Meaningful connections with fellow magical Black women, the opportunity to explore new cultures, a moment to refill my self-care cup – there’s nothing Roxie enjoys more than the freedom of travel.

It’s truly something I cherish and don’t take for granted. Not everyone is able to travel freely, so knowing that I can hop on a plane to escape is something I’m eternally grateful for.

Every time I look at my passport, I see more than just a small book with pages and pages full of customs stamps:

I see freedom.

I see adventure.

I see endless possibilities.

In fact, you can consider it your ticket to adventure. Here are a few reasons why:

You Can Travel Internationally

More than just a ticket to adventure and a form of identification, a passport is a collection of memories. Every stamp is a reminder of your Black girl magic: that you worked hard, played even harder, and had the courage to do both.

You see, traveling is an act of bravery. Whether it’s with a group of women you know, a group of strangers, by yourself, or a mix of all the above, it takes guts and gravitas to literally step outside of your comfort zone and fly to a new destination where nothing is the same.

Every time you pick up your passport, remember that.

You Can Immerse Yourself in New Cultures

A Diva knows there’s more to life than what she knows – that’s why she prides herself on being well-versed and cultured. Your passport unlocks opportunities for you to immerse yourself in cultures you never would have been exposed to otherwise, except for in a book or in a YouTube video.

Getting to know how others live their lives can inspire you to live more freely and openly. In fact, chances are, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you’ll discover just how much hustle culture isn’t the be-all-end-all.

As a hard-working Black woman, it’s important for you to see that you deserve a soft life. That life – no matter its dilemmas – can be one full of joy … sunshine … clear waters … luxury.

Your passport is the ultimate luxury. Don’t forget to use it.

You can practice doing just that by booking a trip and letting us plan it all for you right behind this link.

Can’t wait to see what adventure you choose next!

The post Your Passport Is Your Ticket to Adventure appeared first on Travel Divas®.

Efficiency. Hassle-free. Ease. Those are just a few things Roxie values when it comes to travel, especially because I’m out here jet-setting and sprinkling my Black girl magic around the world so often!

In the interest of efficiency, I’m sharing a pro tip for my fellow frequent travelers and why you need to get on it ASAP: Global Entry!

Here’s what you need to know:

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a membership program operated by the Department of Homeland Security that allows international travelers to take advantage of expedited security clearance when entering the U.S.

How Much Does It Cost?

As of April 2023, Global Entry costs $100 USD, and allows for entry into the U.S. from international destinations by air, land and sea. It includes TSA PreCheck®, which costs $78 if purchased separately and allows for quicker departures within the U.S. during security screening.

Certain credit cards with travel benefits may reimburse you with a statement credit – making it essentially free (or covered within your annual fee).

Global Entry takes around 4-6 months to be processed, and you’re only eligible if you’re a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or a certain type of foreign national.

How Does It Work?

Once you’re enrolled in Global Entry, you simply walk up to the airport kiosk, let the machine read your passport or permanent resident card, put your fingers on the scanner so it scans your fingerprint and complete a customs declaration form!

After the scan, you’ll get a receipt of the transaction. Then, head to baggage claim and get to your destination quicker!

What are the Benefits?

The list is long here, Diva! According to the Global Entry official website, you can expect all these time- and money-saving benefits when you enroll:

·        No processing lines

·        No paperwork

·        Access to expedited entry into 75+ countries

·        Reduced wait times

What’s Required to Enroll?

Global Entry requires an application (go to https://ttp.dhs.gov/) and a $100 payment. Once that’s been submitted, your application will be subject to conditional approval. Once approved, you’ll be invited to an appointment where you’ll be interviewed by an official to ensure you are who you say you are and you’re a low-risk traveler.

If approved, you’ll get a Global Entry card!

There are so many more benefits to Global Entry. Check out why you should invest in this program if you’re eligible here.

The post If You Travel Often, Global Entry is a Must-Have appeared first on Travel Divas®.

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.

The post Free & Clear: Why Traveling Is What Every Black Woman Needs for Her Mental Health appeared first on Travel Divas®.

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.

The post Traveling with a Group: 3 Ways to Find Your Own Space appeared first on Travel Divas®.

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.

The post When It Hits Different: How to Navigate Cultural Differences appeared first on Travel Divas®.

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:

The post You’re Not Alone: How to Build Community While Traveling Solo    appeared first on Travel Divas®.

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 post Not Sure about Traveling Solo or with a Group of Strangers? Read this.  appeared first on Travel Divas®.

Well, look at that! It’s almost 2023. I’ve been off jet-setting around the world this year and finally have some downtime to decompress, put my feet up and think about what kind of rich, luxurious, upscale experiences I want to have next year.

Here are some great ideas I want to share, you know, so we can step into our Rich Auntie Vibes even more and sprinkle our Black girl magic so often we might as well put it in our water!

The following are a few Rich Auntie-approved New Year’s Resolutions:

Make Self-Care a Habit: Girlfriend, you work so hard, BUT are fun and self-care ever the top things on your to-do list? Make a habit of putting “F U N” as your to-do thing every single day, whether it’s sipping a glass of bubbly, dancing to your favorite song, or slathering yourself with a luxurious lotion after a warm Epsom bath at night.

Schedule Regular Getaways: That bucket list isn’t going to cross itself off! Every 3 months, schedule a trip. It doesn’t have to be international, although Travel Divas has the most AMAZING international experiences close and far away from home, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Truth is …  you need to make a regular habit of sprinkling your Black girl magic around at least 3x-4x a year.

Take a Random Day Trip: Spontaneity and doing what you want is 100% Rich Auntie Vibes. Put away the laptop, clock out of the mental stress, and take an unplanned day trip to another city. There’s gotta be a vineyard somewhere that’s calling your name. Just do it!

Try New Cuisines Once a Month: You can expand your palette even if you can’t stamp your passport. Try a new culinary experience once a month – fusion restaurants, hole-in-the-walls and even treat yourself to an upscale 5-star experience at a fancy hotel. Remember … you’re worth it.

Spend More Time Living & Less Time Working: Make a promise to yourself – right now – to spend more time away from your desk. Now, the best way to do this is to hang with us across the world. That is so we can pamper you and help you forget about your too-long to-do list. Did I mention you’ll make lifelong friends AND memories?

Make 2023 the year you live your best life, girlfriend! Start by treating yourself to the gift of imagination and take a peek at all the breathtaking destinations we’re inviting you to right here: www.traveldivas.com/trips

The post Roxie’s Guide to Rich Auntie’s New Year Resolutions appeared first on Travel Divas®.

2022 was a year filled with change, but 1 thing stayed consistent all year long: The Travel Divas showed up and showed out! 

We loved turning up with you in every corner of the globe during 2022, and we can’t stop reminiscing on all the fun we’ve had this year.

Read on to take a trip down memory lane with us and look back on a few of our 2022 highlights! 

Highlight #1: Egypt 

Egypt owes us nothing!

We spent 9 days in Egypt this March, and we hit up Cairo, Aswan and Luxor while we were there. Thanks to its unique blend of ancient culture and modernity, Egypt is always 1 of our favorite countries to visit. 

We marveled at the Pyramid of Giza, explored ancient temples dedicated to Egyptian gods and goddesses, cruised down the Nile and turned up during a Sound & Light show at the pyramids. 

Highlight #2: Dubai

This trip was one for the books! 

Each year, our Dubai Glam trip gets better and better. And the May and November versions were definitely our best yet. 

Our hotel, the Sheraton at the Mall of the Emirates, made it easy to get our beauty rest and our looks for the night in one fell swoop.

When we weren’t shopping and kicking back at our wildly luxurious hotel, we were out exploring Dubai and getting a taste of life in the United Arab Emirates. 

And we made sure to snap plenty of pics for the ‘gram on our Modern Dubai City Tour and our desert safari. The Divas looked so fly on camelback!

Highlight #3: Hawaii

Whew, Waikiki in September was an absolute dream! 

Our resort was just steps from the white sand and blue water of Waikiki Beach, and we loved waking up to fabulous views every single day. 

Like all our trips, this Waikiki getaway was filled with experiences and events to bring the whole Travel Divas crew closer. We loved learning more about Polynesian culture with y’all during our luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

And we’ll never forget the memories we made during our lit all-white welcome reception! (If you know, you know!)

Highlight #4: South of France

Now, September and October were filled to the brim with luxury. 

We bid au revoir to all our worries and headed to the South of France for a decadent, ultra-relaxing vacation.

We hit up Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monte Carlo to indulge in the very best the fabulous French Riviera has to offer.

Between our champagne brunch, rooftop dinner in Nice and our visit to a local winery, each day was filled with luxurious excursions that had us feeling like Bey on her yearly yacht trip!

Highlight #5: Singapore and Malaysia

This October we hit up not 1, but 2 of Asia’s hottest vacation spots! 

In Singapore, we embarked on an adventure-filled night safari and treated ourselves to an island getaway on Sentosa Island. Crazy Rich Asians who?! 

We kept the South Asia vibes going in beautiful Malaysia, with stops in super-chic Kuala Lumpur and the historic city of Malacca. Of course, we ate yummy food the whole way through!

Highlight #6: London

We sprinkled a lil’ Black girl magic in London this October on a glamorous trip that would make even the royals jealous! 

We lived our best Bridgerton lives on this London getaway and treated ourselves to our heart’s content. 

Every second of this trip was filled with luxury. Some of our favorite parts were touring the city in vintage taxis, sipping on afternoon tea, touring Windsor Castle and going to a concert at the Royal Opera House. 

Highlight #7: Los Cabos

Sis, we shut Los Cabos DOWN and looked fabulous doing it! 

We headed down to Mexico in October for a trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. While there, we kept the all-white theme going for 5 days straight and served major monochrome lewks during our welcome event, pool party, catamaran cruise and sunset farewell party. 

The Travel Divas also treated themselves to some serious rest and relaxation at our all-inclusive resort. We’re so glad you all enjoyed your spa treatments, beach days and personal butler services! 

Highlight #8: South Africa

November was all about visiting the Motherland, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! 

We headed down to South Africa to take in the country’s rich culture and natural wonders. 

We hit the city of Cape Town hard, tasting authentic South African wine and marveling at the breathtaking Victoria Falls. 

And although South Africa is more than a wildlife destination, we did throw in a few safari excursions for our most adventurous Travel Divas! We loved getting up close and personal with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, leopards and other wild animals. 

Highlight #9: Ghana

The Motherland tour continued when we let the hot West African sun heat us up this winter.

Our trips to Ghana were filled with opportunities to celebrate our ancestors, reconnect with our roots and explore Ghana’s rich history and vibrant present. 

We’ll never forget turning up with you at the Black and Gold “Welcome Home” dinner party, meeting locals in the villages and the fun-filled nights in the streets of Accra.

We did more than party, though. Our lives were forever changed after walking in our ancestors’ footsteps through the Door of No Return, visiting the castles where our people were held captive before embarking on the Middle Passage and receiving our African names from Ghanaian elders during a naming ceremony.

_______________

While 2022 will always hold a special place in our hearts, we can’t wait to make even more memories with you next year! We’ve got tons of epic trips planned for 2023. Book your next Travel Divas getaway here: https://thetraveldivas.com/trips/

The post A Fabulous Year in Review: Looking Back on Travel Divas in 2022 appeared first on Travel Divas®.