Cheap travel is tempting—but it isn’t always affordable. Over the years, I’ve learned that many low-cost deals hide fees, stress, and sacrifices that can turn a dream trip into a frustrating experience. This post breaks down what to look for before you click “confirm” and how to travel smarter in 2026.

Some journeys are about discovery. Others are about remembrance. Visiting the Anne Frank House as a new traveler taught me that travel isn’t always about escape—it’s about bearing witness. On the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I’m reminded that movement has long been a tool for education, resistance, and truth. This is how travel became testimony—and why EbonyTravelers was built on lived experience.

Travel in 2026 isn’t about moving faster or checking more places off a list—it’s about moving with intention. From smarter airports and slower journeys to wellness-centered experiences and deeper cultural connection, the future of travel is asking us to be more present, more prepared, and more aligned. For travelers of color, 2026 represents a shift toward awareness, empowerment, and choosing journeys that honor both where we’re going and who we are becoming.

I’m sharing how a 16-day Hawaii cruise reminded me that growth in travel isn’t about chasing new destinations—it’s about choosing peace, honoring yourself, and learning how to travel well with the person beside you. Read with intention.

‍Government shutdowns don’t just disrupt flights—they disrupt lives. As a former flight attendant, I know firsthand how delays, reroutes, and cancellations impact the crew just as much as the passengers. Behind the polished uniforms are real people juggling families, finances, fatigue, and fear. During shutdowns, flight attendants bear the same chaos as travelers—often with even fewer safeguards. This week’s post shares the truth behind the galley curtain and why the people who care for travelers also need care themselves.

When paradise turns unpredictable, peace of mind becomes priceless. After hearing the stories out of Jamaica—damaged airports, stranded travelers, and jobs on the line—I was reminded why I never skip travel insurance. I always add it to every itinerary and back it up with my American Express Platinum card. It’s not just a safety net; it’s self-care in motion. Because while storms can cancel flights, they shouldn’t cancel your peace.

After years of chasing bucket-list destinations, I found peace on a simple road trip to Utah. For travelers of color who carry it all — the plans, the pressure, the people — this post is a reminder that rest is radical, and sometimes the best journey is the one that brings you home to yourself.

Not every discomfort on the road comes from long hours or bumpy highways—sometimes, it’s the weight of history still echoing in the names we pass. As a Black traveler, seeing the word ‘Sundown’ isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a caution.

Discover why the true value of travel isn’t in the cost, but in the memories we create with the people we love. In this EbonyTravelers blog, Dr. Donna shares why waiting for the “perfect” time or budget may mean missing the most unforgettable experiences.

Most people board a plane thinking only of the destination—not realizing the aircraft may have flown five times already that day, carrying hundreds of strangers with it. As someone who’s lived behind the curtain of air travel, I can tell you: what you don’t know matters.

Travel is in a state of chaos—not just for new travelers, but even for the most seasoned among us. And for Black travelers and travelers of color, the experience often comes with an extra layer of complexity.

I’ve been a wife, a mother, a flight attendant, and a caretaker. But solo travel reminded me that before all of that—I was me.

There’s something beautifully transformative about traveling alone. No expectations. No compromises. Just you, learning what you love, rediscovering your voice, and moving at your own pace. When you become the itinerary, you stop waiting for permission to live fully.

We travel—because, for many of us, it’s part of how we breathe. But in this new reality, it’s more important than ever to ask: Am I traveling to heal, or am I just trying to get away from what I don’t want to face?

If you’re only planning for your flight time, you’re missing the bigger picture. There’s the reality of navigating airports, delays, weather disruptions, and crowds—and that reality isn’t always picture-perfect. 

Traveling is often painted as the ultimate freedom—the chance to escape, explore, and experience new cultures.  But when you’re in an interracial relationship, the journey often comes with unspoken challenges. 

Don’t wait for “someday.”
Travel while you still can.
Not when it’s convenient. Not just in retirement.
Now—while the energy, health, and curiosity are yours.

Fear of flying is more common than most people admit, and it doesn’t mean you have to give up your love for travel.  It means you need the tools to manage your fear, reclaim your confidence, and keep going.

Whether it’s a surprise baggage fee at the airport, a last-minute taxi ride because the hotel shuttle stopped running, a hefty resort fee hidden in the fine print, or a cant-resist souvenir, unexpected expenses can sneak into any trip—and quickly blow your budget.

Whether you're flying internationally or simply returning home, today's travel landscape in the U.S. is increasingly hostile—especially for travelers of color. The choice is yours. But you deserve to fly when you're ready—when the skies are safer, the laws are fairer, and your humanity is recognized from check-in to customs.