Group Travel: Why It's Perfect for Black Women Looking to Rejuvenate
BY aisha daraja
Solo travel can be a soul-searching and empowering experience, no doubt about that. But let's be honest, there's something about group travel that's truly special. There's a certain energy, an excitement that comes with traveling with your closest friends. And for black women, group travel can be a chance to bond and connect with others who share similar experiences and perspectives.
My first girl's trip was to St. Maarten for my cousin's 25th birthday, and let me tell you, it was epic. We jam-packed our itinerary with so many activities that you'd think we were there for weeks. But even with all the hustle and bustle, we found time to unwind and enjoy the scenery. That's the beauty of traveling with a group of like-minded individuals - you can strike a balance between adventure and relaxation.
But what truly made the trip unforgettable was the bonds we formed. We laughed, we cried, and we had deep conversations about life and our dreams. And when it was time to leave, I felt not only refreshed but also renewed. It was clear to me that this was the power of sisterhood.
That's why, in 2021, I traveled with the same group of women to Jamaica for a bachelorette trip. It was a chance to celebrate my cousin's big moment and enjoy each other's company. And let me tell you, the energy was infectious. I felt a sense of joy and peace throughout the entire trip, and I know that's because of the love and support of my girls.
So if you're looking for a way to deepen your friendships, foster connections, and collectively heal from the stresses of everyday life, a group trip with your girls might just be the answer. Plus, you can rack up those travel points and establish a go-to travel group if you don't have one already. Win-win!
Below are a list of reasons why group travel is the best for all of us right now:
SPLURGE A LITTLE
First things first, traveling in a group can give you the chance to treat yo' self and live that luxurious life without breaking the bank. I'm talking about renting a private island in the Caribbean with your squad, complete with your own staff, water sports equipment, and even a fully-stocked fridge. Or imagine going on an epic safari adventure in Africa and staying in a fancy lodge that offers guided game drives, spa treatments, and gourmet meals. Um, yes, please!
But wait, there's more! Group travel can also hook you up with some exclusive tours and experiences that you might not be able to swing solo. How about a trip to Napa Valley with your crew where you get to visit vineyards that are off-limits to the general public? Or, picture yourself strolling through ancient Greek ruins with a personal guide who can give you all the juicy details on the Acropolis or the Temple of Poseidon.
And, we can't forget about how much easier it is to travel when you can split expenses with your squad. You can share the cost of lodging, transportation, meals, and activities, which means you can stretch your travel budget even further. Plus, traveling with your crew means you've got a ready-made social circle to explore with, which can make your trip even more fun and memorable.
So, there you have it, ladies. Group travel can be the ultimate way to splurge on luxury experiences, get insider access to exclusive tours, and save some serious cash while you're at it. Oh, and did I mention the built-in girl gang? Get ready to make some epic memories and have the time of your life.
She Got It, Nah, WE Got it
When it comes to group travel, the planning and organization process can be a whole experience in itself! Everyone has their own preferences, opinions, and ideas of what they want to do and see on the trip. And that's the beauty of it, because it allows for a collaborative effort to plan the perfect itinerary that everyone can enjoy.
With group travel, there's no need to worry about making decisions all on your own or missing out on something that you really wanted to experience. You have a whole group of people who are excited to share their ideas and plan the trip together. This can be especially beneficial for black women who want to celebrate their culture and explore new destinations with like-minded individuals.
In fact, group travel is usually jam-packed with exciting things to do and see, thanks to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. And if someone feels like taking a break or sitting out on an activity, there's no pressure or guilt attached. It's all about making the most of your time and ensuring that everyone leaves feeling like they got their money's worth.
So, whether you're interested in exploring the local culture, trying new foods, visiting historical landmarks, or simply relaxing on the beach, group travel provides the perfect opportunity to plan a trip that everyone will love. With everyone's ideas and perspectives in the mix, you're sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience that you'll cherish for years to come.
SISTERHOOD
When it comes to group travel, building connections with your friends and making new ones is practically guaranteed. I mean, think about it - you're all experiencing a new destination together, and you're likely to share some common interests and values. Plus, you have the opportunity to bond over shared experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.
And let's not forget about the practical benefits of traveling with a group of friends. Need some sunscreen or toothpaste? No problem, someone's got your back. And if you're missing a key accessory to complete your outfit, chances are someone in the group can help you out. It's like having a personal army of stylists and beauty gurus at your fingertips.
But it's not just about practicalities - group travel can also provide the space to delve into more in-depth conversations and debates that you might not have had the chance to explore before. Maybe you're all interested in the same social justice issues, or you're all passionate about entrepreneurship and building businesses. Whatever the topic, group travel can give you the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and perspectives.
And the best part? Group travel can be inspiring and transformational. You never know what conversations or experiences might spark new ideas or perspectives. Maybe you'll come away from the trip with a renewed sense of purpose, or maybe you'll be inspired to take on a new project or pursue a new career path. The possibilities are endless - and that's what makes group travel so exciting.
HEALING
When it comes to healing and growth, there's nothing like the bonding that happens during group travel. Laughter is a key ingredient in the recipe for healing, and it's no surprise that group trips are filled with it. Whether it's sharing embarrassing moments, cracking jokes, or just enjoying the company of good friends, the laughs are endless.
But the bond that forms between friends on a group trip goes deeper than just surface-level laughter. There's a sense of comfort in knowing that the people you're with have your back, no matter what. If you're going through a tough time, there's no better place to be than surrounded by friends who love and support you.
And when it comes to sharing personal experiences, group travel can be a game-changer. It's amazing how much easier it is to open up about your struggles when you're in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it's discussing relationship issues, career setbacks, or health concerns, the conversations that happen on a group trip can be truly transformative.
At the end of the day, we're all going through this journey of life together. And there's no better way to navigate the ups and downs than with the love and support of good friends. So pack your bags, grab your girls, and hit the road for a group trip that's sure to be filled with laughter, healing, and growth.
THE BONUS
Group travel is where it's at! Not only do you get to catch up with your girls, but you also get to explore new destinations and make unforgettable memories together. And if you're like me, always trying to rack up those travel points, then group travel is the way to do it!
Plus, traveling with a group can help you establish a solid travel crew. You know, the ones you can always count on to take that last-minute trip with or plan a birthday celebration in Bali. And let's not forget about the seamless logistics of group travel. No more worrying about who's going to book the flights or accommodations because you can split the responsibilities among the group.
Sure, there may be some disagreements along the way, but with the right crowd, those bumps in the road can quickly turn into inside jokes and laughter-filled memories. And if you need a moment to yourself to recharge and protect your peace, that's totally okay too.
In the end, group travel provides the perfect opportunity to bond with your friends and create new friendships, all while exploring new destinations and racking up those travel points. So gather your girls, plan your next adventure, and get ready for some unforgettable experiences!
3 Movies and 3 Shows To Inspire Your Next Group Trip
Below is a list of movie and tv show recommendations that will inspire your next group trip. You will laugh, cry, and laugh again at the relatability of the experiences in these clips. Then, you’ll call up your friends and start planning your next trip!
Most of these can be found on Amazon Prime, HBO, Netflix, or on your favorite proxy streaming site!
Insecure: Season 3, Episode 5: “High-Like”
Harlem: Season 2, Episode 7: “Fall Back to Rumpaspring Forward”
Girlfriends: Season 1, Episode 20: “Jamaica-Up”
About The Author
Aisha Daraja of Brooklyn, NY is the founder of Through My Rare View - a thriving Afrocentric travel accessory brand with roots out of Accra, Ghana. As a Ghanaian-Nigerian-American she finds herself at the intersection of distinctive cultural identities adding to her quest for exploration. Most recently, she partnered with Afrofuture (formerly Afrochella) to design and produce custom merch for their highly attended festival in Accra, Ghana.
When Aisha is not traveling to Ghana 5 times a year, she can be found exploring the hidden gems and eateries in NYC or earnestly seeking ways to get her Human’s of New York (HONY) feature.