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The 14 Best Black Travel Specialists to Help You Create Your Next Dream Vacation

Luxury travel doesn't always prioritize the black traveler. these industry advisors are making it sure it does., demetrius simms, demetrius simms's most recent stories.

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Three years ago, travel research and marketing firm MMGY Global released a report showing that Black Americans spent more than $100 billion on travel in 2019, a banner year for the industry. A staggering figure, for sure, driven by 458.2 million Black travelers stays or 13.1 percent of the US leisure travel market at the time. The pandemic upended such progress for all groups in 2020, and its lingering hold was evident in 2021 and 2022. Now, though, with the world fully reopened, expect Black travelers to expand their reach and ambitions alongside most five-star travelers: 49 percent of respondents in a survey conducted by Booking.com said they would likely spend more on their next trip.

What will drive their decisions on where to spend that expanding budget? Per a  follow-up report by MMGY Global in 2021 54 percent of Black travelers were “more likely to visit a destination if they see Black representation in travel advertising.” Additionally, 71 percent of US and Canadian respondents agreed that “safety was extremely or very influential” in their decision-making on whether a destination was perceived as desirable for Black people. A chance to connect with locals and engage with activities that highlight Black culture were also decision-drivers, according to a poll by Global Green Book of Black travelers from over 60 countries, attracting 67 percent and 40 percent of respondents, respectively.

The travel industry as a whole has a poor reputation for representation: More than two thirds of travel advisors in America identify as white, and barely more than 7 percent are Black. Finding those Black advisors, though, and working with one who truly understands the luxury market is time consuming and complicated—and that’s where Robb Report ‘s list can help. We’ve pulled together 14 need-to-know names, with varied specialties from cruise to safari, living and working everywhere from Atlanta to Tanzania—these are the people to call when you next want to book a vacation.

Amina Dearmon, Perspectives Travel

Following a 15-year stint as a luxury beauty and fashion exec, Amina Dearmon launched her membership-based travel agency Perspectives Travel  in 2019. Based in New Orleans, her firm Perspectives Travel operates on a tiered basis, with three levels of service: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The latter, costing $1,000 for 10 hours of planning, includes preliminary phone consultations, tour and restaurant bookings, as well as special offers after your trip for future travels. 

Crucially for her luxury bona fides, her firm is affiliated with Virtuoso , an invitation-only organization that effectively acts as a guarantee of quality in the luxury travel space. Dearmon hopes to encourage Black travelers to absorb her sense of adventure. “I share my experiences as a luxury traveler with my clients in the hope that it will encourage other travelers of diverse backgrounds to feel confident in visiting the destination or property,” she tells Robb Report.

Brianna Glenn, Milk + Honey Travels

Milk + Honey Travels founder Brianna Glenn realized her love for travel after college via a 10-year professional track-and-field athlete. “I got to compete all over the world,” she tells Robb Report . “Travel had become such a huge part of my life and I loved the idea of finding a career that would keep me connected to that in some way. Glenn has visited over 30 countries and launched her Orange County-based agency in 2015 with a focus on properties and experiences that are “boutique in nature.”      Milk + Honey Travels, a Virtuoso member, plans trips around membership-based and per trip fees. Its services range from custom trip planning to VIP travel packages, and à la carte services. VIP travelers pay a one-time $2,000 retainer which includes unlimited travel planning for a year, travel concierge for all your trips and insider access to amenities at luxury partner properties—from Four Seasons to Mandarin Oriental —in destinations like Italy, Spain, France and Croatia.

Kareem George, Culture Traveler

As a lifelong traveler, Kareem George has ventured to over 80 countries across all seven continents. Managing a team of nine at his luxury travel agency named Culture Traveler in Franklin, Michigan, the specialist aims to foster greater global understanding through travel. “I feel strongly that travel is our best teacher,” he tells Robb Report. His firm helps diversify travel by promoting less visited destinations to its clients, with luxe stays from Hungary to New Zealand.

George is hoping to expand the cruise world’s relationship with Black travelers via his role on Hurtigruten Expeditions ’ Black Traveler Advisory Board in 2022. “Black travelers are a large group keen to travel,” he tells Robb Report, and notes that 2023 looks stronger than ever, “The number of Black travelers we serve has already risen by 12 percent over this time last year.” Weeklong trips rates for two can range from $5,000 to $7,000 per person. Weekend escapes via yacht charter and private jet trips can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000. 

Maurice Smith, Eugene Toriko

Sustainable luxury travel specialist Maurice Smith is the founder of Eugene Toriko , a four-year-old company in Atlanta, with a team of eight Black advisors, including Smith. “After being in the industry for years, I noticed that there’s an inconsistency in the level of support provided to travel advisors/independent contractors,” he tells Robb Report via email. “This sparked my drive to build relationships within the industry with the ultimate goal to start my own independent travel agency.”

Come to him for adventurous, eco-minded trips—he has particular expertise in Central America. Smith’s focus on sustainability includes collating an assortment of affiliate properties that share his values— Bawah Reserve in Indonesia is a personal favorite, but he’s also an advocate for Habitas , the new luxury boutique operator which emphasizes minimal footprints with maximum impact. Trip design fees start at $499.

Kemi Wells, Wells Luxury Travel

U.K. native and Wells Luxury Travel founder Kemi Wells, has visited more than 60 countries across six continents and has lived on three of them. She joined the travel industry in 2014 as an executive for a travel management company before launching her own Vancouver-based travel agency in 2021 that specializes in curating luxe trips around celebrations, wedding anniversaries, honeymoons and birthdays. 

For one recent trip she planned to Rwanda, a country that has helped pioneer the high-end, low-density tourism model that’s increasingly emphasized across Africa: Kemi coordinated a private jet-based trip there which included a stop in South Africa, too, with stays at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita Kwitonda . Fees start at $500 for 4 hours of planning at WLT. When booking trips during peak season, longer, complex trips can total around $150,000 to $250,000.

Linda Scroggins, Affluent Luxury Travel

Affluent Luxury Travel is the brainchild of founder and president Linda Scroggins. Scroggins spent time in asset management and dispositions before launching her travel agency in 2019. She says she segued into the industry by turning her after hours abilities into a career. “While working in the legal profession for almost two decades, my hobby was researching and making travel arrangements for my friends and family, doing it for free because it was fun,” Scroggins tells Robb Report. 

Her concierge-style, Virtuoso-affiliated company offers three tiers of membership—the highest end, Black, costs $200,000 per year. For that, expect access to booking everything from private jets to VIP one-off experiences like meeting actor Denzel Washington or receiving two ringside tickets to a boxing match in Las Vegas. Planning rates for ALT start at $1,000 per person and can reach up into the six figures for bespoke vacations and cruise adventures.

Antoine Wilson & Okello Jao, Melanated Safaris

Looking to explore the Africa’s Serengeti or mainland Tanzania? Try Melanated Safaris founder Antoine Wilson and its co-owner Okello Jao. Their 100% Black-owned, Tanzania-based firm offers a diverse assortment of safari packages, varying from a five-day Serengeti-focused outing to two-week-long Ultimate Tours focused on various corners of the country.

“Each and every safari we give back to the local community in some shape or fashion, whether it’s giving school supplies to local Maasai Villages, or passing out sanitary napkins to school girls,” Wilson tells Robb Report . The firm specializes in small groups, with specific dates earmarked for each itinerary. Trips planned by the agency can range from $3,500 per person to $20,000 with VIP packages including 5-star hotels, expedited customs screenings and private transportation for your adventures.

Belvin Baldwin II, Showtime Travel

Showtime Travel , founded by Belvin Baldwin II, is an Atlanta-based company that specializes in five-star all-inclusive vacations. Baldwin identified that niche as a turnkey option for the busiest of Black professionals—the ultimate five-star fly & flop—but will also work with anyone to custom-design a trip, as with a recent ask, where he helped organize a $200,000 trip to Ghana for a client’s birthday. It included a stay at five-star Kempinski hotel, private excursions, custom tailored clothing for each guest and a dedicated driver for the entire trip.    “The major challenge I see is the limited diversity marketing from luxury travel suppliers,” he says of the Black traveler today, “If they don’t see any diversity, they may feel that they are not wanted or may not enjoy their vacation.” 

Valerie Dorsey, Cruise Planners

Valerie Dorsey’s niche is in her name: Cruise Planners. Dorsey launched the company after a 21-year career in pharmaceutical sales, as a post-retirement career, with an already existing love of travel. “About half of my business is with black travelers,” she says, noting that her role is as much advocate as agent. “I sit on the Board of ASTA South Florida as the director of membership. We are strong advocates of Blacks in the C-Suite of the cruise lines and all other aspects of the travel industry.”

Dorsey has expertise in all major cruising destinations from Alaska to the Mediterranean, and works almost exclusively with luxury lines like Viking, Silversea and Oceania. Cruise Planners’ rates average between $30,000 to $50,000 in total among luxury clients, Dorsey claims. One recent trip she planned, part cruise and part land, totaled $60,000 for clients to explore Greece and Italy.

Jackie Williams, NuVibe Travel Experiences

Jacksonville, FL native Jackie Williams had a life-changing trip in 1998, two years after Hurricane Bertha ravaged St Martin and the Virgin Islands. Seeing students walking along the streets there amid still-ruined streets was an indelible memory for 16-year-old Williams and it set her up on the professional path she’s followed since: establishing a travel agency to help others experience similar awakening experiences via their travels.

NuVibe Travel Experiences specializes in destination weddings and vow renewals, as well as destination celebrations and bucket list adventures that includes safaris and luxury expeditions. Her rates for trip-planning start at $750, and $1,695 for destination weddings. Starting budgets are $1,500 per person and can add up to a starting budget of $21,000 for a seven-night experience.

Tisha Neufville, Neufville Travel

Virtuoso-accredited, Atlanta-based Tisha Neufville is passionate about travel. As a teen with Jamaican roots, the luxury travel advisors explored the world from a young age with her parents and has now visited a total of six continents.

Neufville has lived in Asia three times, and is an insider guide to Japan above all—she’s recognized by the country’s notoriously picky tourism board, JNTO, as an advanced specialist in the country. Consulting fees for Neufville’s insider services range between $450 and $1,500 per trip.

Tillie and Joseph James, Tilly James Travel

After 20 years of working in federal government, Tillie James became a travel advisor three years ago, and now co-owns her namesake firm with her husband, Joseph, a former event manager; planning rates start at $500 per itinerary.

The Richmond VA-based couple will plan luxury vacations across the world, from Peru to Paris, but has specific know-how in cruising, whether river-cruising in Europe or island-hopping around French Polynesia. They also operate select group tours—later this year, these include a 10-day trip to Provence and a music-focused Caribbean cruise.

Demetrius Simms is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Following a brief stint in public relations, their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture publications such as Men's Health, Complex…

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5 Amazing Black-owned Travel Companies to Know and Support

“Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does.”

The second time Zim Flores ever traveled internationally, it was an across-the-world move to India . Landing a fellowship post-college in the South Asian country, the then-20-something sold everything she owned and made the life-changing leap. But what she discovered when she arrived was jarring: India’s fixation with fair skin. Flores first got a glimpse into this color complex while in Delhi, when she saw a commercial for a skin-lightening cream, advertising dark-skinned complexions as something to conceal.

This was coupled with the fact that she rarely, if ever, encountered someone who looked like her during her travels. “I had been living in India and traveling frequently around Southeast Asia , and never ran into someone who looked like me doing the same thing,” Flores, who spent a little over a year in the region, told Travel + Leisure .

Though tarnished, this still-transformative trip inspired Flores to change the narrative — to find a way to amplify Black travel experiences .

“Living and working in India afforded me the luxury of frequent and inexpensive travel. In addition to close proximity to other Asian countries, I was jetting to new destinations monthly — for as little as $8 for a one-way flight,” said Flores. “I believed instead of being the subject, someone who looked like me could be the traveler…so, I set out to create a place for Black travelers to connect and explore new boundaries.” And in 2013, Travel Noire was born.

According to a 2018 study by Mandala Research , African Americans spend nearly $63 billion on travel annually. Showcasing this representation, Travel Noire launched as a space for Black travelers to be seen and share their stories, providing tools, resources, inspiration, and eventually even guided tours. “I simply wanted to create a company that spoke to the unique experiences that I encountered while traveling,” said Flores, who served as the CEO until 2017, when she sold the company to Blavity, where it continues its mission to serve as a platform for Black millennials.

Flores is still known and celebrated as a powerful voice and presence in the travel space. When asked what it means to her to be a traveler of color, The Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, who has racked up quite a few passport stamps over the years, said, “It means that I am a cultural asset. The world is informed by Black culture — in clothes, in music, in art. I am proud, but I am also aware. I’m aware of my privilege as an African. And then as an African born in America. And as a Black person. These are all very different and carry with [them] different nuances. So, I carry these many identities with me as I travel around the world.”

And with that often comes challenges. “There are many who will mistake Black skin for dirt. There are people who have put their hands in my hair,” said Flores. “It’s getting the awkward stares when I fly in business class. It’s being denied a taxi because of the color of my skin. Then there are experiences of my friends who have been called immigrants, prostitutes, thugs, and thieves. You name it, we know it. I often have to dress nice enough for [people] to know that I have money, but not too nice so that I’m not a target. It can be an exhausting line to dance around, but when you travel as often as I have, you recognize that it’s part of the territory.”

But her relationship with travel remains strong. “I love the way [travel] challenges me to be a better person. For the way that it inspires me to dream. For the way my mind creates new worlds as a result of it. Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does,” she said. As a travel expert — one that is tapped into the latest trends — we asked Flores to share some of her favorite Black-owned travel companies to know and support.

The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective hosts group trips that offer a mix of creativity, adventure, and cultural immersion. Travelers can choose from a variety of themes including nature, wildlife, food, culture, and nautical experiences. “What Clé and his team are doing for travel and travel content is nothing short of remarkable. Some of the most breathtaking imagery I've ever seen.”

Dipaways specializes in coordinating private and group getaways. “This brand was started by a former Travel Noire experience designer, Chadricks. He is a master at experience design — so much so that Dipaways has grown exponentially in a matter of months. He has a knack for bringing good people together. If you find yourself on this trip, you won't regret it.”

Airfordable

Drawing from her own experience of struggling to buy expensive airline tickets to visit her family in Ghana, Ama Marfo co-founded Airfordable to make travel more accessible.“They allow you to split up the cost of your flights into payment plans. I had a family friend of ours use this to fly their family of six out to France for our wedding."

Curiocity is “a network of African-designed hostels rooted in community," with locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. "I’ve had the pleasure of staying at their Johannesburg hostel several times over the years and we’ve partnered with them to create unique experiences.”

Siviwe Tours

“ Siviwe is an inbound operator that I’ve worked with for many years. [They] specialize in guided experiences through Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township." Founded and owned by Siviwe Mbinda, a Langa local, Siviwe aims to share the culture of Langa with a wider audience, employ local residents, and support grassroots initiatives. "Much of what I know about South Africa is because of him.”

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Black rock travel agency – brta.

This theme camp at Point 5 continues a long-standing tradition of hospitality and interactivity at the Airport. BRTA theme camp hosts social events and curates public community spaces like the shady Starport with crows nest lookout, a swell bar to relax in, and a Galley kitchen for camp members.

To learn more about joining this camp, email BRTA !

Flybynyte is a new theme camp at the airport. This camp serves airport visitors, volunteers and locals with delicious coffee drinks in the mornings and offers a chance for burners to relax at the Café to listen to live e-piano music by D-Minor while waiting for flights. Various flight instruction ground school sessions + aviation related lectures are offered. Flybynyte offers live paintings and will end the day with projections of aerial animalia imagery at the Café.

Any questions please email Flybynyte via [email protected]

What even is a theme camp?

Theme camps are public, interactive camps with a purpose! Placement Team explains :

Theme Camps are groups of Burning Man participants who come together to provide a service, education, entertainment, art, or other creative planned or spontaneous interactive experience for everyone in Black Rock City. This interactivity can be truly anything, as long as it happens within your camp!

Theme camps come in all shapes and sizes.  Read more  about the various kinds of camps in Black Rock City!

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10 Black Travel Advisors & Companies To Book Luxury Vacations With In 2022

Let 2022 be the year that you take your travel experiences to the next level by investing in luxury travel. Luxury travel is more than traveling like the wealthy and celebrities. It’s more than five-star hotels, dining at Michelin-star restaurants , or traveling on a private jet. Luxury travel is also about getting spoiled with the experiences and moments you’ve always dreamed of. Life is short, so, take the luxury trip. When you do, be sure to book it with one of these 10 Black travel advisors specializing in luxury.

Mitti Hicks • Jan 6, 2022

Let 2022 be the year that you take your travel experiences to the next level by investing in luxury travel.

Luxury travel is more than traveling like the wealthy and celebrities. It’s more than five-star hotels, dining at Michelin-star restaurants , or traveling on a private jet.

Luxury travel is also about getting spoiled with the experiences and moments you’ve always dreamed of.

Life is short, so, take the luxury trip. When you do, be sure to book it with one of these 10 Black travel advisors specializing in luxury.

1. Lux Travel Girl

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kamala Cummings (@luxtravelgirl)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Kamala Cummings has over 15 years of experience in the luxury travel market with a focus on entertainment, leisure, and sports travel.

According to Cummings, her niche has always been offering clients an “experience” and not just a service.

She has an impressive profile, working with high-profile clients from the Sports arena to Wall Street.

Lux Travel Girl was created to offer existing and future clients an outlet to capture the luxury of fashion, spiritual, culinary, and entertainment travel.

2. Perspectives Travel

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Amina | Luxury Travel Advisor (@perspectivestravel)

Amina Deamon is the founder of Perspectives Travel. Based in New Orleans,  she is affiliated with SmartFlyer and  Virtuoso – two of the most prestigious companies in the travel world – enabling her to get her clients what she calls the VIP perks they deserve.

3. Up In The Air Life

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Up in the Air Life (@upintheairlife)

Up in The Air Life   CEO Claire Soares created a multimillion-dollar travel empire focusing on luxury travel.

Soares wanted to create a space for you to let your guard down and travel with confidence amongst other like-minded Black people.

4. BWP Travel

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BWP Travel, We Curate Travel (@bwptravel)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js Bruce Powell is the Lead Travel Consultant and Owner of BWP Travel, LLC.

Powell has more than 70 countries under his belt and has sent his clients to even more!

With more than ten years of experience as a travel agent,  Bruce’s agency, BWP Travel, LLC, is a Virtuoso Affiliated Agency.

5. Travel With Sparkle

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nadia,Travel with Sparkle, LLC (@travelwithsparkle)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js Travel with Sparkle  was founded in 2007 by Nadia “Sparkle” Henry. Fueled by her genuine love of traveling with friends and family, she created a full-service travel company devoted to group travel, individual travel, and family travel.

She calls herself the “CCIG” specialist: concentrating on the Caribbean, Cruises, and International Group travel to make dream vacations come true.

Sparkle is also an expert in planning discreet celebrity travel, including Love & Hip-Hop New York reality star Yandy Smith’s vow renewal ceremony in Dubai.

6. Milk + Honey

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Brianna | Milk + Honey Travels (@briannaglenn)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js Brianna Glenn is the brains behind Milk + Honey.

With more than 30 countries under her belt, Glenn designs beautifully curated travel experiences.

“Consider us your matchmakers: the connection between the trip you’ve been dreaming about and the vacation we create that makes those dreams a reality,’ a statement reads on the website.

7. LaVon Travel & Lifestyle

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 𝐋𝐚𝐕𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 & 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 (@lavontravelandlifestyle)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js LaVon Travel & Lifestyle was founded by Tiffany LaVon Layne after realizing there was a gap in the industry to deliver high-touch personalized service to discerning private travelers who wanted more from their travel experiences.

Her ethos is that luxury travel is not just about booking your next trip, but a lifestyle.

8. African Travel, Inc

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by African Travel, Inc. (@africantravelinc)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js Sherwin Banda is the president and founder of African Travel – the longest established luxury safari operator focused exclusively on the African continent.

The company’s extensive infrastructure in both the U.S., and Southern and Eastern Africa has made it a leader in providing extraordinary, authentic journeys that are tailored to each client’s desires, travel style, and budget.

9. Wells Luxury Travel

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kemi ~ Wells Luxury Travel (@kemiwells)

Kemi Wells is a Canada-based travel advisor and founder of Wells Luxury Travel . Wells is a UK native currently residing in Vancouver, Canada, and has visited more than 60 countries and six continents.

Creating exceptional travel experiences is a top priority for her client. She can help you travel on a private jet or sail on a yacht.

10. Showtime Travel

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Showtime Travel: Luxury Travel (@showtimetravel)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js Belvin Baldwin II is the owner of Showtime Travel : an agency that has curated luxury travel vacations and experiences since 2002.

Luxury villas, cruises, resorts, private jets, and high-end excursions are all amenities and services Baldwin offers.

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WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., 10 black-owned travel businesses making it easier to see the world.

Black people are spending a lot on tourism and we want to spend those funds supporting Black-owned businesses . But where does one start?

In 2019, MMGY Global reported that Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4 billion on domestic travel. In that same year, they also spent $129.6 billion on international travel. As we re-enter pre-pandemic travel levels, those numbers are increasing. Although the industry is ever-growing, it can still do more for diversity and inclusion in its advertising and outreach. This sentiment is resonating within the travel community. In a follow-up report conducted in 2021, the group found that 54% of Black tourists were “more likely to visit a destination if they see Black representation in travel advertising.” 

For Black Business Month, we compiled a list of some of the movers and shakers in the this particular industry creating dynamic travel experiences for novice and veteran Black globetrotters.  

Goods and Services

Orion Brown, Black Travel Box : It’s no secret that skin and body care products in hotel rooms are not always melanin-friendly or readily available in travel-size packaging. To bridge the gap, the company offers a variety of Black hair and skin products such as balms, co-wash, and conditioners in TSA-compliant sizes. 

Tech and Resources

Martinique Lewis, ABC Greenbook App : Safety has always been a concern for Black tourists domestically and abroad. As an expert in travel diversity and a globetrotter , Lewis understood the importance of keeping both issues at the forefront. Inspired by the Negro Motorist Green Book used during the Jim Crow era, she created this app to help Black travelers find community anywhere in the world. 

Tour and Experience Operators

Yollie Copeland, Explore Jax Core : Although the tours offered by Explore Jax Core are specific to the Jacksonville, Fla. region, for those venturing to the city with a quest for Black history, culture, and exploration, this is the premiere option. Copeland carefully maps out stops based on participants’ interests and provides an unfiltered look at Jacksonville throughout the years. 

Stephanie M. Jones, Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism : CHAT is an award-winning receptive tour operator, connecting travelers with local experts on Black history. By using small businesses as local experts, they can provide culturally curious travelers with authentic storytelling. CHAT magnifies the Black culture in any city they operate in by acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of unknown and little-known trailblazers, inventors, and activists. 

Christina Rice, OMNoire : Retreats and wellness spaces have been another category that has held little to no representation for Black women. Created to offer a place to rejuvenate, find healing, or grow in certain aspects of life, OMNoire hosts global retreats . From book lovers to wine enthusiasts and yoga experts, there are retreats for every interest.

Travel Agents and Planners

Tisha Neufville, Neufville Travel : Recognized as a “ Top Travel Specialist 2023 ” by Conde Nast, Neufville’s travel agency goes beyond traditional tours to provide clients with immersive and unforgettable experiences across the globe. As a former resident of Asia, she has a concentrated focus on creating itineraries for Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. The latter has earned her recognition from the Japan National Tourism Organization as an advanced specialist. Whether visiting for rest, exploration, or cultural experiences, travelers can expect an elevated itinerary beyond traditional tourist encounters. 

Tillie and Joseph James, Tilly James Travel : The husband and wife duo specialize in luxury vacation planning for coveted destinations worldwide, including customized itineraries for any occasion, solo, group, or corporate travel, and luxurious cruises. The pair are also experts in planning heritage tours to assist travelers in connecting with their roots. For non-profit organizations, the agency can aid in planning fundraiser trips. 

Priscilla Powell, Prissi Travels : The itineraries designed by Prissi are done with busy professionals in mind who are ready to be fully immersed in vacation mode. The agency is also known for hosted experiences in locations such as Kenya and Dubai that are perfect for solo travelers who may want to be a part of small groups of like-minded people. Also a premiere choice for celebrations, they take celebratory vacations and destination weddings to the next level with unlocked hidden gems in well-known and under-the-radar destinations. 

Lodging Platforms

Jessica E. Boyd, Journey Black Home : Boyd’s platform curates listings of Black-owned Airbnb stays in the United States to assist fellow travelers in connecting with Black hosts. The listing is a much-needed answer to the long-standing history of discriminatory practices by other hosts on the platform towards minorities. The travel platform also contains listings of Black-owned restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences. Essentially, the website is a comprehensive guide to everything a Black traveler would need to feel at home during their journey.

Flight Arrangements

Ama Marfro, Airfordable : Airfare can sometimes be the most expensive part of travel. Airfordable seeks to make the prices of flights manageable for all budgets by breaking up the cost of flights into bi-weekly installments. Patrons will not undergo a credit check, but a deposit is required to secure the ticket(s). The final payment must be made before the departure date. This service allows passengers to lock in a great price or purchase multiple tickets at once, absorbing some of the financial strain of a costly upfront transaction. 

For your next vacation, consider using the services of one of these trusted travel experts or services.

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8 Black-Owned Travel Companies That Will Make Booking Trips Easy And Affordable This Year

by BOTWC Staff

March 7, 2023

It’s time to get new luggage!

Spring is almost here and with the weather breaking, travel brain is sure to take over. If you’ve been itching through these winter months, recouping your coins from the holidays in an effort to save for the trip you’ve been dreaming of then welcome to the club. It’s almost time to hang up those goose downs and break out the swimsuits! Whether you’re looking to travel solo , take a sabbatical across the globe with the fam , or become a traveling nomad , we’ve got you covered. We even have a plug on the cutest travel kits  you’ve ever seen so you can stay COVID-free!

This year, let’s shelve the stress of planning a trip and fast forward right to the vacation. We all know the prep is the worst part and in 2023, we’re doing away with unnecessary struggle. Thankfully, there are some Black travel agents out there who will take care of it so you can take care of yourself. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it and compiled a list of 8 Black-owned travel companies that will make booking trips easy and affordable this year! Also, check out Black-owned company Airfordable to put your flights on layaway. You’re welcome! 

Black-owned travel company that specializes in connecting people through group trips or arranging private travel

A full-service travel agency specializing in both small and large trips. They offer everything from help with milestone birthdays to honeymoons. They also offer luxury travel consultation, executive travel management, private jet charters and other Virtuoso Agency benefits. 

AMJ Getaways

This company focuses on luxury experiences, boasting group trips from Greece to Barbados, as well as a special Luxury Mom’s Spa Getaway slated for September 2023. If you’re interested in connecting with new travelers or you need someone to handle a special family trip, they’ve got you covered!

Black Girls Travel Too

“Black Girls Travel Too curates travel experiences with the intent on stretching, growing, and enriching women through travel.”

The Traveling Counselor

Founded by Chief Travel Curator Erin Lofton, this company specializes in express vacation packages , group trips, weekend excursions and even solo trips. For an added fee, TTC will act as a concierge while on your trip, providing day-to-day support for all your travel needs. 

Founded by former marketing professional Chadricks Everette, Dipaways helps coordinate specialty group and private getaways so you can dip right out of day-to-day reality and into paradise. New 2023 trips are scheduled to drop before the end of the month so check them out immediately!

Esprit Errant

This Black-owned gem specializes in leisure group travel, luxury travel experiences, and destination weddings. If you’re looking for a no-stress, no fuss adventure, this is your go-to!

Jaunts & Gems Travel

This full-service travel firm curates experiences to fit the client’s needs and take the hassle out of planning. A personal travel consultant with tailored services, they’ll make sure you head off on vacation with all the bells and whistles you deserve. You can have them book private travel or join one of their group trips. It’s your choice!

Happy travels folks!

8 Black-owned travel companies that will make booking trips easy and affordable this year/Photo Courtesy of @TheTravelingCounselor_/Instagram

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