Don't Forget to Travel Black

Jelani Women at the slave dungeons in Ghana

​While everyone is watching which countries in Europe are opening, it would be best to keep an eye on Africa and the African-Diaspora. These countries have had lower incidences of COVID-19 and are seeking to attract tourists and visitors back, in light of both the global health and race crises. More importantly, these places are trying to find ways to ensure that they continue to serve their people and maintain jobs, despite slow downs in the hospitality and aviation industry. 

​Ghana is explicitly asking Black people to migrate there as a solution to racism elsewhere. For well over the last 4 decades, Ghana has offered liberal visa accommodations 

for African-Americans and Black people all over the world seeking to settle in the country. This legal framework is called the Right of Abode and over 100 African-Americans and Afro-Caribbean people were granted citizenship under the law just last year. Keep an eye on Ghana as it re-opens, as it will likely offer similar protections and enticements over the coming year.

Just days ago, Barbados released its long-awaited remote work visa. Since everyone has gone digital these days, Barbados is the perfect place to hibernate, enjoy beautiful beaches, and take in local Bim culture. This country is so much more than Rhianna and spiced rum. They have a long history of eco-tourism and biodiversity, leadership among the other Eastern Caribbean countries and Black pride. The island is small, but incredibly safe. Now is a great time to support the small, but mighty among the islands in the Atlantic. 

Tanzania started accepting tourists last month. While there are no quarantine regulations or mandatory testing requirements, tourists are expected to social distance and wear masks. Temperature checks are also commonly performed in public places. Luckily, the beauty of Tanzania is in its natural landscapes, which lend themselves well to social distancing. From the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the beaches of Zanzibar, now is the perfect time to avoid tourist crowds and get lost in the alleyways of Stone Town and the bazaars of Arusha.

These places are trying to keep their populations safe and COVID-free, while also trying to make sure that their fragile tourism and hospitality industries remain resilient. All the famous perks might have new health considerations, and the activities may have shifted from in-person to online, but Africa and the African Diaspora have always been welcoming and warm to visitors - that certainly won’t change now. 

Wherever your travels take you, it is important to remember that your dollars go a long way - to feeding families, to helping communities, and to maintaining healthy economies. When the world opens again, choose wisely.

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