10 Countries To Safely Travel To As a Black/POC Woman
As a female African American solo traveler my first initial thought when I book a flight is, “How are other Black female tourists treated there?”. Before I book my plane ticket, I deeply dive into the culture, reviews, and perceptions of how I would be looked at. Yes, I know what I see when I look in the mirror every day, I know I am on the lighter side of my skin complexion (my father is African American and my mother is Italian American). So, yes I get it but at the end of the day, I am still Black, a minority, and a woman. When I am not traveling solo, I am traveling with a family member or a friend, and 99.8% chance they are Black and a shade darker than I am. That research has taught me a lot about how we proceed outside of the United States and if I would ever visit that certain country.
Alright, so now that we have talked about the obvious elephant in the room, let’s get into my top 10 countries that I would feel safe recommending to another Black/P.O.C. woman!
Honduras
Honduras was a spare of a moment trip that I needed in my life when my life continued to make a left turn when it needed to turn right. I needed to get away and Honduras was the perfect solo trip to take. I already had experience with Central America and I knew I wouldn't have a problem with racism or prejudice, but I was nervous about being a solo female traveler in a once known as the “Most Dangerous Country in the World”. I traveled throughout the day and was totally confident in taking multiple different planes, speaking to everyone including tours, and going out by myself. One tip I do recommend is having your Customs QR code ready before you arrive and depart Honduras! I highly recommend this beautiful country especially the beautiful island of Roatan.
Norway
Norway has been at the top of my travel bucket list for some time now. Of course, my main reason was to see the Northern Lights! But, going up further north I was concerned about how we would be viewed. But, with some research, I learned that the majority of Black women don’t have issues in Norway. So, my friend Jenee and I took a total of 3 flights to get to our main destination Bardufoss, Norway. While we were there we were able to see the Northern Lights, the beautiful snowfall, and meet some of the most lovely people. Everyone seemed to mind their business and the simple question we received was, “Where are you ladies from?” with a smile on their faces. We then traveled back down to Oslo and enjoyed the city. Of course, we saw the famous Oslo Opera House and enjoyed the local cuisine. Norway is highly recommended for any Black woman traveler. Solo or a group of friends, you will love it!
Colombia
Colombia!! “Gateway to South America” or “The Country of Beauty” is what it is also known to be called! Let me tell you, both titles hold up! Colombia honestly felt like home and we had no issues as soon as we landed in Cartagena, Colombia. Colombia is not the same as it was in the 1980s and I was so tired of hearing that from dismissive people. But, honestly, we felt no need to be scared or on high alert. Honestly, we saw a lot of police walking in the area but each time we spoke to them or the locals, we felt the love and the passion that they had for their country! The food! The food, my goodness! So, good and absolutely so worth the visit! Unfortunately, we only visited Cartagena and I would truly love to go back to visit other cities and locations!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is most likely the most common country that I saw in my research for Black women travelers to visit! So, my cousin and I booked our tickets out there and loved every moment of our experience!! Again, another country that I can describe as “Home”. The people made us feel so welcomed! We cried and laughed during this trip! Conquered some fears, (my cousin can’t swim, but did it stop her from jumping off a cliff into the waterfall? Nope!). Costa Rica is one of those countries to heal from what is going on back home and to clear your mind. Every single local showed us so much love that I didn't want to go back home! Costa Rica was my first Central American country and I am glad it was because my love for Central America started just then! “Pura Vida!”
Guatemala
Guatemala is another Central American country that I recommend for Black females to travel to! Guatemala is one of my favorite countries I have ever visited so far. I had 7 days to visit 3 different parts of Guatemala (Antigua, Hobbitenango & Panajachel). Throughout my experience, it was so beautiful to hear the Indigenous languages of the Mayan language (Spanish is Guatemala’s official language). We never experienced any type of racism or prejudice anywhere we went throughout the country. I experienced the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the mountains of Hobbitenango and the beautiful scenery at Lake Atitlan in Panajachel. Guatemala needs to be on your list!! (Yes, that is a live volcano and I will upload my YouTube video on this country!)
Japan
Even with only 4 days in Tokyo, I can easily say we all felt safe in Japan to the point that we had no worries in the world about time or location. Out past 2 am? You're good! Just make sure you are in a place that is walkable to your hotel or you have to stay out until 6 am when the trains start running again. Yes, as 3 black women traveling in both South Korea and Japan, we had no issues at all! From our experience, we felt that the locals barely paid us any mind. Unfortunately, we had no time to visit other parts of Japan but I can confidently say that Japan is most certainly Black girl friendly!! My sister Amaris & her friend Veronica got the sweetest compliments for wearing the traditional kimonos I was blushing while I recorded in the background. As long as tourists respect their customs, I believe the Japanese will have no issues with you! Visiting Japan was one of my top life goals and being able to finally visit Tokyo after COVID-19 had me in tears!! Can’t wait to go back!!
Panama
Panama quickly became one of my top 3 favorite countries that I have visited… EVER! It is to the point that it is my number 1 country to move to outside of the United States. The memories of this trip with my Godson were by far the most last memory I will EVER have! Treasured memories! Learning about the Panama Canal and all the horrible stories about building that man-made “Seven Wonders of the World”. Panama's culture is so beautiful outside the United States’ influence. We were treated so well throughout the country that we really considered trying to figure out how to stay longer. Didn’t feel like an outcast at all! Let me go work on my Spanish really quickly. So, yes Panama is HIGHLY recommended.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
When I told my dad I got an amazing deal to Croatia, we booked it right away! An 8-day trip sounds idea for a new country, but for 2 countries?! Well, I have done it before but this time I picked a country everyone was surprised by, which was formerly known as Yugoslavia. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a truly sad history but their come up is here! Bosnia and Herzegovina is not traveled as much as it should be! I truly fell in love with the country and felt like we did so much in the 4 days while we were there that I did not want to go back to Croatia. Yes, Croatia was lovely but B&H truly surprised me! The Turkish influence down to the big meat plates for only $2 US Dollars. The smiling people and our amazing tour guide who we had all day taking us around the area. We drove all around the city of Mostar and saw so many beautiful waterfalls! We picked the most perfect Airbnb also! I have more on my YouTube channel with what we did and where we booked! Put B&H on your list to visit!
Ireland
Ahh! Ireland was supposed to be a quick 4-day trip turned into another, "Can I move to this country?”. Ireland quickly became my favorite country in Europe! The people and the vibes are so right, especially in Dublin. If you have to pick a country to start with solo traveling, I highly recommend Ireland. No English barrier, incredibly nice people everyone, clean, and cheaper than most EU countries. The food was way better than we thought and we felt incredibly safe here. Walking at 2 am laughing and just talking about life with no cares in the world in the city. No stares, just warm smiles, and helpful inputs.
Jamaica
Last but certainly not least, Jamaica!! I took my little sister again to another Girl’s Trip and we both picked Jamaica. By this time I already visited 24 countries and Jamaica not being on my list yet seemed criminal! So, the both of us took a quick flight down without a care in the world because we just knew Jamaica was going to be LIT! And it sure was!! Even though we had issues with our Airbnb with the bugs, we had the time of our lives! We met the sweetest people down there including a tour guide who took care of us (S/O to Finesse Vacations Jamaica) to make sure we could do things around Montego Bay. Next time, because there will be a next time, we are going to Negril!
Thank you for reading and trusting my experience of traveling! There are plenty of countries that I know you will have a great time at, but these choices I feel extremely confident that you will have a great time most importantly be safe. This list is also in no particular order nor are my favorite experiences.
