Traveling the World in This Skin

As Black travelers, there’s often a layer of uncertainty that tags along with our journeys—not because we aren’t prepared, but because we’re sometimes the first, or only, person someone has ever seen who looks like us. That encounter can spark curiosity, admiration, confusion, or, unfortunately, even uneasiness.

Being a dark-skinned Black woman based in the United States, I carry a heightened awareness of racism and microaggressions. They show up in my everyday life, so I’m naturally more attuned to them when I’m abroad. I know what it feels like to be “othered,” and while I can usually sense when something is racially charged, I’ve also been very fortunate. More often than not, my presence has been met not with hostility, but with curiosity, admiration, and genuine interest.

When Curiosity Isn’t Cruelty

One memory that sticks with me is sitting in Hanoi, Vietnam, sipping a drink while waiting for a train to pass. A group of older aunties from Singapore stood nearby, staring—not in a threatening way, but in that wide-eyed, curious way that says “Wow, you’re beautiful and different.” One of them eventually walked over, complimented me, and sparked a sweet conversation about where I was from and where I was headed. We connected. We laughed. It was lovely.

Another time, in Singapore, I met a Malaysian family. The daughter approached me,

complimented me, and then asked for a photo. Normally, I don’t do random pictures with strangers—I’m not a spectacle, after all. Many of times I have politely declined when asked by a random stranger to take a photo with them. No pleasantries just a “Picture, please!” Other times, I dodged photos as tourists tried to be slick about taking photos of me without my permission.

But, something that day told me to pause. Maybe this family hadn’t traveled much. Maybe I was the first Black woman they’d ever seen in person. I was at Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and was one of few—if not only Black person in the building. So, I made a deal: “We’ll take a photo together, but I’m getting one on my phone, too.” It turned into a cute exchange, one of many heartwarming reminders that curiosity can lead to connection.

Still, let me be clear: you do not owe anyone your presence, your time, or your likeness. If something feels off, say no. If you don’t have the energy, decline. If you just don’t want to, that’s cool, too. You are not a cultural ambassador unless you choose to be. But when it feels safe and aligned, sometimes those little moments open doors to understanding.

Navigating Racial Dynamics Abroad

Racism doesn’t stop at borders. But traveling while Black isn’t always about racism either. Sometimes it’s about access. For example, can I find a salon that understands my coils? Can I get products for my hair if I’m gone for weeks and I’ve run out? Is there a place that carries foundation in my shade?

These are the quiet hurdles we navigate that others often don’t have to think about. For instance, many Black travelers opt for protective styles like braids before jetting off. It’s not just a fashion choice—it’s strategy. Our hair is fragile, beautiful, and deserves care. Protective styles give us freedom: to swim, to hike, to sleep in, and to slay—all without worrying about spending hours on wash days or detangling sessions outside of home.

That’s why I created this space: to share resources, stories, offer tips, and help make travel smoother for us—especially for those with natural hair, rich melanin, and the kind of beauty that sometimes gets overlooked.

Your Experience Is Valid

Whether you’ve been met with love, indifference, or outright ignorance abroad, your experience is real—and worth talking about. Black & Navigating is here for that reason. It’s a reminder that we are global citizens, and we deserve to take up space everywhere. So wherever you go—whether it’s a bustling market in Marrakech or a quiet café in Helsinki—go as your full, unapologetic self. Navigate boldly. Navigate beautifully.