Solo Traveling as A Woman of Color, Is The Hype Real?
Social media has planted the travel bug in the majority of us. From seeing all the pictures to the carefully edited reels, we are left with the FOMO — the fear of missing out. Unlike Gen X and Boomers, Millenials and Gen Z have more of an “F-it” attitude. A fearlessness that some may consider as carelessness in living life for things that bring them joy and not necessarily waiting around for others to join them.
Insert Solo Travel
Solo traveling is not a new concept, but in recent decades, it has surged in popularity among women of color. Platforms like Instagram have provided a stage for these women to share their experiences, with some even turning it into a full-time career.
The rise of the internet and social media has significantly contributed to the growth of solo travel, motivating and empowering more millennials to embark on their own adventures. Influencers like Jessica Nabongo, a Ugandan and Detroit native who became the first Black woman to visit all 195 countries, have served as inspiring figures for many Black and Brown women, encouraging them to embrace fearless travel.
The Freedom to Explore
A common sentiment among people of color living in America is that traveling abroad offers a sense of freedom and exposure not always found within the United States due to racial constructs and social constraints. However, deciding to travel solo is not an easy decision. It often comes with ambivalence, self-doubt, skepticism, and apprehension, both from within ourselves and from society at large.
Stereotypes and misconceptions about safety often halt many of us from taking the leap of faith and going for it. However, venturing into the unknown requires a great deal of courage and determination, one which women of color are not unfamiliar with. From a young age, Black and Brown women are taught and encouraged to walk with vigilance, mindfulness, and boldness, attributes that serve us well when venturing alone.
Solo traveling also offers the autonomy to exist as you wish, designing your own itinerary according to your own desires and interests. Whether it`s wandering freely through city streets, enjoying quaint cafés, or resting without guilt. Solo traveling allows you to be free on your own timeline.
Celebrating Diversity and Representation
Solo traveling as a woman of color is an act of reclaiming space and representation in a realm historically dominated by Eurocentric narratives. It’s about celebrating our freedom to travel, our connections with diverse cultures, and sharing perspectives from across the globe.
By openly celebrating our experiences through posts and sharing, we continue to inspire more women who have felt underrepresented in this space to travel with pride and confidence.
Overcoming Adversity While Solo Traveling
While solo traveling can be incredibly enriching, it also comes with its share of challenges. Solo traveling often requires navigating unfamiliar spaces and unprecedented challenges alone.
Some of the challenges that may arise include:
- Language Barriers
- Sexism
- Racism
- Discrimination
However, it is through these adversities and the need to depend on oneself for safety and well-being that women of color further cultivate resilience and inner strength. These experiences leave them more empowered than before, equipped to face whatever challenges come their way.
Social Connections
Depending on your travel goals, social connections may or may not be an important factor for you. Additionally, depending on whether you are extroverted or introverted social connections may be more challenging while on a solo trip. The truth is that it is challenging for all of us, but some are more social and outgoing and willing to engage in conversations which factors our ability to make solo connections.
Solo traveling does not have to be a solitary experience. Solo traveling will challenge you to strike up conversations with locals and fellow travelers, engage in group activities, or connect with locals through social media or online forums. Likewise, solo traveling can be a vulnerable experience that may highlight feelings of loneliness for some.
So Is The Hype Real?
In my opinion, the hype surrounding solo traveling is indeed real. While it may not suit everyone, the rewards of embarking on a solo journey are often immeasurable and can last a lifetime. For women of color, solo traveling can be particularly empowering, challenging us to reclaim our space and amplify our voices, as exemplified by Jessica Nabongo. If you’ve ever felt the desire to venture off on a solo trip, don’t hesitate to take the leap.
Embrace it all and bon voyage.
