The Black Woman’s Ultimate Guide to
Solo Travel

Ready to travel the world solo? Our travel guide will make your journey simple and safe.

If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram and drooled at HD photos of gorgeous, melanated sisters in faraway destinations, it might be time to plan your getaway.

Girls’ trips have been all the rage since long before that movie came out, but solo travel for black women has just started becoming mainstream. There are tons of women from around the world who’ve taken a deep breath, jumped on a flight, and watched the world open up.

Are you ready to join them? Check out this guide to start your journey.

Get your mind right.

If you’re new to traveling solo, it requires a bit of a mindset shift. Unlike when you plan a group trip, you’re free to examine – and experience – what you really want. What is that?

Once you’re crystal clear on why you want to travel solo, you’ll probably have to overcome the fear of taking those first steps. Feel the fear and do it anyway! You’re braver than you think, and traveling alone will expand our confidence.

Before you board your first solo flight, you’ll have a million questions and worries. Most of them are easily conquered by action. Once you’ve gone abroad alone, fears like

• What will other people think of me traveling by myself?
• What if I go by myself and no one talks to me? 
• What if I need directions and can’t get help because I don’t speak the language?

and a million others will melt away. You’ll see that life around the world isn’t too different from what you’re used to, and most people are generally kind.

Grab your carry-on and gather your courage. You can do this. The experience will be amazing – allow it.

Count your coins.

Of course, we’re all about smart money decisions here at Bankable. It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t suggest setting up a travel budget for your solo trip.

Before you book anything, create your financial travel plan. Set a firm number that you’re willing to invest in your trip and commit to sticking to it.

There will be lots of interesting possibilities you could experience on your trip. None of them will enjoyable if you’re stressed out about how much you’re spending.

Research what other solo women travelers have spent on similar trips to destinations your want to visit. Take a good look at your travel savings and do what’s best for you.

Found something you want to do that doesn’t fit into the budget this go round? Remember, you can always go back!

Decide on your destination.

With 195 countries to consider, the world is full of exciting places to see and things to do. The first step is deciding where you want to go and when.

Research countries that are welcoming to Black tourists and expats. Like it or not, there are some special considerations for black women traveling the world alone. Don’t let that stop you! Our community is full of jetsetters who’ve weighed in on great options to get you started.

If you’re really nervous, start out with places that American tourists frequent. Many of the locals will speak some English & there’ll be familiar food, etc. You won’t have the most culturally immersive experience, but it’ll get your feet wet.

Plan a trip that is uniquely you.

What’s the most important part of travel for you? Fine dining? Luxury shopping? Experiencing cultural heritage sites? Living local a local?

Choose the thing you’re most excited about doing and build your travel plan around it.

One of the most awesome things about solo travel is that you get to design an experience that aligns with what your want. Take the time to create a plan of what you’d like to do, but stay flexible. You never know what exciting experience may come your way once you’ve arrived.

Looking for inspiration? Join popular Facebook groups for Black female travelers to get on-ground insight into your destination of choice.

Book your travel with a smart strategy.

Once you’ve chosen your destination and created a plan, it’s time to book it, sis! Start by securing your flight as early as possible. Prices are based on availability, so the closer you get to your travel date, the higher the cost.

You’ll need to lock down your accommodations next. Whether you’re staying at a 5-star resort or an off-the-beaten path AirBnB, now’s the time to choose your home away from home.

Before travel day, plan out your transfers (how you’ll get to/from the airport and to any tour sites).

There’s a lot of debate in travel circles about how guided tours & whether you should book in advance. We recommend choosing one or two that are likely to sell out and book them ahead of time.

Ready to book? Do it with a credit card that rewards travel lovers for every dollar spent jet-setting. Here’s one of our favorites.

Prepare for Take-off.

So, you’ve taken the leap, and your big holiday is on the horizon. These next few steps will help make it it as stress-free as possible.

Register your trip with the State Dept. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is designed for US citizens to register with the US consulate or embassy closes to their destination. It’ll give you access to safety updates, and key information in case of emergency. You’ll be fine on your trip, but just in case something happens, your family will be informed of your most recent whereabouts.

Buy travel health insurance. Every time. Your US insurance probably isn’t valid abroad, and being evacuated home is crazy expensive. Travel health insurance coverage is super cheap so there’s really no excuse to go without it.

Take only the credit cards documents you’re going to use. Never take your SS card (it shouldn’t be in your wallet anyway). All others should be left home to avoid risk/loss.

Keep a printed copy of your passport ID page and your credit cards (front/back) hidden in *separate* areas of your luggage. If you’re mugged or your docs are stolen, this will make it way easier to cancel cards & replace travel docs.

Download an offline map of the area. Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can be a serious stressor.

Use an app like Google Maps to save a map in case you find yourself lost without internet access.

Have a blast once you arrive.

Be vigilant. Most places are no less safe than home, but we tend to relax more/let our guard down on vacation. Pay attention to your surroundings and use caution when connecting with new people. Don’t carry too many obvious valuables.

Embrace the culture. You did the heavy lifting to get to your destination, so fully immerse yourself in the experience. Visit museums, take a cooking class, and dance the night away at a local party. Be fearless – but smart – and enjoy!