Travel opens us up to new cultures and experiences. Black travel, however, comes with its unique challenges and opportunities. In this article, we explore the legacy of The Green Book and share tips on how to travel safely and affordably while embracing the best parts of Black travel.
Today, many Black travel influencers are changing the narrative, encouraging our community to get out and pursue our wildest travel dreams. However, that has not always been the case. For many Black travelers, travel has a difficult history rooted in exclusion and a lack of safety.
Long before platforms like Travel Noire promoted Black travel, there was the Negro Motorist Green Book, commonly known as The Green Book. First published in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green, this essential guide helped Black travelers navigate the dangers of the Jim Crow era. Thanks to this essential resource, we can better understand the historical relationship between our community and travel.
After slavery, finding safe and welcoming destinations was a significant challenge. Sundown towns, excluding African Americans from remaining in town after sunset, posed a significant danger. Through The Green Book, we were able to identify safe places to visit and businesses that accepted Black customers. This historic resource not only provided practical safety information but also fostered a sense of community and support among Black travelers across the USA.
Today, while the world of travel has evolved, the principles of The Green Book remain relevant both in terms of domestic and international travel. The importance of finding Black-friendly destinations and supporting Black-owned travel businesses continues to resonate and empower us to spread our wings.
By embracing The Green Book legacy, travelers can safely navigate while building a new standard for open and free Black travel.
Tips for Traveling on a Budget
Next on our destination list – affordable travel! With the right budget and planning strategy, travel doesn’t have to break the bank.
Supporting Black-owned businesses not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to the empowerment of Black entrepreneurs in the travel industry. Here’s how you can incorporate Black-owned businesses into your journey while staying mindful of your money.
Book Flights in Advance: To secure the best deals on flights, try to book several months ahead of time. Prices will be much higher closer to your target travel date. Use flight comparison websites to monitor prices and set alerts for fare drops.
Hesitant about paying the full ticket price of your flights all at once? Check out Airfordable, a Black-owned platform that requires a partial, up-front fee and then allows you to pay off the rest of the flight price in installments before your flight date.
Flexible Dates and Destinations: Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can lead to significant savings. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons and using fare comparison tools to find the best deals.
Many regions less traveled are indeed cheaper destinations than the popular hotspots frequented by tourists throughout the year. Open up your list of potentials to some of the lesser known locations – you might be pleasantly surprised!
Discounted Accommodation: Look for deals on hotel booking websites and consider alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals or bed and breakfasts. If you are up for the adventure, narrowing your list to considerations that might be smaller or more hostel-friendly can help free up part of your budget to focus on experiences.
Many in the community turn to social media to share commentary on how staying at a Black-owned accommodation made their trip special. Staying in a space with a certain air of welcomeness and cultural harmony can greatly improve your time away from home.
For that certain special experience, check out this article from Essence, featuring 11 stunning black-owned Airbnbs!
Seek Out Local Recommendations: Explore local blogs and recommendations from Black travel creators who offer insider tips and hidden gems that can enhance your travel experience while staying within budget.
Inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, the ABC Greenbook is part of the ABC Travel Network, a multimedia platform created to support everyone interested in engaging with the Black diaspora globally. Their Green Book helps you reach where search engines fail and find our community across the world.
If you have a larger budget and want someone to manage the experience of your trip so you can kick back and relax, find Black-owned travel agencies and tour operators! They can offer tailored travel experiences, cultural insights, and personalized service.
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Embrace the Legacy of The Green Book
As you build up your travel savings and plan your next trip, embark on your next journey with the spirit of The Green Book at your side. Today, its legacy continues to inspire and guide Black travelers in finding safe and welcoming destinations.
Let’s help our community find and create inclusive spaces for Black travel. Don’t forget to #BuyBlack and center Black-owned businesses in your travel plans, whether accommodation, experiences, or travel technology. Go out and explore all the world has to offer!
