Summer is here, which means it’s time to relax, recharge, and travel. The excitement you feel when you turn in your PTO, clock out, and slam the laptop shut before you head off to vacation is priceless. Imagine devouring creamy Alfredo pasta along the Amalfi Coast in Italy or eating fresh sushi from an otherworldly conveyor-belt restaurant in Japan. Travel is more than a destination; it’s a catalyst for community connection, deeper empathy, and improved wellness.
Unsurprisingly, Black travel experiences are still underrepresented in the travel industry. As a frequent Black traveler and travel coach, I, too, have asked, “What cities are safe? Where will I feel welcomed?” If you’re nodding in unison, you’re not alone.
Last year,MMGY Travel Intelligence released a groundbreaking study, in collaboration with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and the Black Travel Alliance, exploring the travel patterns and spending behaviors of Black travelers in the U.S. This study surveyed 2,000 Black leisure travelers, and here’s what they found.
Black travelers are spending some serious money — $145 billion annually, to be exact. We’re spending more on travel, and the industry is starting to take note. No longer are we looking for one-size-fits-all adventures; we’re looking for value-aligned, passion-driven experiences to spend our hard-earned dollars.
Before you start planning your next 2026 summer getaway, take a look at the travel trends we’re expecting to hit big this summer. Use this guide to help fuel your next wellness-focused getaway.
Cultural Hubs with a Strong African Heritage
Visiting destinations that amplify Black culture is top of mind for millennial travelers, according to this report. And nothing screams cultural hub more than a visit to the Motherland.
At the top of the list is Cape Town – a coastal city in South Africa known for its rich African heritage, world-class outdoor recreation, natural beauty, wildlife, and sun-soaked beaches. Visit the historic Robben Island and take a guided tour to learn about Nelson Mandela and other imprisoned political activists.
Curiocity–a collection of boutique Afro-inspired hostels that prioritize community, authenticity, and immersive experiences–makes it easy to plug in to the local community in Cape Town. Created by Bheki Dube, this socially conscious company is on a mission to connect Black travelers with genuine African adventures. They also have locations in Johannesburg.
Outside of Africa, one of the Blackest cities worth exploring is Salvador, Brazil. The capital of Bahia has a rich Afro-Brazilian culture. For instance, acaraje, a deep-fried black-eyed pea and shrimp fritter with roots steeped in West Africa, is a local staple.Bouyant Travel, a female Black-owned travel company, offers curated community trips to Bahia and other cities shaped by the African diaspora.
Adventure and Nature-Rich Destinations
Some of the top destinations for Black travelers all have one thing in common – nature, nature, nature. Why? Because nature is healing and its benefits have been well studied.
Almost half of the respondents preferred a vacation that blended beaches, cities, and nature, as Travel + Leisure points out. Think beach escapes, adventure-rich destinations, spa days, wellness retreats, and more.
Research explains that spending time in nature may enhance your mood, reduce stress, and strengthen your immune system. It also increases sleep duration and quality. A2018 study points out that greenspace exposure may significantly reduce diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and therisk of developing type II diabetes, which is more likely to show up in Black Americans.
Exploring a nature-rich destination may be the move if you’re looking to intentionally support your overall wellness with green (or blue) therapy.
Costa Rica is brimming with natural wonders, untouched nature, and beachy vibes. Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest are some of the top natural attractions you’ll find in the country. For island vibes, Barbados – a southeasternCaribbean island – is a paradise famous for its luxury resorts, silky-smooth sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Set sail on a catamaran to spend the day at sea or swim with gentle sea turtles in Carlisle Bay.
Community-Led Group Travel Experiences
Loneliness is quietly becoming an (unwanted) defining characteristic of the American lifestyle. According to a 2025 poll by theAmerican Psychological Association, 54 percent of U.S. adults feel isolated, 50 percent lack companionship, and 50 percent feel out of the loop. It’s clear people aren’t just lonely. They’re craving emotional connection and support. Community-led group travel experiences and communal spaces may be a solution.
If you’re looking to book group travel experiences, here are some Black-owned travel companies to keep on your radar.
The Wind Collective hosts immersive group trips blending adventure with culture. Think surfing and dance lessons in Dakar, Senegal, to fluffy llamas and steamy hot springs in Sajama, Bolivia.
Dipaways is all about soulful, luxury collaborative travel journeys, handling everything from start to finish. Some of their upcoming trips include a coastal escape to sunny California, exploring the vibrant Motherland of Accra, Ghana, and wandering ancient shrines and Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo, Japan.
Short, Quick Getaways
Whether you’re traveling by car or booking a last-minute flight, short getaways are necessary for recharging if you have a busy schedule. While both options are popular, there’s one clear winner for U.S. Black travelers – road trips. According to the report from MMGY Travel Intelligence, 79 percent of Black travelers traveled by car in 2023, with an average one-way distance of 247 miles. The message is clear: road trips are a popular choice for a quick getaway.
Road trips give you complete freedom and control of your schedule. You can wake up when you want and decide the route and stops. The convenience of packing healthy snacks and food you enjoy is a huge benefit. Plus, you avoid the strict airport structure that leaves some of us feeling more anxious than excited.
Enjoying the journey rings true here, and the open road is just good for the soul.
Final Thoughts and Tips for Black Travelers
While there is no one-size-fits-all travel hack, these emerging wellness travel trends are a great starting point if you’re looking for inspiration. Each travel style and preference works well, whether you’re craving a solo trip, a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a temporary home base for remote work.
Some of the top travel planning tips I share with my clients are to set your timeline and budget first. Afterward, pick your destination and build your itinerary from there. And if you still can’t decide, consider booking a certified travel coach to help you clarify your summer travel goals and intentions.
