Traveling as a Black man has shaped my perspective in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It’s forced me to confront my identity in different settings, see the world through new eyes, and understand my place in a global context. These are a few reflections that have stuck with me:
Travel Unveils Mental Health Realities: The isolation that sometimes comes with travel has pushed me toward self-discovery and emotional growth. I’ve learned that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
Travel is Therapy: New places create space to reflect—on what matters, who matters, what you want more of in your life, and what you’ve outgrown. It’s also healing. Time in nature, a break from the routine, and fresh air are all good for your health. Sometimes that’s all you need to get your head right.
History Hits Differently: Books and movies come alive when you’re walking the streets where history happened. I want to travel with my future kids because I know it will deepen their connection to history in ways a classroom can’t.
International Treatment of Black People: Across the globe, people of the African diaspora—and darker-skinned people in general—face mistreatment. Seeing it firsthand has made me more appreciative of the Diaspora, more intentional about building friendships across it, and more committed to staying connected.
Visit Africa: If you are a Black American, ideally you can make it to West Africa, but if not, that first “welcome home” from a North, East, South, or West African will hit different… Just trust me. Being on the motherland will evoke a range of emotions. And beyond that, the continent offers a depth of culture, history, and connection that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s vital to experience it in its full complexity.
Go To South America: I was amazed at how many Afro-Latinos looked like my own family. In the U.S., we’re rarely taught just how deeply African culture is embedded across Latin America. Brazil especially opened my eyes. On top of that, there’s a plethora of amazing activities and people in South America. Go!
Finding Common Ground: I try to connect with people of the Diaspora wherever I go. I’ve made friends I can count on in Latin America, Europe, and Africa—and these individuals have been key in showing me the ropes and helping me make the most of my travels. Travel has also helped me make educated guesses about where people are from (even outside of the Diaspora).
You’ll Enjoy Meeting People: Some of my favorite travel memories come from the people I’ve met. And dating abroad? Sometimes the change in scenery helps you see relationships with fresh eyes, free from the baggage and assumptions of home.
A Balance of Maturity and Youth: Travel forces you to grow up—navigating logistics, safety, new cultures—but it also keeps you young. You’re constantly learning, adjusting, trying new things. It keeps your curiosity alive.
Bring Your Parents Along: We owe our parents so much, and the chance to show them the world is one of the most rewarding experiences. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about sharing those moments with the people who shaped your life. And of course, it is scientifically proven to keep them younger.
Stares Don’t Always Mean What You Think: People will stare. In some countries, it’s curiosity. In others, it’s judgment. The key is not to internalize it. I’ve learned to smile and keep it moving. But at times, those stares do highlight how different you are in a place—and that can be both challenging and enlightening. People may even mistake you for an athlete or a celebrity (or call you one just for fun).
Microaggressions Don’t Disappear: They happen. Even in places that pride themselves on being “welcoming,” microaggressions are real. But I’ve learned how to navigate them—sometimes with humor, sometimes with patience, and sometimes by simply walking away.
Take Risks: A major component of travel is about stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying something adventurous like surfing or rappelling, or just trying new food or meeting new people, taking risks opens up a world of experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise.
The Lonely Side of Travel: While solo travel offers freedom, it can also be isolating—especially as a Black man when you may not see other Black Americans or Black people at all. Sometimes, this lack of connection makes the journey feel lonelier than expected. But it’s also an opportunity to connect with people who wouldn’t have crossed your path otherwise. I love it.