This week the Black travel world was buzzing after ABC News released an article on popular social media group, Black Travel Movement, and allegations that the Founder Reginald Cummings defrauded group members and a Maryland-based yacht company out of thousands with his popular “Black Yacht Week” event.
Comments on the article ranged from people defending Cummings’ character to some feeling like this fiasco will cast a dark shadow on a market and movement already largely ignored by the travel industry. Evita Robinson, Founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe shared with ABC News how upsetting the issue was to her.
“It’s infuriating because so many of us laid the foundation to make sure we are legitimized in an industry that does not pay attention to us. We shatter the stereotypes that are against us and to hear about this, it’s infuriating,” Robinson told ABC News.
Many people saw the article as a reason to totally shy away from using Black travel groups to help curate their global adventures, claiming that it lessens the chances of getting scammed. However, as the saying goes, one monkey don’t stop no show, and one bad business shouldn’t dim the light on all the other Black-owned travel businesses out there providing travelers with amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Naturally, no one wants to feel like they are putting their money and safety into the hands of a Joanne the Scammer, but let’s be real, it can be hard to assess who can (and cannot) be trusted to take us around the world. That’s why ESSENCE went on the hunt for a few globetrotters who weren’t afraid to share with us Black travel companies that they trust, because what’s better than a cosign from someone who is just like you?
So make sure that you bookmark this page because from solo-friendly getaways to clothing optional experiences, they’re telling us why they love these Black travel companies and why, if you give them a chance, you’ll fall in love with them too.
01
Tammie C. – Parlour Travel
Created by PARLOUR in 2015, the #TravelFly Solo Weekend is the first and only travel experience designed for Black women who love solo exploration and luxe indulgences—but also love to socialize when they feel like it. Over the last five years, the group has taken women from Greece and Morocco to Thailand, and that’s just the beginning! #TravelFly-nista Tammie shares why she keeps coming back for more.
“I love traveling with Parlour because Parlour trips deliver on what it promises: the ultimate in luxury solo adventure and self-care. The Parlour team does not miss a beat in planning getaways that include unique cultural experiences, amazing meals, and opportunities to express black girl magic through fashion and creativity. I leave every trip inspired by the women I travel with and rooting for their success. Through #TravelFly Solo Week I have formed lifetime sister-friends and look forward to seeing the world with this crew.”
Photo Credit: Parlour
02
Danielle Bembury – Carnival Jumpers
Carnival Jumpers is dedicated to helping Black travelers and #socajunkies experience Carnival culture throughout the Caribbean and around the world. From the Soca Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago to the vibrant fetes of St. Vincent, Carnival Jumpers gives guests access to the best accommodations, mas bands and fetes. Repeat feter Danielle Bembury shares why she’s a “Jumper” for life.
“Cropover 2019 was my 3rd experience with Carnival Jumpers and once again, they have exceeded my expectations. I recommend Carnival Jumpers to anyone who wants to experience Carnival because Carnival Jumpers handles it ALL from round-trip airport pickups, hotel accommodations (and roommates if needed), to securing tickets to the popular fetes (breakfast, cooler, all-inclusive, Jouvert) and concierge service for costume pickup. The Carnival Jumpers Team was amazing and the vibes were on fire!!! I cannot wait to book another amazing Carnival experience with them.”
Photo Credit: Danielle Bembury
03
Michele Frazier – Green Book Travel
Green Book Travel is a full-service travel company that specializes in hosting culturally immersive trips with an emphasis on the African Diaspora. Each trip involves guests participating in enriching and authentic experiences like retracing ancestral footprints and learning about local tribes. Michele shared how exploring with Green Book filled her soul.
“Traveling with Green Book Travel literally changed my life and perspective of many things including myself. This was an unexpected impromptu Mother Land experience for me. It revealed to me that West Africa is so much more than what has been painted. I got to experience and walk ground I could have never imagined from the Cape Coast Castles to several libations conducted by Chiefs of several villages. One of the highlights of the tour for me was the naming ceremony, I was touched so deeply. Green Book Travel filled my heart with tears and gratitude throughout the entire 8-day journey and left me speechless.”
Photo Credit: Green Book Travel
04
Khalif Hayes – Black Naturists Association
Black Naturists Association is a travel company looking to disrupt the travel game by shattering stereotypes around nudity and encouraging body positivity amongst Black travelers. Since starting their mission, BNA has become a movement, with travelers vying to come on one of their epic naturists getaways to destinations like Mexico, Haiti, and Curacao. BNA member Khalif loves the freedom each trip brings.
“I’ve been a BNA member since the group was formed and have seen the growth in both membership and also the quality of trips they host! As a frequent traveler with over 50 countries under my belt, I know a thing or two about traveling and group trips, and can confidently say that BNA does a wonderful job of facilitating the perfect vibe for everyone, at any comfort level, to ensure they have an enjoyable vacation au natural. It feels great to be able to break down the stereotype that “we” don’t do naturism. It’s even better when we actually do see other Black and brown faces around and we get to share BNA with them and let them know that they are not alone!”
Photo Credit: Khalif Hayes
05
Quia Querisma – Up in the Air Life
Up in the Air Life (UITAL) combines human connection with luxury travel to create unique memories, milestones, and magic for individuals looking to explore the world. Whether you’re interested in checking out the wonders of China or simply living your best life on a mega yacht around the Mediterranean, UITAL has a 5-star experience for every type of traveler. Quia lets you know why living the luxe life is within reach with UITAL.
“I’ve only taken group trips with UITAL because I trust Claire’s standards. She and the UITAL team personally do on-site checks, so I know I’m going to get exactly what’s been promised. The biggest draw is that UITAL puts luxurious experiences within reach. I might not be able to drop a few thousand dollars all at once to jump on a trip, but I can definitely do $250/mo. And there are so many little extras and surprises that give each UITAL experience a personal touch.”
Photo Credit: Quia Querisma
06
Monique & Alvin Massy – Tastemakers Africa
Called the “sexy, dope way to experience Africa” by Fusion and heralded as an innovator by AFAR, Conde Nast Traveler, CNN, and more, Tastemakers Africa offers unique tours created and hosted by artists and creators in Africa to destinations like Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa. Tastemakers Africa is changing the way the world sees travel to the continent and taps into a market Black travelers are hungry for. Monique and Alvin Massy describe how Tastemakers Africa helped them celebrate a special occasion by taking them “home.”
“Blessed to be avid travelers, we’ve previously utilized other curated packages in places like Egypt and Tanzania. But, we quickly realized the Tastemakers experience was that quintessential complement to our life-changing Ghanaian pilgrimage. We embarked with hope, celebrating 40 years of life. We returned with even greater purpose, bearing the profound extremes of richness and discord steeped in our heritage; while celebrating the promises of our ancestors in ourselves and Africa to come.”
