Empowering Black Women Through Travel: The Mission of iBestTravel

When Alicia and Esther Tambe lost their sister Maria to breast cancer, they were inspired to create iBestTravel, an organization dedicated to celebrating the joy of travel. This initiative aims to empower Black women who are battling breast cancer by offering them healing experiences through travel.

Travel was a fundamental aspect of the Tambe sisters’ bond. They explored ten countries together, and even during Maria’s cancer treatment, she continued to embrace travel and her work as a registered nurse. However, after her passing in August 2019, Alicia and Esther were determined to create a legacy that reflected Maria’s love for travel.

Realizing that Black women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, the sisters founded iBestTravel in August 2020. The nonprofit provides meaningful support to Black women living with breast cancer by offering free travel experiences, wellness retreats, and resources focused on mental health, nutrition, and fitness.

Redefining Wellness Through Travel

iBestTravel recognizes that many women face financial challenges while dealing with their diagnosis. As Esther, a registered dietician and executive director of iBestTravel, explains, “It’s stressful. Some just feel they can’t continue to live life because of the things they’re going through.” The organization aims to provide relief and empower these women by facilitating travel experiences that promote self-care and well-being.

iBestTravel offers multiple programs for breast cancer patients and survivors, collaborating with Black health experts and businesses. Programs such as Roadtrip to Recovery and Staycation Serenity enable women to enjoy curated wellness experiences either away from home or within their cozy surroundings.

Alicia, who also works in tech and is the founder of Luxe A Travels, emphasizes that “travel in itself is wellness.” The organization provides a much-needed break, allowing participants to reconnect with joy, especially after the challenges of treatment.

With 55 women already benefitting from iBestTravel’s experiences, the initiative is making a significant impact on the lives of women aged 20 to 70 who are in various stages of breast cancer. Each woman is chosen based on her application, granting them the freedom to select their destinations and create memories away from the pressures of treatment.

Addressing the Disparities in Cancer Outcomes

Though Black women aren’t more susceptible to breast cancer than their white counterparts, they face markedly higher mortality rates—about 40 percent greater. This discrepancy is attributed to a range of factors, including late-stage diagnoses and lack of access to regular screenings.

Dr. Jade Jones, an oncologist at Emory University, highlights that many patients associate the completion of treatment with the opportunity to travel. She encourages her patients to prioritize joy and relaxation as part of their recovery process, fostering their mental and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, Dr. Jones recounts her experience with travel’s positive impact, exemplified by her family’s own journey after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Travel aided in restoring joy and peace of mind after challenging medical treatments, reinforcing the importance of preserving quality of life and emotional well-being.

The Healing Power of Relaxation

iBestTravel doesn’t solely focus on women currently battling cancer but also recognizes travel’s therapeutic potential for those who have triumphed over the disease. For instance, April Smith, a cancer survivor, experienced rejuvenation during her getaway with iBestTravel to Hilton Head, South Carolina, allowing her to reconnect with her husband and restore their mental health.

These experiences allow participants to escape their overwhelming stressors and focus on rejuvenation, significantly benefiting their mental health. Smith notes, “During and after cancer care, one can easily get stuck in fight or flight mode. iBestTravel has come on the scene to provide our community with a different viewpoint, which is to let your hair down and live!”

iBestTravel is preparing to open up new applications for their travel experiences later this year, and they have already hosted their first international retreat in Belize, gathering Black women leaders from breast cancer organizations. This effort aims to craft collaborative initiatives while providing essential relaxation and inspiration.

Despite the challenges they faced, Alicia and Esther’s passion for travel remains undeterred. They have continued to explore new destinations together, celebrating the experiences and connections that travel brings into their lives.

In conclusion, iBestTravel illustrates the profound healing capabilities of travel, showcasing its ability to empower Black women affected by breast cancer while fostering hope and healing.