Solo travel as a black woman. To be honest, travelling alone as a woman is an extreme sport on its own! I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Is it scary? Yes! Is it risky? Yes! Can it be dangerous? You bet! The stares!!! The looks!! The wanting to touch your hair & your skin! The questions as to why are you ‘here’ are all very intimidating. And although exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures can be incredibly enriching, it’s important to acknowledge that the experience can be nuanced for women of colour. From subtle microaggressions to overt discrimination, it’s essential to approach solo travel with a certain level of awareness and preparedness. So, here are some of the tips I use to help me navigate my travels.

Research, Research, Research – Before embarking on your adventure, take the time to research your destination thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with the local customs, culture, and any potential safety concerns. Look for accommodation and areas known to be safe and welcoming to tourists, particularly women of colour. It is obviously not publicised as ‘We’re open to women of colour’ but what I do is read blogs, watch YouTube videos and learn as much as I can about my destination – from women of colour – before I book my flights and accommodation there!  

Trust Your Intuition – As a woman travelling solo, as a black woman travelling solo, it’s crucial to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Whether it’s a sketchy neighbourhood or an uncomfortable interaction, prioritise your safety above all else. There are absolutely no points to win by being confrontational or by arguing with someone. Diffuse the situation if you can, record the interaction discreetly if you can, but do not engage! Also, make sure you know what the emergency/police number is of the location. For Europe, the emergency number is 112.

Pack Smart – Alongside the usual travel essentials that I’ve listed in my blog post the other day, consider packing items that will help you feel safe and prepared. This could include a portable door alarm for added security in your accommodation, an emergency whistle and a copy of important documents such as your passport and travel insurance. I have many other devices to buy or pack for your safety. Just comment ‘Pack Smart’ if you want me to write a post on all the devices available nowadays. I will include pictures price range and the pros and cons of each.

Stay Connected – Keep loved ones informed of your whereabouts, tell them where you’ll be and with whom. Provide an itinerary to your family for your trip. Regular check-ins via text, phone calls, or social media can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. But be safe with what you post on social media, do not post in real time in case someone with ill intent is watching your social media channels. Sickos out there trust me!

Stay Calm and Diplomatic – Unfortunately, you may encounter situations where you feel unwelcome or face discrimination. While it can be tempting to react with anger or confrontation, it’s often more productive to remain calm and diplomatic. Educate others about your perspective, but also know when it’s best to walk away from a potentially volatile situation.

Celebrate Your Identity – Embrace and celebrate your identity as a black woman during your travels. Seek out experiences and spaces that highlight and honour diverse cultures, whether it’s sampling local cuisine, attending cultural festivals, or visiting historical sites of significance.

Remember, solo travel as a black woman may present unique challenges, but it also offers endless opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. You can navigate the world with confidence and grace by approaching your journey with mindfulness, preparedness, and resilience. So, go forth and explore – the world is waiting for you!

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep writing, and keep wandering…..