Benvenuto! Bienvenue! Welcome!
December 28, 2012
Salut, and welcome to UrbanTravelGirl, a blog featuring my thoughts on black women living globally through international travel. I’m a passionate believer in the ability of travel to not only transform the way we see the world, but ourselves. As an African-American woman, I’ve developed an even stronger sense of who I am by visiting nearly 35 countries and territories — and by living outside the United States. I spent nearly one year working as a freelance writer in Florence, Italy and most recently lived in the charming French village of Samois-sur-Seine, a 40-minute train ride south of Paris. I don’t believe in letting other folks define ME — and you shouldn’t, either!
I hope to spark conversation among African-American women who love (or WANT) to travel abroad, who are never happier than when we’re in new and challenging foreign environments. I want to hear your comments about my trips – and I want to hear about yours. Wondering whether it’s cool to travel solo to Paris, or how you’d be received as a black woman in Rome? Put it out here and we UrbanTravelGirls will jump in and give you the scoop. Looking for some fab, locals-only restaurants and boutiques in Florence, Barcelona or Buenos Aires? I’ll dish about it and hope other chicas visiting here will also share.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there, hit the road, discover your own global bliss — and let’s chat about it!
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Hello Urbantravelgirl!
I am soooo happy to have stumbled upon your blog. I am traveling to Paris in the next few weeks and I am beyond myself. I am 26 years old and have studied french for 10 years or so and I am a nervous wreck that I won’t remember the language. Not only that but I am an African American cultured sista and I was told to beware. I hear they aren’t the nicest to African American women. Please give me a bit of insight and let me know of any great places to visit while traveling solo.
Thanks for your time.
Hi urbantravelgirl!
Firstly I’d like to say how exciting it is to think I’ve found my outer ego in you! Thanks for your posts!
2012 is coming to an end and I’ll be writing a post reflecting on bloggers who’ve inspired me in some way or another, during my short time (just 6 months) as a blogger.
And you’re one of them! I couldn’t find a contact page for you. Anyway hope it’s ok that I mention you. I’ll also give a link to your site.
Molto grazie/ merci beaucoup/ thank you very much!
travelmakerkai.wordpress.com
I just found your blog and I love it. I love the idea of you traveling and enjoying the globe. I’d love to have you as a guest on my radio show to discuss your world travels. Contact me if you are interested.
Hi Maureen,
I recently discovered your blog by searching for Black Americans traveling. You’re quite an exuberant inspiration. Thank you.
Please tell me if you have any suggestions:
I am American and my husband is Dominican, as in Dominica instead of Republica Dominica. In about 3 weeks we are making our first trip abroad to Madrid from our home on the East Coast. What I’m hoping is we could locate Black Americans that will be in Madrid as the same time as we. We will be in town for a total of 7 days so there will be plenty of time for alone time and romance. We think it would be neat to connect with others too though, especially since we don’t speak much Spanish at all. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Also, have you been to Dominica?
Buona sera, Jazzy — and PLEASE forgive my tardliness in answering your post.
How COOL that you’re a black man considering spending a year or more in ROME!! I’m sure there are brothers out there moving abroad — including to Italy — but I almost NEVER run into them or hear about them from friends here in the States. And BECAUSE of that, I’ve never heard of resources that specifically address African-American brothers who are thinking of relocating to Italy. While it’s really not the same thing, if you have any contacts that can put you in touch with black men who live/work on U.S. military bases in Italy, that would be a start. We know there are PLENTY of brothers in the service — and one would think overseas — so that would make sense. Most of them probably live on the base, but they SURELY spend some time getting around the surrounding towns and could give you a sense of how black American men are received (and it likely will be MUCH different than how AFRICAN men are treated). It’s not fair, but nationality makes a big difference — and being American often trumps skin color in countries like these.
As for good areas to live in Rome, it all depends on your budget and your lifestyle. Personally, I like the trendier and gentrifying areas like Trastevere and Testaccio, but there are lovely ‘burbs near Vatican City like Prati that offer more American-like flats and conveniences. But there are other interesting parts of town (albeit loud and busy) like those surrounding the popular and pricey Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona.
A book I’m rereading is called “Living, Studying and Working in Italy” by Travis Neighbor Ward and Monica Larner. Hopefully the book’s been updated since the 2003 Second Edition I have, but it’s a good place to start for info on visas, student life, working, etc.
If anyone knows of specific resources that an AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN interested in a move to Italy can check out, please holler!!
Good luck and keep in touch,
Maureen
Ciao, Latoya — and good for you and your daughter for so adventurously exploring the world! What a great example you’re setting for her at an early age.
There are LOTS of ways to make a living as a “location independent” professional — and I’m also investigating those myself. There are as many ways as there are people, but it all depends on the skill sets you bring, as well as the contacts you have in terms of finding folks who will pay you to do it. Teaching English is almost always an option, but if you do it without the backing of a school or program you’ll have to be creative about how you find students. Keep thinking and researching — and as long as you’ve got a reliable Internet connection that lets you keep in touch with clients via e-mail and Skype, you can make it happen.
So you’re setting off in JUNE for China? For how long do you plan to be gone? Is this your final destination or just the first stop of many?
Good luck and Happy Travels,
Maureen
Really glad to have found your blog. I’ve always had the spirit of travel, but didn’t know I could be the one to do it. After looking at pictures online I finally decided to leave a job and just go. I left on an eduational program to Mexico and stayed…for a long time. lol
I am venturing out again and taking my daughter who’s 12, to China. She is learning the language and I figured that the best way to do it was to get out and amongst the culture and immerse her in it. After this we will be going to France – I’ve already begun to teach myself french. I’m excited!
I applaud those who want to teach, but I do not want to do that. I want to find other ways to make money while traveling. I’ve begun to research ways to write, but am open to more – I’m a Jill of Many Trades (events, public relations, Marketing, sell ice to an eskimo, etc.). Do let me know of anything else I can do to make some money. We leave in June.
Glad to be amongst other urban travel girls! Finally!
Great Blog!! and I’m hoping you can help..
Do you know of any resources that describe (truthfully) the African-American Males experiences in Italy (spec. Roma)? I’m planning to study abroad for a year with the thought of a possible permanent move.
Any suggestions for a mature black man (While I am going back to school, I’m also in the throws of mid-life)
Also which Roman areas are worth considering for housing?
Maureen, hope you are enjoying your time in Southern France and italia. Enjoy the food, fashion and weather. Venessa, in milano, you can check out NH Milano. Modern hotel with one of the best breakfast menu.
OMG Maureen, I just came back from the supermarket and even though I’ve been in the US for a long time and I’m still in reverse culture shock!!
I guess you’ve gotten that after all of your trips but for me it’s a first and I’m still shocked years later.
We’ll definitely meet up on a plane bound for Italy (or maybe Sardinia – it’s all my husband talks about)
Ciao. ciao
Ellen
Ciao again, Ellen –
What’s that they say, “From your lips to God’s ears”? Let’s hope where there’s a will to get to the other side of the world full-time, there’s a way!!
So you guys have been gone from Italy for a WHILE, then? I’m sure the adjustment was tough for you AND Enzo, but VERY glad to hear that you’re happy in Jersey!!!
Hopefully our paths will cross again some time — perhaps on a flight to Italia?
Big hug,
Maureen
We left Italy in 2006 for NM and moved to Jersey in 2008 with my daughter. I miss Italy sometimes but I’m happy here.
I’m sure with your talented skills you’ll get to the other side of the world full-time.
Ciao, Ellen!!! OMG… what a blast from the past!! So you left bella Italia and moved to Jersey, eh? When did all this happen?
Yes, my dear — still writing and traveling and trying to figure out how to do it full-time from the other side of the world!!
Hope all’s well with your husband and your families — GRAZIE MILLE for reaching out!!!
Hugs,
Maureen
Ciao Mareen! I’m an old friend from your Florence days! (but now I’m living in NJ)
Glad to read that you’re still traveling and writing.
Buenos dias, bonjour et buon giorno, S — and muchas gracias/merci beaucoup/grazie mille for visiting my blog! Good luck to you as you’re starting your own… can’t wait to see it and add you to my blog roll!!
And yes, my sista — we DO travel the world!! Let’s hope more of us get out there and let it experience US as we experience this amazing planet of ours!
Happy Travels,
Maureen
Bonjour Maureen,
I happened to find your blog by weeding through some sites and blogs dedicated to African American travels. You see, I have been thinking of starting my own travel blog for the past couple of years – I am a HUGE procrastinator!
In any case, I have been generating ideas for content and how I would like my blog to look. Also, I am the throws of planning a trip to for me and my husband to Europe in May. Travel is always on my mind, so I was pleased to come across your blog – can’t wait to start sifting through your blogs and discovering your point of view about travel. Since you are the only other black woman who has visited Mendoza (the best 3 days of my LIFE), I know your blog will be a feast of discovery.
Thank you so much for being out there and showing the world WE do travel, not just to Jamaica and New Orleans.
Kind Regards,
S
HOLA, MelissaBee — and SO glad you visited UrbanTravelGirl! I’m also grateful that you found it motivating… we ALL need that. Even though we don’t see as many of us sisters out there traveling the world as we’d like, hopefully we can keep inspiring each other and our numbers will grow!
Love that you’re so willing to share your life with others, volunteering in far-off places to help folks you’ve never seen. May YOU inspire more of US to do the same!
Happy and Safe Travels,
Maureen
I stumbled across your blog and have been enjoying browsing through many of your recent and not so recent articles! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences to the world!
I am 22 myself and am getting my MS hopefully this summer in Computer Science. I have traveled abroad in Europe in about 10 countries over there with an ex-boyfriend and a group of friends before. Prague was my absolute favorite out of those. Unfortunately I have not been back since and my family is somewhat unsupportive of my decisions to travel and some have expressed negative jealousy, not the good envy type. Also I have to admit I was pretty scared to go at it alone.
Most of the travel experiences I want are more related to volunteering or working abroad rather than just being a tourist. Like one of the people one your blog said, I basically just bought the ticket to Thailand and am going to spend a month there alone doing volunteering with a reputable organization there, and will be living in and working with the hill tribes there. After I obtain my MS this summer I am just going to jump in and volunteer in Tanzania or Kenya for a few months to help teach English to native students.
I really just wanted to say thank you because it’s great to read your advice which has addressed some of my fears and concerns about traveling alone. And I also am glad to know I am not the only one who has noticed and is somewhat saddened to not see more Black Americans traveling, or even choosing to volunteer abroad. I will be keeping up with this blog. It’s been a great read, encouraging and motivational. I will surely pass this link on to other people who have felt similar ways. Thanks!
Salut, Vanessa –
So you’re living in Paris for the next year, then? If I’m reading that right, congratulations!! I’m heading to the south of France next month; still not sure whether I’ll be able to get to Paris for more than an airport change. Are you actually IN the city or living in the suburbs surrounding Paris?
You may be surprised, but I don’t have loads of info to offer on Milano. To be honest, it’s probably my least favorite Italian city, although I’ve been there a couple times. I remember staying at Hotel Sanpi, a four-star property well-located place near some of the city’s major shopping streets. But you DEFINITELY should check out 10 Corso Como, an incredible boutique/bookstore/cafe/concept space.
Of course, you’ll see the usual suspects: the Duomo (which always seems to be under construction); Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, regarded as the world’s first indoor shopping mall (it’s GORGEOUS!); the Santa Maria della Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (for which you need to buy advance tickets).
And if you’re into opera, getting a ticket to any production at the world-famous La Scala opera house would be a treat. It was undergoing renovations the last times I was there, so I never got to to do that.
Have a great time — let me know how it goes!
Arrivederci,
Maureen
Just happened upon your blog and find it amazing! Looks like Italy is your favorite. I have an opportunity for a long weekend in Milan soon, and am looking for suggestions on hotels, places to see, things to do, maybe a private guide. Three days is a short amount of time, and I want to make the best of it. Contact if you are ever in Paris; my husband is on an assignment here, probably for at least the next year. Keep the info coming!
Kia ora, Nicole!!
SO, so proud of you for taking yourself to New Zealand for your b-day… YAY!!! I’m glad my crazy adventures helped inspire you to JUST DO IT!! I’m with you, girl — I don’t believe in waiting for other folks to help me do my thing. Have passport, will travel — and will HAPPILY do it solo!
And how COOL that you saw some sistas in Christchurch! I’ve never been to New Zealand or Australia, but both are on the list. So much of the world to see, not enough time!!
Thanks AGAIN for visiting UrbanTravelGirl … and let’s keep inspiring EACH OTHER!!
Ka kite ano,
Maureen
p.s. And thanks for teaching me these two Maori phrases — love it!!!
Kia ora, Maureen!
Just returned from a trip to New Zealand for my birthday, and I had an amazing time in the land of kiwis. I was inspired by your blog and your travels to Italy for your special day. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a bday bash; I went solo and created my own party on foreign shores.
I didn’t see any black women in Queenstown, New Zealand, but saw several sistas having dinner and out and about in Christchurch. I love that we are being adventurous and seeing more of the world.
Keep up the great work!
Ka kite ano,
Nicole
ALOHA, Green Afro Diva — and thanks so much for finding UrbanTravelGirl and visiting!
One of the underrated benefits of serving in the military is the chance to see so much of the United States — and ideally, the world. Can’t wait to check out your blog on Hawaii. I’ve only been there once — spent most of our time in Honolulu but fell in love with Maui on a day trip — I’ll have to get some tips from you on where to go!!!
Happy Travels,
Maureen
I found your blog under black people travel too. I enjoy your content and will be adding you to my blog. Hopefully, we will get to hear about more of your travels. I was blessed to have served in the military and therefore, got to see Hawaii, arizona, and missouri. Here’s the link to my stay in Hawaii for almost 4 years http://greenafrodiva.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/travel-and-kultureclub-living-in-paradise/
Hola, Kemi — and AMEN, AMEN, AMEN to everything you just said, girl!!! There’s nothing like leaving your comfort zone to find comfort, ironically enough — and I’m never more at home than when I leave the States.
You’re so right — more of sisters need to do it, and do it more often! There’s a big world out there waiting to be met!
Safe travels,
Maureen
I found your blog by accident while trying to google “African American travel gudies”. As a 20-something African-American woman, I have been blessed to travel through Europe, South America, and Asia. This summer I will be doing a backpacking trip through Europe and I’m excited! I remember going to Europe for the first time and my family and friends were worried about me, more than my non-black friend’s parents were for them! We’ve grown up with this fear of racism and biogtry abroad, it does exist, but most of it is in our head. If you learn the customs beforehand and treat the locals with respect, you will be treated the same.
I remember being in Greece and the men would come up to me and say how beautiful I was, not in annoying way, and I thought that was nice. Being black in downtown Tokyo didn’t raise any eyebrows, in fact they wanted pictures of me because there aren’t many black people in Japan and asked me questions about America. In Italy I made long lasting friends with an Italian family while enjoying some good wine. Sweden I was welcomed with open arms and plenty of herring.
I wish that more African-Americans, especially women, were more comfortable in traveling abroad. You’d be surprised on what you will learn!
Love your blog, it’s so inspiring
Yes I know, Italy’s 4 star is 2 star here. I did find from my previous trip that the mattress’ are not like the ones here. They can be very hard.
I spent a few nights tossing and turning. My bed in Rome was THE worst.
Where are the Lago di Como travelers !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ciao again, Gwen —
GREAT news that you’ve been able to find reasonable apartments in Lake Como. (Just remember that a super-cheap place may be too bare-bones for your taste… and it’ll probably be tough to change apartments once you get there if you’ve pre-paid for it.) Website photos can sometimes be misleading.
But I’m totally with you on winning the Lotto! If I did, I’d probably want to pick up a piece of real-estate heaven in Italia, too!
Maureen
I’ve been looking at tons of apartments (budget) in Como area
as well as how to get there. I have found some as cheap as
$350. per week. I ready to leave NOW.
Lawd please let me hit the lotto so I can buy a aprtment in Italy, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
BEAUTIFUL photos.
Ciao, Gwen — and thanks for visiting! You know, in all my getting around Italy I have NEVER been to the Lake Como/Italian Riviera. Hopefully some UrbanTravelGirl readers who HAVE can help you out!
And YES — I have heard about CouchSurfing.org. GREAT concept, but I’m with you: not so crazy about the idea of staying on someone’s sofa. But it’s not because I’m a terrified American, thinking everyone’s out to do me in. I just prefer staying in hotels, B&Bs, rented apartments, etc., when I travel. Even when friends insist I stay at their places, I graciously decline as often as I can. I cherish my freedom when I travel, and you give that up when you’re bunking at someone else’s place. But perhaps there’s an UrbanTravelGirl reader who’s done CouchSurfing and loved it.
If you’re out there, do tell!
Maureen
Hello,
I’m looking to return to Italy and spending a month, going to rent and apartment. I’m looking a spending a least a week or possibly 2 up in the Lake Como Bellagio area and would love to connect with and receive info from anyone who has been to Como.
Heh, Maureen have you heard of the website Couch Surfing ?? Looks interesting though not sure if I’d want to stay on someone’s sofa :<
i am an african american woman who will be travelling to rome paris and london solo this summer. would love insight on what to expect for my own experience!
Kelly,
GREAT point!! And these days, when anyone with access to a computer can start a blog, WHY NOT create one about travel if you aren’t a professional writer and don’t have a way to get yourself published (yet) in major publications? Not that I’m trying to generate more competition (LOL!), but blogging is a GREAT way to develop your voice and share your perspective.
And if you build up a strong enough following, then perhaps you WILL be invited to take some of those “free trips” Kelly mentioned. “Traditional media” these days now includes influential bloggers and website writers, so try to make yourself one of those!
Good luck,
Maureen
Jubilee,
Don’t let money stop you from traveling. Find a way to get PAID to travel. That’s what I did and so did Maureen.
Learn how to become a travel writer. If you’re not in a city that offers courses, take an online course via http://www.mediabistro.com. Granted, I had a head start and had been writing for major newspapers and magazines for nearly 20 years before I decided to add travel writing to my repertoire but regardless what your background is, if you can get published then there is an abundance of free trips awaiting you. Do research which media outlets allow “freebies,” as they are viewed as unethical by some and banned by some outlets.
And if you can’t write then find a job that still allows you to travel but where you don’t have to write.
Good luck and happy traveling!
And Maureen, keep inspiring us to see the world and in turn have the world see us!
I DREAM (literally) of traveling all the time. How can one afford these trips? Are there programs that sponsor?
Hello Im glad to hear about your aventures and I have been to paris and italy and fell in love and did not want to come back to the states and this was in 99. Ive been traveling since and looking forward to going to Japan.
Your blogs arouse my interests in travelling !
Hi Maureen! Hope you’re doing great. I’m trying to reach you via email. Can you please drop a line to augustgreen [AT] hotmail [DOT] com.
Thanks so much!!
There is a thread over at crazyguyonabike about what to expect as a ultra long range bicycle tour around the world by an African-American. Maybe you could pop in and give your thoughts.
very well written..keep posting
Maureen, I saw your info on Paris recently in the Jet and just passed it on to a “sister friend” who is traveling to Paris in April.
My husband and I love to travel and are heading to Italy (I knew I would get your attention!) in November. It is a Chamber of Commerce planned trip but will leave us ample time to explore. We will be staying in Tuscany, Montecatini specifically. Hotel – The Grand Hotel Vittoria. Any suggestions, recommendations, “must see”, would be so, so greatly appreciated. Will be heading to Rome ( Beverly Hills Hotel) on the back end for 2 days
Ciao,
Susan
Dr. Donna,
YES, I remember you! And I’m totally flattered you’d like to speak to me about UrbanTravelGirl! I’ll e-mail you offline, but would LOVE to do it. Thanks so much for thinking of me!
Maureen
Maureen,
I am a follower of your blog whose married to a Black Brit (trying to jog your memory a bit) and I am starting a scholarly article on Black Women traveling abroad by focusing on bloggers specifically. I want to focus on the relative absence of Black women from dialogues about travel and how bloggers like yourself are opening up a new realm of possibilities for Black women. This article is for Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal and if accepted, the article will be published in Spring 2011. I’d like to set up some email correspondence with you to ask you about starting the blog, your readership and what you see as the future for Black women and travel.
Thanks,
Donna
you are so lucky to have traveled all over the world. I wish I could do the same
I love your blog! I really do!
I’m a 22 year old from Texas, and I’m moving to Spain next month to teach English at a high school in Madrid proper. Yours and the other travel blogs by other Black women inspired me to start my own: haveshoeswilltravel.tumblr.com (you’re on my blog roll! lol)
Any quick tips that you could share for my big move? I’m a pretty outgoing person, but reading about all the stereotypes placed on Black women abroad has me a tad anxious. Not to mention my hair!! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!
Paz y Amor,
Daniele
Wow, I’ve been looking for a blog like this for a while. I’m 19 and always been an “anywhere but here” kind of person. Traveling for me holds the promise of freedom that I have only dreamed of. I’ve only been to France but can you say amazing?! Now, I’m looking into couchsurfing. As horrible as it sounds, there’s something very beautiful about getting past the distrust of myself. It has encouraged me to be more open. Now, I look up the price of tickets anywhere. I don’t care where I go but I long to go. Of course, I wonder how I will be perceived. I am so excited though as my friends put it ” to show the world big hair.” Can’t wait to read more of your blog!
Ciao, MsBeautySoul –
SO glad you stopped by my blog… and I’ll look forward to checking out yours! We world-travelling sisters must help each other out, yes?
Maureen
I found you on Kiritiana’s blog… So happy to have found so many black travel blogs through that site. I’ve been searching and searching and finding these dry ass white middle ass blogs so this feels like Christmas… I’m black British and been onsessed with travelling ever since I got my first passport aged 18…
Salut, Robyn!
Your note nearly brought me to tears. THIS is why I wanted to start this blog, for us to encourage EACH OTHER to get out there and experience the world for all it has to offer. And the fact that you did it at age 50 is even COOLER. So, so grateful for whatever small role this blog and the women who comment have played in inspiring your trip of a lifetime.
It most DEFINITELY is OK … and please write back and tell me what you think of Paris. I’ll bet the city will blow your mind (you MAY not decide to make that flight back home!).
Bonne chance, ma cherie!
Maureen