Cherise Charleswell
The advent of the Black Travel Movement was cemented with the popularity of social media groups Nomadness and Travel Africa Movement, over the past decade.
This Black Travel Movement includes seasoned travelers who have traveled to many destinations (for myself that would be 30+ plus countries), as well as those embarking on their first international trip, or solo trip. Wearing shirts proclaiming that they “Catch Flights Not Feelings”, or declaring that they were “Black and Abroad”, these travelers — a mix of professionals, digital nomads, and backpackers, embraced a lifestyle of travel to remote and far flung international destinations.
Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened.
WHAT IS UP NEXT FOR TRAVEL?
While one may not feel safe enough to attend Yacht Week in Croatia, or cannot yet gaze upon all of the “borrowed” artifacts at the Louvre Museum or British Museum,and may still be coping with financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, forcing them to put off that bucket list trip to the Maldives; there still are many opportunities to indulge in travel escapism.
THE OUTDOORS IS OPEN!
We are all left awaiting the increased distribution of a vaccine that will help to end of one of the worse global pandemics, that has claimed 2,149,507 lives globally (as of January 26th).
Until it is safe to remove our masks, give hugs freely, and touch door handles, we can look to the OUTDOORS for travel inspiration. Whether taking a long road trip, day trip, or planning a weekend getaway; outdoor travel offers many opportunities to safely and affordably satisfy your wanderlust. For those of us currently residing in the United States, there is 3.797 million square miles of terrain, with varying landscapes and climates, and some of the most scenic views in the world for you to explore without a passport. And you can begin exploring by venturing out on a local trail, driving up to the mountains, as well as heading out to one of the 423 national parks, national monuments, and state parks.
Outdoor activities to engage in: (The Outdoors Are Open To BIPOC People Too!)
- Biking
- Hiking/Trekking
- Jet Skiing
- Kayaking
- Paddle-board
- Paragliding
- Parasailing
- Scuba Diving
- Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Zip lining
Visit The National Parks For Free On These Days in 2021:
- August 4: One-year Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 25: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Head OUTDOORS, it’s the best way to practice social distancing. For more inspiration or to find a community of Outdoors explores from @travelingbadgyal on Instagram and consider following and/or joining these groups:
- @blackgirlstrekkin
- @blackpeoplewhohike
- @blackwomenhiking
- @bipocoutdoorcollective
- @browngirloutdoorworld
- @globletrottingsistars
- @nationalparkservice
- @she_explores
Cherise Charleswell is an unapologetic Black feminist, author/writer, poet, public health researcher/practitioner, radio personality (Feminist Magazine KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles), social critic, political commentator, independent scholar, activist, entrepreneur, and model; who doesn’t believe in thinking or staying in one box. Her work has been published in various magazines, textbooks and anthologies, websites, and academic journals; including The Hampton Institute: A Working Class Think Tank, New Politics, For Harriet, Black Women Unchecked, Zocalo The Public Square, Truth Out, Rewind & Come Again, Natural Woman Magazine, Kamoy Magazine, New Republic, Blue Stocking Magazine, Broad A Feminist & Social Justice Magazine, Obsidian Magazine, AWID Young Feminist Wire, Afro City Magazine, Role Reboot, Code Red for Gender Justice, Kalyani Magazine, Interviewing The Caribbean, TruthOut, and Our Legacy Magazine.
She is of West Indian descent, with heritage from various Caribbean islands, & is an avid world traveler, visiting over 35 countries and counting. She can’t wait for Da’ Rona to go away so she can get back to traveling. Follow on Instagram @travelingbadgyal