5 Incredible Black-Owned Travel Businesses to Discover and Support

On her second international trip, Zim Flores made the bold decision to relocate to India. After securing a fellowship right after college, she sold all her possessions and embraced this transformative journey. However, her arrival revealed a startling reality: India’s obsession with fair skin. In Delhi, she was confronted by a commercial promoting skin-lightening cream, which portrayed darker skin tones as something to hide.

Additionally, she found that encounters with individuals who resembled her were few and far between during her travels. “While living in India and exploring Southeast Asia, I never came across anyone who looked like me,” Flores shared with Dinogo, reflecting on her year-long experience in the region.

Despite its challenges, this eye-opening journey motivated Flores to reshape the narrative — seeking ways to elevate Black travel experiences.

“Living and working in India gave me the freedom to travel often and affordably. With nearby Asian countries, I was hopping to new destinations every month — sometimes for just $8 for a one-way ticket,” Flores recounted. “I envisioned someone who looked like me as the traveler, not the subject… so I aimed to create a space for Black travelers to connect and push their boundaries.” Thus, in 2013, Travel Noire was established.

A 2018 study by Mandala Research revealed that African Americans spend almost $63 billion on travel each year. In response, Travel Noire emerged as a platform for Black travelers to be represented and share their stories, offering tools, resources, inspiration, and even guided tours. “I wanted to create a company that reflected the unique experiences I had while traveling,” said Flores, who led as CEO until 2017, when she sold the business to Blavity, which continues to fulfill its mission for Black millennials.

Flores continues to be recognized as a significant voice in the travel industry. When asked about her experience as a traveler of color, the Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, who has accumulated numerous passport stamps, remarked, “Being a cultural asset is what it means to me. Black culture influences the world — in fashion, music, and art. I take pride in this, yet I also recognize my privilege as an African, particularly one born in America. Each of my identities carries unique nuances, and I embrace all of them as I journey across the globe.”

However, this identity comes with its challenges. “Many mistakenly equate Black skin with dirt. There are people who have touched my hair without permission,” Flores shared. “It’s the uncomfortable glances when I sit in business class. It’s being turned away from a taxi due to my skin color. I’ve witnessed friends labeled as immigrants, prostitutes, thugs, or thieves. We’re familiar with these stereotypes. I often find myself needing to dress well enough to convey that I have money, yet not so well that I become a target. Navigating this can be tiring, but after extensive travel, I realize it’s part of the experience.”

Nonetheless, her passion for travel remains unwavering. “Travel challenges me to grow, inspires my dreams, and expands my imagination. It has transformed my life, and just when I think it can’t get any better, it surprises me,” she expressed. As a travel expert who stays attuned to the latest trends, we asked Flores to share some of her top recommendations for Black-owned travel companies to discover and support.

The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective offers group adventures that blend creativity, exploration, and cultural experiences. Travelers can select from a range of themes, including nature, wildlife, culinary delights, culture, and nautical activities. “What Clé and his team are accomplishing in the realm of travel and travel content is truly impressive. I've seen some of the most stunning visuals through their work.”

Dipaways

Dipaways focuses on organizing both private and group retreats. “Founded by former Travel Noire experience designer, Chadricks, this brand has rapidly expanded due to his exceptional skills in creating experiences. He has a gift for uniting amazing people. Joining one of his trips will definitely be a decision you won’t regret.”

Airfordable

Motivated by her own challenges in affording costly flights to visit her family in Ghana, Ama Marfo co-founded Airfordable to enhance travel accessibility. “They enable you to break down your flight payments into manageable plans. A family friend used this service to fly their family of six to France for our wedding.”

Curiocity

Curiocity is described as "a network of African-designed hostels rooted in community," with establishments in Cape Town and Johannesburg. "I’ve enjoyed staying at their Johannesburg hostel multiple times over the years, and we’ve collaborated to create unique experiences.”

Siviwe Tours

“Siviwe is an inbound operator I’ve collaborated with for many years. They focus on guided experiences in Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township.” Founded and owned by local resident Siviwe Mbinda, Siviwe seeks to share Langa’s culture with a broader audience, create jobs for local residents, and support grassroots initiatives. "Much of my understanding of South Africa comes from him.”