One of the best ways that we as white consumers can do right now is pay close attention to the content we consume. It’s time to go beyond posting a black square on Instagram. Are we following, sharing and amplifying Black voices, in all areas of content?
Or do we follow the same white influencers posting about their trip to Maui?
Black travel bloggers and influencers are frequently left behind. Google “best travel bloggers 2020” and a wide variety of listicles pop up that showcase the same white faces, with maybe one Black blogger as a gross attempt at token diversity.
It isn’t just Black influencers who are denied a place. While Black travelers represent the fastest growing tourist groups, they are consistently ignored by media campaigns and advertising.
“According to Mandala Research Firm, 17% of African Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year.
However, travel publications often paint a picture of a stereotyped Western tourist usually gazing at the horizon from the edge [of] an infinity pool.
‘If you look at major campaigns or advertisements for travel — especially luxury travel — you don’t see brown faces,’ says Marissa Wilson, general manager of Travel Noire, a media company founded in 2014.
‘That causes an issue because, psychologically, it makes those people feel like this isn’t made for them.
‘Like they’re not supposed to be traveling. We wanted to infiltrate that narrative and flip it on its head.’” — “How the black travel movement is gaining momentum,” by Eugene Yiga
I need to do better. White people everywhere need to better.
The first step in becoming a better traveling ally is to amplify Black voices in the travel blogging and influencer community. While this list is not comprehensive by any means, I’ve included some of the best Black travel bloggers as a way to help share their platform.
There are many ways to support the people I’ve mentioned below. Comment on their post, share a video, like their page, use an affiliate link, click on an ad, sign up for their newsletter… the list is endless. And don’t make this a fad, either. This movement shouldn’t fade out, but get bigger. We can do that by making a consistent effort to support and amplify Black voices in all areas of life, including the travel industry.
10 Black Travel Bloggers and Influencers You Can Support
1. Cinneah of Flynanced
Cinneah will have a guest post on this blog coming up, all the more reason for you to check her out! Cinneah specializes in financially savvy travel; she can teach you how to travel hack, save and stretch your dollar to make the most out of every trip.
She puts a lot of effort into her posts so the average consumer isn’t lost. She’s also one of the very few finance bloggers out there that you can relate to. Her debt-free journey isn’t some nonsense a la “I just rented out the condo that my parents bought me to pay off my debt. If i can do it, you can!” I hate those. Drives me batty. Cinneah is honest about the work it takes to get out of debt. You’ll leave her blog much, much smarter.
2. Shanna "Shan" Jones
Shan is a great travel blogger to follow if you’re a full-time employee who needs to squeeze in a weekend away. Based in Texas, she figures out how to make the most of a long weekend away. Her posts on relaxing in Costa Rica are some of my favorites and helped me plan my own Costa Rican getaway.
3. Gloria Atanmo
Glo and I are both Baker University grads, which is proof that more than 1 person actually lives in Kansas. Glo is hysterical, and her year-end fail compilation blogs always leave me laughing.
She’s never shied away from blogging about the difficulty of traveling while Black, and will specifically point out the stereotypes that exist within each destination. Her writing is raw and honest. She also works hard to uplift other female bloggers, and hosts Sisterhood Summits at some truly amazing locations.
4. Francesca Murray
Francesca’s blog One Girl: One World is a fantastic resource if you’re looking for longer-term travel, but need to be able to finance it. She has multiple posts about teaching and living abroad, and all of the things we forget about when we decide to make an international move. She also tips for affording a study abroad—which is what got her into travelling in the first place!
Oh, and she speaks multiple languages. Like… holy cow!
5. Ernest White II
Are travel podcasts more your style? Then you should give Fly Brother, hosted by Ernest White II a listen! Ernest has been to over 70 countries and lived in 5. He’s an excellent conversationalist who can really dig deep into his guests’ love for travel and how it has changed them. It’ll definitely inspire you to travel outside of your comfort zone.
6. Ashlee Tuck
Ashlee of Will Drink for Travel’s blog claims she is no drinks expert. I’m no expert myself, but I call bull. Her Instagram is full of cocktail recipes and recommendations. She can seamlessly integrate a drink and a destination. Her blog highlights Black-owned businesses and ways to support them. She rules.
7. Oneika Raymond
Oneika’s blog is one of the best. She’s such a talented writer and leaves no stone unturned when covering even the smallest details. Her post on teaching abroad is legitimately the best, most in-depth post I’ve ever read on the subject. She knows her stuff.
She also has a full section of her blog dedicated to traveling while Black. Posts like these take a huge amount of emotional energy to write and post, so do check it out and educate yourself.
8. Carol Caine
While Carol’s site, Girl Gone Travel, is currently being refreshed, you can still visit her Instagram for wonderful travel content. Carol covers the family traveling side of things, as well as all of the good food and gorgeous places you can spot along the way. Can’t wait until her site is back!
9. Erick Prince
Erick is such a refreshing change of pace in this era of travel blogging. It seems like everyone wants to hit as many countries as possible, even if you’re not really “seeing” what’s there. It’s a numbers game, and I’ve definitely been guilty of that mindset in the past. It’s hard to separate your own travel journey from influencers who are someplace new every day. Erick is different.
While he’s been to 95 countries so far, it’s been a slow journey. He takes the time to get to know a destination and discover the highlights. You should also check out his Living in Bangkok Expat Series, it’s great stuff.
10. Clé Hunnigan
Clé is an absolutely gifted storyteller. His films on the places he’s visited are truly breathtaking and beautiful. It’s more than a series of drone shots, he can really capture the spirit of wherever he is. I highly recommend visiting his YouTube channel.
