as seen in:

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE BLACK IN JAPAN

“I was reduced to, as the Japanese would say, a kokujin — just another black person, devoid of a personal narrative.”

ON LABELS AND IDENTITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

“That’s how race usually works — unlike ethnicity or nationality, people wear their race on the outside, exposed.”

THE BEST CITIES FOR BLACK TRAVELERS IN 2021

“We can divest from travel companies that have remained silent on the Black revolution.”

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round-up

“These days, travel accessories are more beautiful, well-engineered, and practical than they’ve ever been. Gone are the days of the beige money belt; why would you settle when you can invest in a slick, weatherproof crossbody bag or a premium leather passport folio?”

round-up

“For many, the springtime can feel like a new beginning worthy of celebration, and what better way to usher in warmer weather and longer days than at one of Europe’s best festivals: some are steeped in folkloric tradition, some hyper-contemporary.”

round-up

“Thick walls and heavy embellishments were abandoned for more intricate, sometimes lace-like, elements and slimmer, less imposing structural supports that allowed significantly more light to enter their elaborate stained-glass windows.”

informational

“Part drink, part practice, this seemingly simple beverage represents far more than just the contents of a cup: it has become a medium through which people connect, conspire, and relate oral histories.”

round-up

“For a day tour departing from and returning to Kyiv, prices hover around $100 for a single spot with an organized group. From there, prices can climb dramatically if you’d like to stay overnight in the exclusion zone, customize your itinerary, or have a private guide.”

round-up

“If you’re manifesting balmy beach resorts and elegant winter lodges peppered liberally with Michelin stars for 2022, then you’re going to want to spend the year with a piece of luggage that more appropriately aligns with your tastes.”

guide

“Though it was no small feat to build – it is regularly called a marvel of engineering – it miraculously took only half of the time and original budget that its construction was planned to consume.”

round-up

“Though not as large or as famous as their Alpine counterparts and mostly visited by domestic tourists, Turkish ski resorts are entering the world stage as an option for a winter holiday for international travelers.”

round-up

“From the many charms of Glacier National Park to the subtle beauty of the northeast plains, there’s definitely a handful of gorgeous Montana locales you simply must add to your bucket list, and be sure to share with your followers.”

round-up

“While it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for traveling women, here are a few suggestions for some unique and surprising options that may just inspire within her the same awe as the splendors of the wide world.”

round-up

“While any sunny destination will likely be a welcome change from the cold, there are a few locales scattered throughout the world that can offer the best combinations of favorable weather and delightful attractions for a holiday during December.”

informational

A collection of informational articles detailing the major attrations, events, and holidays in some of Montana’s best counties.

round-up

“Even if you’re only an occasional traveler, it may be time to address all those little nuisances that annoy you in transit. If you’ve struggled with wrinkled clothing or lost luggage, you’re going to find the perfect solution below.”

guide

“This is a great time of year to visit if you like any sort of cultural activities, as sights like museums and famous mosques will offer a respite from the cold, without the queues of the high-season.”

round-up

“Stray away from strictly practical items and splurge on something helpful, fun, or luxurious. The trick to buying gifts for bike lovers is to choose something they wouldn’t splurge on themselves but would find beautiful or useful nonetheless.”

guide

A collection of guides detailing the best attractiona and activities in Montana towns and natural spaces.

round-up

“Fans of Italy and Greece, in particular, should make a point to visit Albania. If you enjoy the archeological sites and the historic architecture of the Ionian peninsula, there are plenty of attractions in Albania to excite you.”

informational

“Yellowstone was the nation’s first national park and spurred the creation of the National Parks Service. The federal designation was ideal for Yellowstone as its territory spans three different states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.”

informational

“But that doesn’t mean its location is completely without confusion because there are actually two Glacier National Parks. British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada, has a national park with the exact same name.”

informational

“Despite its huge size, roughly over a million people live in Montana. This ranks it ninth in the nation for lowest population behind some of the smallest states like Vermont, Delaware, and Rhode Island.”

guide

“You don’t have to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to enjoy a self-guided trip to Yellowstone as long as you know the logistics of how to get there and how to navigate inside the park.”

round-up

“The quaint, carless town of Zermatt may be small in size, but in character and reputation, it’s huge. It boasts one of the best European ski resorts and a plethora of exquisite dining options, all in one of the most impressive and beautiful natural landscapes in the world.”

round-up

“But as tastes in holidays continue to evolve, consumers are increasingly demanding more unique properties; gone are the days of big-box hotels dominating vacation rentals as travelers are seeking more intimate, Instagramable rooms, apartments, and cabins.”

round-up

“Montana has several geological features that make it ideal for cave formation. Over 90% of the caves in Montana are the result of karst topography: this is when soft bedrock (in Montana it’s mostly limestone) is eroded away over eons by slightly acidic rainwater.”

round-up

“Especially during the gold rush, rail travel and freight lines became necessary for its new inhabitants; it’s likely Montana would not be near as populated today if not for the introduction of comprehensive rail travel.”

round-up

“While not quite as famous of a shooting location as Los Angeles or Vancouver, several films have been shot in Montana. Films shot here typically seek to use the landscape as a key portion of their cinematography.”

guide

“Christmases don’t get much more classic than those in Montana. With mountainous horizons, forests filled with conifers, and a months-long blanket of snow covering most of the state, it can look and feel like it was ripped straight from a holiday storybook.”

round-up

“There are features of Yellowstone that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, so learning a bit about what makes it truly special will help ensure you won’t miss some of the most spectacular parts of the park when you visit.”

round-up

“In addition to using all the traditional strategies to save money while traveling – like using public transportation, making your own meals, or sleeping in budget accommodations – there are some cities in Greece that offer a far better value than, say, Mykonos or Santorini.”

round-up

“Everyone should visit Magic City at least once, be it for the Art Deco architecture, the sparkling beaches, or just to sit in the shade of a towering palm. But while Miami is in many ways the anchor of South Florida, it’s far from the only place around worth visiting.”

guides

“Your first thought for a canyon activity might be white water rafting – there are indeed many canyons in Montana that are perfectly suited to it – don’t discount hiking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding.”

round-up

“Because of Montana’s unique geography, it is a veritable treasure trove of caves. There are over 300 caves in the state, mostly limestone or sandstone, and were carved out by eons of being exposed to the elements.”

round-up

“Nonetheless, many of these buildings are incredibly impressive and well worth a visit. Even if you’re already familiar with Europe’s most famous cathedrals, you may want to give Europe’s architecturally stunning churches a second look.”

guides

A collection of guides with tips, tricks, and advice for finding the best activities and attractions in Montana.

round-up

“But to the people of Georgia, their culinary accomplishments have nothing to do with accolades or recognition, they are the result of generations spent practicing the celebration of sharing a meal.”

guides

A collection of guides with tips, tricks, and advice for visiting Montana in every month of the year. 

guide

“It is renowned among frequent visitors to the Caribbean as being a haven for vices of all kinds: plentiful, locally made rhum, casinos galore, many late-night clubs, and even some places to see a cabaret or burlesque show.”

guide

“Porto is a city with a little something for everyone. An Iberian hub for artists, musicians, and especially writers, no one needs to feel left out here, as they truly take all kinds. It would be wise to plan a visit as soon as you can.”

guide

“İstanbul is a deeply historic city rife with archeological sites, architecture from antiquity, and a storied colonial past filled with several different occupations. If you’ve enjoyed Athens, Rome, or Cairo and have never been to İstanbul, it’s time to book a trip.”

guide

“Italy has long been a favorite destination for a holiday, particularly for other Europeans. But creeping into the cultural cache alongside Italian tourism behemoths like Florence, Rome, and Venice is the incredible island of Sicily.”

round-up

“Amsterdammers are certainly not strangers to welcoming guests from foreign countries. Unfortunately for the shoe-string budget backpackers arriving at Central Station every day, Amsterdam can be expensive.”

guide

“Both more affordable and, for North Americans, much easier to reach than the likes of Paris, this mostly French-speaking city draws visitors for business, pleasure, and everything in between.”

guide

“Each part of town has its own character and flavor, but the rallying cry to “Keep Portland Weird” still rings true in all of them. This is a city deeply devoted to the practices of sustainable living, education, and creative practices of all kinds.”

guide

“Your average spring breaker is still more than welcome here, but also keep in mind that Miami is home to innovative dining, impressive art-deco and Miami Modern architecture, and hosts the largest art fair in the world every year in December: Art Basel Miami Beach.”

round-up

“Summer is the high season for tourism here, and while they’re welcome to sweat it out with all the rest of them, you’ll be the tourist enjoying the best weather of the entire year and discounted hotel rooms.”

guide

“Imagine stunning natural landscapes without sacrificing amenities, and clean, well-appointed beaches. In the nearby surrounds, there are national parks, forests, mountains, and wildlife preserves if you fancy a day trip.”

round-up

“If you’ve got a week or two free for a holiday in October, there are so many interesting destinations around the world that are begging for a visit, especially when you consider that many of them have events that only occur during this auspicious time.”

guide

“Once you’ve filed all of your paperwork and found a place to live, you’ll be free to explore the city, sample delicious Georgian wine and cuisine, and make new friends, so, you’re going to want to get the logistics out of the way as soon as possible.”

round-up

“But now communities encircling the Black Sea are entering a tourism boom. With more people choosing to venture further east, lots of these towns have been able to invest in more infrastructure, thus drawing an increasing number of visitors every year.”

round-up

“But as short-term apartment and home rentals have grown to dominate a considerable portion of the market, even some of the most steadfast hold-outs have been convinced to give it a try.”

round-up

“One of the major functions of religious centers like these has been to preserve art and architecture for future generations. Within many of these institutions, you can find some of the most magnificent pieces of art from Europe’s most famous artists.”

round-up

“An island holiday hardly has to be a one-note vibe. While your first thought is probably resorts and beaches, don’t forget the many islands that feature rugged cliffs, hiking, adventure sports, and even skiing.”

profile

“On a small island in the Pacific Northwest, filmmaker, musician and artist Clyde Petersen imagined a way to give other artists something that he believes they should be entitled to by using the values he has learned from a life on the road.”

round-up

“It is a bustling megalopolis with a history spanning several centuries, several millennia if you count the pyramid complex on the opposite bank of the Nile in Giza, which is a part of its metropolitan area to this day.”

round-up

“A bit off the radar for tourists, North Macedonia boasts some of the most incredible landscapes and historical cities in all of the Balkan countries, and huge initiatives into refurbishing infrastructure have left them poised to invite the world for a visit.”

round-up

“The nation has a long legacy of winter sports and activities, and their history of Alpine resorts dates back to the 19th century. Since then, the industry has only grown, improving vastly as interest rises.”

feature

“While her product is a series of travel guides, her overall onus is about changing the industry completely, and much of that is about diversifying the travel far beyond simple tokenization.”

Round-up

“In a world full of increasingly extensive skincare routines and heavily researched commercial products, it’s incredible that a product that’s produced nearly identically today as it was hundreds of years ago can be so effective.”

Round-up

“While international travel has been mired in restrictions and complications, these limitations also offer us an opportunity to visit some valuable places you may have never considered before.”

round-up

“Whether you’re a serious car enthusiast or a casual fan, there are plenty of experiences available for tourists to Germany. From exquisite auto museums to unique tours, there is no other country more suited to fulfilling the whims of motorheads everywhere.”

round-up

“But the nation’s long coastlines also provide some incredible and often overlooked beach destinations that offer lush resorts, bohemian bungalow camps, and some of the world’s best diving.”

round-up

“Japanese chefs commonly apprentice for years before taking command in the kitchen, and this attention to detail is reflected in the fare, particularly in Tokyo, where culinary traditions have been simmering for hundreds of years.”

feature

“Not every destination is as tolerant to everyone across the spectrum, and if you identify as LGBTQ+ and as a POC, particularly if you’re Black, ensuring your comfort abroad isn’t as simple as checking a single guidebook.”

round-up

“It’s time to ally ourselves with the folks who stand with us in solidarity and to find common ground from which we can continue to build. Because after a year so many of us were forced to spend in isolation, 2021 should be the year we come together.”

narrative

“Where else would I be?” I answer cheekily, but the truth is that I’m just as likely to be in Tokyo as anywhere else. I was in Shanghai yesterday, Chicago the week before, Rio the month before that.”

round-up

“Typically, residents of Lisbon eschew the hustle and bustle mentality of typical large European cities, so if you’re ready for a break from the rat-race, Lisboetas are ready to show you the light.”

round-up

“Though for some the goal of a 2021 open was planned from inception, many of these facilities were directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, halting construction efforts, installations, and projects for several months.”

round-up

“This is the gap that street artists have traditionally filled: Their work is literally in public places, and the subject matter is traditionally — though not exclusively — selected with the layperson in mind.”

round-up

“While the travel industry is still expanding to allow for and embrace Black travelers and Black travel entrepreneurs, there are still plenty of choices for your resort season jaunt in a Black-owned resort.”

round-up

“Luckily, lots of new manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon, creating unique styles with clever features. Even some of your favorite legacy brands and designers are producing face masks to match or complement their other products.”

round-up

“Whether you’re planning an annual trip with the family, looking forward to relaxing with friends, or want to enjoy a quintessential white Christmas, you’re bound to find a few resorts that intrigue you here.”

round-up

“Even though Black travel is a multibillion-dollar industry, we’re still not finding a huge range of travel accessories tailored specifically to this market.”

round-up

“Perched on the shores of Boston Harbor in eastern Massachusetts, this New England town has beautiful ivy-strewn architecture, a frosty snowy climate, and excellent food – basically, all the trappings you could possibly want in a perfect holiday destination.”

round-up

“While you’ve probably heard of the megalopoli like Dallas and Houston, Texas is massive and has much more to offer. Bordering both the country and Gulf of Mexico, Texas is home to many individual communities and cultures that deserve a closer look.”

round-up

“Whatever a holiday may mean to you – be it a way to relax or have an adventure – there are plenty of options for you to get away and still feel safe. If you don’t know where to start, here are seven alternative ways to get out and about, even during the pandemic.”

round-up

“In some ways, Istanbul sits in the middle of the world. Situated so that it straddles two continents – Europe and Asia – it embodies a mix of Western and Eastern cultures. It’s also an extremely popular, and sometimes expensive, place.”

round-up

“Istanbul has long been an incredibly international city, and because it has changed hands, ideologies, and governments so many times in its long and storied history, it has built a varied and exemplary culinary tradition.”

round-up

“As the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg simply shouldn’t be missed. Those intent on merely transferring flights at JNB won’t get to experience the unique culture and appeal of this lively, creative metropolis.”

essay

“The ultimate goals are threefold: to restore the manuscripts and devise methods to prevent further harm, remove the threat of insurgency in Northern Mali, and return these artifacts to their rightful home in Timbuktu.”

review

“What many have seen as the ignorance to the trauma that Black people have faced seems more like the acceptance of and commitment to Afrofuturism, which Beyoncé, now clearly a multi-disciplinary artist, seems unlikely to steer from going forward in her career.”

Essay

“The resulting concoction was the precursor to the modern gin and tonic: part cocktail, part medicament, The G&T turned out to be the key to the colonization of South Asia by the British.”

round-up

“Since Macron’s statement, other nations and collectors have begun more critically analyzing their own cultural holdings to see if they stand up to our contemporary understanding of ethical ownership.”

advertorial

“So if you’ve never traveled by train, this is the perfect year to treat yourself to a new kind of journey. “Getting there” is often seen as merely a means to an end, but a voyage made by rail becomes part of the adventure.”

Feature

“Though Juneteenth could offer all of us a respite from this taxing revolution, it also serves as a reminder of how changes in American federal policy don’t always translate into tangible changes in our communities.”

Feature

“Americans flooded the streets with their cries promising no peace without justice, proving that they would not tolerate your father’s death at the hands of the state under literally any circumstances.”

round-up

“For those looking to infuse their trip to Africa with a bit more culture than your average vacation, here are eight fine examples of significant museums that black travelers especially will appreciate.”

round-up

“Whether a locale is known for its unique produce, a rare spice, or a specific craft, traveling to the source to buy that oh-so-coveted item always feels like a truly singular experience.”

round-up

“Whether you’ve never considered visiting deserts like the Kalahari or you didn’t know how cosmopolitan some African capitals are, there is a lot for tourists to enjoy on the continent that you may have never thought to explore.”

round-up

“It makes some sense that at the confluence of two industries that tend to marginalize black and brown people — film and travel — that this would occur, but it doesn’t make it any more palatable to accept.”

round-up

“Be it during apartheid in South Africa, in the maligned Chocolate City in Guangzhou, or within Jim Crow America, preventing black people from traveling has historically been used as a tool of oppression.”

essay

“We watched coronavirus travel around the world from a place of relative comfort; while new countries were lighting up on the map every morning signaling new infections, we stayed clear down here for much longer than most.”

round-up

“Quarantine had grounded us all, but for those whose lives (and livelihoods) depend on getting on an airplane, it has been particularly hard. For us, it’s one thing to not be traveling, but to not be able to has taken a frustrating toll.”

humor

“With them lived their beloved cat Bili–a huge, aging orange tabby that the family doted upon immensely. Still, I wondered how it was possible that their precious Bili had managed to learn another language.”

round-up

“If you have been previously unfamiliar with the work of black travel writers, you’re in for a treat: Black travel writers can offer a perspective on cross-culturalism that you may not find elsewhere.”

round-up

“Does a secret design museum pique your interest? How about a music festival? Interested in perusing a historic or scenic bar? From the quirky to the cultural, Chicago has a ton to offer without spending a cent.”

round-up

“Most tourist itineraries to Illinois begin and end with Chicago. As much as it is known for its rich history and superb architecture, fewer know that Chicago is also the gateway to an entire state filled with a diverse ecological landscape and interesting attractions.”

interview

“Though they didn’t get much coverage internationally, several large protests occurred in Gauteng in the wake of September’s attacks, all denouncing xenophobia, violence, and femicide.”

round-up

“In an attempt to replicate what they’ve seen on social media, many are arriving to their dream destination only to find themselves wading through trash, navigating mobs of people, and waiting in oppressively long lines.”

round-up

“Though normally associated with communist East Germany and the USSR, Brutalism flourished throughout the world as it presented an economical way to produce grand buildings.”

feature

“Black Americans still struggle to find access to the same avenues and institutions available to other Americans. We have been barred from homeownership, denied education, relegated to only certain professions.”

round-up

“Here are a few places that would be perfect to travel to if you’re looking to connect with the black diaspora in 2020, from other major cities in Africa to cities in the US, Europe, and beyond.”