Dear Traveling Black Girls: Make friends, make memories, and take risks, because you can!

Sometimes, we just need a break!

And, while vacations are often relaxing, they definitely have the potential to be both eye-opening and liberating. In the summer of 2019, my two best friends and I headed off to Panama City, Panama for a trip we all agree to be one of the best experiences of our lives. While the gorgeous scenery and tropical dishes were a plus, the truly unforgettable aspect was realizing the unique influence of travel. In only five days, I witnessed friendships growing, Black feminine beauty being celebrated, and the gratification of taking risks, all while experiencing another part of the world.

When friends become family...

In desperate need of a break after completing my first year of graduate school, I joined two of my closest friends together for a much-needed vacay. Although they had never met, I didn’t feel nervous about embarking on an international adventure as a trio; I just had a feeling it would work. As soon as they met, 15 minutes before boarding the plane, the two were exchanging jokes and outfit ideas. After letting out a small sigh of relief, I smiled, knowing this was only the beginning.

As three traveling Black girls, walking through the Historic District of Panama, we instantly felt protective of one another. After enduring the “get to know you” phase, our dynamic quickly grew into a sisterhood. We hyped each other up before walking out the door in our Pinterest-inspired looks, shared ceviche and acai bowls, split Uber bills and even swapped clothes. And, when we weren’t exploring the city, we stayed up until 2:00 AM in our Airbnb dancing to City Girls and sharing stories about our exes. Besides the occasional, “I’m alive” text, we hardly spoke to family back home - we were having too much fun together! When you’re abroad, the people you’re with ARE your family. Each day I noticed myself becoming closer to each of my besties, while the two of them developed a friendship of their own. Although unspoken, we all upheld the commitment to remain present. As the trip progressed, those special moments continued to occur, the vibes steadily flowed, and our connection grew.

When Black beauty can’t be denied...

Now, Black queens with brown skin, curves that kill, and natural hair that kinks and curls, come to Panama and catch this praise! While music videos and social media may show standards of “Black beauty” as racially ambiguous or mixed women - there, Black women turn heads and stop traffic, literally. Cars and taxis would pull over to the streets we walked on just to compliment us. I cannot deny, it felt amazing to be celebrated, not just for being educated, or fighting injustice, but for the intricacy of our womanhood. We weren’t shamed for our hair, skin tone, or bodies. We were uplifted each day. Being showered with flattering compliments from the people of Panama did not validate us, but rather added to our enjoyment. The energy was so positive that it made us want to go out and explore the city even more. Feeling beautiful in a place so far away from home was comforting and provided us with a level of confidence that heightened our experience as tourists.

When the soul craves adventure...

A true vacation abroad really isn’t complete without an excursion that tests your limits. For us, that was hiking a 3-mile trail at the only wildlife refuge in the city. The temperature was hot and wildly humid, and the uphill climb was brutal, but more than worth it. Reaching the end of the trail was invigorating. Every morning of the trip I felt nervous; I was in a foreign city with minimal knowledge of the language, no parents to “protect” me, and constant fear of what could happen. However, I instilled a large amount of trust in my friends, as well as in myself. The trip was a defining moment for both my independence and my adulthood. As I stood at the top of the trail, looking over Panama City, I felt blessed to be on this journey, accompanied by amazing friends, brave enough to take on this journey with me.