Whether your travel items need an update after spending quarantine in storage, or you just want to treat yourself to something new to prepare for your next trip, we're here to help you find the perfect products and businesses to help make your vacations as wonderful as possible.
This Black History month, we want to spotlight Black-owned travel businesses, organizations, and products that you can show your support for. Be sure to check out any one of these as you prepare for the upcoming trips of your dreams.
1. Black Girl Sunscreen
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Black Girl Sunscreen is a sunscreen brand started by Shontay Lundy, dedicated to creating a sunscreen formula that protects skin of all colours while not leaving behind the white residue from most other sunscreens that plagues darker skinned people.
Not only is this sunscreen more accessible to people with darker skin, but it also uses natural ingredients to moisturize, while leaving out synthetic allergens and unhealthy preservatives like parabens and silicone. On top of that, the formula is vegan and cruelty free. This brand is truly dedicated to being as environmentally conscious as possible.
BGS even has a line of sunscreen dedicated to children, proving this is the perfect sunscreen product for everyone!
2. Tote & Carry
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If you’re looking for a streamlined but still fashionable bag to take with you on your next trip, then Tote & Carry is the perfect brand to begin your search. Tony Dennis, also known as The Stitch Doctor online, founded Tote & Carry with his friend and business partner Tony Rey, and together they created a beautiful brand of voguish luxury bags and accessories.
The best part is that in addition to travel bags and suitcases, Tote & Carry also has a wide array of handbags, purses, and other casual accessories, meaning there’s always an opportunity to sport one of these high-fashion products.
3. Jade Swim
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With dozens of different fabric styles, colors, and silhouettes, Jade Swim almost certainly has the swimsuit for you. These minimalist designs, brought to you by owner and stylist Brittany Kozerski, are innovative and beautiful, making them perfect to wear no matter the occasion.
What’s really nice about this brand is their dedication to sustainability. Everything they produce is sustainable, as they use only organic, recycled, or regenerated materials to protect oceans and prevent pollution even down to the wrapping they ship their items in. If you’re an environmentally conscious person, then this brand truly is perfect for you.
4. Ashya
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Founded by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, this brand brings stylish and unique travel bags and passport holders to the table. Each design is distinctive and chic, making anyone who carries one of their accessories certain to look fashionable.
Their passport holders are leather imprinted with stunning square designs, and created to be conveniently carried around without the fear of losing it. This really is the perfect product for international travel, as it allows you to have your passport in an easy-to-reach location without allowing it to be dropped or stolen.
5. Curiocity
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If you’re ever looking to book a trip to South Africa, Curiocity is the perfect hotel agency to book it with. Currently with locations in three major cities across the continent, and plans to expand even further, Curiocity provides beautiful and relaxing spaces in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Cradle of Humankind.
Be sure to look through their bookings in all three cities, because each city has uniquely designed rooms. Our personal favourite is their Cradle farmhouse, as it’s the perfect combination of relaxation and appreciation of nature.
6. Kingdom of Mel
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This shop offers clothing and accessories, but where it really shines are it’s stunning travel bags. The wide variety of beautiful and unique designs, many of which are African-inspired, will leave you wanting for nothing. There are styles for everyone, from loud and proud colors, to more simple, minimal designs, though it shines most in the former.
These spacious travel bags are perfect for all manners of travel, whether it be for airplane use or just to take the beach. They can also be used casually, and would make a perfect gym bag. There really is no reason not to treat yourself to one of these stunning African-inspired duffels.
7. E Marie
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E Marie has a wide variety of products perfect for travel comfort. Whether you’re looking for a cozy but easily portable blanket to carry around the airport, an eye mask to help you get must needed rest between the mayhem of traveling, or a comfortable hoodie perfect for helping you weather that chaos while still looking chic, E Marie is the royalty of airport comfort.
The best part is that even when you’re not traveling, these products are still ideal for every-day use, which means you’ll always be benefiting from them. Besides, you don’t want to miss out on the Journey Hoodie that was listed as one of Oprah’s Favourite Things in 2021!
8. LIHA Beauty
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Combining traditional Yoruba formulas with English aromatherapy, Liha Okunniwa creates beautifully scented, moisturizing fusions with the help of her friend and business partner, former Olympic sprinter Abi Oyepitan.
Although this company isn’t specifically made for travel, their moisturizing products are perfect to handle the effects that changing climates can have on your skin. On top of that, they have a travel essentials kit filled with every item you could possibly need to take self-care to the next level while also ensuring your trip is relaxing and perfect.
Happy Black History Month!
Although this is the perfect opportunity to lift up Black voices and companies, be sure to support them year-round! No matter the time of year, you can use these Black-owned products or services to plan or prepare for your dream vacation.
If you know any Black-owned businesses, be sure to show your support for them in the comments!
Happy travelling :)
P.S. Don't forget to check out our MiTravel Planning Board to begin your stress-free group vacation planning. Happy planning!
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