Celebrating Black History Month through Travel: A Q&A with Dinogo Team Members

At Dinogo, travel is integral to who we are. We’ve compiled insights from our Dinogo team about exploring diverse cultures, along with their favorite journeys and tips for enhancing the travel experience. Here’s what they shared:

Lamarr O. – Marketing, Stamford

What’s a memorable travel experience you’ve had? One of my most unforgettable travel moments was visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It was stunning—breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and wonderful people. Truly a magical place.

What type of vacation do you enjoy most? Recently, I’ve really enjoyed family vacations. Exploring new destinations with my husband and son has been a delight. My son is pretty laid-back, so he makes it easy for us to check out amazing places together; he’s a joy to have along.

I think this ties into my love for family vacations, but I really enjoy road trips. There’s something about having your own car that allows for the freedom to stop at various cities, restaurants, and towns. I love parking, exploring, walking around, and then hopping back in the car to head to the next destination. Road trips really allow me to make the most of the journey.

What’s your ideal travel experience? I like to blend cultural exploration, adventure, and relaxation whenever I can. My goal is to create trips that balance leisure with discovery. I prefer to approach new places not just as a tourist but by asking myself, “Where would I go if I lived here?” I seek out spots that resonate with locals, as I often find that the food and experiences are richer and more authentic, giving me a true sense of the area instead of sticking to typical tourist attractions—that’s how I like to travel.

What destination is at the top of your travel wish list? I’ve always wanted to visit Ghana someday. Alongside South Africa and Tokyo, those three places come to mind as dream destinations I hope to explore.

Copez R. – Account Management, New York

What sparked your interest in traveling? It’s less about what inspired me and more about who: my mother. She instilled a passion for travel—the wanderlust—in my sister and me. We make it a tradition to go on family trips every year. This year, we’re headed to Berlin, last year it was Amsterdam, and next year we’re aiming for Greece. My mom understands the significance of travel, the value of experiencing the world, and how much you can learn from it.

What challenges have you encountered as a Black traveler? I had a challenging experience once in Jamaica. My sister was about to go down a water slide, and the lifeguard didn’t notice that someone was standing at the bottom taking photos. He sent her down, and she accidentally collided with that person, causing them to fall on her and break her nose. She was only 12 at the time, and it was pretty serious—she was bleeding heavily and passed out. People jumped in to rescue her, and when they brought her back, they started asking who her parents were. My mom kept saying, “I’m her mother.” But my mom has Vitiligo, which means she has lost all the pigment in her skin, similar to Michael Jackson. They didn’t believe she was my sister's mom, so she had to show ID. Thankfully, I was there to back her up. It was a strange situation, especially for my mom as a Black woman needing to prove her relationship to her Black daughter because of her condition.

In what ways has travel helped you connect with your cultural roots? My grandmother, who has sadly passed away, was West Indian, and she definitely shaped my sense of discipline. She always said my first trip to Jamaica was when my mother was eight months pregnant with me. Since then, we’ve visited every year. It feels like my second home—I grew up there and still have friends from those days. In fact, I was best friends with Sean Paul’s now-wife because our families would often be in Jamaica at the same time, so we spent a lot of time together. Jamaica holds a very special place in my heart.

How has traveling influenced your personal growth? Travel has significantly shaped my growth and development by exposing me to diverse lifestyles and values. Different cultures, cuisines, and religions offer unique perspectives on life. If we only stick to our familiar circles, we limit our understanding of the world, which I consider a form of willful ignorance. While I understand that not everyone can travel due to financial constraints, there are books and media available to learn about other cultures. I believe it’s crucial for individuals to educate themselves about various cultures, as this knowledge fosters personal growth and helps us realize that our way of thinking isn’t the only valid perspective.

What destination is on your bucket list that you haven’t visited yet? Nigeria is the one place I’ve always wanted to explore, and I’m hoping to make that trip happen this year. I’ve been to Africa before, specifically Morocco, which was an incredible experience (I’d rate it 10 out of 10). However, since my sister took a DNA test revealing that a significant part of our heritage is Nigerian, it’s a must-visit for me.

Maceo O. – Diversity & Inclusion, Michigan

What sparked your passion for travel? Growing up in my neighborhood, I saw many people who never had the chance to travel beyond their state or even their city. For a long time, I thought that was just the norm. Most of my family hadn’t left the country or even explored other parts of the US. To me, travel seemed like a privilege reserved for the wealthy.

Being raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses allowed me to connect with individuals from various cultural backgrounds throughout my life. I was always captivated by their stories of travel and experiences. I promised myself I would be among those who ventured out into the world.

How has travel helped you connect with your cultural roots? Honestly, I haven't made that connection yet. Until last year, I was unaware of my cultural heritage beyond being an African-American woman. Many don’t realize that descendants of enslaved individuals often have no idea where their roots lie. After taking a DNA test, I finally have a list of places I’m excited to explore and connect with my heritage.

What are your favorite travel spots and why? Bali and Mexico are definitely my favorites. Bali brought me an unparalleled sense of peace, with its stunning mountains, beaches, and volcanoes that perfectly match my adventurous spirit. Conversely, I adore Mexico for its beautiful beaches, cenotes, rich food culture, and the fact that it’s just a short flight away! It’s firmly at the top of my travel list.

What challenges have you encountered as a Black traveler? The toughest part for me is returning to the inner city and realizing how many people may never experience what I have. It’s heartbreaking to think how their lives could transform by seeing what lies beyond their city, knowing it’s within reach. This guilt can be overwhelming, which is why I love taking others on trips whenever I can—to share those new experiences. As an African American from a low-income community, this is the other side of travel for me.

How do you organize your trips and what tools do you use? I’m definitely the designated planner among my friends. As soon as I get interested in a destination, I create a Pinterest board to gather ideas. I also dive into TikTok, making a folder to save all the must-visit spots and restaurants. I’m a huge fan of travel vlogs on YouTube—I even create some myself! I binge-watch as many vlogs as I can find from travelers who’ve been to that area. Afterward, I compile everything into a Google doc and craft a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary for myself. Yep, I’m that person.

Sydney P. – Marketing, Stamford

What sparked your interest in traveling? I’ve always been a naturally curious individual. I’ve had a desire to try new things, taste new foods, embark on adventures, and explore new places—traveling has always fascinated me. Additionally, my grandmother has been a significant source of inspiration; she’s a passionate traveler and has made exploration a central part of her life. Growing up listening to her tales of her journeys through Egypt and China has motivated me to create my own stories and share my experiences. That’s my main driving force.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your travels? The biggest lesson I’ve gained from traveling is how to become more independent and confident. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of solo travel, which naturally requires you to depend on yourself, and that skill has positively impacted other areas of my life.

Solo traveling has offered me incredible experiences, allowing me to do what I want while on vacation. This has opened numerous opportunities to connect with new people, try different activities, and truly understand myself and the world around me. I recommend solo travel to everyone. It can be challenging, but it’s a uniquely enriching way to explore.

What type of vacations do you enjoy most (solo travel, family vacations, romantic getaways, or group trips)? I truly love solo travel. It allows me the freedom to follow my own whims in the moment. I genuinely enjoy not having to consider anyone else's schedules or preferences for dining or sightseeing. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone give it a try at least once. While it may not be for everyone, it’s an experience I deeply cherish.

There are times when you can meet new people and explore new experiences, and then there are moments of solitude where you can simply be in your own headspace. These are perfect opportunities to read, relax in cafes, people-watch, and reflect on your thoughts.

What challenges have you encountered as a Black traveler? Honestly, my travel experiences have been quite positive, and I've been fortunate to feel confident and relatively unconcerned about others’ perceptions. However, one significant challenge has been the constant stares. My first real encounter with this was during a school trip to China in 2013.

In my travel group, I was the only Black individual among a mix of Asian and white students, which made me quite noticeable. I was open to questions and even people approaching me for photos. That said, dealing with stares and inquiries is definitely something you should be prepared for as a Black traveler.

From my personal experience, I haven’t faced the negative side of this, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and the attention you may attract, as it could potentially lead to uncomfortable situations.

How do you ensure your trips are safe and comfortable? The key is to stay extremely aware of your surroundings and prioritize your safety. I always share my location with someone I trust. If I’m traveling alone, I avoid staying out too late. It's also wise to know local contacts in the area you’re visiting. Always keep your important information handy, whether that's in notes or saved screenshots on your phone.

What are your top travel destinations and why? My favorite travel spots have been Jamaica, China, and France. Each provided unique experiences that shaped my perspective on travel and the world. Jamaica holds special significance for me, having grown up with a Jamaican mother.

Visiting my grandmother in Montego Bay with my family was a truly memorable experience. I immersed myself in the local food, culture, and music, while exploring my mother’s roots.

During my school years, I studied Chinese, which led me to spend a summer in China. It was a fantastic opportunity to enhance my language skills while diving deeper into Chinese culture.

Most recently, I traveled to Europe, and my trip to France was my first solo adventure in a country where I didn’t speak the language. I picked up some French and made new friends, which makes me eager to return.