15 Essential Travel Books by Black Women
Travel writing has been a significant part of Black literature, often providing personal narratives that illuminate unique experiences. For centuries, African Americans have chronicled their journeys, detailing their lives as they navigate various cultures around the world.
Particularly, Black women have utilized this genre to share tales of romance and resilience while confronting issues such as racism and xenophobia. Each book offers a distinct narrative, yet the common thread is the journey of Black individuals, particularly women, who continue to thrive globally.
1. Black Girl In Paris by Shay Youngblood
In this novel, Eden Daniel, an aspiring writer, travels to Paris, seeking inspiration from her literary heroes like Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. Upon arrival, she discovers that freedom, both financial and racial, is more complicated than she anticipated. Eden’s journey reveals that social issues transcend borders, yet her time in the City of Love is filled with romance and laughter.
2. Quicksand by Nella Larsen
Set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance, this novel explores early-20th-century Black life across the United States and Europe. From the fictional town of Naxos to Chicago, Harlem, to Copenhagen, Helga’s journey highlights the experiences of both wealthy and impoverished Black individuals, delving into the complexities of race and belonging.
3. Praisesong for the Widow by Paule Marshall
Avatara “Avey” Johnson embarks on a Caribbean cruise in search of excitement following her husband’s death. Disturbing dreams prompt her to disembark in Grenada, where she reconnects with her cultural roots and uncovers deeper personal revelations.
4. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Vivian Forest, a novice traveler, experiences a magical Christmas in London while visiting her daughter. A holiday fling with a charming private secretary leads to unforeseen complications, making it a delightful tale of love and serendipity.
5. Over the Lip of the World: Among the Storytellers of Madagascar by Colleen J. McElroy
While on a Fulbright fellowship, McElroy studies the oral traditions of the Malagasy people in Madagascar. This work combines translated folklore with the author’s personal experiences, presenting an engaging exploration of a unique culture while reflecting on the preservation of stories within the Black Diaspora.
6. Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt
This photographic collection showcases the beauty of Black children, interspersed with stories from the authors’ travels across the globe. It celebrates cultural resilience, diversity, and the beauty inherent in Black identity.
7. Aftershocks by Nadia Owusu
Owusu’s memoir reflects on her life raised amid a blended family, detailing experiences in Tanzania, England, Italy, Ethiopia, and Uganda. This poignant narrative delves into belonging and the search for identity amidst personal challenges.
8. A Fly Girl by Amanda Epe
Epe shares her experiences as a cabin crew member with British Airways, detailing adventures across North America to Arabia. The memoir explores the interplay of race, gender, and personal identity, offering insights into her emotional journey amidst global exploration.
9. Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau
This evocative narrative chronicles Raboteau’s travels to Israel and beyond. The book explores the lives of Black individuals who search for their “promised land,” delving into cultural anthropological themes across various communities.
10. The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou
In this autobiographical work, Angelou recounts her experiences as a playwright, civil rights activist, and more, highlighting her travels across California, New York, London, and Cairo, encapsulating her transformative encounters and relationships with notable figures.
11. Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston
This remarkable exploration by Hurston, an esteemed writer and anthropologist, examines cultural and spiritual practices in Jamaica and Haiti, blending folklore with her field studies to uncover the richness of the Black Caribbean culture.
12. The History of Mary Prince by Mary Prince
Mary Prince’s narrative, a groundbreaking account in Great Britain, recounts her experiences as an enslaved woman through various regions, including Bermuda and Antigua. It’s a sobering exploration of slavery and the quest for freedom.
13. Meeting Faith: The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun by Faith Adiele
Adiele’s memoir narrates her journey to becoming Thailand’s first Black Buddhist nun. It intertwines her experiences with Buddhism with reflections on the transformative nature of travel and self-discovery.
14. Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain by Lori L. Tharp
This engaging memoir takes readers through Tharp’s experiences in Spain, revealing the complexities of race while discovering love abroad. It’s a humorous yet poignant exploration of cultural identity and acceptance.
15. Traveling Black: A story of race and resistance by Mia Bay
Mia Bay’s historical account examines the experiences of African Americans traveling during the Jim Crow era, discussing the limitations imposed on their mobility and their ongoing resilience against such restrictions.
