So you’ve just booked the trip. You’ve contemplated taking the trip due to the pandemic, and now it’s finally booked. A sense of relief and excitement comes over you as you dream about your destination. Dreaming about what places you’ll visit while there, how many excursions you’ll take, and what the amount of delicious cuisine and drinks you’ll try.  This is your trip of a lifetime. A place where you will make some unforgettable memories! And, let’s not forget the number of photos and videos you plan to take! After thinking about all of that, the dread sets in and takes a little bit of your excitement away. 

My name is Donovan Handy and I am a twenty-one year old university student. I have been in school since I was, what, seven years old? For most of my life, my primary identity has been that of a student. And, frankly, I have done exceptionally well as one. In 2019, I graduated high school as valedictorian. The year following, I got into the University of Texas at Austin. This year I will graduate in the top 4% of my class. As you can see, school has been good to me, and I, relatively good to school. The role of the student has fit me. In some ways, a bit too well.

Have you ever met a genuine stranger while abroad, and suddenly the timing of your life made sense? Luckily for me, many of the greatest souls I have been blessed to call friends were met outside of my hometown, somewhere unfamiliar to me.

Having the ability to find unique ways to keep in touch and being intentional in strengthening our bond, has turned us from strangers to genuine friends. Some friendships formed abroad do not go beyond the initial first few days, some even ask for your social media account with the intent to simply grow their following. However article, this is a culmination of a global tribe of women who came into my life to aid in my growth journey and remind me of the power of trusting yourself.

When we spoke to Renee in Summer 2020, Black Lives Matter and antiracism protests had just broken out in every corner of the world, even Korea. What we loved about this interview was two-fold. On one hand, we got to hear from Renee about her experience being a trailblazing Black model in Seoul. And on the other hand, she helped us understand how and why Koreans had decided to protest and join Black Americans in the fight against white supremacy.

Leroy’s first trip abroad was through a study abroad program to Taiwan. Fascinated by almost everything, but mostly the kindness and curiosity of the local community when they met him, he decided that traveling abroad would become a staple in his life. This decision led him to join the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, followed by two years of living in China with many trips to different countries sprinkled in between. During that time, he would meet Black Americans who had found joy and entrepreneurial success, creating a healthy and thriving life for themselves. It was through these experiences that Leroy challenged the idea of an exceptional America and could no longer see himself existing in one corner of the world.

Keith Bartlett is someone who beat the odds. From growing up in Detroit to becoming a fluent Mandarin speaker to running successful consulting businesses in China, his story symbolizes a phenomenon we saw all over Asia -- African-Americans are creating success in Asia that would be harder to achieve in America. What we loved most about Keith, is that he gave clear tips and strategies as to how you can do the same.

When we spoke to Deji, he was in Spain reflecting on his decision to turn down a $70,000 raise, because moving back to the United States was not worth it. Deji, who has worked all across Europe, discovered that safety, quality of life, and love didn’t have a price tag. He rejected the notion that Black people have to suffer American racism in pursuit of a better life.

We happened to interview Diedre the week that George Floyd was murdered. But for Deidre, it was a reminder of how unsafe the Black body is in the United States. The question: “What is a safe space when you’re in a Black body?” set the tone of her interview.

Heather Greenwood Davis is a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic. Her work appears regularly in a host of national and international publications from O magazine to NPR. She appears on television stations across North America and is the resident travel expert on The Social - a national daily lifestyle show. Heather has shared her travel insights as a speaker at trade gatherings hosted by TravMedia, US Travel Association, Destination Canada, SATW, and others. Heather is also the voice behind GlobetrottingMama.com – an international, family travel blog that features the adventures she takes with (and without) her husband Ish and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron.

Is racism the only reason black Americans move abroad?

Following in the steps of Essence magazine, whose 1970 debut issue, Black Man Do You Love Me?, addressed the current subject of Black men who were climbing the corporate ladder and now had the option of choosing to love either Black women or white women.

Our feature article, Why Black People Are Moving Abroad, addresses one of the central subjects of Black travel: Black people choosing to leave America for life abroad. Throughout this article, we'll take a look at the history of Black travelers who fought for the right to not only use public transportation, but also for the right to acquire a U.S. passport to travel internationally. Are the motivations of the Black traveler today similar to those of the Black travelers in the 1800's?

I am a thirty-something Black woman who has been traveling through the American outdoors (mostly solo) for the last 6 years. This last year I have been completely nomadic. For most of this time, a week wouldn’t pass before I asked myself, “Courtney, what TF are you doing?”

Have you ever felt in your gut or soul that if you didn’t do something fantastical then the life you are supposed to live will never be? That is why I am here, side eyeing this adventurous life I have been living.

Hailed as West Africa’s golden child, Ghana deserves its place in the sun. One of Africa’s great success stories, the country is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy in the form of fast-paced development. And it shows: Ghana is suffused with the most incredible energy.

Ghana is a top destination for Black travelers seeking cultural reconnection. Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism, Ben Anane-Nsiah, shares insights on its impact.

Explore 5 must-try local restaurants near the Alamodome during NCAA Final Four weekend. Soul food, burgers, pizza & more—just minutes from the arena!

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.