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Black America Web
2 days ago
- Black America Web
10 Best Travel Agencies And Groups For Black Jetsetters
Source: Prostock-Studio / Getty Traveling while Black comes with its own set of considerations: safety, cultural respect, and a desire to see the world in a way that acknowledges and celebrates Black identity and history. Fortunately, several travel agencies are not only Black-owned but also deeply committed to creating transformative experiences specifically for Black travelers. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Bali, exploring the roots of African heritage in Ghana, or vibing on a yacht in the Caribbean, these travel companies and devoted travel groups have got your back. MORE: 8 Safest Countries To Visit In Africa In 2025 One of the most recognized names in travel for the African diaspora is Travel Noire, a digital media site that helps Black travelers 'discover, plan and experience' new destinations around the world, according to its website. From beautifully curated group trip offers and unthinkable deals to informative blogs and interviews detailing fascinating and culturally immersive experiences around the world, Travel Noire is perfect for any Black jetsetter who is looking for information about their next travel destination. Owned by five-time top travel specialist Claire Soares, Up In The Air is a boutique travel agency empowering Black folks to let their 'guard down and travel with confidence amongst other like-minded Black people,' according to the company's website. Soares has helped hundreds of Black people travel to some of the most breathtaking places in the world, such as Brazil, Tanzania, and Iceland, MadameNoire noted. We care about your data. See our privacy policy. The agency also places luxury travel at the forefront, ensuring that Black adventurers receive top-quality and 'bougie' treatment while they are away from home. For example, the Kenya + Uganda experience offered through the agency allows visitors to stay at the Olonana, a luxury lodge located smack dab in the middle of a safari camp, but you won't find shabby tents on this campsite. The hotel comes packed with luxurious suites that include wrap-around balconies and giant half-moon-shaped tubs perfect for relaxing. Travelers can also head down to the dining hall and bar for amazing food and spirit tasting in between their safari experiences. Black & Abroad is not just a travel company, but a lifestyle brand empowering Black travelers to explore the world boldly. Their campaigns, like 'Go Back to Africa,' flipped harmful narratives into powerful visual storytelling, empowering Black travelers to visit the country and learn about the history of their ancestors. Black & Abroad offers group tours to stunning African destinations like Kenya, Botswana, and Zambia, just to name a few. A newer but rising star in the Black travel space, Dipaways crafts soulful, authentic group experiences that allow travelers to dip out of the daily grind and into culture, connection, and relaxation. Black jetsetters have the option of organizing a private travel experience or joining one of the company's group tours. According to a video shared on the agency's Instagram page in 2024, travelers have set foot in Bali, Africa, and a few other popular destinations. Traveling the world should be an empowering, enriching experience, but for many Black travelers, it comes with unique questions and concerns: Is this destination welcoming? Are there Black-owned businesses to support? What's the cultural vibe like for someone who looks like me? That's exactly why Green Book Global was created: to inspire and empower Black travelers to explore the world confidently, safely, and authentically. With community-driven reviews, curated destination guides, and honest insights, Green Book Global offers more than just travel tips; the agency is a whole movement. One that redefines what it means to travel while Black. You can book an incredible group trip or private travel to stunning places like South America, the historic cities of Europe, the islands of Oceania, or even the icy landscapes of Antarctica. If you're a Black woman looking for sisterhood, empowerment, and unforgettable adventures across the globe — look no further. Black Girls Travel Too (BGTT) is an international travel club created specifically for millennial Black women who crave cultural exploration, personal growth, and community. BGTT organizes immersive group trips centered around culture, wellness, and connection. With a vibrant and loyal following of over 60,000 'travel sisters' on social media, this movement is more than just a travel group; it's a global community. From sharing travel tips to making lifelong connections, BGTT creates safe spaces where Black women can feel seen, celebrated, and supported. Recently, BGTT partnered with the Wyndham Grand Barbados to host a luxury, all-inclusive getaway, offering sun, serenity, and sisterhood all in one curated experience. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned jet-setter, BGTT invites you to travel boldly and never alone. Another standout in the Black travel movement is Sisters Traveling Solo (STS), a dynamic travel company dedicated to empowering women of color to see the world, one solo adventure at a time. Founded on the belief that solo travel doesn't mean traveling alone, Sisters Traveling Solo has become a trusted platform for women to connect, grow, and discover new destinations. With curated group trips designed to foster confidence, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories, the company makes solo travel feel both safe and transformative. STS focuses on creating a supportive space where Black women can break free from comfort zones and embrace the world on their terms. Whether it's your first passport stamp or your fiftieth, STS is all about giving you the tools — and the tribe — to thrive on your journey. And there's no slowing down. This November, STS is headed to the Arabian Peninsula for a breathtaking 'Arabian Escape' to Qatar and Oman, complete with Doha's futuristic skyline, desert adventures, and the serene turquoise wadis of Oman. Traveling the world as a queer woman of color (QWOC) often comes with unique challenges, from safety concerns to finding welcoming spaces. That's where Queer Queens Travel steps in: a travel group created to empower QWOC adventurers with the confidence and community they need to explore the globe without hesitation. This October, the group is heading to Bali for a journey that promises both serenity and excitement. From sun-drenched beaches and luxury beach clubs to the peaceful rice paddies of Ubud, their carefully curated itinerary blends cultural immersion, relaxation, and adventure. Highlights include spiritual waterfall visits, ATV rides through the jungle, colorful market strolls, volcano sunrise hikes, and stunning professional photoshoots, all while fostering deep connections among like-minded travelers. Since 2018, The Roaming Republic has been on a mission to help Black travelers tap into their inner wanderer and discover the world's most captivating destinations. Known for its energetic and spontaneous vibe, this community-driven travel brand focuses on curated group trips that combine exploration, culture, and connection. This August, the group is jetting off to Croatia, following past adventures to places like Vietnam, Morocco, and beyond. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned passport stamper, The Roaming Republic makes travel easy, meaningful, and unforgettable, always with a touch of spontaneity and soul. Designed for busy professionals who want premium travel without the planning stress, Jet Black Travel delivers luxury group experiences with ease. Their motto says it all: 'We plan. You show up.' Specializing in high-end, hassle-free adventures, Jet Black Travel offers curated trips to bucket-list destinations like Zanzibar and Cartagena, with 2026 trips already open for booking. Whether it's a solo escape or a group getaway, their experiences combine luxury, cultural richness, and seamless planning so you can just pack your bags and enjoy. SEE MORE: 8 Safest Places To Travel To In The Caribbean Black Travelers Want Authentic Experiences, Study Suggests SEE ALSO 10 Best Travel Agencies And Groups For Black Jetsetters was originally published on
Newsweek
24-07-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Single Men Do This When Dating–and It's Not Working Out
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When it comes to dating, men aim high—but the dating game has other plans. This is the conclusion of an international team of researchers who analyzed heterosexual users on a Czech online dating app. The findings suggest that while men tend to "aim high" in their pursuit of partners, matches are more likely to occur among individuals with more similar levels of perceived desirability. In their study, published in the journal PLOS One, the team propose that this pattern of mutual interest and desirability is largely a result of rejection rather than an initial preference for similarity. A man gestures to his date as she appears bored. A man gestures to his date as she appears bored. Prostock-Studio/Getty Images The Dynamics of Online Desirability The study delved into data from July 2017, involving over 2,000 heterosexual users in Prague and 624 in Brno. The researchers used social network analysis to map "swipes"—or expressions of interest—between users, allowing them to establish a hierarchy of desirability based on how many swipes each user received. Their analysis, according to the study's abstract, found that "the structure of the networks is considerably hierarchical." A key finding was that women generally ranked higher in this hierarchy—largely because the app had many more male users than female users. Because of the uneven gender ratio on the app, and gendered dating norms, men were typically "pursuers", sending more messages than receiving, and women were typically "choosers", receiving more messages than sending. Men Aim High, Women Match More Similarly The research also revealed a distinct difference in pursuit strategies between genders. The researchers found that "men tended to express interest in women who were more desirable than themselves, while women typically pursued men of more similar desirability." Furthermore, the study's discussion even observed that women "chose slightly less desirable partners on average," though it cautioned that "women's willingness to partner down should be taken with a grain of salt due to the low variability in men's desirability." This contrasts with some prior research that suggested aspirational pursuit for both genders. However, the picture changed significantly when the researchers looked at successful matches—instances of "mutual swipes," indicating reciprocal interest. These mutual swipes mostly occurred between men and women of more similar desirability. Rejection Drives Similarity in Matches This pattern suggests a fascinating dynamic at play in the online dating world. The authors explained this key takeaway: "Successful matches tend to happen between people with similar levels of desirability," they said. "This pattern is largely the result of rejection, rather than an initial preference for similarity. The successful matching outcomes tend to align more closely with women's preferences than with men's. "This likely reflects women's stronger position in the online dating market, as men outnumber women and are often expected to make the first move." The authors acknowledged limitations of the study, like focusing only on heterosexual users and one type of dating app—future research could expand to include queer users and other platforms to refine these understandings of dating dynamics. But, still, the study offers valuable evidence for understanding the earliest stages of dating in the digital age—suggesting that reality ultimately brings aspirations back to a more balanced playing field. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about online dating? Let us know via science@ Reference Topinkova, R., & Diviak, T. (2025). It takes two to tango: A directed two-mode network approach to desirability on a mobile dating app. PLOS ONE, 20(7).
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Man Eats Sandwich, Internet Not Prepared for What Crawls Out of It at End
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. What started as a simple meal for one Reddit user quickly grew complicated after a startling discovery at the end of his sandwich. The man who shared his experience in a post revealed that a live snail crawled out of the sandwich contents after he had eaten most of it already. Viewers were both disgusted and amused. Since the post was published, it has received 15,000 upvotes. "Made myself a sandwich, and when I got to the end of it this guy crawls out," he captioned the video, which shows the small snail slowly but steadily navigating the surface of the sandwich. A man eats a sandwich at home. A man eats a sandwich at home. Prostock-Studio/Getty Images The sight immediately drew strong reactions from Redditors. "I was just chilling in some arugula and then this guy ate my entire family. I was the sole survivor," one person imagined the snail's internal dialogue. Another praised its perseverance: "Bro, he didn't just crawl out, he went on his life's mission to get out of the sandwich and get on to the outside to alert you not to eat him in time...I salute him," they wrote. While the humor was abundant, many users also raised serious health concerns. A top comment warned, "Don't eat it! They carry rat lungworm in their slime! Very dangerous parasite!" Another user expressed shock at the narrow escape: "The sheer amount of luck you had to not eat that little dude. Oh my insane amount of danger you just avoided is mind boggling." The original poster later provided some context in the comments. Living in France, he confirmed that all the ingredients used for the sandwich were purchased from a supermarket. He also provided an update on the snail's fate, albeit a somber one: "He was the king here until he died five minutes later from the salt, most likely." Given his location in France, the poster made a culturally relevant remark about snails as a commonly enjoyed food. "I live in France and yes [snails] are delicious, usually they come dead and in garlic butter though," he quipped. Despite the lighthearted tone, though, the food incident left a lasting impression on his eating habits. "I had a great time with the first three quarters of the sandwich until he showed himself," he concluded in a comment. "Now I may never eat a sandwich again." While finding a snail in food can be unsettling, it's also a testament to the fact that fresh produce, even from commercial sources, can sometimes harbor unwanted guests—and it's always best to keep an eye on what you're ingesting. Newsweek reached out to u/Happy_little_badger for comment via Reddit.
Newsweek
06-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Graphic Designer's Response to Woman's Request for "Free" Work Praised: "She Stormed Off"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A freelance graphic designer's response to a woman's demand for free labor has been applauded by netizens. The graphic designer and original poster (OP), user MaraRoses_, shared their story on Reddit, explaining that although she loves working from home, she has noticed "how entitled some people are" about her time. According to her post, she had been deep in Adobe Illustrator on a full branding package—work she described as "literally the kind of job that pays my bills for the month"—when her doorbell rang repeatedly. She ignored it at first, only to receive a text that said, "I can see your car. I know you're home." It was a woman from her church, requesting a quick, free flyer design for her daughter's school club. Stock image of a woman looking annoyed at her phone. Stock image of a woman looking annoyed at her phone. Prostock-Studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus "She wanted me to just whip something up real quick because I do this stuff all day anyway," the OP wrote. "Having this kind of issue often, I just told her very politely that I was in the middle of a big client project and didn't have time, but I'd be happy to send her some free Canva templates she could use. "She shuddered, then said, 'You work from home. It's not like you have a real job. You can take a break when you want to'." 'I honestly laughed out loud' She continued, "I just blinked at her and I told her again that this is my actual job and that I don't do unpaid work, especially on a deadline. "She rolled her eyes and said, 'Wow, I didn't know helping a church member was too much to ask. It must feel nice to be so selfish.' "She stormed off, and I honestly laughed out loud. In my head, I was like, 'Helping a church member plus doing free professional work on demand with a tight time range because they feel entitled to your time. Got it'." Reddit users were quick to weigh in and share similar stories, with one remarking, "So it's selfish of you not to do your job for free, but not selfish of her to demand your time and effort for free. Yeah, not how reality works." Another added, "It seems that most of the people who say working from home is not a real job are people who don't work outside the home. "They have no concept, or refuse to believe, that people who work from home have identical responsibilities as the people who work in an office. It truly drives me nuts." "The audacity of that woman! She can go pay a tutor to help her daughter if she really needs the help," one Redditor pointed out. Working For Free Speaking to Newsweek, Branding With Camisha H CEO Camisha Henry (Agyei-Danso) explained, "Being an entrepreneur isn't easy. We give our best—day in and day out—while balancing work, family, and community, often at the expense of our own well-being. "I built my business by offering my talents freely in the beginning, but I've grown it with integrity and care, and that deserves respect. "Before asking for donated services, please consider the person's time and ask respectfully, understanding that sometimes they may have to say no. "To my fellow entrepreneurs: never feel guilty for valuing your time and your brand. You matter. Your time is precious. And the world needs your gifts." AI Interference The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified frustrations for designers, whose work is frequently mistaken for being machine-generated. In a March 2025 Newsweek article, a designer took to Reddit to post, "16 years as a graphic designer, 8 years as a photographer, ruined by AI." Their post featured their original artwork alongside comments accusing them of using AI. Ben Colman, CEO of Reality Defender, told Newsweek, "AI can now produce design work that appears professional while human designers with decades of experience are simultaneously having their authenticity questioned." Despite the challenges, this OP ended her story with humor: "I don't know if her daughter ever got that flyer. And I hope to see her in church tomorrow." Newsweek has contacted MaraRoses_ for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thanks to those who won't keep their mouths shut
(Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images) Our admiration goes to the Davids of the world: those who stand up, speak out and fight back, refusing to let the Goliaths intimidate or silence them. A recent example is a story by Clark Kauffman, reporter at the Iowa Capital Dispatch. He detailed the allegations in a lawsuit filed by a former certified nurse aide at a nursing home in Fonda, Iowa. The suit was filed against the Fonda Specialty Care nursing home, its parent company, Care Initiatives, and a licensed practical nurse working at the facility. You can read the April 30 story here. The suit alleges that a certified nurse aide observed an 87-year-old resident with a tracheostomy struggling to breathe. The aide sought help from the on-duty nurse to suction the resident's airway. The nurse refused to intervene despite multiple requests from staff members. The aide attempted to contact off-site management but could reach no one. She asked for permission to call 911 and was rebuffed. The resident ultimately died in a manner the lawsuit describes as 'agonizing and painful.' The suit also claims that after the certified nurse aide finished her shift, she received multiple text messages from the facility's administrator to 'keep your mouth shut and keep your opinions to yourself.' She was also instructed not to communicate with the family of the resident who died. The next day, the aide was fired. The facility cited 'resident complaints' as the reason. The nurse aide said she was fired for reporting the incident to the state. KTIV television in Sioux City posted Kauffman's article on their Facebook page, drawing nearly 600 reactions and 200 comments. Responses were candid and often angry. A small sample includes: 'I would never put my parents or anybody I know in a nursing home.' 'The fact that the nursing home tried to cover it up is just as horrible' (as the death). 'My heart breaks for the family and the aides that witnessed it.' 'This makes me sick.' This makes us sick, too. How about you? Imagine being in the shoes of the staff member who allegedly tried to do the right thing, witnessed a horrible death, was fired by her employer, and then had to decide 'what's next?' This nurse's aide chose not 'to keep her mouth shut' but instead to challenge a powerful corporation in court. Some would say that's a fool's errand. We view it as an admirable act of courage. Put this in a larger context. We live in a time where many people, including elected officials, organizations and businesses, find themselves in situations similar to the nurse aide where they are expected to do what they are told and avoid speaking out or acting on what they believe is right. Here are recent examples: Legislators who don't vote the way a governor or president demands. The student on campus who speaks up for Palestinians. The university president or corporate head who doesn't comply with diversity, equity and inclusion directives. National news organizations that write an editorial or airs programs the powers that be don't like. Foreign leaders who disagree publicly with a U.S. government representative. Law firms that challenge governmental actions. Entertainers who bring attention to social injustices. The list could go on and on. It's not a good time to be an independent thinker, to swim against the tide, or to tell the emperor that they have no clothes. The message to all the rulebreakers out there is this: Toe the line. Do what you're told. There will be hell to pay if you disobey. The fact that it's not a good time to speak out is why we need people to speak out. We applaud the certified nurse aide and all those like her who are courageously standing up for what they believe. They are making what John Lewis called 'good trouble.' Davids can and do defeat the Goliaths. Not all the time, not without great difficulty. But is the fight worth fighting? Indeed, it is. John and Terri Hale own The Hale Group, an Ankeny-based advocacy firm focused on older Iowans, Iowans with disabilities and the caregivers who support them. Contact them at terriandjohnhale@
