How to Plan Rejuvenating and Culturally Enriching Trips for Black Travelers

Photo Credit: Three Spots via iStockPhoto.com

By: Jamila Gomez

Traveling can be an opportunity for both relaxation and cultural enrichment, especially for Black travelers seeking destinations that celebrate heritage, history, and wellness. Thoughtful trip planning ensures a balance between personal rejuvenation and deep cultural engagement. Here’s how to craft an itinerary that leaves you refreshed and inspired.

1. Choose a Destination with Meaning

Selecting a destination that aligns with your interests and cultural background can enhance your travel experience. Places like Ghana, Brazil, Cuba, and New Orleans offer rich Black history and vibrant cultural expressions. For relaxation, consider Black-owned resorts in the Caribbean or wellness retreats in Africa. Research Black history tours, Afrocentric cultural festivals, and Black-owned businesses in your chosen location.

2. Prioritize Wellness and Self-Care

Rejuvenating travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about restoring your mind and body. Look for destinations with spas, natural hot springs, or meditation retreats. Many wellness retreats cater specifically to Black travelers, offering experiences like yoga in Kenya, traditional healing practices in South Africa, or spa treatments rooted in African and Caribbean traditions. Even if you’re visiting a bustling city, set aside time for self-care, whether it’s a beach day or a visit to a local wellness center.

3. Support Black-Owned Businesses and Experiences

To make your trip more enriching, seek out Black-owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour companies. Websites like the Black Travel Alliance and EatOkra help travelers find Black-owned businesses worldwide. Dining at Black-owned restaurants, shopping at local markets, and booking experiences with Black tour guides provide economic support while giving you a more authentic, community-driven experience.

4. Explore Historical and Cultural Landmarks

Visiting sites significant to Black history adds depth to your travels. In the U.S., cities like Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Charleston have extensive Black heritage tours. Internationally, you can walk through the Door of No Return in Senegal, explore the Maroon villages of Jamaica, or visit Salvador, Brazil, known for its strong African influence. Museums, historical sites, and cultural centers provide deeper insight into the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora.

5. Travel with Like-Minded Groups

If solo travel isn’t your style, consider joining a group trip catered to Black travelers. Companies like Travel Noire, Black & Abroad, and Nomadness Travel Tribe curate trips that mix adventure, culture, and connection. These groups offer the comfort of shared experiences and the opportunity to build lasting friendships.

6. Stay Mindful of Safety and Comfort

Research the social climate of your destination regarding race and safety. Some places are more welcoming than others, so check travel advisories and read firsthand experiences from other Black travelers. Pack accordingly, know your rights in a foreign country, and ensure you have access to local resources in case of emergencies.

By blending cultural exploration with personal wellness, Black travelers can create trips that are both soul-nourishing and deeply meaningful. Thoughtful planning ensures that each journey is not only a getaway but also a powerful connection to heritage, history, and personal growth.

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Honoring Ourselves: Celebrating Black History in 2025 and Beyond

Photo Credit: yurakrasil via Adobe Stock

By: Jamila Gomez

In the face of ongoing efforts to erase Black history from textbooks, public discourse, and policy, it is more important than ever for Black people to actively celebrate themselves—not just in February, but every single day. Black history is American history, and despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, we must continue to uplift our stories, honor our ancestors, and celebrate our contributions to society. Here’s how we can do just that in 2025 and for the next four years.

1. Control the Narrative

If they won’t teach our history, we will. Invest time in learning and sharing Black history through books, documentaries, podcasts, and oral storytelling. Read works by Black scholars like Carter G. Woodson, bell hooks, and Ibram X. Kendi. Start community book clubs or host teach-ins at churches, barbershops, and online spaces to educate one another.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Economic empowerment is a revolutionary act. Make a conscious effort to support Black entrepreneurs, from restaurants and bookstores to fashion designers and tech startups. Apps like WeBuyBlack and Official Black Wall Street can help you find businesses that deserve your dollars.

3. Elevate Black Art and Culture

From the Harlem Renaissance to Afrofuturism, Black artistry has always been a vehicle for resistance and joy. Attend Black theater productions, concerts, and museum exhibits. Share and celebrate Black literature, film, and music on social media. Even hosting a movie night with films like The Woman King, Black Panther, or Selma is a way to affirm our stories.

4. Get Politically Engaged

Attempts to erase Black history are deeply tied to efforts to suppress Black political power. Stay informed about policies that affect Black communities and vote in every election. Support grassroots organizations fighting for racial justice, and consider running for local office or joining advocacy groups that challenge harmful policies.

5. Prioritize Black Mental Health and Wellness

Resistance is exhausting, but self-care is revolutionary. Whether it’s therapy, yoga, meditation, or simply resting without guilt, taking care of yourself is vital. Follow Black wellness advocates and engage in practices that nourish your body and mind.

6. Teach the Next Generation

If they’re trying to keep Black history out of schools, we must ensure our children still learn it. Create home libraries filled with Black literature, enroll them in programs like Freedom Schools, and teach them about their heritage with pride.

7. Celebrate Each Other Daily

Black joy is resistance. Celebrate birthdays, achievements, and everyday moments with intentional love. Show appreciation for the people in your life, mentor young Black professionals, and support one another unapologetically.

No matter how hard they try to erase us, we are still here—thriving, creating, and shaping the future. Black History Month is every day, and our celebration is a testament to our resilience and power.

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