Month: August 2024

I love nature, but I live in the city
I love silence, but I am surrounded by noise
I love to listen, but I am drowned by my own thoughts
I love play, but I am forced to work
I love giving, but I am with a taker
Why have I done this to myself?
Today, I begin.

I was tired. I, like so many of us, raised my children as a single mother. Ran a business, started a second business, ran that until both ran me. Many of you will agree that life usually doesn’t get easier as you get older; it gets harder. It’s a different type of harder though, filled with emotions and problems you would never have foreseen in your 40s and 50s. It’s a myth that one day everything will be smooth and easy, including living alone.

In early 2020, I felt nudged to move abroad. Rather than wait to find someone to move internationally with me, or continue in a life that felt old, I shrugged and resolutely packed my bags.

I bought a ticket to Ecuador.

How to Move, Solo

In 2022, after my daughters went off to college, I gave all my furniture away to my neighbors who had just bought a house. They didn’t have enough money to furnish it, so they rented a truck, pulled it up to my back door, and removed everything. This could’ve felt like a stripping down, instead I felt overwhelming relief that my belongings were gone. I felt free, unburdened. Then I boarded the plane to Ecuador and haven’t looked back.

Living solo in a foreign country is akin to the night before getting married. You are excited for the future, but also know it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Here in Cuenca, Ecuador, there are over 10,000 expats from the United States and Europe who are either retired or nearly retired, so there is a dearth of interesting people to connect with. Everyone is an outsider and eager to help, make friends, and sample the latest cake and coffee shop on the corner.

After 24 hours in Ecuador, I found a furnished loft apartment near a bird park in a quiet part of town. I live alone but can be surrounded by friendly locals or expats whenever I feel like it. If you are a social butterfly, you will feel right at home with a full social schedule! The local population doesn’t really mind that we are here and put up with our spanglish and idiosyncrasies well enough.

In Hot Water

For example, my gringo neighbors wanted hot water in the kitchen. This might seem like a necessity in the western world, but here, and in many countries, it’s not important. I lived in the UK for 4 years in the early 1990s, and we never had hot water in the kitchen. It took too long for the water heater to heat up and subsequently caused the water bill to be higher, so no one cared about hot water for dishes.

My neighbors in Cuenca, fresh from Atlanta, had a mild temper tantrum over the issue of no hot water in the kitchen and caused our mutual landlady to roll her eyes in disbelief.

Now they have hot water in the kitchen, but are moving because they want a bigger kitchen. Gringos.

Food for a Fist Pump

Perspective can be a challenge when living in a third world country. Here in Cuenca, we have farm raised fruits and vegetables at the outdoor market about two blocks down. They are so fresh, most are still laden with dirt. My total food bill for the week is around $50 USD, with no GMOs or “why does this food look fake with no flavor or nutrients” going on.

Everyone who moves here loses weight and feels better, causing many a happy fist pump! What a concept. So you have to accept the good with the maybe not so good or mildly different and you will be fine.

A common phrase is, “Roll with it.” If you can’t roll with it, don’t come.

Sex Over 60

What about relationships if you don’t want to stay solo? I have a close friend in her late 60s who says she has had more sex since moving to Cuenca than ever in her life, and she was married for 10 years. It’s a wonderful thing that most Ecuadorian men don’t give a flip how old you are; they are passionate lovers of all.

A word to the wise; don’t look for commitment (from the locals) or timeliness. Ever. Roll with it.

Don’t You Miss Your Kids?

As for myself, I like being solo. The silence is beautiful, and when I need some community, it is available with little effort. There is always a party happening someplace in this town, and if you speak Spanish, you will never be without an activity or a super cute player to flirt with. Which begs the question, are any of us lonely or missing our kids and grandkids? Most of my friends are solo, so I asked them about this.

Across the board, my peeps sometimes feel lonely, but are so engaged with life they don’t dwell on it. I’ve learned that the keyword to enjoying life abroad and staying connected with family back home is budget. You concurrently save a ton of money on nearly everything, and then spend it on international travel. That being said, everyone becomes a genius at finding cheap flights and working the system as much as possible.

Key words: “roll with it” and “work it”.

How to Travel on the Cheap

In a nutshell, some apps are better than others, and you learn to shop like an OG (Original Gangster). My favorite apps are Hopper, Google Flights, and Momondo. If you do adapt to travel, you will find visiting family to be a fun excursion from a tranquil life into the madness of western society. Yes, you will probably miss people, and then there are those friends and family members who can’t wait to visit your country of choice.

On the whole, with cheap travel, FaceTime, Zoom, and WhatsApp, you have many strategies available to avoid loneliness.

Solo Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely

Not having the constant thumping of financial stress and “what exactly am I eating” issues is liberating, but with consequences. If you don’t like international travel, swipe left. If you enjoy new experiences and can manage the emotional challenges of starting over, not being as easily available for family, and transitioning into cold water in the kitchen, swipe right. Solo doesn’t have to be lonely and there are options to living a fulfilling life with all the challenges we face as we age.

You are not old yet and still have much to offer and experience in this crazy world. Many of you aren’t interested in living in South America, and are trying to find ways to manage being solo in your current environment. No matter what, living solo is an art form. From staying inspired, healthy, and engaged, it’s the phase of life you never realized could be so difficult and liberating in the same deep, cleansing breath.

Fist pump.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you looking to become an expat? Which country would you choose? Have you done some research? What would be your greatest challenge moving abroad as a solo woman?

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In the vibrant tapestry of life, travel has always been an essential thread, weaving unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. For many seniors, the allure of exploring new destinations and immersing themselves in diverse cultures remains ever-present.

However, amidst the plethora of travel opportunities, there exists a particular group whose unique experiences and perspectives have often been overlooked: Black seniors.

1. Black Girls Travel Too – Black Girls Travel Too is a travel community and movement empowering Black women to explore the world, promoting representation, and organizing group trips to culturally significant destinations.
2. Travel Noire– Travel Noire is a digital platform and community that celebrates and empowers Black travelers by providing them with inspirational content, travel resources, and a supportive network to encourage exploration and cultural immersion around the world.
3. Black Travelers International – Black Travelers International (BTI) is a minority-owned and woman-owned business helping its members through transformative travel experiences, fostering inclusivity, and creating a supportive community for Black travelers worldwide.
4. Sisters Traveling Solo – Sisters Traveling Solo is a travel company empowering women, especially Black women, to confidently embrace solo travel, fostering a safe and supportive community for like-minded adventurers to explore the world together.

Continue reading for the complete list of travel groups for black seniors.

In recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and representation in all spheres of life, including the world of travel. Black seniors, with their rich histories, wisdom, and zest for life, deserve to embark on voyages that cater to their unique interests and preferences. Travel groups dedicated to serving the needs of Black seniors have emerged as beacons of inclusivity and cultural celebration.

Why Choose a Travel Group for Black Seniors

Choosing travel groups specifically tailored for Black seniors offers a variety of compelling reasons that cater to their unique needs, interests, and desires. Here are some key reasons why you might opt for such specialized travel groups.

Cultural Connection and Heritage Exploration

Travel groups for Black seniors often curate itineraries that focus on destinations with significant historical and cultural importance to the Black community. These trips provide opportunities to explore ancestral roots, historical landmarks, and heritage sites, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding of their cultural heritage.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment

In a travel group comprising Black seniors, individuals can find a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where they feel understood and valued. The shared experiences and perspectives within the group create a sense of camaraderie, making it easier for members to bond and form lasting friendships.

Catering to Unique Preferences

Travel groups for Black seniors often consider the specific preferences and interests of their members, ensuring that the itineraries and activities align with their tastes and desires. This tailored approach enhances the overall travel experience, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Safety and Security

Safety is a significant concern for seniors when traveling. Black senior travel groups take special care to address safety concerns and provide appropriate accommodations and assistance, giving peace of mind to the travelers and their families.

Understanding Cultural Nuances

Local guides and tour operators within these travel groups are well-versed in the cultural nuances and sensitivities of the destinations they visit. This understanding ensures that Black seniors can experience new cultures authentically and respectfully.

Enriching Educational Experiences

Travel groups often incorporate educational components into their trips, including lectures, workshops, and guided discussions about relevant historical events and cultural topics. This enriching aspect of travel enhances the overall experience, fostering personal growth and enlightenment.

Access to Unique Opportunities

Some travel groups offer exclusive access to events, festivals, or venues that celebrate Black culture and history. These opportunities might not be as readily available to mainstream travelers, making the journey even more special and memorable.

Creating Lasting Memories

Traveling with a group of like-minded individuals fosters an environment of shared joy and celebration. The memories created during these journeys can become cherished stories to be shared with loved ones for years to come.

Travel Groups for Black Seniors

These groups provide an inclusive, supportive, and culturally enriching environment, empowering Black seniors to embark on memorable journeys that celebrate their heritage and personal growth. By choosing such groups, travelers can foster a deeper connection with their roots, create lasting friendships, and contribute to a more diverse and representative travel industry.

Black Girls Travel Too

Black Girls Travel Too is a travel community and movement dedicated to empowering and encouraging Black women to explore the world. Founded in 2015 by Danny Rivers-Mitchell, this group aims to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for Black women travelers, encouraging them to embark on transformative journeys and celebrate their unique identities and experiences.

The mission of Black Girls Travel Too is to promote and facilitate travel experiences for Black women, emphasizing the importance of representation in the travel industry. The group seeks to break stereotypes and barriers, showing that Black women can be intrepid explorers, adventurers, and globetrotters.

Black Girls Travel Too operates as an active community, primarily using social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to connect with its members. Through these platforms, the group shares travel stories, tips, destination highlights, and inspirational content to inspire and uplift its followers.

One of the cornerstones of Black Girls Travel Too is organizing group travel experiences. These group trips are carefully curated to offer enriching and culturally immersive experiences for participants. The trips often focus on destinations with historical significance for the Black community or places that celebrate Black culture.

Beyond travel experiences, Black Girls Travel Too places a strong emphasis on empowerment and education. They conduct workshops and events aimed at boosting the confidence and independence of Black women travelers. Topics covered may include travel safety, solo travel, navigating cultural differences, and the importance of self-care during travel.

The group actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the travel industry. Black Girls Travel Too believes in the power of representation and encourages travel companies, tourism boards, and media outlets to embrace and celebrate the diversity of travelers.

Travel Noire

Travel Noire is a groundbreaking digital platform that was founded in 2013 by Zim Ugochukwu. It was created with the aim of addressing the lack of representation and diversity in the travel industry, specifically for Black travelers. The platform’s mission is to inspire, uplift, and empower Black travelers by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to embark on meaningful and transformative journeys.

At its core, Travel Noire is all about empowerment. It seeks to break down barriers and dispel stereotypes by showcasing the experiences of Black travelers from around the world. The platform celebrates the rich diversity within the Black community and encourages individuals to embrace their identities while exploring different cultures and destinations.

Travel Noire’s website and social media channels are filled with compelling and visually stunning content. Through vibrant photos, engaging articles, and captivating videos, the platform shares travel stories, destination highlights, travel tips, and personal experiences from Black travelers. This content serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their own adventures.

One of the key strengths of Travel Noire is its sense of community. It provides a safe and supportive space where Black travelers can connect, share their travel experiences, and exchange valuable tips and advice. The platform fosters a sense of belonging, creating opportunities for like-minded individuals to form meaningful connections and friendships.

In addition to inspirational content and community engagement, Travel Noire offers practical travel resources to assist its audience in planning their trips. These resources may include travel guides, destination recommendations, budgeting tips, visa and immigration information, and safety advice. By providing valuable resources, Travel Noire aims to make the travel planning process smoother and more accessible for Black travelers.

Travel Noire organizes group travel experiences known as “Travel Noire Experiences.” These trips are carefully curated to offer participants authentic and culturally immersive journeys to various destinations around the world. Travelers can connect with locals, participate in unique activities, and build lasting memories in a supportive group setting.

Travel Noire’s presence and success have had a positive impact on the travel industry, promoting greater representation and recognition of Black travelers. The platform has been influential in encouraging travel companies, tourism boards, and media outlets to be more inclusive and diverse in their marketing and storytelling.

Over the years, Travel Noire has grown to become a globally recognized brand, reaching and inspiring millions of people across different countries and continents. Its influence continues to expand as more and more Black travelers find empowerment and motivation through its content and community.

Black Travelers International

Black Travelers International (BTI) is a minority-owned and woman-owned business with a mission to empower its members through the experience of travel. The organization invests significant time and research into planning the perfect destination getaways, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for its travelers. BTI aims to create a supportive and welcoming space for Black travelers, celebrating their unique perspectives, experiences, and identities.

BTI curates unforgettable trips and adventures that go beyond the ordinary, recognizing travel as a transformative tool for personal growth and cultural exchange. As part of the Black travel group, members join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, fostering friendships and connections through shared experiences. The itineraries are thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse interests, offering a balanced mix of exhilarating adventures, cultural immersions, and moments of relaxation.

The organization believes travel can be a profound learning experience, allowing members to discover their ancestral roots, connect with their heritage, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. With a commitment to responsible travel practices, BTI aims to leave a positive impact on the places visited, preserving local cultures and promoting sustainable tourism.

Whether seasoned travelers or first-time explorers, individuals are welcome to join BTI on its next adventure, discovering new cultures, savoring diverse cuisines, and forming lasting connections with a community that shares their sense of wonder and wanderlust. Together, Black Travelers International invites travelers to journey beyond borders and embrace the transformative magic of travel.

Sisters Traveling Solo

Sisters Traveling Solo is a travel company that goes beyond merely organizing trips; it is a movement dedicated to empowering women to embrace the world with confidence and independence. Founded by Cole Banks, a Black woman with a passion for solo travel, the company’s inception was inspired by a post online that discouraged Black women from embarking on solo journeys. Determined to challenge this narrative, Cole set out to create a platform that not only encouraged women, especially Black women, to travel solo but also provided them with the tools, support, and community to do so safely and fearlessly.

At Sisters Traveling Solo, the primary focus is on solo and small group women’s travel experiences. The company recognizes that solo travel can be a transformative and empowering experience, allowing women to step outside their comfort zones, build self-confidence, and discover their inner strength. With this in mind, each trip is expertly crafted to cater to the unique needs and desires of solo female travelers, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching journey.

The core mission of Sisters Traveling Solo is to create a secure community for solo female travelers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood among women from diverse backgrounds and experiences. In this supportive environment, women can share their travel stories, offer valuable insights, and form meaningful connections with like-minded adventurers.

The company believes in the power of travel to create lasting memories and transformative experiences. Through carefully curated trips, Sisters Traveling Solo aims to inspire women to embrace their wanderlust, broaden their horizons, and challenge preconceived notions about solo travel. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to provide a perfect blend of cultural immersion, adventure, relaxation, and personal growth.

Sisters Traveling Solo recognizes the importance of representation in the travel industry, especially for Black women, and actively works to break down barriers and inspire others to see the world without hesitation. Cole Banks’ vision of creating a platform that encourages and empowers women, particularly those who might face societal barriers, has resonated with countless travelers seeking to embark on their own solo adventures.

Beyond the destinations visited, Sisters Traveling Solo has become a symbol of female empowerment, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. It serves as a testament to the strength and unity of women travelers who refuse to wait for others and boldly venture into the world, creating their own unforgettable stories along the way.

Black & Abroad

Black & Abroad is a dynamic travel group and cultural collective that has emerged as a trailblazer in the travel industry, catering exclusively to Black travelers. Founded with a vision to celebrate, empower, and uplift Black culture and heritage through immersive travel experiences, the organization has quickly become a symbol of representation, community, and exploration.

At the heart of Black & Abroad’s mission lies a commitment to offering unique and enriching travel opportunities that go beyond conventional tourist destinations. Instead, the group curates transformative journeys that immerse participants in the vibrant tapestry of local cultures, traditions, and histories. By doing so, Black & Abroad seeks to break stereotypes and challenge the underrepresentation of Black travelers in the broader travel narrative.

Through a carefully crafted selection of destinations and itineraries, Black & Abroad ensures that each trip fosters cultural exchange and creates meaningful connections between its travelers and the communities they visit. This emphasis on genuine interaction allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of the destinations and forge lasting friendships with locals, transcending geographical boundaries.

Black & Abroad recognizes the power of travel as a transformative force, not only for the individual but also for the collective. The experiences provided by the group are designed to empower Black travelers to see the world without limitations, to explore with a sense of pride in their heritage, and to find strength in their shared experiences.

One of the pillars of Black & Abroad’s success is its emphasis on community building. The organization’s travel experiences offer a supportive and inclusive environment for like-minded individuals to connect, share stories, and bond over their love for exploration. Traveling with a community that understands and celebrates one’s cultural background can be a powerful and enriching experience, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members.

Moreover, Black & Abroad’s commitment to representation extends beyond its travel experiences. The organization has become a platform for amplifying Black voices in the travel industry, advocating for increased diversity, and challenging stereotypes in marketing and media portrayals. By showcasing the diverse experiences of Black travelers, Black & Abroad aims to create lasting change in the perception of travel and encourage more inclusive narratives.

Nomadness Travel Tribe

Nomadness Travel Tribe is a global travel community founded by Evita Robinson in 2011, specifically designed for people of color. With over 20,000 members, it aims to make travel more inclusive and accessible, emphasizing representation and cultural pride. The community provides a supportive network where members can share tips, seek advice, and form lasting friendships through social media groups, local meetups, and a dedicated website.

The Tribe organizes a variety of group trips and events, including international tours, annual festivals, and local meetups, all focusing on cultural immersion and meaningful interactions. These experiences often feature homestays, cultural workshops, and guided tours that provide authentic insights into local cultures. For Black seniors, Nomadness offers tailored itineraries that prioritize safety, comfort, and shared experiences, ensuring that their travel needs and interests are met.

Ebony Escapes

Ebony Escapes is a specialized travel agency organizing group trips for African American travelers, offering diverse experiences like cruises, cultural tours, and luxury vacations. Emphasizing inclusivity and cultural celebration, Ebony Escapes creates enriching travel experiences that highlight African American heritage and history.

The agency’s trips feature themed cruises, visits to historical landmarks, and stays at high-end resorts, all designed to connect travelers with their cultural roots. For Black seniors, Ebony Escapes provides tailored itineraries that ensure comfort, accessibility, and a balanced pace, including educational components like lectures and guided tours.

Ebony Escapes fosters a sense of community among travelers, allowing them to share stories and build lasting friendships. By promoting diversity and representation in the travel industry, Ebony Escapes ensures that African American travelers feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Also read 6 BEST SENIOR TRAVEL GROUPS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you planning on joining one of these groups? Have you had a similar travel experience before? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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*Editor’s Note: I use this but you have to be aware that it will come off on white clothes. I always rub any excess off with a towel after I apply it to minimize any of it transferring to my clothing. It’s a great quick fix! Happy Tanning, Lauren

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