When I originally created this blog, I though that it could serve as a model or at least an inspiration for how other women could travel solo. Specifically, I have always wanted to make sure that I wrote some posts that were specific to women of color. This whole post is about Black girl solo travel. It will cover some of the problems that I have faced and the tips that I have acquired to make the best possible solo trip.
Travel safe my friends!
Black Girl, Solo Travel
Solo travel can be a very rewarding experience. I even wrote a post about all the reasons that I though it was important for Black women to travel and the overall importance of solo travel for all women. The best thing about solo travel is the confidence that it has given me. I have faced lots of obstacles and every time that I complete a trip, I feel more and more capable or doing more.
My first big solo trip was during my last year of graduate school where I went from North Carolina to Denver for a job interview. I took five days during my spring break and went on a little road trip. Since that initial solo trip I have taken several additional road trips and even shipped myself to Europe for 19 days. If you are wondering what I could have learned on all of those trips, then I am about to give you all the goods.
How do I Make Solo Travel Happen?
Where do I get the time?
So, I happen to work for the State of Texas. At lease this is my situation until I can hit lotto or this blog makes me a millionaire. Basically, I will probably be working for the State of Texas until I am retirement age but oh well. I am given 8 hours of vacation and 8 hours of sick leave every month. In addition, I get off federal holidays, special leave for additional holidays, the opportunity to earn overtime and also comp time.
There are a lot of ways that I can strategically use these days off. When you get a 3 day weekend you can bookend additional days to make it a 4-5 day weekend. I will also volunteer to work holidays that I don’t have plans so that I can get additional days off.
Where do I get the money?
I stay in my house. I know that it seems like a simple thing but you can’t underestimate the amount of money that you can save by staying in the house. Think of all the money that you spend on clothes, food, concerts, parties, gas, and a bunch of other stuff by going out. If you spend $10 a day on lunch, 5-7 days a week, then that is $50-70 all week if not more. If you save that every week, by the end of the month you have enough money for a cheap plane ticket. Check out this post about saving money on plane tickets.
If you save that money every day for 3-4 months then you have enough for a vacation. Do I enjoy making my lunch? No, I do not. Do I enjoy skipping out on a couple of nights out with my friends? No, I do not. Do I enjoy eating cannolis in Europe? Yes, I surely do.
I have also picked up additional jobs over the year. I found an opportunity to find abandoned properties for a man who is a real estate investor. In addition, I have also worked for UPS during the holiday season. In the job that I have right now, I am able to work overtime and I am also reimbursed for my travel so that is additional money that I can put towards my travels.
My last big tip is the refund check. Every year that I file my taxes, I put that money towards travel. What I don’t put towards debt repayment, I put towards plane tickets or lodging costs.
Where Do I Go?
There are so many ways that you can get solo travel done. If you are testing your solo travel abilities then you may want to try to get away for just a weekend. If you can do 2-3 days on your own then you should be able to do a week or more. There are a couple of posts that I have made that can help you in this journey. I have a post about not feeling lonely when traveling alone, a post about cities for Black women that are great to travel to, and another post for single professional women.
You can try a road trip. Road trips can be similar to weekend get aways. This is a great way to enjoy the geography of a country. It is also a great way to meet new people. I feel like going on a road trip gives you more control. If you don’t like a place or you don’t feel comfortable, you can literally leave. All you have to do is get in the car and go somewhere else. I have seen 43/50 states this way.
When I first started traveling solo, I stayed in the USA. I have also gone to Europe. I spent 19 days in Europe by myself. During this trip, I went to Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria. I wouldn’t be afraid of going abroad. Almost every place that I have been to has a good working knowledge of English.
I also have a post on the best countries for Black travelers. That may give you some more ideas of where you can go.
Problems That I Have Faced
I know that many women are afraid to travel by themselves. I would say that in many ways this fear is unwarranted. If you are keeping your wits about you, then I don’t think that there are too many problem that aren’t easy to overcome.
Are you thinking about racism? The only place that I have ever had an issue was in Oklahoma City. I had another little mix up in Montana but I really think it was this one snot nosed lady. I overall had a wonderful time and every other person was incredibly kind. In almost every city and country that I have been in, almost every person that I run into is helpful and respectful.
Are you thinking about being sexually assaulted? I have never had an issue with assault or harassment while I am on my travels. These crimes are not the fault of the victim but there are some things that I do that I think helps to keep me safe. I always dress modestly and I don’t wear jewelry or something that will bring attention to me. I also don’t spend a lot of time out at night. It helps to avoid back road and side streets. I also don’t drink alcohol, invite strangers back to my hotels, and overall try to keep it PG.
Are you thinking about money? There are a few ways that I make my travel affordable. Look into Trusted House Sitters. This a site where you can get a free place to stay in exchange for watching people’s pets. This is a great way to save money as they have locations all over the world. I also pick airbnb over hotels in most instances. If you find a place that you can cook in then you can also save money on eating out.
There you have it! Black girl solo travel is incredibly attainable, safe, and affordable. Tell me about your Black girl solo travel in the comments below!
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness to your put up is just nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to keep up to date with coming near near post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please keep up the enjoyable work.