Summary
“Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does.”
1. Zim Flores’s Journey
The second time Zim Flores traveled internationally was a significant move to India. After landing a fellowship post-college in the South Asian country, the then-20-something sold everything she owned and embarked on this life-altering journey. However, what she discovered upon arrival was unexpectedly jarring: India’s fixation with fair skin. Flores first encountered this color complex in Delhi when she saw a commercial for a skin-lightening cream, promoting dark-skinned complexions as something to conceal.
This situation was exacerbated by her rare encounters with others who resembled her during her travels. “I had been living in India and traveling frequently around Southeast Asia, but I never ran into anyone who looked like me doing the same thing,” Flores, who spent just over a year in the region, shared.
2. Creating Black Travel Experiences
This transformative trip inspired Flores to shift the narrative surrounding travel and amplify Black travel experiences.
“Living and working in India allowed me the luxury of frequent and affordable travel. The close proximity to other Asian countries allowed me to jet off to new destinations monthly for as little as $8 for a one-way flight,” she recalled. “I envisioned a scenario where someone who looks like me could take on the role of the traveler… so, I set out to create a space for Black travelers to connect and explore new horizons.” Consequently, in 2013, Travel Noire was established.
According to a 2018 study by Mandala Research, African Americans spend nearly $63 billion on travel annually. Moreover, showcasing this representation, Travel Noire launched as a platform for Black travelers to share their narratives while offering tools, resources, inspiration, and even guided tours. Flores, who served as CEO until 2017 when she sold the company to Blavity, stated, “I simply wanted to create a company that reflected the unique experiences I encountered while traveling.”
3. Challenges Faced as a Traveler of Color
Flores is recognized as a strong voice and presence in the travel industry. When discussing the significance of being a traveler of color, the Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient emphasized, “It means that I am a cultural asset. The world is greatly influenced by Black culture—in style, in music, in art. I take pride in it; however, I am also conscious of my privilege as an African, as someone born in America, and as a Black individual. Each identity brings its own nuances, and I carry these diverse identities with me as I explore the world.”
Nonetheless, this journey is not without its difficulties. “Many will misjudge Black skin for dirt, and I’ve experienced people putting their hands in my hair,” Flores recounted. “It can mean awkward stares when traveling in business class, or being denied a taxi simply because of my skin color. I’ve observed friends being labeled with derogatory terms. Traveling requires a constant balancing act—dressing well enough for people to recognize my financial status, yet not too well to avoid becoming a target. Although it can be tiring, frequent travelers learn to navigate these challenges as part of the experience.”
4. Favorite Black-owned Travel Companies
Despite the challenges, her passion for travel remains unchanged. “I appreciate how travel pushes me to grow as a person, inspires my dreams, and sparks my imagination. Travel has significantly transformed my life. Just when I believe it cannot improve, it does,” she expressed. As a travel expert attuned to current trends, we asked Flores to highlight some exceptional Black-owned travel companies worth supporting.
The Wind Collective
The Wind Collective organizes group trips that blend creativity, adventure, and cultural enrichment. Travelers can select from various themes, including nature, wildlife, culinary experiences, and cultural immersion. “What Clé and his team are doing for travel and content is extraordinary. They produce some of the most breathtaking visuals I’ve ever encountered.”
Dipaways
Dipaways specializes in arranging private and group retreats. “This brand was initiated by former Travel Noire experience designer Chadricks, who excels at transforming experiences. As a result, Dipaways has seen remarkable growth in just a few months. He possesses an incredible talent for bringing wonderful people together. If you have the opportunity to join one of his journeys, you will not regret it.”
Airfordable
Having personally faced challenges in purchasing expensive airline tickets to visit her family in Ghana, Ama Marfo co-founded Airfordable to enhance accessibility in travel. “They enable you to divide the cost of flights into manageable payment plans. I had a family friend use this service to fly their family of six to France for our wedding.”
Curiocity
Curiocity represents “a network of African-designed hostels grounded in community,” boasting locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. “I’ve enjoyed staying at their Johannesburg hostel several times over the years and we’ve partnered with them to create unique experiences for travelers.”
Siviwe Tours
“Siviwe is an inbound operator that I’ve collaborated with for many years. They specialize in guided experiences through Langa, the oldest township in Cape Town.” Founded and run by Langa local Siviwe Mbinda, Siviwe aims to share Langa’s culture with a broader audience, support local employment, and promote grassroots initiatives. “Much of what I know about South Africa is thanks to him.”
