Young, Black, and Adventurous: A Conversation with Sydney Powell

Traveling appeals to everyone for different reasons. For Sydney Powell, her passion for travel stems from the chance to explore her other interests like food, art, music, and education. Through family vacations and school excursions, she decided to integrate travel into her career, merging it with her love for design. Today, Sydney serves as a Junior Designer on Dinogo’s North American Brand Marketing team.

In honor of Black History Month and to elevate diverse voices within our community, we invited Sydney to share her insights in a discussion about her experiences as a 20-something Black woman traveler, her journey to Dinogo, and the travel tips she has picked up along the way.

When did you discover your love for travel? Has it always fascinated you?

I grew up taking family summer trips along the East Coast to places like Florida, Maine, North Carolina, and upstate New York. We also visited Montego Bay, Jamaica to see my grandmother, who is a major inspiration for me. She spent some time living in New York City and has traveled to Egypt, China, Peru, and various parts of Europe, among others. Her sense of adventure and her amazing personality made her someone I truly admired, and her passion for travel inspired me as well.

Can you share more about your travel experiences? What are some of the places you've visited? Do you have a favorite destination?

Domestically, I’ve explored San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sarasota, and Lake Placid. Internationally, I’ve visited Jamaica, Canada, China, Korea, and Japan. My favorite place is Seoul, Korea. I spent three weeks there in 2019 with my cousin and a college friend, and I cherished every moment. This trip was special because we met friends living in Seoul, who guided us around the city as if we were locals. We also enjoyed home-cooked meals with my college friend’s family, making the experience feel much more personal.

While traveling, have you ever experienced being treated differently because of aspects of your identity (race, gender, nationality, age, etc.)? Did this ever make you feel vulnerable or unsafe?

Yes, for sure. However, in my experience, I’ve never felt unsafe—I've mostly traveled with friends and family, which has provided me with a sense of security.

During my time in China and Japan, I noticed people staring because I tend to stand out. I understand this; I look different and don’t speak the language, which is unavoidable. When this happened, some people approached me to ask about myself or my hair. Navigating this in a foreign country can be challenging due to language barriers, but overall, I appreciated the attention. Being a Leo, I was happy to share about myself and take pictures; no one was disrespectful. I’ve never felt deprived of experiences because of who I am, but I remain acutely aware of my presence while traveling.

In Korea, I had a similar experience. However, since I was traveling with my cousin (who is also a young Black woman), she might not have been as receptive to the attention we received. This could have made her feel vulnerable in an uncomfortable way—everyone experiences things differently and has various comfort levels.

Have you ever faced challenges while traveling because of your race? If so, could you share what they were?

One major challenge I’ve faced is encountering strangers with preconceived notions about me based on stereotypes or media portrayals. As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy getting to know people and sharing my story—building connections can be a powerful way to overcome these initial barriers. Conversely, it’s also completely valid to remove yourself from prejudiced situations whenever possible. Your safety and mental well-being should always come first; it’s not your responsibility to educate everyone.

Something I wasn’t aware of before traveling abroad is that it can be tough to find beauty products suitable for your skin tone or hair type—these items can be hard to find. I recommend packing extra supplies before your trip. For instance, before my 2019 trip to Korea, I brought an extra bottle of foundation in my shade because I knew I might not find a close match there.

What changes do you think the travel industry could implement to be more inclusive of Black travelers like yourself?

The travel industry should be transparent about statistics that may impact the Black community. I want more detailed information about my travel destinations so I can make informed choices and feel secure in my travels. For instance, the Alphabetical Map of Sundown Towns by State is a valuable resource that highlights areas that may be unsafe for Black travelers, which is beneficial for planning domestic trips or road adventures. Additionally, having similar information for international destinations would be helpful. I have friends who traveled to Italy and felt uncomfortable during their stay; I've also seen other creators express similar sentiments in their content. While Italy is still on my travel list, it’s useful to hear these perspectives from Black travelers so I can prepare and research cities that might be more enjoyable.

On the topic of Black creators, I believe the industry should actively promote diverse travelers sharing their experiences. Representation is crucial for helping others in the community make informed travel decisions.

When did you realize you wanted to work in the travel industry? What has your experience been like at Dinogo?

Working in the travel industry felt like a natural fit for me. I’ve always wanted a career that offers creative freedom and allows me to produce engaging work. It has become a pathway for my personal growth in a field I’m passionate about. It’s also an environment where discussions about travel plans are frequent, which excites me to plan my own journeys.

My experience at Dinogo has been a significant part of both my career and personal development. I’ve had the opportunity to experiment while staying updated on data, trends, current events, and genuinely engaging content. Everyone here works hard and embraces new perspectives. I joined the company in November 2020, a year into the pandemic, and the team has remained optimistic as we adapted content and policies to promote safe travel.

What advice would you offer to other Black travelers in their 20s?

Overall, I've discovered that being open and approachable toward new people and cultural experiences can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t limit your opportunities based on your identity or preconceived notions. Ultimately, this is your travel experience, and it's vital to embrace every moment.

For more specific travel tips, here are a few insights I've gathered from my journeys:

• Prioritize safety. I always share my location with family and friends. If you’re like me and enjoy meeting new people, it’s wise not to overshare your travel plans with them or any strangers. Additionally, keep your important documents and items secure while you're out and about.
• Bring essential tools. When traveling internationally, having a portable charger is crucial. Also, consider locks if you'll be in shared accommodations or have valuable documents/items with you.
• Pack extra supplies and plan ahead. As I mentioned earlier, I always bring my makeup base (foundation, concealer, etc.) to ensure I have the right shades while traveling. I also plan my hairstyles ahead of time, as finding products or stylists abroad can be challenging. These protective styles can vary based on the climate and duration of the trip.
• Download useful apps. Since I have my phone with me, I make it a point to download important apps for my new location, including translation, communication, transit, and event apps. For instance, I’ve used KakaoTalk, Line, WeChat, and WhatsApp.

What advice would you give to other members of the Black community who wish to enter the travel industry?

Believe in the importance of your perspective; it holds significant value in this industry. Stay open to new ideas and experiences—be curious, discover what resonates with you, and seek out people or opportunities that align with your interests. Lastly, connect with Black travelers who inspire you; having role models can provide motivation, mentorship, or guidance along your journey.

Final question: Do you have any travel plans for next year? Which trip are you most excited about?

I’m eager to embark on some solo adventures in Portugal and Spain. If possible, I’d love to include Greece in my itinerary. Additionally, I’d like to explore Austin, Texas, or New Orleans, Louisiana.