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10 Black Travel Bloggers and Influencers You Can Support

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.

Cinneah’s travel blog

2. Shanna "Shan" Jones

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Can you see me now? Good. For the last month, I have been MIA on IG. My personal and business life became a bit overwhelming and chaotic --- and taking a break seemed like the best remedy. Fast forward to now and our nation is hurting. Our black communities are in a crucial battle to be seen and heard. After spending most of my day chiming in on posts from various Facebook groups I'm in, the answer to my question is more clear. Unlike any time before, I feel like people outside of the black community are listening. Even though we have so much more to go, I feel supported. They are using their platforms to invoke change. They are sharing ways to increase one's knowledge and understanding well beyond simple acknowledgement. They are taking a stance. They are speaking up --- and some quite loudly. We need this now and more than ever. We cannot tackle this on our own. There are so many influencers doing their part and it is amazing to watch. I commend you all and appreciate you. This is only the beginning. It's time to get uncomfortable. If you are struggling with what to say and how to say it...you are not alone. Speak your truth and come from the heart. Or, share the words and messages from other black influencers. Just don't be silent. You can check out a few of the accounts below who are sharing their voice and may inspire you to share yours: @laylafsaad @rachel.cargle @austinchanning @andrearanaej @raicestexas @blackgirlswhobrunch #togetherwearestronger

A post shared by Shanna "Shan" Jones ✈️ (@yepthatsshan) on

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.

Shan’s travel blog

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.

Glo’s travel blog

4. Francesca Murray

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Welcome to my new followers! 👋🏾 I focus mainly on natural hair, skincare and travel, and I’ve covered the Caribbean extensively the past few years. I’ll never forget my first Caribbean press trip invitation. I was excited to connect with over 30 other content creators for a week of fun in the sun 🌞 .... Imagine my shock when I arrived and there were only 4 other Black influencers 😳 It’s almost painful to look back at the micro aggressions, awkward moments picking a table at lunch, groups breaking off to create content without extending an invite, influencers telling me to my face that “I thought Black people just don’t travel!” and fetishization 😥 One of the realities of being a Black travel influencer is the constant struggle between being “grateful for the opportunity” and telling your truth. .... Here are three things I wish would have been different: * More diversity, obviously * I could tell a lot of people on that trip felt awkward around me. It was weird. I noticed some would smile and directly introduce themselves to one person, then avoid eye contact when they crossed my path. Some never spoke to me at all. I don’t know what the answer to this is - but I imagine it has something to do with internal bias * There is no reason the same exclusion should happen, again and again. Yet it did. I forwarded a list of potential influencers for reference the following year - only one was invited. I wonder if it would have been different if more people on that trip spoke up? 👉🏾Have you ever experienced tokenism at work? Or have you spoken up after witnessing it? How did you react? Feel free to share in the comments . . . . . #caribbeantravel #blacktravelinfluencer #blackbloggersunite #shareblackstories #diversifyoutdoors #essencetravels #blacktravelers #nomadnesstribe #xonecole

A post shared by Francesca • One Girl One World (@onegrloneworld) on

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!

Francesca’s travel blog

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.

Ernest’s travel blog

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.

Ashlee’s travel blog

7. Oneika Raymond

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*THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS OVERWHELMINGLY (& EMBARRASSINGLY) WHITE + MALE* I’ve been seeing a plethora of posts from travel brands and networks saying they support Black creators and talent during this challenging time and to be honest I'm TRIGGERED because ___ 🤚🏾You don't hire Black talent...or rarely do. ___ 🤚🏿Your boardrooms and C-suites are basically devoid of Black leadership. ___ 🤚🏾When you *do* hire us you pay and promote us less-- then sideline or fire us when we speak up about it. ___ 🤚🏿You indirectly create an environment that pits Black talent against each other for work opportunities. ___ 🤚🏾As a result Black talent/creator circles run rampant with scarcity mentality, insecurity since it’s believed that only "one" of us can succeed since so few gigs are available to us, and misguided jealousy directed at those who get work. ___ 🤚🏿You book the SAME, tired (and mediocre) white male talent for travel campaigns, to host travel shows, etc. And through lack of visibility and diverse programming you consequently perpetuate the myth that Black people don't travel which contributes to negative stereotyping, racial profiling, and Black folks themselves thinking travel isn't something we do. ___ 🤚🏾You inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of economic disparity and systemic inequality that disproportionately affects Black creatives globally. ___ Performative allyship is great for awareness. But not great for real, and long-lasting, results. So Black creatives and white/non-Black allies: it's time to hold these travel brands and networks accountable and require them to show RECEIPTS. Let's stop paying lip service to diversity and start affecting change in the industry, from inside out. ___ Swipe to see articles I’ve written on this topic in the past and also check my stories as I’m featuring some of my favorite Black travel personalities! 📸 @iamjamesanthony

A post shared by Oneika Raymond🇨🇦🇯🇲 (@oneikatraveller) on

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.

Oneika’s travel blog

8. Carol Caine

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You know when the hard part starts? When the rage has faded. When the anger has passed, and the posts are no more. When the protests are over and the streets are silent and cleared. When Black and brown people are no longer so openly vulnerable and their pain, frustration, and anger no longer so visible to make you so uncomfortable you will have no choice but to be pushed to show that you are better than those who hurt us. But then, that stops. And brands stop posting about how much they care, and forget about the things they said, and only keep the few Black people they know nearby for optics as needed. And some of the Black people speaking out now, will DM the Black people who won’t shut up and tell them we shouldn’t be stirring the pot, that we should be having these conversations quietly, and privately because those white people who line THEIR pockets with cash and give THEM the mic are making strides and trying - setting the bar lower for everyone else. And executives and leaders will go back to saying our pain, experiences, and our voices are too political and too alienating and so you keep it to yourself and smile at the micro aggressions and say nothing about the countless white board rooms you enter because to speak up is to be too emotional, irrational, unpredictable, and angry. When all the travel stories are from the white gaze, and all the images are void of black and brown bodies and the excuse is simply that these were the people most qualified and available as if truly qualifications had anything to do with it. And the only Black and brown voices we see and hear are again, the same ones telling us to be quiet and behave in closed messages boards, while white people talk about how eloquent and inspiring they are for the ways in which those same people rarely challenge them - and never to the point where it’s uncomfortable and their check is threatened. When we have to go back to the role of assuring everyone that you can hire us, talk to us, and have us in your life because we will work very hard at holding our voices in, so that you don’t have to feel this awkward again - until the next shooting. That’s the hardest part to come.

A post shared by Carol Cain (@girlgonetravel) on

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!

Carol’s travel blog

9. Erick Prince

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𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿: If you felt that it was a white man's world, what made you think that there was any point in writing? And why is writing a white man's world? (In regards to the world of literature)⁣ ⁣ 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗻: Because they own the business. Well, in retrospect, what it came down to was that I would not allow myself to be defined by other people, white or black. It was beneath me to blame anybody for what happened to me. What happened to me was my responsibility. I didn't want any pity. "Leave me alone, I'll figure it out." I was very wounded and I was very dangerous because you become what you hate. It's what happened to my father and I didn't want it to happen to me. His hatred was suppressed and turned against himself. He couldn't let it out—he could only let it out in the house with rage, and I found it happening to myself as well. And after my best friend jumped off the bridge, I knew that I was next. So—Paris. With forty dollars and a one-way ticket.⁣ ⁣ What does it mean to be a black man abroad during times of unrest and anger? ⁣ ⁣ Baldwin feels like a reflection of myself. So confident and powerful in prose yet full of doubt, fear, and frustration with everything else in his life. Currently, as black men we're EXPECTED to react a certain way to what's happening in the world. To recite a prewritten statement which hits all the highlights and none of the lows. With different scripts given to you by different people with varying agendas. This is what it is to be a black man today.........always. To carry the burden of self, community, nation, and humanity on ones shoulders. With one misstep treated as the highest form of treason or a declaration of war. Truly exhausting. ⁣ ⁣ But I want to say to my brothers. If there was ever a time to show we aren't a monolith, it's NOW. To show the diversity of our views and the power of our minds. To educate people to our plight in whatever medium we feel comfortable. Reflect, Learn, and Share.⁣ ⁣ My godfather would always tell me when I asked why I had to take all of the heat and responsibility for my siblings' mistakes: "Because God gave you broad shoulders to carry the weight."

A post shared by Erick Prince (@minoritynomad) on

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.

Erick’s travel blog

YouTube channel

10. Clé Hunnigan

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What’s one beautiful thing you’ve noticed in the world this week? . Let your light shine in the darkest of places. . It’s been a long week. Heck, it’s been a long year and we’re still uncovering what the mess of a few lifetimes look like. I’ve set my heart on never forgetting that beyond everything, “hope and love remains.” . I won’t let go of those in my day to day, even when my world, like so many others seems to be falling apart. It’s so easy to absorb negative energy, and the wildest narratives and the hidden agendas - but if we’re going to be world changers - let’s be light bearers. Let’s be those who can bring that hope, that love to the darkest of places because it’s those things that truly bring joy and transform us from within. . I, for one have been so amazed by people from all creed and colours getting behind my brothers and sisters and supporting us. 50 states and 18 countries of Black Lives Matter marches. What a movement! We still have a way to go but this is the start of a revolution. . How about you? What’s one amazing thing you’ve noticed this week? . Shot by my broski @beyondthebeat . . . . . . . . . . I know you’re checking out my hashtags. 😅 #livelikethewind #windcollective #blacklivesmatter #shareblackstories #saudiarabia #saudi #gatewayksa #jeddah #everydaymiddleeast #snorkelling #redsea #eclectic_shotz #lifeofadventure #voyaged #travelnoire #livefolk #lumixambassador #blackphotographers #passionpassport #exploretocreate #peoplescreative #iamatraveller #moodygrams #kings_shots #justgoshoot #blackcreatives #voyaged #beautifuldestinations #earth #lovinsaudi @voyaged @lovinsaudi @travelnoire @passionpassport @livefolk @discoverearth @nomadnesstribe

A post shared by CLÉ HUNNIGAN † (@alivelikethewind) on

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.

YouTube channel

10 Black Travel Bloggers and Influencers You Can Support | Black Lives Matter

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