Get to know the Black travelers changing the travel industry from the inside out.
Traveling while Black can present some challenges. We’ve heard the stories of racial discrimination, and seen the videos of the mistreatment of Black bodies. The fact is, the tourism industry still lacks diversity, from PR representatives to management, and that’s part of the problem – especially since Black Americans contributed $63 billion to the tourism economy in 2018. The world and travel industry might be changing slowly; however, the 2013 launch of Travel Noire was one of the first online communities to amplify Black voices visually and editorially.
Founder Zim Ugochukwu created a safe space for the Black traveler to be seen. Moreover, many travel influencers, journalists, and creatives have leveraged their skills and love of travel to create even more space for the Black voice and presence in travel. Each person on this list has built their online community from the ground up. Consequently, they all offer different perspectives because Blackness isn’t a monolith. Keep scrolling to get to know the Black travelers changing the travel industry from the inside out.
Ciara Johnson: @hey_ciara
Ciara’s Instagram tagline is “Quit my job to travel the world solo.” If traveling solo is on your bucket list of things to do or you simply want to live vicariously through her feed, follow along. Beyond her wanderlust social media feed, Ciara’s blog is full of resources for future and seasoned solo travelers with stories that capture her adventures.
Asiyami Gold: @asiyami_gold
Asiyami Gold is an OG travel influencer and entrepreneur known for her visually stunning grid. Her magazine-like aesthetic has garnered a following of 313,000, and she has developed a travel-inspired clothing line.
Karl Shakur: @karl_shakur
Karl Shakur is a Kansas-based adventure photographer whose stunning work inspires wanderlust. He shares much of his photography on Instagram, and you can explore more of his portfolio on his website.
Oneika Raymond: @oneikatraveller
Oneika Raymond, a tri-lingual former educator, has transformed her passion for travel into a successful media career, visiting over 115 countries across six continents while hosting travel shows.
Nathan Fluellen: @worldwidenate
Nathan Fluellen is the creator and host of World Wide Nate: African Adventures. He shares his extensive travel experiences with his followers on social media.
Kellee Edwards: @kelleesetgo
Kellee Edwards is a licensed pilot and journalist, recognized as the first Black woman to host a TV show on the Travel Channel. She continues to break barriers in the travel and media landscape.
Gloria “Glo” Atanmo: @glographics
As a creator and educator, Gloria Atanmo uses her platform to uplift and inspire. She shares experiences and motivational content surrounding travel and personal growth.
Danni Washington: @danniwashington
Danni Washington’s profile beautifully combines science and travel. An Emmy-nominated correspondent, she focuses on marine conservation and inspiring younger generations.
Olivia Christine: @ochristine
Olivia Christine, also known as O. Christine, is passionate about wellness and travel. She utilizes her experiences to motivate others as she travels across the globe.
Francesca Murray: @onegrloneworld
Francesca Murray is an esteemed travel expert who inspires millennials to engage with cultures while traveling. Her passion for self-love is mirrored in her lifestyle content.
Yaya: @handluggageonly
Yaya, part of the duo known as Hand Luggage Only, offers destination guides that help travelers find the best experiences in various cities. Their platform makes travel planning more accessible and fun.
Sam Muchai: @muchaii
Sam Muchai is a Nairobi-based aerial photographer whose stunning images offer a glimpse into breathtaking landscapes. His work encapsulates the essence of travel and adventure.
Hermon and Heroda Berhane: @being__her
Hermon and Heroda Berhane, the inspiring London-based siblings, embrace their deafness and showcase their vibrant personalities and travels through their engaging content.
Jibril Ows: @_jibraeel_
Jibril Ows not only inspires his audience with captivating travel posts, but he also integrates fitness into his travel experiences with innovative fitness camps in beautiful locations.
Lee Litumbe: @spiritedpursuit
Lee Litumbe is a self-taught photographer who shares “off the beaten path” experiences. She also hosts retreats that encourage personal growth and creativity, providing a unique twist on travel.
Jessica Nabongo: @thecatchmeifyoucan
Jessica Nabongo made history as the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world. With her extensive travels, she provides valuable advice and insights, inspiring fellow adventurers through her blog and social media.
