By Cenithia Bilal
I’ve traveled with numerous people from very different backgrounds to many countries. I’ve seen firsthand the stark differences between my own experiences and the experiences of someone who isn’t a person of color. It’s not that my time in these countries was rife with prejudice or racism, but rather it was so subtle I often thought I was imagining it. But looking back, I recognize key moments of discrimination: the Venetian restaurant that refused to seat me, the sales associate that followed me around in a clothing store in Athens, the New Zealand family that looked at me sideways throughout my homestay. I don’t have any regrets about where I went or where I stayed, but I do wish that I had the resources that exist today. Here are four black-owned companies that are making travel possible, accessible and enjoyable for black people.
Travel Noire
Created by Zim Ugochukwu, Travel Noire is a massive online community for black travelers. It provides users with immense resources, ranging from finding remote work to traveling alone. In addition, the company curates travel experiences to incredible places like Marrakech, Johannesburg and Bali.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbe8Ncegvt2/?taken-by=travelnoire
Black Girls Travel Too
When Danny Rivers Mitchell found herself constantly explaining that black women travel just as much as any other ethnic group, she decided to create a platform to showcase that. Black Girls Travel Too is a community that offers tips, tools, and trips to inspire black women to experience the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbccqmblWiP/?taken-by=blackgirlstraveltoo
Up In The Air Life
Up In The Air Life offers luxury travel for professionals of color. This includes networking events across the world and travel experiences to places like China, Brazil and Egypt. Not only can you travel to incredible locations, but you can also make valuable professional connections at the same time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbhX3xMBNBE/?taken-by=upintheairlife
Tastemakers Africa
Tastemakers Africa only offers trips to the African continent, including Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. The company also offers concierge services in numerous countries and tours that give travelers the most authentic experiences.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbRgsuwhOwk/?taken-by=tstmkrsafrica
