10 Practical Travel Tips for Black Women Before Your Next Trip

Soo, you’ve picked the destination and planned the outfits. But did you pack your bonnet?

We all love a good vacation, but there's more to planning a trip than finding cute outfits and saving TikTok recommendations. From choosing the right place to stay to making sure you have your favorite beauty essentials, a little preparation can make a big difference.

Here are 10 practical travel tips to keep in mind before your next trip.

Research Your Destination Beyond Social Media: TikTok and Instagram are great for travel inspiration, but they shouldn't be your only sources of information. Research local customs, neighborhoods, transportation, and recent traveler experiences. A destination might look beautiful online, but there's a lot more to consider before booking.
Check Visa and Passport Requirements Early: Don't assume that having a passport means you're ready to travel. Some countries require visas, arrival forms, vaccinations, or a certain number of blank passport pages. Always check the official entry requirements for your destination well before departure.
Choose Your Accommodation Location Wisely: A beautiful hotel means nothing if you're spending half your vacation getting to the places you actually want to visit. For example, if you're visiting Zanzibar for its beaches but book a hotel in Stone Town, you could end up spending over an hour each way getting to popular beach areas. Research the different neighborhoods and regions before booking.
Don't Try to Do Everything in One Trip: It's tempting to squeeze every restaurant, excursion, and attraction into your itinerary, especially when you've traveled so far. But some of the best travel moments happen when you have time to explore without a schedule. Give yourself room to rest, be spontaneous, and actually enjoy where you are.
Stay Connected With an eSIM or Local SIM Card: Having internet access abroad makes everything easier, from ordering rides to finding directions and making reservations. Look into eSIM providers before your trip or research where you can purchase a local SIM card when you arrive.
Pack Your Beauty and Personal Care Essentials: Certain hair products, makeup shades, and skincare essentials might be difficult to find abroad. For example, don't expect to walk into a beauty supply store in the middle of Asia and find your favorite Ebin edge control. Bring enough of your go-to products to last your trip, especially if you have specific hair or skincare needs.
Always Have a Backup Payment Method: Don't rely on just one debit or credit card when traveling. Bring a backup card and keep it somewhere separate from your main wallet. It's also worth carrying a little local currency, especially for smaller businesses, markets, and tips.
Learn a Few Words in the Local Language: You don't have to be fluent, but learning how to say hello, thank you, and please can go a long way. It's a simple way to show respect for the culture you're visiting and can make everyday interactions more enjoyable.
Be Aware of Common Tourist Scams: Every destination has its own tourist traps, so do a little research before you arrive. Whether it's inflated taxi fares, fake tour guides, or unofficial ticket sellers, knowing what to look out for can save you money and unnecessary stress.
Get Travel Insurance Before Your Trip: Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be glad to have if something goes wrong. From medical emergencies to canceled flights or lost luggage, the right coverage can save you from unexpected expenses. Make sure you understand what's actually included in your policy.

Bonus: a quick greetings cheat sheet for our 2027 trips

Vietnam: Xin chào (hello), Cảm ơn (thank you)
Bali (Indonesia): Selamat pagi (good morning), Terima kasih (thank you)
Brazil: Olá (hello), Obrigada (thank you, said by a woman)
Kenya and Zanzibar: Jambo (hello), Karibu (welcome), Asante (thank you)
Morocco: Salam alaikum (hello), Shukran (thank you)

Ready to travel with people who get it? Browse our upcoming women group trips and find your next adventure: Wander With Wande Group Trips