me & riding the train go together real bad ❤️ 🚂
Also note: anyone can be a princess in my book soooo you book that train ride yet? 👑👀
#traintravell #traintraveller #traintrip #trainstagram #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel
What does safety mean to you?
I get questions about safety as a Black woman, solo traveler, train traveler, etc. often and sometimes I don’t know if my insight is helpful or harmful 😅
But here are 3 tips I swear by no matter what:
❤️ Sending my loved ones my itinerary (especially contact info of accommodations)
🗺️ Sharing my location with my loved ones
🚗 Using the pin code feature on my Uber app to make sure I’m getting in the right rideshare
I’ve also broken a lot of the “solo travel safety” rules as I’ve gained more confidence over the years - but that’s a video for another day!
#travelsafety #solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveler #traintravel #traintraveller #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #womenwhotravel #womenwhoexplore
Tips and all the things I ate and did in Toronto 🇨🇦👇🏾
🚂 TRANSPORTATION: I booked my @viarailcanada ticket from Niagara Falls to Toronto. It runs once a day and takes about 2 hours!
🏨 STAY: @ode_toronto felt very homey! It’s more apartment style than a hotel which I loved and located off Dundas St. West which is a good central location if you don’t have a car
😋 EAT: Ka-Space Cafe @allwoodmrkt, @butterandspicebakeshop, @theheartbreakchef, @afrobeatkitchen and @conejonegro_to - there are so many West African and Caribbean fusion spots that sounded so good & I didn’t even get through my entire list 😅
✊🏾 ACTIVITIES: @heritagetoronto’s Being Black on King Tour, BAND Gallery & if you happen to be in town for their festivals go to Afrofest in July and Caribana in August!
Also wear comfortable shoes like @teva because I did so much walking!
#solotrip #toronto #solofemaletravel #blackgirlstravel #traintrip #traincation #foodie #womenwhotravel
What’s your “everything?”
Hiii 👋🏾 my name is Sojourner and yes I indeed just be doing everything!
But don’t let social media fool you - I have a 9-5 job as a remote social worker, I’m paying off my student loans, and when I’m not traveling I’m a homebody 😇
However some of my favorite travel experiences recently have been:
🇬🇹 Hiking volcanoes for pizza with @pizzapacayadedavid in Antigua, Guatemala
🇲🇽 Taking the @josecuervoexpress tequila train ride from Guadalajara to Tequila, Mexico
🇰🇪 Going on a 7-day safari in Kenya with @intrepidtravel
🇨🇴 Dancing in a champeta class with @blacklegacyexperiences and a cooking class with @airbnbexperiences in Colombia
I hope you find your “everything” that makes your life exciting too! And all my (free) travel guides to these places are linked in my bio ✨
Audio is from @_mmmarqui
#blackgirlstravel #womenwhoexplore #traintravel #womenthathike #solofemaletraveler #blackgirlstraveltoo #womenwhotravel #blacktravel
An adventurous, luxurious & delicious guide to a solo trip to Niagara Falls ✨
So here’s some itinerary recommendations for you:
🚂 TRANSPORTATION: Take the @amtrak Maple Leaf from NYC to Niagara Falls! (See previous video for more information). You can catch the tourist bus at various stops or rideshare around Niagara Falls.
🏨 ACCOMMODATIONS: Splurge on a room with a view @marriott_fallsview hotel & spa (I did not regret it)
🌊 ACTIVITIES: Ziplining with @wildplayniagarafalls, night boat tour & fireworks with @niagaracruises, pasta making class with @terramia_pastaclasses and a spa day @burningspringsniagara
🥞 EAT: @hilitedowntown, The Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen @oldstoneinnnf, and @zappispizzeria
And don’t forget your passport to go on the Canadian side!
#solotrip #niagarafalls #solofemaletravel #blackgirlstravel #traintrip #traincation #visitniagara #solotravel
Would you take the train to Niagara Falls?
I did and here’s some things you should know when planning your train trip!
I wouldn’t say it’s the most scenic route but if you’re new to train travel it’s a good one to help you get used to it 🚂
#traintravel #traintraveller #traintrip #niagarafalls #amtraktrain #trainstagram #traintrips #amtrakgram
Happily eating your way through the Minneapolis streets post-train trip 😋 >>>>
So here’s some itinerary recommendations:
🛏️ ACCOMMODATIONS: Try something new with @sonderstays apartment hotels in the North Loop
🥘 EAT: @breakfastbarofmn, @thegetdowncoffeco, @thedrippingroot, @midtownglobalmarket, @owamni, and @kkc_creamcafe
✨ ACTIVITIES: It was raining a lot on my solo trip but I visited Minnehaha Falls and was a big ole kid at Mall of America!
#solotrip #minneapolis #solofemaletravel #blackgirlstravel #traincation #traintraveller #traintrip #usatravel
Did you know @amtrak has a new route in the Midwest?
The Amtrak Borealis starts in Chicago and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota which is only 20 minutes from Minneapolis (aka the Twin Cities). Here are some things to know if you are debating coach vs. business class or taking the Borealis.
Also obsessed with the teriyaki seaweed snacks from @gimmeseaweed and my new @eaglecreek gear warrior xe 4-wheel carry-on luggage which was #gifted!
Have you ever taken a train in the U.S? Would you be down for a shorter route like this?
#traintravel #traintraveller #traintrip #trainstagram #amtraktrain #amtrakgram #amtrakborealis #traintravelling #traintravels
These aren’t Noah’s giraffes from the ark 😂😅🦒
So if you’ve ever wanted to feed the giraffes in Kenya, you need to watch this video!
This is an experience for the bucket list! And a fun one to do around Nairobi. Entry is $12 and they only take card so save your cash. I coordinated it (and transportation) with my @intrepidtravel guide the morning of but they recommend booking a week in advance.
Have you ever wanted to feed giraffes? And did y’all know about the tongue situation cause I was unprepared?!
Oh and welcome to my fun new travel series to inspire y’all to use that PTO!!
#travelplanning #travelplanner #traveltips #visitkenya #giraffecenter #giraffemanor #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #womenwhoexplore
If you’re wondering what the meals on Amtrak trains are like…I got you!
Since I normally book the private rooms all my meals are included when I do a cross-country, overnight train ride. Also note that the menus change.
So here are some of the best and worst ones I’ve had. All were from West Coast trains: Empire Builder, Coast Starlight & California Zephyr.
What do y’all think about train food? 👀
#traintrip #traintravel #traintraveller #traintrips #trainstagram #amtraktrain #amtrakgram #traintravelling
How do you pack for a train ride?
…well here are some recommendations on what to bring!
✅ My rollie is by @eaglecreek and my backpack is @ebagsonline
✅ The travel steamer is an underrated travel investment - especially if you wear lots of dresses, skirts & big t-shirts while traveling
✅ Clothing obviously varies based on the season, but lightweight flowy pants are universal year round on the train. Very breathable!
✅ Slip on shoes and slippers (not in the video) are also helpful to let your feet breath with ease - and @teva platforms are the summer travel sandal you neeeed
If you are taller and can carry more stuff a checked bag may work, but I’m 5’1 so it’s a no go lol
And cameo by @theawkwardtraveller and background music is From the South by @sarah2ill c/o @epidemicsound ✨
Any other train travel questions?
#traintrip #traintravel #traintraveller #traintrips #trainstagram #amtrakgram #traintravels #traintravelling
Surviving cross-country train rides is my super power at this point - whether solo or not.
So here are some tips and tricks to survive your cross-country, overnight train ride experience!
#traintrip #traintravel #traintraveller #traintrips #trainstagram #solotravel #amtraktrain #amtrakgram
Additional California trains to add to your bucket list (that are on mine too):
🍷 Napa Valley @winetrain - Located in Napa, enjoy a luxury experience in vintage Pullman rail cars for 36 miles. They also have “Tasting on the Rails” packages with a 7-course tasting menu for wine and foodie lovers.
🌲 @skunktrain - Located in Fort Bragg & Willits in Mendocino County this a train (or railbikes) through the Redwoods and into the Noyo River. All their trains are two hours or less - including a Whiskey Train ride and a Christmas Express.
🚂 @sacramentoriverfoxtrain - Located on the Sacramento River in Yolo County this train in 10 miles total. Special train experiences they provide include a Murder Mystery Train, the Old Vine Express, the Pumpkin Patch express and more. They also offer railbike rides.
⛰️ @yosemite_steam_trains - Located in Fish Camp, this train offers rides through the Sierra National Forest. Their train experiences include the Halloween Limited, the Yosemite Jazz Train, and more.
Which train would you do?
#traintrip #traintravel #traintraveller #traintrips #trainstagram #amtrakgram #amtrak #amtraktrain #visitcalifornia #travelcalifornia #californiatravel
Why is it important for Black Americans to visit African countries?
That was the question I decided to focus on for my storytelling assignment in Kenya as part of @intrepidtravel x @nomadnesstribe’s BIPoC Mentorship Program for up and coming travel creators!
As a Black American one of my favorite parts of traveling is learning about Black people’s history around the world. In recent years this has taken me across the mainland U.S, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Colombia. And my dream one day is to spend a few months traveling through West Africa to countries like Ghana, Benin, and Senegal, and visit Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.
Our history is everywhere and traveling this far to experience Kenyan culture was such a privilege. So I hope to be able to do more trips like this in the future!
What are some African countries you would want to visit?
#blacktravel #blacktravelmovement #travelingblackwomen #blackgirlstraveltoo #blacktravelers #blacktravelista #travelingwhileblack #blacktravelers
How do you decide what to bring on a train trip vs a plane trip?
…and resist the urge to not buy more things every time you leave the house 😅
As much as I love trains I can’t take them everywhere. So on a recent trip to Kenya I had pack a bit more strategically. Here are some other things you may want to bring:
- Dramamine & ginger chews: I don’t get motion sickness on planes or trains, but if you do you may want to bring these
- Compression socks: I Ihaven’t found a pair that hasn’t made my feet hurt, but if you need them on a plane you may want to bring them on a train
- Travel blanket & pillow: perfect for getting comfortable on a plane or train if you get cold
#travelessentials #airporttravel #traintravel #traintrip #traintraveller #traintravel #travelessential #airportdiaries
Are you someone who is a country repeater? 👀
Or do you like going to a new country every time you’re on vacation?
Sometimes one visit is all you got. But if I have the opportunity, I love visiting places twice! It can feel like two completely different cultural experiences. All clips are from various trips Mexico over the years 🇲🇽
It’s also sad to hear that cities in Mexico are being pressured to change aspects of their culture for tourists. Like if I go to Mexico City and there’s no spicy tacos and live music while I’m eating I’m getting y’all 😭
But what do y’all think? Sound off in the comments!
#traveltips #culturalappreciation #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #blackgirlstraveltheworld #mexicotravels #visitmexico #travelplanning
A summer train ride is in your future - so take these tips to plan your trip!
Here’s a few rail passes to have on your radar (and mine possibly too - I haven’t tried them yet 👀):
@amtrak rail pass - U.S
@eurail pass - Europe
@jrailpass - Japan
@korail_official_ - South Korea
And I haven’t used them yet, but @railbookers is a resource to know to book a full train trip!
#traintravel #traintrip #trainstagram #traintravels #traintravelling #traintraveller #traintrips #traintravels
Summer 2024 train travel season is comingggg 🚂👀
[comment the number(s) of the train(s) you’d take]
I filmed this back in January to hold myself (and my bank account 🥴) accountable to my 2024 train travel dreams
Here is the list from the video to save for your adventures too:
1. ✅ @josecuervoexpress - Guadalajara to Tequila, Mexico 🇲🇽
2. @amtrak Adirondack - NYC to Montreal 🇺🇸 🇨🇦
3. @alaskarailroad Denali Star Train - Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska 🇺🇸
4. McKinley Explorer via @alaskatourandtravel - Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska 🇺🇸
5. @whitepassrailroad & Yukon Railway - Skagway, Alaska 🇺🇸
6. Napa Valley @winetrain - California 🇺🇸
7. @glacierexpress.ch - Zermatt to St. Mortiz, Switzerland 🇨🇭
8. @berninaexpress.ch - Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy 🇮🇹🇨🇭
9. Belle Epoque - Montreux to Zweisimmen, Switzerland 🇨🇭
So you adding to any of these to your list?
#traintrip #traintraveller #traintravels #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlstraveltoo #traintravelling #traintravel #traintrips
The @chepeexpress was one of my favorite train trips! It’s great if you like train rides, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and exploring the outdoors. Some other things to note:
🇲🇽 I did this solo but I was one of few who I met. I saw a tour group with @gate1travel if you wanted to travel with others. It’s a bit difficult to plan solo but not impossible.
🇲🇽 Hotel El Mirador was $275+ per night and had a shuttle you can take from the train station
🇲🇽 Hotel Divisadero is $200+ per night and is within walking distance from the station.
🇲🇽 Both hotels offer food packages in addition to the rooms and can help you coordinate your visit to go to the adventure park and other activities they offer
🇲🇽 Copper Canyon is home to the Rarámuri (also called the Tarahumara) people so always be respectful of the land
🇲🇽 The train leaves and returns on certain days so check the website to coordinate which route makes sense for you
I treated this as a slow vacation so I had lots of downtime and alone time. If you’re looking for a party train check out my other video on the Jose Cuervo Express!
What do we think about this one? Yay or nah? 👀
#trainstagram #traintravelling #traintrips #traintraveller #traintrip #traintravels #solotrip #solotravel
Some train trips don’t always go as planned, so here are some mistakes I’ve made on train trips that can help you train travel with ease!
Trains mentioned:
🇺🇸 @amtrak California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, California (52 hours long)
🇲🇽 @chepeexpress from Creel to Los Mochis in northern Mexico (10 hours long)
And if you are planning a future train trip, be sure to grab my free checklist at bit.ly/trainchecklist (linked in bio)
#trainstagram #traintravelling #traintrips #traintraveller #traintrip #traintravels #amtrak #amtrakagram #blackgirlstravel
