It’s National Plan A Vacation Day.
For many people, planning a trip can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Let’s be honest, some of us may lack the time, organization skills, or know-how to coordinate an entire trip from flights and hotels to activities and ground transportation.
Luckily, there are professional travel agents who will gladly do the leg-work in planning your full travel itinerary, down to the smallest details. Here are six Black travel agents who can help you turn your travel dreams into the trip of a lifetime.
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Travel Stylz CEO Ebony Starr is a Houston-based IATA-accredited travel agent and certified Sandals specialist.
Ebony has booked trips for clients to travel to Los Cabos, Cancun, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Costa Rica, Caribbean cruises, and more.
“I love creating memories for my clients. I go above and beyond to make sure they have a pleasurable stay and experience wherever they are going,” she told Travel Noire.
Ebony specializes in luxury all-inclusive vacation packages, but can work with clients to accommodate their budget and special requests. She predicts that Dubai, Greece, the Maldives, France, and Hawaii will be some of this year’s travel hot spots. Follow @TravStylz on Instagram.
Native Philadelphian Natasha Wilson is the founder and CEO of Travel Goddess International. Although her company specializes in travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and the U.S., their team of travel advisors is ready and able to assist you with booking the vacation of your dreams anywhere in the world.
Natasha and her team have booked trips for clients to locations such as Bali, Mexico, Jamaica, Las Vegas, and Colombia to name a few. For 2021, She predicts an uptick in tourists heading to destinations like Guatemala, Egypt, Antigua, and Morocco.
“Despite the many changes the travel industry is facing in light of the pandemic, we remain committed to doing our part in helping to boost worldwide travel and tourism in 2021 and beyond,” she said. “Thus, we are giving away one free vacation every week this year.”
All TGI Community premium members are automatically entered to win each week. There are also weekly raffles held live on Instagram, which are open to all, so be sure to follow @travelgoddessintl for your chance to win.
South Jersey-based travel agent Chrystal Anderson of Travel by Chrystal is a Cruise Planners franchise owner specializing in luxury travel. She is also the owner of the Fabulous Travelers club.
“Our group is primarily comprised of women ages 30+ from all walks of life,” Chrystal shared with Travel Noire. “In addition to international vacays, we enjoy fun, upscale local events, like spa days, brunches, museum tours, VIP space in clubs, wine tastings, and weekend getaways.”
Chrystal has planned trips to Dubai, New Zealand, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Iceland, and numerous cruises. This year, she has organized trips for Costa Rica, Anguilla, Greece, Kenya, and the Seychelles.
Chrystal believes the Maldives and Mexico will continue to be highly sought-after destinations for 2021, along with the Virgin Islands, Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, U.S. national parks, and Africa.
“For 2021, I’m loving the increased interest in visiting and exploring Africa. I’ve seen Zanzibar, Ghana, and Kenya gain popularity among millennial travelers.”
For more information follow @travelbychrystal.
UK-based Tinashe Musiyiwa is the founder of Tin Trips. In just her first year in business, she planned 125 private itineraries, catering to 290 travelers.
Tinashe specializes in budget travel with a luxury experience.
“I love showing my clients that it is possible to travel to your dream destinations without breaking the bank,” she shared with Travel Noire.
She also plans to host group trips, which she hopes will empower Black women and provide them with a safe space in which they can network and travel with like-minded sisters.
Upcoming trips include Bali, Santorini, Turkey, Kenya, and Tanzania.
“These trips are a great opportunity for Black women to travel and connect with other queens outside their existing circle of friends.”
Tinashe predicts Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Bali, and Turkey will be popular destinations for 2021 travel. Follow @tin_trips on Instagram.
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Ashley Milani is the founder of Melanin on the Map, a hub for travel professionals with nearly 100 agents.
“Each agent has their own individual niche, for example: 50 and fabulous, girls trips, baecations, destination weddings, etc,” she explained. “We have booked all types of vacations in destinations all over the world. We really just specialize in creating memorable and affordable experiences.”
As a first-generation American with parents of Caribbean descent, Ashley has a deep love for Caribbean culture and aims to push awareness of Caribbean islands.
“Of course there are my parents’ home countries of Dominica and Jamaica, however, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and so many others offer amazing getaways as well. We want to show travelers the REAL Caribbean experience— the carnivals, the food, the music, and the overall vibe that the country exudes.”
Ashley sees Tanzania, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Curaçao as some of 2021’s top destinations.
“I definitely encourage people to do their research before traveling anywhere. Most importantly, make sure the COVID-19 restrictions and protocols are enforced. While we’re all excited to get traveling again, we want to make sure we’re safe!”
Follow @melaninonthemap on Instagram.
Jalyn Roberson is the owner of Jaunts and Gems Travel in Dallas.
She specializes in planning trips for individuals as well as large groups celebrating birthdays, bachelorette parties, class reunions, etc. Some locations Jalyn has booked for clients include the Greek Islands, Dubai, St. Lucia, Rome, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Jalyn believes the Caribbean islands will be popular for 2021, especially countries like Antigua, Barbados, Aruba, and Curacao.
“I also think people will explore the U.S. more. Within Texas, in particular, I think places like Marfa, Fredericksburg, and Austin will definitely see more visitors.”
Follow @jauntsandgemstravel on Instagram.