*A post for black women*
Girl, we all know the world isn’t always built for us.
As Black women, merely existing can feel like an obstacle course, let alone venturing out to explore a new place.
And with travel, there’s a whole extra layer of questions: is it safe? Will I be welcome? Will people want to touch my hair?
On top of that, the usual worries about being a woman on the road come into play.
But guess what?
We deserve to experience the world too!
That’s why I’ve compiled a personal list of my 10 best places to travel as a black woman.
Whether you’re looking for tropical, cultural, or big city living, I’ve got you!
So pack your bags, ladies – it’s time to see the world!
1. Safety
Duh!
Safety is priority number one, of course.
We all deserve to feel secure while exploring new places.
So, you won’t find any war zones or places they do terrorism or kidnapping on this list. No places with excessive crime, either.
We face enough dangers because of our appearance, and we don’t usually have the best odds in hospital situations.
So, on this list, we’ll stick to the safest places that even mom won’t worry about.
2. Racism (or Lack Thereof)
This is a big travel criteria as a black woman.
Because who wants to fend of racism while on holiday, right?!
And while every individual’s experience in these places might be different, I’ve gone with looking at the general racism I felt in these places.
Because, while we can’t avoid it completely, some destinations are more welcoming than others.
3. I've Been There Personally
But hear me out.
Anyone can do a hypothetical “best places to travel as a black woman” list.
But I think there’s still something to be said for actually having lived experience in those places.
4. Cultural Awareness
One where they don’t gawk or try to touch your skin or hair.
Or ask weird questions like “Do you know Oprah? Beyonce? Or Rihanna?” – true story.
(Unfortunately, no. We don’t run in the same circles.)
5. Fun!
Of course, no list is complete without considering the fun factor!
These destinations offer not just safety and respect, but also beauty, adventure (but not the warzone kind), and amazing experiences.
1. Reunion Island, France
Because this gorgeous island is actually located off the east coast of Africa, in the vicinity of Mauritius and Madagascar.
How it still belongs to France is a history lesson I won’t be giving.
But how amazing it is, I can tell you. (I lived there for about 7 months).
From the natural offerings (tropical forests, oceans, volcanoes), to lovely restaurants, stunning beaches, and fun events throughout the year, Reunion is as close to paradise as it gets.
Also, its as modern as any big city with all the amenities you can ask for.
The population is super mixed so you’ll be able to find whatever you need (hair care, foundation shades, braids).
So, take your Duolingo French with you to Reunion Island and thank me later.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Full transparency: we live near Lisbon now.
But there’s a reason why we live here. Many, in fact. (I wrote a whole post about it).
Lisbon has that European-city charm, great weather, fun, forever-partying people, and it’s also super accepting to people of all colours.
Because while my mixed-race family has had trouble integrating in Africa, we’ve had no issue here.
They also operate on “Mediterranean time”, which means you wake up at 10am, have a nap at 3pm, before partying the night away.
It’s a veritable festa.
Lisbon has it all.
If you’re looking for something more cultural, you can definitely check out the palaces in Sintra (30 mins north).
Or perhaps lounging around on a beach is more your style? Visit Costa da Caparica (30 mins south, pictured above).
3. Havanna, Cuba
My heart is in Havanna, ooh na na…
Cuba is multicultural. You can go there on any budget. (I went on the Broke Ass Student Plan). And, of course, the nightlife is amazing.
But it’s also super safe, very multicultural, and absolutely stunning! (Who knew communism could look so good?).
On top of that, the rum was cheaper than water in some places, and Cuban cigars are pretty cheap.
So, you can fully indulge your vices under the guise of “cultural integration”.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
My friend, go to Iceland in the winter.
I cannot promise you multicultural. (These statues were the closest I got to finding another brown person).
I cannot even promise you sunshine and good weather.
But the cosiest Christmas atmosphere in the most ethereal place, you will find.
Lovely bars, restaurants, and most importantly, people, too.
And the sun rises at 10am and sets at 4pm in December. So you can wake up late after partying for 12 hours.
(Check out their blue lagoon hot springs if you’re into something more chill.)
5. London, England
Aaahh London.
My first time visiting was during a week of excellent weather in July.
The sun was shining. People were singing (for money) in the streets.
Those iconic red busses were roaming around, and there was hope and excitement in the air.
I thought it was because I went during the few days of summer they get rationed every year.
But I felt the same way on a wintery trip during the pandemic. (No, we weren’t breaking the law!).
London is magical, no matter which way you cut it.
Its a melting pot of cultures. And in some ways, its one of the centres of the world.
So, if you love big cities, but don’t love the crowded grimy-ness of Paris or New York, give London a shot.
6. Bali, Indonesia
More transparency: I got married here!
But there’s a reason why we got married here.
Bali is the quintessential vacation spot.
Every nomad and his surfboard are in Bali.
But that’s also why it has such a special vibe.
Great local and international food, interesting people from everywhere in the world, and amazing sites. (If you can pull yourself away from the beach).
There was not one moment I felt out of place.
Not even when the Indonesian makeup artist was doing my brown skin for my wedding.
(Honestly, I can’t say there’s as much cultural awareness and sensitivity everywhere else in Asia. I had old women frequently pinch my cheeks in Taiwan).
And its also very safe (unless we count the billions of motorbikes that could knock you off your feet).
A very well-deserved spot on the list, Bali.
7. Granada, Spain
I genuinely don’t have more than a handful of photos from my time in Granada, despite having been there for over 3 weeks.
Why?
Because I was having the time of my life.
I was attending Spanish lessons in the morning. Going home to nap. And then, around 4pm or so, going out for the *free* tapas (look it up!).
The place is safe (as I often returned home after midnight), budget-friendly, beautiful, and welcoming to me, as a black woman. (Maybe has to do with the rich Moorish history?)
The people (especially men) were so welcoming, in fact, that I had to disable my Tinder the day after I arrived!
But I ended up meeting my husband there the old-fashioned way (at a language exchange event in a bar).
Check out Granada. The underrated city of love.
8. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
On my short trip to Buenos Aires, my friend and I took a boat ride to Uruguay.
And while we could have gone to the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo (a big city), by boat, we opted for Colonia del Sacramento instead.
Colonia is a sleepy little town full of beauty, both natural and constructed.
We spent the whole afternoon there, having a slow lunch, exploring the village and the ruins, and heading back to the pier where our boat would pick us up.
The sunset was one of the most beautiful I’ve experienced.
And the whole vibe was introspective, like I was a character in a good book.
That trip was one of my very top highlights from a South American tour full of highlights.
Check it out.
(PS: weed is legal there.)
9. Brussels, Belgium
One word for Brussels: food.
In particular, french fries, and chocolate (their specialties).
They also do great wine (from neighbouring France) and are expert beer-makers.
All I did in Brussels was eat and meet people where I ate.
People are friendly and open and willing to strike up conversation with a stranger.
And while its generally French-speaking, they do accommodate English speakers (unlike the French).
Very safe, great architecture, and of course, food.
10. Rural West Coast of Scotland
Scotland? Have ye lost yer mind, lassie?
No, no, I have not. Hear me out.
Is it cold, most of the time?
Yes.
Is it expensive?
It can be! (We were in a campervan, and still found it a bit harsh on the pocket…)
But does it have cute little towns, hospitable people, and rugged, existential landscapes?
Yes, yes, and yes!
I loved our Covid trip up north from the wide open plains to the imposing mountains.
I was left in awe, visiting islands like Skye and Mull, and swimming (for a few seconds) in Loch Lomond.
Everything about the trip was excellent except how many chai lattes I must have had to put on so much weight.
But it was a treat, and I’d love to take my daughters one day. (Not now though. They’re toddlers and travelling with them is a nightmare).
Final Thoughts
There are many fun places I’d still love to visit.
Japan, Panama, Australia, and New Zealand, for example.
There are many that I’ve seen that I’ve left out.
Cape Town, Zanzibar, and Rio de Janeiro spring immediately to mind. There are more.
But due to safety and other concerns, I could not honestly say that they fit the criteria for the best places to travel as a black woman.
The real tragedy for me is that many African cities don’t really feel safe for us Africans and people of African descent.
And I hope that changes in the future.
Until then, check out the above 10 best places to travel as a black woman.
And give me your opinions in the comments!
Don’t hold back.
