Meet Marlie and Anthony Love, the couple behind Traveling While Black on TikTok.

Understanding Travel as a Person of Color

As a woman of color, my first thought whenever I make travel plans is always the same: will it be safe for me? Conversations about intersectionality in travel are not new. Growing up, I was taught that, regardless of where I go or why I’m there, I will always present as a Black woman first. Although this does not usually affect my travel plans or experiences in new places, it is an important consideration that I cannot forget.

Travel preparation for me involves extensive research, but not in the conventional manner. With the surge of TikTok and short-form video content, researching destinations has become more convenient with quick clips that are easy to digest. While many videos emphasize the best things to do in new cities or the most Instagram-worthy food, some creators make it their mission to share first-hand experiences as people of color.

Marlie and Anthony Love’s Journey

During one of my extensive research sessions, I came across Marlie and Anthony Love, a delightful and informative Black couple from Seattle who create videos as Traveling While Black. This duo travels primarily in the northwestern United States and assigns every destination a “Comfortability for Black People” rating based on their experiences. The rating ranges from one to five, where one indicates discomfort and five means complete comfort.

After relocating to Seattle for work in mid-2019, the couple started their media journey. Like many new residents, they devoted ample time to exploring their new area. They shared that, “When October came around, it started to get darker a little bit earlier, and we wanted something to keep us accountable. So one weekend, we took a day trip to Vancouver, and on the way back, we thought, ‘Hey, look what we can do in one Saturday. Why don’t we do something that would keep us getting out?'”

Creating Valuable Travel Content

The couple decided to document their travels through a YouTube channel. Initially uncertain about their content focus, they began reflecting on their travel experiences before the move. “One thing we used to Google all the time was, ‘Where are the Black people?’ And not having that resource made us want to become that for others,” they said.

Anthony noted that their channel concept was significantly influenced by the “Green Book” by Victor Green, a travel guide from the 1930s that outlined safe places for African Americans across the country. “We view the ‘Green Book’ as a mechanism to empower Black travel, identifying places across states for us to visit,” he explained.

With 132 YouTube episodes dedicated to different destinations in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Anthony and Marlie have successfully created their own digital version of the Green Book, including their commentary and ratings.

Importance of Research in Travel

While their comfortability ratings are notable, their content also includes amusing segments featuring trending sounds, recommendations, and reviews, such as a review of hikes in the Pacific Northwest.

The couple emphasizes the importance of thorough research and preparation for travelers of color. Marlie advises researching the history of a destination before planning specific activities. “We typically choose three main categories, such as an outdoor activity, a museum or landmark, and definitely a popular restaurant to get a feel for the city,” she stated.

Engagement with the Travel Community

For those who may feel apprehensive, Anthony suggests traveling with friends or in groups. “Travel is supposed to be a shared experience,” he said. “Our purpose in creating this series is to serve as a helpful resource for those who have hesitations. Therefore, our first recommendation is to watch our show, gather some friends, and start your adventure.”

With nearly 63,000 TikTok followers, 5,300 Instagram followers, and 5,600 YouTube subscribers, Anthony and Marlie Love are just beginning their journey. Recently, they were appointed as Washington State ambassadors and are set to create exclusive episodes for The Parks Channel.

“We won’t shy away from travel,” Marlie expressed when discussing potential racism as a deterrent. “Travel is meant for everyone; we will explore those waterfalls, visit islands, and have a good time.”