard. Their ideas of a place might not be based in reality, but you can teach them! Heck, make a powerpoint if you have to!
• Change your location. You may have your heart set on a certain location, but your parents might have negative views about it. Changing your location might help ease their fears. Travel domestically, instead of internationally this time around(especially if you’ve never left your home country). Baby steps! Visit a country that’s statistically safer.
• Tell them about or show them others like you(same age, race, etc.) who are already traveling alone. This may help put things in perspective for them. They may be thinking “NOBODY TRAVELS ALONE!!!”, while in reality, there are plenty of us out here living our best life. The concept may be foreign to them, to prove that it’s actually a thing.
• Change your dates! Maybe it’s all about timing! Maybe they prefer for you to finish school or wait until the family unit is in a better place as a whole.
• Establish a return plan. Your parents may fear that you’re throwing your life, job, studies, or opportunities away. This is understandable. Inform them of your plans when you return. Prove that you aren’t completely ruining your life. Show them how/why this will benefit you in the long term.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY WON’T BUDGE

Sometimes they just won’t get it. At this point, you’ll have to decide if you want to travel without their support. But FIRST, consider this:

I hate to break it to you, but you may have to hold off on traveling if you are financially dependent on them or live in their home. That’s just how it works. As long as they are supporting you, you will have to respect their wishes. Once you become financially independent, it will be easier for you to make your own choices with no strings attached.

Now, if you are financially independent and of legal age….you’re technically free to do as you wish!

However, I do know that being an “adult” means nothing to a parent in certain cultures. It may still be difficult to make your own decisions. Explain why you want to travel and how it will enrich your life. Explain why this is a great opportunity for you to expand your horizons, step outside of your comfort zone, build your confidence, etc.  Assure them that you love your home & the life they’ve provided, and you’d just like to see more of this world. Understand that they may not understand why you want to leave the country, what you want to do when you get there, why you aren’t having their grandchildren already, why you’re wasting your money on travel, or why you would ever want to step foot on (GASP) *insert foreign country)*. That’s okay. It’s YOUR life, not theirs. If traveling or anything else for that matter, is truly in your heart, you shouldn’t allow anyone to hold you back – not even your parents.

HOW TO PREPARE THEM FOR YOUR TRIP: 

• Tell them to be proud of raising a strong, independent child who is brave enough to go out into the world
• Print/email them a copy of your passport
• Send them a copy of your itinerary
• Provide actual facts about your the place you’re visiting to ease their mind.
• Get travel insurance so that they can have peace of mind in case anything does go wrong.
• Tell them you will call/text them every x days. Enroll in an International plan or purchase a sim card on arrival if that makes them feel more comfortable.
• Promise to send postcards/photos and bring back some souvenirs!
• Register with the US embassy in whichever country you are visiting via STEP
• Thank them for their support, tell them you love them and ask them to trust you to make wise decisions

Read: 25 Tips To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveler

THE HONEST TRUTH

The reality is that some parents may never come around, even if you do “all of the right things”. If you can’t gain their support, you may have to go on without it. It may be time to accept that you are not your parents and they are not you. You likely have different views, goals, and values. Politely ask them to keep any negativity to themselves because it will only cause you to doubt a decision that is already scary enough. It may be best to limit the conversation surrounding your travels before you leave, then update them as much as possible while you are away. It may be hurtful that they don’t show more support, but you can’t expect them to understand something that’s not in their heart. In the meantime, talk to friends who do support you or join online circles(facebook groups) full of solo travelers.

At the end of the day, you are the only person responsible for how your life goes down. You are the person who has to live with the choices you did or did not make when your parents are long & gone.

WHEN YOU RETURN

I’m gonna let you in on something that may be soul-crushing upon your return, especially if you’re parents were unsupportive about your trip from the jump. The reality is that they may not care about anything you did when you were gone. You may have been gone for months and they may act as if you slept over your childhood friend’s house down the street for a weekend. They may not ask to see a single picture and they may do their best to avoid discussing anything remotely related to your travels. You may have had the most amazing, life-changing experience and they may not ask a single question about it. If your trip changed you in a fundamental way, then this will be painful. Hopefully, this isn’t the case and they welcome you back with open arms. If it’s not, you must always remember that you did this for you. Nobody has to care and you don’t need anyone’s expressed interest to validate your decision.

Whatever you do, don’t return and act as if you’re better or smarter than them now that you’ve gone off to travel while they’ve stayed home. Show interest in their life, be compassionate, be grateful for the opportunity to travel, and try to connect with others who might relate to your experience.

Keep the satisfaction of all that you’ve seen & learned close to your heart, connect with those that love travel(join a few Facebook travel groups), and keep on going. They may not admit it, but they are always awaiting your safe return. 

‘Hey Ciara’ is a series where I address frequently asked questions in detail. Feel free to leave a travel question you have for me below or shoot me an email! 

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Thanks for reading!

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? SHARE THEM BELOW! HAVE YOU ALREADY TAKEN YOUR FIRST SOLO TRIP? ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO GAIN SUPPORT FROM YOUR LOVED ONES?

The post Hey Ciara: My Parents Don’t Want Me To Travel Alone appeared first on Showit Blog.

This made me realize how hard it is for us to see our life for the sum of what it really is, because I DO have a life like that. It’s obviously not the exactly the same, but you get what I mean, right? I have my friendships, apartment, interests, job, etc. and so do you. Whether we realize it or not, Each and every detail about our life is very intimate and intriguing – the thoughts, choices, relationships, and events. We just don’t realize it, because its our life.  Sometimes we think about the bad too much and even downplay the good. Just as in real life, Each television character plays their own role and has their own thing going on. They struggle in relationships, jobs, their purpose, etc. Even when its bad, its all a part of the story, right? Theres a reason for it even if we don’t find out why until few episodes in.

I can guarantee if someone was to create a movie or show based off of your life, it’d be pretty dang interesting despite what you may think. Remember that fight you had with your friend? Yea, that would make for a pretty good episode.  Remember that time you didn’t have friends? Yea, well you’ll make friends in the next few episodes. Still looking for a good job? Another episode. Still crying over your ex? Another few(or five) episodes. And eventually the season will end, but everything happened the way it was supposed to. It was all part of the script.

Its so easy to view a TV show or even someone else’s life and believe that yours isn’t as fun or that you are off track. That doesn’t make any sense though, because we are all very different people with very different lives. Maybe you’ll meet your future husband in season 3 instead of season 1 like you’d hoped for. Maybe this job that you have is only meant to last during season 2 and then you finally get your dream job in season 4. We don’t know what will happen. Sure we may have an idea or even a hope that this or that will happen, but we never really know until the season airs. We keep watching anyway though and trust that it will all come full circle by the final episode.

Your life is interesting. Your life is moving along, whether it feels like it or not. Things are happening the way they are supposed to be happening for you. Even the bad? Yes, even the bad. The only difference between your life and these shows is your ability to change the script. It sounds cliche, but we really are the author of our own lives to a certain extent. Everyday we make millions of tiny little choices that affect our lives in a big way in the end. It’s amazing to know that you possess that power and you don’t have to sit to the side and watch as your life passes by. At any point, you can kill off(ok, remove) a toxic character. You can quit the job that you hate. You can even change your own character if you’re not pleased with who you’ve become, and sometimes you should.You can do WHATEVER YOU WANT because it’s your story. It’s your show.

So, enjoy the show. Enjoy your life. Enjoy this season. If this season sucks, keep going…because it’ll pass and you can get right back into the swing of things next season. Change the script where you need to. Relish in the fact that these are your seasons. A new season always comes and some things will change, but that’s the only way you can move forward. That is how your character develops and progresses. Every now & then,  you’ll look back on the past seasons and realize that some of the events that took place were preparing you for where you are right now.

The post Real Life appeared first on Showit Blog.

Admittedly, I didn’t know what expect before arriving in South Africa. I tried to keep an open mind so that I wouldn’t be disappointed if things weren’t exactly how I expected. After being back and reflecting on my trip, I can honestly say this was one of the best trips of my life. It sounds odd, but its honestly hard to believe all that we did. That’s when you know that you’re living in the moment. I was sure to be mindful of the people around me and the places that we visited so that I could get the most out of my experiences.

We did some really cool things and I was able to knock quite a few things off of my bucket list. I was fortunate enough to spend my 22nd birthday in a different country with people that I’d just met and it was still so special. To start off the year, we headed to a Lion Park, where we were able to play with Lion cubs freely. I also learned so much about the different animals in the park as our tour guide Sipho told us some crazy things that he’s experienced in his time working there.

We witnessed the unfortunate and terrible events that took place in Johannesburg during apartheid. As we drove through the squatter camps of Soweto and learned about the injustices that took place not so long ago, I felt a deep sadness for the people in the town. I also felt a sincere connection to the black Africans. With Nelson Mandela’s recent passing, we were able to view his home and see the major influence that he continues to have on the people of South Africa.

We stayed in the cutest lodges and bungalows where we were able to leave our windows/doors open and allow the breeze to flow through. Without cell service 90% of the time, we were able to step away from our “normal” lives and build relationships with those around us. We were able to actually live in the moment, which can be so difficult to do sometimes.

The long drives were always enjoyable as we road through the magnificent mountain passes. Our drivers Sifiso and Musa made the trip that much more enjoyable as well. We conquered the Big Swing(18 story free fall!), learned traditional Zulu dances, got intimate with elephants, drove through an African Safari, did alot of hiking and so much more. The best part about the trip wasn’t even all of the crazy things that we did, but the wonderful people that we met along the way. The moments we shared with each-other made this trip unforgettable.

I had the time of my life and I encourage everyone to put South Africa on their travel list! I definitely plan on going back. Hopefully next time I’ll get the chance to visit Cape Town.

The post South African Adventures appeared first on Showit Blog.