black girl magic Archives - Page 9 of 17

Self-Care & Service: How You Can Travel with Purpose

June 6, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Listen, here at Travel Divas, we’re all about travel as a form of escape, even recharging and relaxation. But there’s nothing like traveling intentionally with a goal of refueling your own cup while serving others.

Purpose-driven travel can be a rewarding way to share your gifts and services with communities in far-flung countries that hold space for you to let go and just be.

Divas like Roxie never miss a chance to practice purposeful travel because they love that sense of giving back and purpose while doing something they’re already passionate about – traveling!

Here are a few ways you can lean into the concept of purposeful travel and elevate your self-care in the process:

Minimize Your Ecological Impact

While tourism is wonderful for those of us who are tourists, it can have an unwelcome impact on the communities you visit.

Take a look at Hawaii for example. A constant stream of visitors has adversely impacted the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Traveling purposefully can help ensure your footprint on a destination’s climate and culture isn’t one that causes negative effects.

The same way gentrification affects so many of our neighborhoods – tourism can do the same. Traveling purposefully helps keep the culture and what makes that destination so magical intact.

Support the Local Economy

When it comes to trip accommodations – you can certainly choose big chain hotels, but staying at locally owned spots helps pour resources back into the community.

The same goes for where you eat – dining at local restaurants keeps those businesses alive.

When buying gifts for your friends and family, visit local shops and buy directly from artisans and co-ops whenever possible.

If you love to volunteer, go that route! Take a day during a solo trip and volunteer doing something you love. It could be teaching English, art, building a school, or helping out locally.

There are endless options to indulge in travel that benefits both you and your destination.

Check out this blog post for other ways travel can serve as self-care.

Discover the Joy of Traveling Solo

June 1, 2023 by Larissa Parks

There’s a reason why Marie Kondo’s way of tidying up her space is to find joy in the things around her: not only does it clear your mind, it opens you up for new experiences and connections – with others and yourself.

Your in-house Travel Diva Roxie thinks the same! There’s nothing I cherish more than kii-kiing with the girls and connecting with like-minded women. That is, except the opportunity to truly connect with myself.

It’s the ultimate form of self-care! Especially when you’re traveling solo.

As Black women, we’ve been taught to be so cautious growing up. It’s why the idea of traveling solo can often seem foreign to us.

But the benefits, girlfriend, far outweigh any of the concerns you might have. In fact, traveling solo is truly the best form of self-care you could ever give to yourself.

Here are 3 reasons why:

Increased Independence

Now, I know you’re already throwing your hands up like Bey told us to in that famous Destiny’s Child hit from the ‘00s, but independence isn’t just about being able to do everything on your own.

Sure, the bills, the house, the cars, the work – that counts. But true independence is having the freedom to do what you want when you want – and the confidence to do it without worry.

Solo travel forces you to rely on yourself in ways you might not have before in the past. After all, what better way to get confident about what you’re capable of when you’re in a foreign country all by yourself?

That doesn’t mean you can’t connect with or depend on others. But there’s truly nothing like knowing that no matter what – you’ve got your own back. Traveling solo strengthens your independence muscle.

If you ask me, it’s the “I” in “Black girl magic!”

Personal Growth

Solo travel is the perfect way to stretch yourself and blossom into the woman you want to be. Sometimes, when you’re doing all the things at home and at work, you can start to feel stagnant.

Travel can shake things up and plant a seed of growth inside you. You’ll become more open-minded and most importantly, softer to yourself. Solo travel can help you reconnect with parts of you that need a little TLC.

Mindfulness

Have you ever been so caught up in what you have to do or where you have to be that you forget where you are?

And if you do have a moment of realizing you’re in the moment – do you judge it? Analyze it? And does that then take you out of the moment?

Solo travel can help you learn the mindfulness needed to truly savor a moment for exactly what it is. No thought. No judgment. No anxiety.

You’re simply in your body and letting your breath guide you along the way. With solo travel, you can have these moments multiple times a day. At a street-side cafe eating a freshly baked croissant. Ziplining over a dense, lush forest. Staring at the clear blue waters in the Caribbean.

In those moments, you can feel stress dissolving.

And that, Travel Diva, is the essence of self-care.

Let us show you how to do just that. Book your next solo trip with Travel Divas – we’ll take care of everything.

3 Reasons Why Every Diva Needs to Add Travel to Her Self-Care Routine

May 30, 2023 by Larissa Parks

Someone asked me the other day, “Roxie, what are your non-negotiables when it comes to your self-care?”

And to be honest, girlfriend?

I only had one thing on my list:

Travel.

Sure, I love a glass of champagne and a hot bubble bath more than anyone, but there’s nothing that pours back into me more than travel.

Here’s the thing: just because you can’t jet-set across the world every Sunday (yet) doesn’t mean travel can’t be a part of your self-care.

Self-care isn’t just about treating yourself or recharging. It’s learning about yourself so that you can show up as who you want to be in all areas of your life.

Here are a few reasons why I think travel is the ultimate in self-care and they’re not the usual “it’s relaxing” responses you always hear:

Expands Your Comfort Zone

As an ambitious, hard-working Black woman, if there’s one thing I know about you, it’s that you have big dreams.

You know that to get where you want to go in life personally and professionally requires you to do things you’ve never done and go where you’ve never been.

Travel allows you to do exactly that. Not only does travel physically get you out of your daily environment, but if you travel solo, it really forces you to learn how to trust your own instincts and intuition.

It’s only intimidating when you’ve never done it before and you don’t know you’re capable. Once you’ve traveled alone, you gain new levels of courage to do ALL the things you didn’t think you could do.

If you’ve got a big, scary goal you want to achieve, take a trip by yourself. You’ll come back home with your comfort zone expanded and ready to tackle it.

Opens Up Your Mind

It’s One Big Solo Date

Dating yourself is a way for you to get to know who you are. Travel is the ultimate way to do that. Just like on a regular date, you can get to know parts of yourself that were hidden because you were too busy working or focusing on others.

You get to do what you want when you travel instead of catering to the needs of others.

You can eat what you want, stay up as late as you want, and lay up on the beach for as long as you want. You can even get reacquainted with old hobbies and passions that fell by the wayside when you travel.

Plus, the obvious self-care stuff too: treating yourself to new experiences, spa days, and so much more.

You deserve to indulge yourself more than just on Sundays. Let us take care of planning your trip. You just show up.

Just pick a destination and we’ll handle the rest.

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.