Black & Abroad
Travelling to places where you look different from other travellers and the locals can be a completely different experience from what you read about or hear from your white friends. As a black person, there are times where my experience differs from the travellers around me, it can be daunting at times as you don’t know what you’re actually going to expect and it can also lead to different challenges and problems to figure out.
I’ve noticed that the majority of my fellow travel friends are all white, I dont usually meet many black travellers abroad but when I do theres an instant connection, with laughter, stories shared and details exchanged. Black travellers need to be comfortable in there skin when travelling abroad and not let this limit them but on the contra they should actually embrace it. People also need to understand that black people do travel, just cause its not broadcasted as much does not mean black people do not tracel.
As a black person from the UK, I sometimes stick out like a sore thumb by being the only black person in the room. Looking around and seeing this once I asked myself “If I’m comfortable right now in my skin in a western country where the majority of the people around me are white, then why cant I be comfortable doing this abroad?” I should not and will not let the colour of my skin hold me back to the places I want to visit, people I want to see, experiences I want to feel and you know the rest.
I used to believe that being privileged is growing up with money but it’s more than that. Being privileged to me is having opportunities that some people may only dream about. I grew up in what I believe is one of the best cities in the world, London, UK. And although London is a diverse, exhilarating city, with so much to do, I strive to see more. Travelling got the best of me but as a person with a darker complexion, there will always be obstacles to overcome.
In short term, I’ve experienced more racism in London than any of the places I’ve currently travelled to.
In a country where you don’t see many black people, you probably won’t experience much racism towards you. The media on the other hand negatively portrays black people and leads people around the globe to have this certain vision of not only black people but the BAME community.
I’m not saying racism exists only in the UK and the States, racism is everywhere and is experienced in different ways. My home has always been in the UK, but I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around Western Europe, South Asia, visited countries in Africa, South and Central America and one aspect I can say is, how you carry yourself as an individual speaks loud.
Do your Research
Research is important when it comes to travelling which is something, I need to improve on myself, travelling to certain places such as Amsterdam, Thailand and Mexico require minimal research as they’re popular destinations and you’ll most likely be fine. However, when it comes to countries such as Russia, Israel, Australia I bet you that you’ll find me asking around and spending time on a device doing my research.
Couchsurfers, a friendly online website that provides hospitality. With Couchsurfers you can find great people to which you can have a conversation and find out further information that can help you plan your trip better.
Be comfortable in your skin
I’m comfortable in my skin and I take pleasure in the fact that I’m different so I don’t ever limit myself and neither should you, not only do I like to go to different restaurants and enjoy different types of food, and I do love me some street food. I also enjoy the nightlife without limiting myself to what the day has to offer, and I would highly recommend that others do the same, experiencing the country by night puts it in a completely different perspective.
Go with the flow
I tend to stay at hostels when travelling alone as it allows me to meet new people and they usually tend to be on a similar vibe. Then again when travelling with a friend or a partner a hostel is still a great idea as it gets you out of the bubble you tend to be in.
The racist question(s)
One question I got asked by an Australian person during my backpacking days in Vietnam was “How come I don’t see many coloured travellers” and this instantly changed the mood of the evening making me feel uncomfortable and I can see the instant regret in the querier’s face. Theirs 2 things I found wrong with that question.
The first is the use of the term “coloured”. An old-fashioned term used to describe everyone that is not white, which previously I seemed to be okay with, as it represented diversity but in reality, it’s a lazy term. I understand that all ethnic people face discrimination and have to deal with stereotypes but being black with a Muslim name, is just not the same. The struggles are different, and although some achievements may be similar, the battle is on a different field.
The second is that it was asked as if, I was meant to be the voice of not only the black community but the BAME community which was referred to as “coloured travellers”. I can only speak for myself. My response to the question was simple “I cannot speak for all black people but I travel for adventure and with comes new experiences”.
My final words
Some might read this article and not relate but the reality is there are more white travellers than they are black, and I’ve experienced this first hand (especially when in Asia) and if I was to give it a ratio I’ll go with 1 in 40 and that’s me playing it safe.
Black people are underrepresented by the media and although the number of black travellers is increasing with time they are still yet to be portrayed in the right light. The way to change this is by representing yourself, taking the first step is the hardest but eventually, you’ll be flying… hopefully around the world!
Throughout my travels, I’ve had the luxury opportunity to meet great people around the world and for that, I’ll always be grateful but the ingredient that the world deserves to see is diversity. The true diversity of travelling, backpacking and volunteering abroad deserves to be highlighted and represented by the media in the correct light.
