Black Girls Can: Travel

Five Practical Ways To Plan A Successful Trip.

Growing up, traveling the world or visiting a foreign country was never something I saw myself doing. Living in a small quaint town, my idea of excitement was traveling to the Walmart in the next town over with my family on the weekends. If I were feeling real spicy, a few friends and I would make the 45 minute drive to the nearest mall and shop. I had no idea just how small my world was until I became an adult. I did not have the knowledge or resources as a teenager to imagine much of a life outside of my home state. An unfortunate reality is that many people lack this same vision even in adulthood. When it comes to traveling and taking vacations many individuals, especially in the African American community, feel as if that is something "others" do. If I had a penny for every time I heard "I wish I could take a trip" yet when finances become involved excuses begin to flow like the Jordan River. Is traveling really THAT daunting? In my humble opinion I'd say no and here's why...

Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador 2022.

It Starts In Your Mind

The first step to traveling is in your mind. Yep, you read that right. You have to first believe that you can travel and remove any fear that may become associated with it. My first trip out of the country was to Mexico with a friend at the whopping age of 26. My friend had to plan the entire trip due to my lack of knowledge and fear of "messing something up". That same fear, had my friend not intervened, would have kept me from taking that leap of faith. The unknown can be scary and to many of us our comfort zones become invisible prisons that hinder our purpose in Christ. I am a firm believer that God wants us to live big lives on this earth and that He will provide whatever resources we need to do it. Acknowledge your fear and ask yourself "why does traveling scare me?". Is it the financial aspect? Is it getting on a plane? Bottom line if you are a believer the bible says God did not give us the spirit of fear. Do some introspection and begin to imagine yourself living a little bit bigger.

Plan Ahead

Like any major purchase, traveling requires some preparation on your part in order to do it successfully. Start planning early and create a timeline for yourself. For example, if you'd like to travel to South Africa then start planning 2-3 years in advance. Begin researching the requirements to enter the country (e.g. which vaccines you may need or any required documents) and get those completed ASAP. Look at vlogs of individuals who have traveled to your dream destination in order to get ideas on what activities you would like to do. Create an itinerary that includes those activities, shops, restaurants, transportation, and room accommodations including their prices. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the culture of the country you plan to visit in order to learn any social etiquette or laws that you may encounter. Once you have done these things you have already set a framework for a successful trip, all primarily from the comforts of your own home.

Budget and Save

Next comes the part where many individuals drop out of the game. Saving your money and budgeting. First let me rant about priorities. If you can buy a $200+ wig to wear on your HEAD then you can travel. If you can spend $500 on a designer bag then you can travel. Shoot, if you can even afford $50 nails every month, YOU CAN TRAVEL. That rant was specifically for my sisters. If you truly take a look into where your money goes, you'd realize you could have taken 2 or 3 major trips within the past year or two. Prioritize traveling and budget accordingly if that is something you really want to do. Put your money where your mouth is. If you save $100 a month for 2 years you would have $2,400, which in most countries is more than enough to provide you with an AMAZING trip. The question is, do you really want to?

Choose Serious Travel Buddies

Okay so this may actually be the hardest part to accomplish. By the grace of God, I have friends who like to travel and are dependable in that aspect. That came from leveling up as an individual and getting out of my own comfort zone in order to meet people who were also not afraid to do the same. For many, you simply don't have friends who will travel with you. Everyone is gun-ho' ready-to-go until you mention payment plans and requirements. You'll sit back and watch every person begin to scatter like roaches when the lights come on. What is the solution? Short answer get some new friends (lol just kidding … or was I?). There are groups that can be found on apps such as Meet up, where like minded individuals get together and do activities such as traveling. If you deem that as too risky, then pray and ask God what you should do. Let Him know that you want to travel but are afraid to do it alone. He'll work it out if your heart is sincere. DON'T use this bullet point as an excuse not to travel, I saw your face.

Go Have Fun

Last and absolutely not least, GO HAVE FUN! Traveling is amazing! Going to a foreign country and seeing other ways of life is a great way to become diverse. Be open minded and try different things that you otherwise would not experience in your home country. Be adventurous and courageous. You will be surprised at how confident you can become simply by leaving American soil. If foreign travel is not feasible for you yet then do not be afraid to start small. Take domestic trips across the US to get your proverbial feet wet. Get comfortable with the flight process and airport travel by visiting major US cities. Bottom line get out there, take pictures, make memories, and change your generational narrative.

Happy traveling! For questions email me at info.dearlittleblackgirl@gmail.com.