More than a decade ago, Jamie Valentin Dolby was forced to travel alone for the first time. Initially, she was embarking on a group trip to Las Vegas. But when everyone withdrew at the last minute, Dolby decided to sail alone anyway.
“It wasn’t the most luxurious trip for me, or even close, but I learned that you can travel alone, eat alone, have fun alone, and leave with new memories and friends.” It was time,” Dolby said.
Black women around the world are discovering the beauty of traveling alone. Dolby, now 43, makes it a point to travel alone at least once a year. Despite running her business, being her wife and her mother, she always puts herself first.
“I had to do it because my friends withdrew,” she said. “Right now, I do it as an escape and a reward, both of which I deserve and I don’t feel guilty saying.”
find yourself in solitude
Although there is no data on how many black women travel alone, more women than men say they want to travel alone. Data from travel agencies. More than ever, women are embracing exploring the world alone, at their own pace, and not letting fear get in the way.
Traveler Malesia Henderson learned how to have fun with friends on a solo trip to Cancun after her group trip plans fell through. Instead of canceling her trip, a St. Louis mother realized how powerful it is to travel and experience a foreign country on her own terms.
“Traveling solo taught me that you can really have fun alone, that you can be your own friend, be your own supporter, and throw your own party,” Henderson said.
move at your own pace
Shameka Johnson had a similar experience when she traveled alone to Las Vegas. At the time, she was suffering from postpartum depression. The trip was a push gift from her boyfriend, but her alone time helped her realize that all she needed was company. Johnson said Black women are conditioned to travel in groups, so traveling alone may still seem taboo.
“Every woman should travel alone, because it’s one of the most liberating things in the stress of a relationship,” Johnson said. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
When you’re on vacation, being part of a group of travelers can feel overwhelming. However, Henderson believes there are still women who avoid traveling alone out of fear. She encourages women to stay conscious while traveling, but not to let uncertainty hold you back.
“Once you get over that fear, you’ll want to travel more alone,” she says. “It’s so refreshing not to have to make plans or be responsible for someone else. [it’s] I enjoy being able to just do what you want and move at your own pace. ”
