My Experience Traveling While Black

My experience traveling while Black, specifically traveling as a Black woman, has come with its unique experiences. Some good, and some not so much. Nowadays, you can see tons of Black Americans traveling domestically and internationally. This is an opportunity that wasn’t granted to our ancestors or came with a dangerous cost. So much so, in 1936 Harlem-based mailman Victor Hugo Green published the first Negro Motorist Green Book. This annual guide shared the safest places for Black Americans to eat, sleep, and receive other services. The Negro Motorist Green Book also alerted Blacks on “Sundown towns”, or all-white neighborhoods where Blacks weren’t allowed after nightfall.

As a Black American woman, I’ve experienced many things while traveling domestically and internationally and wanted to share them.

“There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment.” – Victor Hugo Green, founder of the Negro Motorist Green Book

You’re the First Black Person Locals Encounter

Some folks in other countries haven’t seen a Black person in the flesh. In most cases, you’re the first Black person they’ve ever seen outside of TV. You may get stares or even confused for a celebrity. Throughout my travels, I learned that most people aren’t racist or malicious. Rather, they’re curious and unaware as they’ve never encountered a Black person.

You’re the Representation for Other Black Folxs

Whether you realize it, you may become a representation of other Black people. Many countries lack diversity and only know about other cultures and people based on what they see in the media. But, unfortunately, the representation of Black people in the media isn’t always positive. The last thing you want to do is play into the negative stereotypes that many may have of Black people. This can be a huge weight on your shoulders, but this can also be a great time to educate others.

You’re the Only Black Person for Miles

When in Thailand, I saw so many Black people which was amazing! But this may not always happen. In some instances, you might be the only Black foreigner around. There’s nothing wrong with this and there’s no reason to feel discouraged. There are plenty of places I’ve traveled to where I was the only black person for miles, and it didn’t impact my trip (e.g. Scotland)!

You’re Fetishized as a Black Woman

There are men out there who have a fetish for Black women and see us as sex objects. When I was studying abroad in Spain, I was cat-call and men would say things like, “Bella morena.” In Berlin, an Australian guy legit said I was beautiful for a Black woman. As a Black woman, you’ll encounter men attracted to you due to your skin color and the notions that come with that. Trust me, you’ll know the difference between harmless admiration and fetishism.

Your Hair is an Attraction of its Own

Sometimes your hair becomes an attraction because locals haven’t seen textured hair before. Although I haven’t experienced people wanting to touch my hair, I know other naturalistas who have. However, when I was getting a massage in Krabi, Thailand, the masseuse loved my curls. I was shocked because I was initially nervous about rocking my curls in Thailand.

Traveling provides a different experience for blacks than for non-blacks. Oftentimes, you’re judged by your skin color first before anything else. However, traveling while Black is necessary because we need to be seen and heard. We need more Black and brown people traveling to help dispel negative stereotypes, prove that the world is our oyster, too, and let the world know, we exist.

What has your experience been traveling as a person of color?