Traveling While Black: What You Need to Know
At GoldWing Getaways, we flag certain destinations not to discourage travel, but to empower Black travelers — especially Black Americans — to make informed choices.
The reality? Some places still treat Black skin with suspicion, exoticism, or outright hostility. We don’t ignore that — we build travel plans around it.
If you're heading somewhere with a known track record of anti-Blackness, we:
Vet hotels, hosts, and guides for inclusivity and respect
Avoid police-heavy zones or “tourist traps” known for profiling, scamming, or harassment
Recommend Black-owned businesses and safe, welcoming communities when possible
Tell the truth — not sugarcoated brochure talk
Places Where Traveling While Black Deserves Extra Caution
These countries have documented issues with anti-Black racism, over-policing, or racial discrimination. Some are still worth visiting — but only if you go prepared and protected.
High Risk or High Friction Destinations:
China – Racial profiling, public harassment, and anti-Black sentiment (especially in Guangzhou)
Russia – Open racism, violent far-right groups, and reported assaults on Black travelers
Italy – Especially in the North: verbal harassment, microaggressions, and deadly incidents like the murder of Alika Ogorchukwu in 2022
France – Police profiling, systemic racism, and colonial microaggressions
Greece – Rise in far-right groups, discrimination in nightlife and rural towns
Japan – Colorism and foreigner bias; treated as a novelty, followed in stores
South Korea – Microaggressions, stares, rude curiosity; more intense outside Seoul
Mexico – Shakedowns by corrupt police, colorism, and class-based bias
Brazil – Deep racial inequality; Black tourists often mistaken for locals and targeted by police
Argentina & Chile – Very white-presenting societies; Black travelers report feeling alienated or exoticized
Germany – Rise in nationalist hate groups, border/police profiling
Australia – Casual racism toward Black people, alongside a deeply racist legacy toward Indigenous people
Spain – Subtle racism in nightlife and customer service; Afro-Spanish folks still fighting visibility
These aren't always “do not go” countries — but they are “know before you go”.
Because when you travel Black, the world doesn’t always treat you like a guest.
We do.