Last updated June 4, 2025
An exciting journey, a hilarious adventure and a raw look behind the Instagram filter—through the lens of what it means to travel solo as a Black woman, with real talk and tips included.
I remember the first time I booked a ticket. I was nervous, thrilled and slightly dizzy from the possibilities. Solo travel was calling, and I answered. What I didn’t know then was that this wouldn’t just be a passport-stamp hobby. It would become my path to empowerment and well-being.
I’m a Black woman who has now traveled to every continent! Yes, even Antarctica, and yes, it was cold. My solo travels as a Black woman have expanded my soul.
These travels have also thrown uncomfortable moments my way, such as when strangers ask invasive questions about my hair or when hotel staff ignore my requests. This is what it’s like to travel the world solo when you look like me.
How Solo Travel as a Black Woman Became My Self-Care Ritual
Solo travel is a wellness practice. No yoga mat required. There’s nothing quite like boarding a flight alone, with your carry-on and courage, to remind yourself that you are capable of building your joy.
When I started traveling solo as a Black woman, I wasn’t chasing aesthetics; I was chasing clarity. I’d been through a rough emotional patch and felt like I was holding my breath all the time. At that point, I was in Australia, working and traveling, but I wanted more. So I decided to travel alone to Denmark. I fell in love with the adventure, the endless possibilities and the freedom that came with it.
Traveling solo as a Black woman meant reclaiming space, not only on airplanes, but in the world. The journey became my act of resistance and resilience. It wasn’t always relaxing in the traditional sense, but it was transformative. That, to me, is the real definition of travel.
Yes, (Sometimes) You’ll Be the Only Solo Black Traveler and That’s Okay
In certain parts of the world, being a Black solo female traveler means you might not see anyone who looks like you. You might get stared at. People might want to touch your hair. Someone might call you Beyoncé. It’s always Beyoncé. Never Solange. And sometimes Rihanna.
There have been times when I’ve walked into a luxury spa resort and noticed that I’m the only Black person in the room. It’s an isolating feeling at first. But here’s what I’ve learned. Being the only one doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re blazing a trail. Every time we show up on wellness retreats or hiking trails, we expand the narrative of who solo travel is for. Spoiler: It’s for us, too.
Racism on the Road: The Hard Truth
Traveling while Black comes with a unique set of challenges. I’ve experienced microaggressions in Europe, hypervisibility in parts of Asia and uncomfortable moments in places I’d hoped would be welcoming. I’ve had border agents question my passport more intensely than they should.
These experiences sting, yet they haven’t stopped me. If anything, they’ve deepened my commitment to making travel more inclusive. I now build extra time into my travel plans for emotional recovery. I pack good vibes along with my sunscreen because choosing joy is radical and necessary.
The Mental Power of Being Alone (But Never Lonely)
When you travel solo (regardless of race), you have to get honest with yourself. There’s no one else to distract you or take the lead. You learn to eat alone in restaurants (with confidence! ), navigate foreign cities solo and make friends in unexpected places (shoutout to the woman in Albania who worked at a coffee shop and invited me for coffee).
And somewhere along the way, you start to fall in love with your own company. That’s the magic of empowered solo travel. You realize you are enough; you are full; you are free.
Solo travel gave me the space to grieve, to heal and to dream again. It also taught me how to laugh at myself, like the time I tried to hike in Cape Verde and packed lipstick but forgot my first aid kit.
Tips for Solo Travel (Especially for Black Women)
Traveling solo is an incredible journey of self-discovery, freedom and growth. No matter who you are. But if you’re a Black woman on the road, there are some extra layers to consider to help you feel safe, strong and fully seen. Here’s what I’ve learned from my adventures:
1. Do Your Homework
Research local customs, attitudes and safety tips before you go. This helps you prepare mentally and avoid surprises. I always look up forums, travel blogs and social media groups, particularly those run by Black travelers, for real, firsthand insights. This gives you practical information and a sense of community, no matter where you’re headed.
2. Pick Accommodations
Thoughtfully choose places that prioritize safety and comfort. Women-run hostels or Black-owned guesthouses often offer welcoming vibes and a chance to connect with like-minded travelers. Travel platforms that feature reviews and ratings can help you find unique stays that are well-suited for solo travelers.
3. Build Your Travel Tribe
Whether online or on the ground, connecting with fellow Black travelers or supportive local communities can make a huge difference. There’s power in knowing you’re not alone when navigating unfamiliar places.
Look for meetups, social media groups or local cultural events. And if confidence is holding you back, check out my ebook on solo travel confidence. It’s designed for women who want to feel empowered and fearless on the road.
4. Listen to Your Intuition
Your gut is your best travel guide. If something feels off, trust that feeling and take action. This is important for Black women who might face microaggressions or bias. Knowing when to stay alert or seek safer options is key.
5. Celebrate Your Joy
Solo travel is about making space for joy and self-care. Watch that sunrise, indulge in dessert or try a new experience like a yoga class, even if you’re the only newbie. These moments create lasting memories and remind you why you chose to travel solo in the first place.
Solo Travel Adventures and Why I Keep Going
Even with the challenges, I wouldn’t trade my solo adventures for anything. They’ve shaped me, stretched me and made me stronger. I’ve hiked glaciers in Antarctica, explored the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands and watched the Northern Lights solo in Norway. It was an emotional experience because I couldn’t believe this was my life.
Solo travel isn’t lonely. It’s liberating. Especially when you move with intention and curiosity. Solo travel is not about seeing the world. It’s about seeing yourself clearly, sometimes for the first time.
So if you’re a Black woman considering taking your first solo trip, I see you. And I’m cheering for you. Pack light, dream big and take up space wherever you go—because you belong everywhere.
PS: If you’re planning your own solo trip, here’s a free packing checklist that I use to stay organized and stress-free on the road.
About the author:
Feven Mehereteab is a traveler and mentor who has journeyed to 55+ countries. She specializes in helping women travel solo with confidence. Based in Barcelona, she’s the voice behind @flightmodefeven and the newsletter Travel Bueno & Beyond. Her motto? “Travel solo on your own terms.”
Snapshot Summary
Solo travel as a Black woman transforms into powerful self-care and empowerment despite unique challenges, including microaggressions and hypervisibility. This wellness practice builds confidence, resilience and self-discovery through global adventures. Essential strategies include thoroughly researching destinations, choosing safe accommodations, connecting with supportive travel communities, trusting intuition and celebrating personal joy. While facing obstacles, solo Black female travelers create space for healing, growth and transformative experiences that prove they belong everywhere.
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