Larissa Parks, Author at Travel Divas®

Meet Your New Travel Besties: The Secret to Creating Lasting Friendships through Solo Travel

May 25, 2023 by Larissa Parks

I don’t know about you but solo travel with a group of strangers is a gift that keeps on giving long after the trip is over, your bags are unpacked and your passport’s been stamped.

Not just for the breathtaking experiences, mesmerizing photos, and jaw-dropping monuments you visit.

Not just for the hole-in-the-wall spots the locals told you about that were the highlight of your entire trip (and totally not planned).

Not just for the mental recharge that comes with being in a new place with new people.

But for the way, it introduces you to more Black girl magic in your daily life. Especially when it comes to creating friendships that last a lifetime.

There’s something powerful about the way travel forges deep, meaningful connections among a group of strangers. Here’s how Roxie thinks it works after traveling solo with a group for years:

Shared Wonder

Think back to some of your longest and deepest relationships. There was never just one thing that brought you closer, but there was always a moment that solidified your connection. When you travel with women you don’t know, you have nothing but a blank canvas to paint all the wonders, delights, and exhilarating moments you will experience together.

If you’re looking for “remember the time when?” moments, group travel with strangers allows for that. There is no judgment, no expectations, and no way not to be curious and in awe when you’re all experiencing something new and different as a group.

Adventure Breeds Camaraderie

Have you ever seen those adventure movies where a group of individuals who barely know each other must embark on a journey with a singular goal in mind? Throughout those movies, they encounter all kinds of moments, including exhilarating ones they didn’t expect. There is something about going through an adventure and not knowing what will happen next that fosters strong connections.

When you travel with a group, you’re creating your own Black girl magic movie together, with adventure and unexpected moments at every turn. Use that to form connections that will last you a lifetime.

You might even meet your future travel bestie!

Knowing Yourself

One of the most beautiful things about solo travel is that it gives you an opportunity to truly know and trust yourself. Boarding a plane and heading off to a foreign country where you don’t know anyone – that’s courage. It’s the sort of bold move that gets rid of imposter syndrome and feelings of unworthiness that can arise when you’re back home grinding it out.

When you couple traveling solo with participating in group activities, you discover what you feel comfortable doing – and what you don’t. Plus, YOU decide what parts of yourself you want to share.

When you’re sure about yourself, others notice – and that attracts other fabulous women who possess that same energy.

Next thing you know, you’ve created a network of like-minded women with a varied set of backgrounds who you can connect with whenever you travel or you’re back home – and who knows just how much it takes to travel alone.

In other words, whether you’re trying to grow your Black girl magic circle or not, traveling solo with a group can give you the space, time, and opportunity to create meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

And when you have other women you can lean on, it can lighten the heavy loads we as Black women carry on a daily.

Speaking of which, not only can friendships be a way to manage those mental loads, travel can be too.

Read on to discover all the mental health benefits of travel.

Free & Clear: Why Traveling Is What Every Black Woman Needs for Her Mental Health

May 23, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Hey girlfriend! It’s Roxie again, and I’ve just come back from my latest rendezvous. While I was out jet-setting across Europe and Asia, I couldn’t help but notice that all the stresses, to-do lists and constant worry that can sometimes take hold of me disappeared.

There’s just something about hopping on a plane and getting far away that clears your mind.

After all, your environment plays a huge part in your overall well-being and mental health. For magical, hard-working Black women like us, our environments are often all about the grind, the hustle and ensuring our loved ones have everything they need.

But what about you? How do you make sure you have everything you need and pour back into your own cup?

For so many of us, travel fills that bill. It’s a great way to escape, get a bit of distance from daily life and gain valuable insights so you can live your best life.

Here are a few more ways travel benefits your mental health and why you should let us take care of all the planning so you can rest, recharge and relax STAT:

Reduce Your Stress

You’re probably no stranger to “Superwoman Schema” or “Sojourner’s Syndrome” – also known as “Strong Black Woman Syndrome.” In fact, chances are you probably lean into these at work and in life without even realizing it. That’s not your fault – so much of how the world works makes it easy for Black women to suffer disproportionately from stress.

A study done by the Human Nature journal even shared that Black women process and internalize stress differently – and that it can cause biological aging.

In other words, stress could be aging you and one of the best ways to combat that is through travel.

When you get away from environments where stress is your norm, you naturally lower your stress levels. Also, there’s nothing like breathing fresh air, getting away from the laptop, and doing whatever the heck you want that just melts all the stress away.

Boost Your Mood

While routine is a wonderful thing, it can eventually make for a bleak mood and dreary disposition when it comes to tackling your everyday tasks, personally and professionally.

Travel is an opportunity to shake up your routine and expose yourself to new sights, sounds, cultures, and adventures.

If you’ve been feeling blue recently, it might be time to hop on a plane to help reset your outlook.

Improve Your Overall Mental Health

Did you know that when you do something different outside of your norm that you form new pathways in your brain? The same goes for travel. New experiences can help improve your brain function, boost your mood, and inspire creativity.

Sometimes you just need a dose of vitamin D and sunshine, some water, and some greenery to turn things around. In this day and age when so many of us are cooped up in buildings and staring at computer screens all day, being exposed to nature for longer periods of time can improve your overall mental health.

So, what to do next?

Decide which destination makes you feel the most excited. Is it the turquoise seas and over-the-water bungalows in the Maldives? Dubai’s opulent vibes? The glamour of Paris? The intoxicating roses of Jordan? The colorful countryside of Cartagena?

Wherever you feel called to explore, we can make it happen without you ever lifting a finger (except to pay and pack, that is!).

Come sprinkle your Black girl magic with us on one of these magical escapes.

Traveling with a Group: 3 Ways to Find Your Own Space

May 18, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Roxie might be my first name, but my middle name is “freedom.” There’s nothing I crave and value more than the space, time, and energy to do my own thing and explore my curiosity.

But when you’re traveling in a group, that can sometimes feel a bit difficult, especially if there are a lot of group activities and itineraries in place.

Here’s the thing: you’re on vacation for so many reasons. To explore new cultures, meet new people and most importantly, rest and recharge. So having your moments where you can explore on your own are crucial!

Here are a few ways you can carve your own path – no matter who you’re traveling with!

Book Solo Excursions

Just because there are group activities on the agenda doesn’t mean you can’t find some of your own! Think about your non-negotiables when you travel to ensure you have a magical experience and book one of those!

If you always need to visit the water, book a solo excursion to a local beach. Love wine? Go to a winery. You don’t have to attend every single group activity (though be sure to join a few so you can grow your community).

Use that time by yourself to cross off your bucket-list activities for your destination.

Self-Care Sunday Once A Day

Every day of your trip, pick a self-care activity to pour back into yourself. Take yourself out on a solo dinner. Go to the spa and get a facial or a massage. Lay up next to the pool and read a book. Fill up the marble bathtub with bubbles and have room service deliver an exquisite wine.

And if you’re just plain old tired and need a nap, that’s self-care, too. The thing about self-care is there are no rules. It’s all about what reenergizes you. Don’t make a huge, organized plan out of it (unless that’s your thing) – just pick something that makes you feel magical.

Set Boundaries

Before you head out on any trip – know what your boundaries are. These can include things such as what kind of excursions you’re willing and not willing to go on.

While it’s important to stretch the limits of your comfort zone so you can find new interests, if something doesn’t sit well, don’t do it.

If there are certain topics of discussion you’d rather not engage in a group of women you don’t know yet, know what those are and kindly excuse yourself.

Are you an early riser? Keep your boundary about going out to dinner too late with others so you can get enough rest.

Most importantly – don’t forget to do what lights you up. Travel is all about finding more of your Black girl magic, after all.

Start off by booking your dream destination and turning that dream into your reality during one of our luxurious group travel trips.

3 Essential Safety Tips for Black Female Solo Travelers on Group Trips

May 16, 2023 by Larissa Parks

If there’s one thing Roxie doesn’t play about, it’s safety when traveling by yourself – especially when you’re in a group of people you haven’t gotten to know yet.

No matter if you choose to travel with fellow Divas or go off on your own in a group excursion, it’s important to always ensure your safety is top of mind. Once that’s in place, that’s where the fun can come in.

Here are a few things to consider to ensure you’re safe and sound when in travel groups:

Stay Aware

For most Black women, we move through life always keeping an eye out. When you’re traveling by yourself among a group of strangers, that old adage is never more true. While your fun and pleasure are priorities, it’s important to remember to pay attention to your surroundings.

Be mindful of what area you’re in, as it might determine how you need to dress and what accessories you can get away with wearing. If you’re in an area that isn’t as affluent, it might not be a good idea to wear your diamonds and flashy name-brand clothes or bags.

The best way to think about it is to keep your senses open – ensure you can clearly see, hear and feel where you are. That means no headphones when you’re in an unfamiliar place!

Keep Your Valuables Secure

While you may be the G.O.A.T. at securing the bag or great deals when you travel, that isn’t the only thing to keep secure when traveling. Your belongings and valuables that you worked so hard for the need to have a close eye kept on them.

So, how do you do that? First off, be mindful of what you carry or what’s visible, such as your phone, headphones, and wallet. Always pay attention to where you are before pulling out these items.

If you’re sharing a room with someone you don’t know, be sure not to disclose or make obvious the location of your valuables such as your passport, wallet, or money. The same goes for ensuring no one sees your phone or device passcodes.

Be sure to password-protect and keep backups of important documents outside of your electronics just in case.

This goes for conversation too – aim to be discreet about your habits, as they can give others clues about your valuables or personal information.

Trust Your Instincts

Just like Olivia Pope used to say on Scandal, your gut often knows what’s up. Your intuition is a real thing that can help keep you safe. If you’ve “got a feeling” that you can’t shake, your instincts will likely kick in to remind you to be careful. While it can be easy to ignore this – don’t. You’re a Black woman in a foreign country – and you’ve likely got a keen sense and “uh oh” radar that’s served you well in the past.

When it comes to safety, lean into your Black girl magic intuition, err on the side of caution, and remove “benefit of the doubt” from your vocabulary. But also, don’t forget to keep an open mind. Sometimes cultural differences can trigger us to feel unsafe. That’s why it’s important to do your research about cultural norms beforehand.

Speaking of which – if you’re wondering how to navigate those cultural differences, check out this blog post I wrote for you.

When It Hits Different: How to Navigate Cultural Differences

May 11, 2023 by Larissa Parks

One of the things that makes Black girl magic unlike anything else is our cultural differences. No one else is like us – no matter who tries to be. And sometimes, that’s hard for people to understand.

When you’re traveling though, it’s important to keep in mind that what’s normal and Black girl magic for us might be exotic and out-of-the-ordinary (and even inappropriate) for others.

That’s the beauty of learning about different cultures! You’re exposed to how others find magic in their own lives (even if they don’t think it’s magic). It’s why travel is such a rewarding, fulfilling, and eye-opening experience.

But the same way others can misunderstand your Black girl magic and those cultural nuances is the same way travelers can in new spaces. So, here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re traveling in a group setting and need to navigate cultural differences:

Stay Curious

The best way to navigate cultural differences and increase your understanding is to be curious. And what better way to do that than to ask questions?

Asking questions shows your genuine curiosity and interest in understanding how things work. They go a long way in allowing locals to feel as if you’re respecting their space, country, and customs.

Think of it like this: you’d want the same curiosity and respect if someone from a foreign country was visiting yours.

That being said – don’t forget to do research beforehand. This can help avoid complete culture shock. Even if you know something already from your studies, asking questions to confirm will show care and reverence, and make your traveling experience more enjoyable.

Be Empathetic

The best way to navigate cultural differences is to try your best to put yourself in others’ shoes. This requires a combination of the above approaches – doing research, asking questions, and being open-minded.

No matter our differences – clothing, religion, class, orientation, ethnicity, language – we’re all human at the end of the day.

When you can remember that, navigating any cultural differences will be easier.

Knowing these can make or break your trip. If you’re looking for more ways to ensure your experience is as magical as possible, check out the blog for more tips and hacks on traveling solo, in a group, and more.

You’re Not Alone: How to Build Community While Traveling Solo

May 9, 2023 by Larissa Parks

The same way I wake up in the morning in the lap of luxury with yet *another* passport stamp to my name is the same way I expect to connect with like-minded individuals when I travel – whether it’s in a group or solo!

In fact, what’s made solo traveling so easy for me is learning how to foster a sense of community. While solo traveling can feel lonely, I’ve discovered so many ways to not just enjoy my alone time, but get some of that much-needed connection during my travels, and now I’m here to share those tips with you!

If you’re coming with us solo, know you’re not alone – and here are some ways to make sure you don’t feel that way!

Participate in Group Activities

Okay, Divas, this is the big one. Building community requires active participation. So during your next Travel Divas trip, don’t forget to join the group excursions that are planned. They’re an excellent way to find common ground since you’re all likely experiencing something new.

When attending group activities, don’t just show up – be a part of it! Talk to the other Divas. If you need a minute of alone time, take it, but don’t forget part of the joys of traveling in a group is about connection with others.

Share Experiences

Think back to when you and your bestie first met. How did you connect? Through the power of shared experiences! Whether or not you had similar experiences, sharing them is what helps create a bridge connecting you with someone you don’t know.

Start by sharing travel experiences – where you’ve been, who you went with, and what you learned. No need to offer advice – simply some golden, magical nuggets you took away from traveling.

Even if it’s your first time – share that! There’s nothing like a “first time I left the country” or “first time I was in a middle seat” story to help you realize that as different as you may be, you’re just as magical as the stranger you just met.

And if you’re just wondering how all of this works but still need somewhere to go, you can always come and sprinkle your Black girl magic with us all across the globe. From Antarctica to the Pacific Islands to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and more, just pick a destination and we’ll handle the rest for you:

It’s Giving Meaningful: Our Best Communication Tips When Traveling with Strangers

May 4, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Hey, it’s your favorite Travel Diva Roxie again, and I’m back with some communication tips for group travel! If you’re wondering how to create meaningful connections and ensure you have the most *magical* Black girl time, communication is key!

Back home, before you packed your bag and passport and booked your trip, you were already working hard without playing hard.

Initiating Conversations

The hardest part of talking to new travel mates is often just starting a conversation! One of my favorite tricks is to acknowledge the awkwardness of it all as an icebreaker. It may feel scary to jump out of your comfort zone and initiate conversations with women you don’t know, but coming from a place of curiosity always helps.

While it’s important to ask questions, you also don’t want your conversations to feel like an interview. Layer in some of your own stories that are related to what your conversation partner is sharing.

When in doubt for how to get things rolling – compliments always work! Use that as a starting point, or even ask them how they found the Travel Divas community. Then – let it flow!

Listening Actively

Let’s be honest: when most people listen, they’re waiting their turn to speak. That never makes the other person feel heard or listened to. But Travel Divas don’t do that. One of the easiest ways to start a new friendship is to make the other person feel seen, paid attention to, and heard, and you can do that by actively listening. That means waiting until they’ve finished sharing their thoughts before responding, asking clarifying questions, and even pausing before answering, so you can truly reflect on what they shared. In other words – don’t interrupt!

Respecting Differences

One of the most wonderful parts about travel is the opportunity to meet others from all walks of life. You’re bound to do that when visiting a new country or even another area you’re not familiar with, but remember differences exist even within the group you’re traveling with.

No matter your beliefs, it’s important to hold space for others’ experiences and differences. What may be normal for you coming from Harlem, NYC may be different from someone who’s been living in Wisconsin for years, so be mindful of differences.

Be curious and ask about their individual experiences that may be different from yours, as it may lead to some stimulating conversations!

When it comes to communicating effectively while traveling with strangers, there are really only a few key concepts to remember:

Be curious, open and respectful.

Once that’s done consistently, you can easily make new connections and build community. Speaking of, if you’re wondering how you can build more of a community while traveling solo, you know your girl has sprinkled some magical tips in this blog post on how to do just that.

How to Prep for Solo Travel with a Group

May 2, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Now, look at you – if you aren’t the embodiment of a true Diva, then we don’t know what is!

You’ve booked a trip with the most luxurious group travel agency for magical Black women like you – and it’s your first time traveling on your own.

That’s a big deal! Give yourself a huge pat on the back. Not only did you not let the girls’ group chat drama derail your bucket list destination dreams, but you did something new and unknown!

We’ve got your back here at Travel Divas. Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t actually mean you’re alone. Your safety is our number one priority – and so is your peace of mind and your fun! That’s why we’ve gathered a few tips on how you can prepare for traveling with a group of strangers.

We’re Not Really Strangers

Yes, that’s the name of an icebreaker card game that would be a great choice to bring with you on the trip (Amazon’s got ‘em!), but it’s also the truth here at Travel Divas. While you may not know the group of women you’ll be sprinkling your Black girl magic with personally (yet), you’ll be in similar company. The women who rely on us to pamper and spoil them with lavish travel experiences are all cut from the same cloth – hardworking, globe-trotting, open-minded, and lovers of small, personalized touches.

Breaking the Ice

Other than playing icebreaker games like the one we mentioned above, one of the easiest ways to break the ice is just to be honest. Share that it’s your first time traveling with a group of strangers and be genuinely curious about what made them book their trip. Learn about their travel journeys and what they’re looking forward to as a start. You can always go back to questions about what they do or their best vacation tips if conversations ever get dry.

Finding Common Ground

Sometimes, when you get in a group with unfamiliar faces, the hardest thing to do is to connect. We do that as human beings and Travel Divas by finding common ground – and that’s travel! When connecting with your fellow Travel Divas, look for commonalities to spark conversation. Do you have similar jobs? Similar taste in luggage companies? A love for espresso martinis? Are you the adventurous travel type or do you prefer to lay up in luxury? Look for that and you’ll be in good hands.

Navigating Group Dynamics

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, navigating group dynamics is a skill! But as a Diva, you can do anything you put your mind to. So how exactly do you do it? Focus on clear communication. Just because we’re all Divas doesn’t mean we act like them!

Now that you know how to prep for solo travel with a group, take it a step further and learn how to communicate like a Diva while traveling too. Our in-house Diva, Roxie, wrote a special post on how to do just that. Read it here.

Not Sure about Traveling Solo or with a Group of Strangers? Read this.

April 30, 2023April 28, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Hey Diva! It’s Roxie, and I was chatting with some of your fellow aspiring Travel Divas and there’s one thing that kept coming up in the conversation:

Being scared to travel alone!

I get it. You want to check off your bucket-list vacay to Egypt or finally take those pictures underneath the Eiffel Tower like you used to dream about, but the girls’ trip keeps getting stuck in the group chat.

So, you decide you want to go solo, but you don’t know anyone else who’s done it before, and you’d prefer to go in the company of other women who have the same goal as you – sprinkling your Black girl magic around the globe.

Truth is, there are so many benefits of traveling this way – and we’re here to dispel all the rumors about group travel!

Let’s get into it!

Cross Off Your Bucket-List Destinations

Just because your girls can’t make it doesn’t mean you need to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime trips. Think about all the other beautiful things you’ve accomplished on your own. All your bucket-list travels can absolutely be among them, and the best thing is you’re not actually alone – you get to make new friends!

Do Something Out of the Ordinary

When you travel with your besties or by yourself, it’s easy to do things inside of your comfort zone. But when you travel with a group, you get invited to a curated list of activities that you may or may not have ever done on your own.

Sure, you may love fine dining but avoid the adventurous stuff like dune bashing. Group travel gives you the chance to discover new moments, places, and experiences you might not have said “yes” to before!

Don’t take our word for it, though. Just hop on over to that destination you’ve been eyeing here and look at the pictures, videos, and reviews for yourself.

The Diva’s Guide to Hassle-Free Transportation Abroad

April 30, 2023April 26, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Roxie here, and just like DJ Khaled, I’m back again with another smash hit full of travel tips for Divas just like you!

Traveling is such an eye-opening, healing experience, but there are so many unknowns that can make it a bit scary. One of those? Transportation abroad! Whether you’re used to high-tech public transit back home or you’re used to driving yourself everywhere, transportation abroad simply looks different depending on what country you’re in.

So, how does a Diva safely travel inside her bucket-list destination? Just do these 4 things so you can stay ready and feel confident you know how to get around.

Research Public Transportation Options

Like “most” things in life, you can usually find the answers to what you’re looking for online. Before booking your trip, do your due diligence about the availability of public transportation at your destination.

Depending on the country or continent, it can look vastly different. Tokyo public transportation is extremely sophisticated, organized, and on-time but the language difference can make it difficult to figure out where you’re going, whereas if you’re in Turks and Caicos, the only way for you to really get around is with a private driver.

Before you pick your destination, ask yourself what you’re comfortable with. Do you want to have access to trains and buses? Are taxis readily available and if so, are they regulated or unregulated? How do you rent a car? Scavenge the internet (don’t rely on just one source) to find out what every day and even long-distance travel looks like.

Renting a Car

Are you a Diva with her driver’s license? You might think the best way to get around on your own time in a foreign country is by renting a car. Depending on where you are, there may be certain requirements in place to rent a car. In addition, be sure to review traffic laws, what side of the street to drive on, and what kind of streets are in the areas you want to visit.

For example, renting a car in Florence might seem like a wonderfully scenic way to explore the Tuscan countryside, but if you’re going through the more famed part of the city, the streets are narrow and lined with cobblestone.

Hire a Private Driver

When I go on vacay helping Travel Divas scout some of the best spots to bring to you, one of my favorite ways to travel is by vetting and hiring a private driver. If you’re the type of Diva who’s used to doing it all by yourself, let your vacation be the time you DON’T do that. Look for recommendations for reputable private car services that can safely get you to your location.

This is especially important if you’re traveling late at night or in areas that are less frequented.

Another safety tip: never let anyone know you’re traveling by yourself, it’s your first time in the country or let them know where you’re staying. It may sound simple but safety is important when traveling to foreign countries!

Looking for other ways to prepare for your next international trip? I’ve got you, girlfriend!

Read this step-by-step guide on how to prep for international travel right here.