20 Black Travel Influencers Who'll Make You Want Go On An Adventure ASAP
These creative Black travelers will help you see the world differently.
1. Skylar Kearney of Skylar Marshai
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Skylar Kearney's stunning imagery and thoughtful storytelling will take you to new places. Part social strategist, part frequent flyer, Kearney effortlessly curates photos and videos that'll make you feel like you're along for the ride. In her recent travel-from-home series, she virtually takes you to Cuba from the comfort of your couch.
2. Jessica Ufuoma of the Ufuoma
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Nigerian-born, Canada-based Jessica Ufuoma is known for her thoughtful trip reflections, destination-based guides, and useful trip-planning resources. Ufuoma is a finance and communications analyst by day, but she hasn't let that stop her from visiting over 40 countries. If you find that you can't get enough of her travel guides, you can join the adventure on one of her group trips.
3. Nneka Julia of Nneka J.
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You can feel the intention behind every photo Nneka Julia captures and every word she writes. She intimately chronicles her lessons in life, travel, and love on her podcast Passing Through, while The Layover provides a platform for her community to share their own stories.
4. Clé Hunnigan of Alive Like the Wind
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Clé Hunnigan is a full-time nomad and creative producer whose musings are shaped by his explorations of his inner self and the world around him. He is also cofounder of the Wind Collective, a global travel community that hosts monthly trips to destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. (The trips are currently on hold, but they plan to resume by the end of 2020.) In his recent video project, Hunnigan chronicles a return to his home country, Jamaica.
5. Asiyami Wekulom of Asiyami Gold
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Asiyami Wekulom's magazineworthy feed will make you swoon: Each of her perfectly crafted photos tells a story of its own. Wekulom is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who outdoes herself with every project she takes on. When she's not capturing gorgeous moments on the road, she's creating elegant pieces for her fashion label, Shop A.Au. In her most recent documentary, she shares the story of her heritage and the history of her home in Abua, Nigeria.
6. Oneika Raymond of Oneika the Traveller
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Oneika Raymond is an OG travel journalist and media personality who has journeyed to over 115 countries. As a self-proclaimed "serial expat," she's lived in Mexico, France, and Hong Kong. She hosts the Travel Channel's One Bag and You're Out and Big City, Little Budget shows and is a thought leader in the industry who doesn't hesitate to tackle meaningful topics like diversity in travel and traveling as a mother.
7. Elton Anderson of Elton Anderson Jr.
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Elton Anderson is a content creator and cultural enthusiast who is known for his iconic travel photography. He's also the cohost of Lens of Culture on Cleo TV. Anderson exemplifies Black boy joy, and you can feel that energy in every post he shares.
8. Efia Sulter of Effy Shows Life
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Four years ago, Efia Sulter bought a one-way flight to Australia with a goal to explore the world (and life itself) on her own terms. Since then, she's been on a mission to empower women to travel the world alone, and she shares exactly how to do so in her book, Girl, Solo.
9. Mally Walker of Broke Ass Girl Travel
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Mally Walker is a travel content creator who has no intention of pushing the "Quit your job" narrative. Instead, her blog is for regular people who simply want to travel more. Walker keeps it all the way real as she shares her adventures, and her travel memes will have you rolling.
10. Nasir Fleming
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Nasir Fleming is a free-spirited content creator who covers all things queer and travel-related. He shares his experiences living the digital nomad life as a freelance writer and full-time traveler.
11. Kesi Irvin of Kesi To And Fro
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Kesi Irvin is an Ivy League graduate who quit her finance job with a plan to see the world on an adult gap year but who has been traveling for the five years since. On her blog, she shares her many methods for traveling farther and deeper without breaking the bank — including how she spent her last five summers living AND working the dream as a hostess for Yacht Week!
12. Nneya Richards of Nneya
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Nneya Richards is a media personality and travel blogger who splits her time between New York and Italy. She covers a wide range of travel topics ranging from being Black abroad to interracial dating. Her in-depth articles will widen your cultural perspective and guide you on your global adventures.
13. Monet Hambrick of the Traveling Child
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Monet Hambrick proves that children and work don't have to stop you from living a life rich in experiences. In fact, she often travels with her husband and two adorable daughters in tow, and with a motto like "If kids live there, kids can visit," her family is the epitome of travel goals.
14. Francesca Murray of One Girl One World
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Francesca Murray is a self-love advocate, award-winning travel expert, and guidebook author who will inspire you to immerse yourself in new cultures. Alongside her tropical escapes, Murray shares skincare and hair tips that will keep you looking glam on the go.
15. Brian McIntosh of Where in the World Is B
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Brian McIntosh is a self-taught photographer and content creator who specializes in showcasing hidden corners of the planet. His photos are envy-inducing, but his storytelling will make you feel like you haven't missed a beat. From igloos to treehouses, you can scroll through his feed to discover a unique place to crash on your next getaway.
16. Jessica Nabongo of the Catch Me If You Can
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Jessica Nabongo has visited every single country in the world. Yes, you read that correctly! She's been traveling since she was a child, and she touched down in the Seychelles, her 195th country, in October 2019. You can scroll through Nabongo's Instagram feed to read about her perspectives and cultural findings across seven continents.
17. Briona Lamback of Bri You Me Travel
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Briona Lamback, or Bri Ari, is an award-winning writer and published poet whose words are inspired by life and experiences around the world. She caught the travel bug while studying abroad in London, and she was able to return on a scholarship to complete her master's degree. Follow along for her cocktail conversations, foodie diaries, and international escapades.
18. Sojourner White of the Sojournies
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Sojourner White is an international social worker, global educator, and nomad who enjoys meeting people around the world and believes that everyone has a story to tell. She found a way to combine her passion for travel and education, and her useful resources will help you chase your career dreams as you see the world.
19. Gabby Beckford of Packs Light
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When it comes to finding fully funded travel opportunities, Gabby Beckford is your go-to. A TEDx speaker who believes that delusional confidence can take you further than you ever imagined, Beckford scored herself $40,000 in scholarship money to study abroad, and she's on a mission to help young travelers seek out their own international opportunities.
20. And finally, Ciara Johnson of Hey Ciara (that's me!)
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Hi, glad you could make it! The purpose of my blog is to show people how to travel. Beyond the dreamy photos, I aim to provide resources that can actually make travel more affordable. After saving up for two years at my corporate HR job, I quit to travel the world solo, and I've been on the road ever since. I try to show the highs and lows throughout my journey, and I'm dedicated to empowering women in all aspects of their lives.
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