I love traveling (and appreciate it all the more after a year of not being able to do so!). But as a woman of color, I know that not all places are hospitable to people who look like me.
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I have the bad travel experiences to back it up. 🙃
So recently, I’ve started wondering: Which destinations are safe* for travelers of color?
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*I define “safe” as destinations that are queer-friendly, fat-friendly, religiously tolerant, and/or welcoming to people of color and women. Of course, I know not all destinations can tick off all boxes, but I am seeking the most all-encompassing and intersectional definition of “safe” as possible.
To get the best answers, I turned to four travel experts who have all traveled extensively and have first-hand experience visiting these destinations.
It’s important to note that none of these experts can speak for everyone reading this — their recommendations are based on *their experiences alone* and traveling to the same destination might feel different for you.
If you’ve had a traumatic travel experience, I know how hard it can feel to feel safe venturing out into unknown places. My hope for this list is that it serves as a helpful jumping-off point for anyone researching for their next travel adventure.
And if your future travel destination isn’t on this list, don’t let it deter you from taking that trip! Other peoples’ opinions never stopped me from having fun, and it shouldn’t stop you either. Just remember to do your research before you go.
And one last note: We can all be better about making travel a positive experience for everyone. As Tomiko Harvey reminded me, people across the travel industry have a responsibility to watch out for their own prejudices. “The onus is on the tourism board, the hotels, and the restaurants to ensure the employees have bias training. Because we all have [bias],” she says.
Without further ado, here are 14 of the best safe destinations for travelers of color:
1.
Cusco, Peru
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Apart from hosting Machu Picchu, one of the world’s New 7 Wonders of the World, Cusco is also one of the most hospitable places to travelers, according to Kareemah. “The first place that’s ever made me feel safe is Cusco, Peru,” she said. “I was wearing a headscarf and I never felt people staring at me rudely.”
The sights here range from hiking Rainbow Mountain and trekking to Salkantay to trying world-class Peruvian cuisine and experiencing the ancient ritual of a coca leaf reading.
2.
Istanbul, Turkey
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Historically, Istanbul served as a center of trade along the Silk Road and played a big role in east-west relations. Today, the city is known for its astounding architecture, a cosmopolitan population, a thriving nightlife, and of course, historical sites — like Hagia Sophia — that harken back to its days as Constantinople, the capital of a huge empire.
“They’re used to people visiting, that’s the history of their country,” said Kareemah. “There’s a mix of people from Europe and Asia, so you won’t get weird looks if you look ‘different.'”
3.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Photography By Jeremy Villasis. / Getty Images
Known as the “blue city,” this visually striking destination will have you living behind your camera the entire time you’re there. Everything from the roads, doors, and buildings are all colored blue, and it’s worth taking at least a day or two to wander around and take it all in.
As a small Moroccan village situated in Northern Africa, it’s again a locale that’s frequented by a huge mix of global travelers, and as long as you can remember to dress conservatively, it’s a safe place for women to travel to, says Kareemah.
When the pandemic started, Marinel de Jesus found herself unexpectedly stranded in Mongolia. She ended up staying there 294 days, but didn’t once feel unwelcome. “As a Nomadic people, Mongolians have an interesting perception of travelers,” she said, referring to the fact that a third of Mongolians practice seminomadic herding. “They take care of you; they don’t want you to be alone. It’s almost like they join you on your journey back home.” Even as the only Filipina and foreigner in her region, she said she was greeted with kindness everywhere she went.
Start your adventure in this pastoral country in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, then head to the mountains as quickly as you can. In the summer, you’ll find a beautiful, remote landscape, tons of hiking opportunities, and amazing horseback riding.
5.
Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
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From the majestic mountain views and magnetic Black Sea beaches to the hearty comfort food, what’s there not to love about the country of Georgia? Apparently, you can add warm hosts to that list. As De Jesus puts it, “I was told by someone in Georgia that here, they see travelers as sent from heaven. You’re like a good luck charm. And I felt it. I felt very welcome.” She said the level of trust between her and the locals felt mutual, and that that’s what led her to moments where she almost “forgot her skin color.”
While De Jesus admits that being Asian might have made her experience in Bhutan a bit easier, she says that this country on the edge of the Himalayas is generally pretty welcoming. Perhaps, she explained, it’s because Bhutan is difficult to visit. (In fact, Bhutan charges a hefty $200 per day entrance “fee”).
In addition, Bhutan is considered one of the happiest countries in the world — if not the happiest country in the world. A Buddhist peace-loving attitude might have something to do with that.
If you’re willing to pay, you’ll find surreal Buddhist monasteries hanging on mountain cliffs, amazing vegetarian food, and Himalayan trekking.
When the pandemic started, Annette Richmond left Thailand in a hurry for her home country of the U.S., thinking it would be safer. “That was a mistake,” she said, citing the continued police brutality against Black people.
In Mexico, Richmond says she’s found a home base for the first time. “There’s a huge Black community here,” she said. “It was really nice to be around beautiful Black people. You don’t often get that when you’re traveling abroad.”
Besides the sense of community, you’ll also find elegant architecture, some of the best food in the world, historical archeological sites, and a world-renowned art scene.
And there’s another priceless pro to being in Mexico: “If I ever see the police here, I am not fearing for my life. You can’t put a value on not fearing for your life when you see the police.”
“As a fat person, I love India because you’ll see all types of women — thin women, older women, fat women — wearing crop tops; various sizes are more accepted,” said Richmond. She did get a few requests for photos, but never with a negative intent. She also said she never experienced microaggressions — like the catcalls she received in another city in Europe.
She recommends that anyone touring India try authentic cuisine and dancing. “The music makes you want to dance and I learned some moves during a local cooking tour. Bollywood films will keep you in the theater for a few hours (intermission included) but the dancing and singing make it worth it.”
Home to the Taj Mahal, incredible religious monuments, delectable Indian cuisine, fine beaches, India is a vast country that’ll appease athletic mountain climbers and food tourists alike.
9.
Thailand
Enviromantic / Getty Images
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for novice or beginner backpackers, beach lovers, and street food aficionados. It’s got everything from world-class beaches and picturesque islands to ancient ruins and a thriving night life — all at budget prices. “I love the metropolitan city vibe and the Black community here. Thailand can be fatphobic but it’s actually more inclusive for me than the states,” Richmond says.
Overall, it’s a place where many will feel at home. “Thailand has a welcoming reputation,” De Jesus sums up. “The people are kind and friendly.”
For her, the biggest roadblock was a language barrier, but with the help of a pocket wi-fi router, she was able to enjoy the country’s many spoils, including the freshest seafood, Tokyo Disney, the Harajuku district, and friendly locals.
11.
Amman, Jordan
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Jordan is an accessible point of entry to this part of Western Asia (referred to by some as the Middle East). There are desert landscapes and the Dead Sea, but for history buffs, there’s also the world’s oldest continuously inhabited place (the Amman Citadel), the Temple of Hercules, and tons of hikes.
“I was nervous because as a woman, I dress pretty liberally. So I went into Jordan thinking I’m going to be oppressed, but it didn’t feel that way at all,” says Richmond. “Black people: Get out to Jordan. It’s beautiful, it’s lovely. And women: Don’t be afraid to go,”
“Amalfi Coast is the first destination that I fell in love with that is absolutely stunning,” said Tomiko Harvey. “Everybody was so friendly and I didn’t feel unwanted or unwelcome.”
Often referred to as one of the best destinations in the world, the Amalfi Coast is truly a postcard come to life. It’s got mountain cliffs that are sure to inspire, boat rides that’ll have you feeling like a million bucks, and seafood and Italian cuisine that’ll make the whole trip worth it.
13.
Olomouc, Czech Republic
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This charming, walkable town is pretty unknown outside of Czech Republic, but it’s the epitome of a quaint European city. It’s known for its architecture, baroque fountains, delightfully smelly cheese, beautiful churches, and its many breweries.
Harvey loved the respite Olomouc offered from the touristy areas of Czech Republic. “If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Prague and still see the architecture and beautiful scenery, it’s absolutely gorgeous.” She also said the only time she felt that being a foreigner was a challenge was in the train, when she couldn’t get by just on her English.
Located southeast of Florida and the Bahamas, this island is known for its crystal clear blue waters, scuba diving, snorkeling, and luxurious resorts.
For Harvey, it’s also her favorite family-friendly destination where she celebrates her daughter’s birthday every year. “Everybody is just so welcoming and friendly. The people that live there — they really want you to have a good time at their destination.”
Are you a person of color or a traveler who identifies with the situations or categories above? Where have you felt especially comfortable traveling abroad? Share in the comments below.
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