“I refuse to let anyone stop me from experiencing what is also mine.”
I first met Kellee Edwards three years ago at an event in New York City, where we engaged in meaningful discussions about gender, race, and navigating our planet. I listened to her, learned from her, and we maintained our connection as both our careers blossomed into exciting new directions.
As iBestTravel prepared to launch Let’s Go Together, a podcast celebrating diversity in travel, I immediately thought of Kellee. A licensed pilot and adventurer who has visited more than 50 countries, a scuba diver, and the host of a Travel Channel series, Mysterious Islands, Kellee is fearless and dedicated to exploring the world mindfully, always with an open heart.
The other undeniable truth about Kellee is her kindness. Her smile is infectious and joyful, always asking the right questions. As the podcast host, she invites vulnerability and personal stories from others, making these qualities essential. We developed the podcast over several months before COVID-19 impacted travel. After the pandemic presented challenges, Kellee graciously recorded the series remotely from her home.
However, her own narrative wouldn’t be conveyed to our audience in the same manner. I caught up with Kellee over the phone—she is in Los Angeles while I am in New York City—so she could share her experiences as a Black traveler.
Black lives matter. Black stories matter. These narratives are often overlooked, especially in travel journalism, and our brand is committed to amplifying them.
What Gave You the Travel Bug?
Originally, I hail from the south side of Chicago but grew up in San Bernardino, California. The first time I saw mountains was during the trip from Chicago to California as a child. The exposure to different landscapes—the desert and the mountains—was profound. I remember asking my mother if a mountain was a Brontosaurus, amazed by the newness around me.
When my mom married my dad, he beautifully introduced me to things I had not encountered. My first experience with ocean swimming was watching my dad, and he took us camping. My mom earned her driver’s license in her mid-20s, enabling us to take road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway. Visiting Hearst Castle was particularly striking; it led me to ponder how people could live like kings and queens. These childhood experiences in nature kindled my fascination with the outdoors.
As I matured, my yearning to see the world deepened. I didn’t board an airplane outside of the U.S. until after college—my parents couldn’t afford those spring break trips. My first solo journey to Bangkok was a blend of anxiety and pure elation; realizing I was so far from home was astonishing. I thought, “Oh my gosh, I made it.”
This journey introduced me to the empowerment that travel brings. Engaging with cultures where language barriers exist teaches you that a smile, body language, and gestures convey warmth and welcome. As a young Black woman traveling the globe, I constantly navigate perceptions, ensuring I maintain composure in unfamiliar spaces. Travel is the passion that will forever thrive within me.
Experiencing Life as a Black Female Traveler
Specializing in adventure travel leads me to remote, lesser-known areas. Often, I find myself as the first Black person some individuals have encountered. I recall my time on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where children who had never seen someone like me reacted with tears. Smiling, I sought to ease her distress. Engaging at their level made a difference.
Achieving my current status has required significant effort. I strive to represent my community positively. Unfortunately, media often perpetuates negative stereotypes, which are far from the truth. From summiting a mountain to encountering surprised gazes, my presence challenges assumptions without needing to say a word. Those moments convey strength.
While I haven’t faced life-threatening situations due to my race, I often feel safer due to gender dynamics. Stereotypes that associate Black women with prostitution pose challenges for me. I grapple with fears related to both gender and race, reinforcing my resolve to be strong, not a choice but a necessity. I refuse to allow anyone to hinder my exploration. The Earth belongs to us all—irrespective of race. I urge everyone, those who look like me and those who don’t, to explore globally. And if you see someone who resembles me, welcome them. We each have our right to explore.
The Importance of Solo Travel
Solo travel holds immense significance in my life; I encourage women to embrace it. Pushing oneself beyond comfort zones reveals true character. If you remain in your comfort zone, what experiences can you claim? This realization hit home as I traveled through unfamiliar places, understanding my identity as Kellee Edwards. I learned to be hyper-aware, open-minded, and non-judgmental. My demeanor can ease tension and highlight approachability, leading to meaningful interactions.
A striking experience unfolded during my stay in a hostel in Istanbul, Turkey. The restaurant owner and his nephew welcomed me, and I enjoyed complimentary meals from their family restaurant. Their hospitality offered me a beautiful memory. However, during my time in Istanbul, offers of tea and coffee sometimes masked uncomfortable intentions. A man invited me for coffee, which he misinterpreted as an invitation for further engagement, causing me to feel unsafe. Yet, I still regard Istanbul as a stunning location.
Insights from Podcast Interviews
Through my podcast interviews, I became acutely aware of the shared struggles within the community, including aspects I had not personally experienced as an African American woman. Interactions with Kumu Micah Kamohoali’I from Maui and Alyssa London, a Tlingit from Alaska, emphasized the importance of respecting the land. Witnessing community reactions to disregard for their surroundings was eye-opening.
Engaging with people of varied capabilities has also illuminated my own privileges. For instance, Jesse Billauer’s determination to surf despite challenges inspired me significantly; he challenges perceptions about limitations.
What Can Travel Companies Improve?
Recently, a large brand inquired, “How do we know when it’s enough?” The straightforward answer is: it’s enough when diversity and inclusion are inherently reflected in company practices, eliminating the need for discussion. Travel and hospitality brands must collaborate with changemakers and influencers beyond mere profit motives. The African American community contributes over $60 billion annually to the economy; it’s crucial for us to see ourselves in your endeavors.
Discomfort is a necessary precursor to progress in these conversations. Some may resist change, but doing the right thing must take precedence over profit. To facilitate deeper understanding, conversations need to occur internally among peers, easing the burden often placed on marginalized groups to educate others. Taking responsibility for thoughts and actions is imperative.
