I have learnt that one of the biggest concerns that men and women of color have about international travel is a peace of mind and safety. So I did some research and put together a list of some of the best countries you can travel to as a black traveler:
Vietnam
Vietnam is a fascinating place to visit. It offers a unique blend of Chinese, Portuguese, and Japanese influences, which makes the country especially rich in culture. What many people truly love about Vietnam is how affordable it is to travel there. By taking advantage of hostels and local street food, you can save a significant amount of money. Vietnam is well known for its friendly locals, budget-friendly accommodations, and incredibly cheap yet delicious street food.
Greece
Greece is one of the best destinations for solo travel, and it was one of my favorite countries to explore alone. I spent nearly a week traveling through Greece, including time on the island of Crete. For solo travelers, Greece is incredibly easy to navigate. Many locals speak English, and the public transportation system is affordable, reliable, and simple to use.
Despite its reputation for being expensive, Greece can be very budget-friendly. By avoiding tourist sit-down restaurants, I found food to be surprisingly affordable. Local eateries and street food offered great value, and shopping at local markets helped me save even more. I also stayed in an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel, which significantly reduced my accommodation costs while still providing a comfortable place to stay.
Belgium
How could anyone not love a country where you can indulge in endless chocolate, beer, and waffles? Honestly, that’s what every vacation should include. Belgium delivers all of that and more, making it an unforgettable destination for food lovers and travelers alike.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Belgium is its central location in Europe. It’s perfectly positioned for easy day trips to nearby countries like France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Thanks to Europe’s efficient and reliable train system, getting around is simple and stress-free. On top of that, Belgium is an incredibly safe destination for couples, groups, and solo travelers, making it a great choice no matter how you like to travel.
Brazil
Brazil is home to one of the largest populations of people of African descent outside of Africa, which plays a powerful role in shaping the country’s culture. The blend of African and Portuguese influences is visible everywhere—from music and dance to religion, art, and everyday life. Travelers can immerse themselves in Brazil’s vibrant art scene, with museums, street art, and cultural festivals offering meaningful insight into the country’s history and creativity.
Brazilian food is another highlight and often described as both unforgettable and life-changing. From traditional dishes to regional specialties, the cuisine alone makes Brazil worth visiting. It is truly a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.
While Brazil offers incredible rewards, travelers should remain mindful of safety. Some cities can be dangerous at night, but daytime travel is generally safe when you stick to well-lit, busy areas. It’s best to avoid heavy drinking and walking alone in isolated parts of cities, especially after dark. With basic precautions, Brazil can be an enriching and unforgettable destination.
Iceland
Iceland is a stunning country that has rapidly grown in popularity among travelers. While it isn’t known for being budget-friendly, finding a good flight deal and getting creative with accommodations—such as guesthouses, hostels, or campervans—can make a trip to Iceland much more affordable.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations for people of color, especially Black travelers. It’s common to see photos of spa days, beach getaways, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites shared by travelers who fall in love with the country’s beauty and affordability. I even have a friend who spent an entire year studying abroad in Thailand and had nothing but positive experiences to share.
Like many Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is known for its welcoming and friendly locals who are often eager to help visitors feel comfortable. Another major draw is how affordable the country is for travelers. Budget-friendly accommodations can be found throughout Thailand, from bustling cities to laid-back beach towns. By skipping tourist restaurants and enjoying local street food, travelers can stretch their money significantly while still enjoying delicious, authentic meals.
Canada
Canada is widely known for being an accepting and progressive country, but what many people don’t realize is that several regions have large and diverse minority populations. This diversity is largely driven by immigration, as Canada’s immigration policies are generally more accessible than those in the United States. As a result, many people from majority-Black countries have established strong communities across Canada.
Toronto, in particular, is home to a large Caribbean Canadian population and is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the country. The city offers endless attractions for travelers, from world-class museums and galleries to a thriving food scene influenced by cultures from around the globe. Toronto’s art and music culture is especially strong, making it an exciting destination year-round. While winters can be brutally cold, the experience is absolutely worth it.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur the capital city of Malaysia is vibrant and full of energy. The city is known for its exciting nightlife, with options that fit almost any budget, making it a great destination for travelers looking to have fun without overspending.
Like many Asian countries, Malaysia is very affordable, from accommodations to food and transportation. Kuala Lumpur also offers impressive city views, and no trip is complete without spending time near the iconic Petronas Towers, where you can fully take in the stunning skyline and dynamic atmosphere of the city.
Japan
Traveling to Japan in a few months (can’t wait to share about my trip/experience). I have been doing some research and so far the recommendations are phenomenal. I have not yet come across any concerns regarding safety. Stay tuned, I will keep you posted about my trip to Japan:).
Curaçao
I would like to consider Curaçao as a much affordable version of Turks & Caicos. Curaçao is an island country in the Netherlands. We stayed at an all inclusive resort, so that helped cut down on food and drink spending. The people there are warm and friendly. Transportation is very affordable, most means of public transportation were less than $5. I would definitely visit again. They do have plenty of vendors trying to get you to buy something, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Overall it’s a beautiful island:).
I hope you find this helpful:). Thank you for reading!
With love,
Vicky.
Vicky‘s Blog 
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