Safe Havens for Black Women & Women of Color: Travel with Confidence
Explore the best U.S. destinations where culture, safety, and luxury meet, ensuring a peaceful and empowering travel experience.
Beloveds, where is it safe in the U.S., for us BIPOC women to travel?
Whew, sis — this is such an important and real question, especially with the climate we’re in right now. With the DEI rollbacks, the rise in hostility toward marginalized communities, and the resurgence of sundown town mentalities (whether overt or covert), safety for Black women and women of color while traveling in the U.S. requires strategy, awareness, and community knowledge sharing.
Generally Safer, More Inclusive Destinations in the U.S.
These places tend to have more progressive politics, diverse populations, and a reputation for being welcoming to Black women and WOC travelers:
Major Cities with Strong Diversity & Cultural Communities
Washington, D.C. – Black culture, history, and power thrive here.
Atlanta, GA – While Georgia itself can be tricky, Atlanta is a Black cultural and business mecca.
Chicago, IL – Large Black and immigrant communities, with strong activist networks.
Los Angeles, CA – Diverse, cosmopolitan, and home to a large BIPOC population.
San Francisco/Oakland, CA – Historically progressive and culturally rich.
New York City, NY – Truly global with every culture represented.
Seattle, WA – Known for progressivism and increasingly diverse.
New Orleans, LA – Deep Black cultural roots, though outside of NOLA, caution may be needed.
Luxury Retreat and Resort Destinations (with Inclusive Vibes)
Martha’s Vineyard, MA – Especially Oak Bluffs, which has a rich history of Black vacationers.
Santa Fe, NM – Embraces multicultural art, history, and Indigenous culture.
Sedona, AZ – Wellness-focused and tends to attract a more open-minded crowd.
Hawaii (Maui, Oahu) – Indigenous sovereignty movements make it more conscious of racial and cultural issues.
Napa & Sonoma, CA – Luxury wine country with some Black-owned wineries emerging.
Coastal and Mountain Retreats (with Diverse Visitors)
Asheville, NC – Growing reputation for being progressive and welcoming.
Portland, OR – Historically problematic, but the younger generations are pushing for change, and it's inclusive in certain pockets.
Denver & Boulder, CO – Great for nature and outdoor lovers, with growing diversity.
Places to Approach with Caution (Red Flags & Concerns)
Most of the Deep South (outside of major cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, and Charlotte) – Sundown mentalities still exist.
Rural Midwest (parts of Indiana, Missouri, and even Ohio) – Racial hostility can be more subtle but still very present.
Southern Border Towns (certain parts of Texas and Arizona) – Anti-immigrant and anti-Black sentiment can be intense.
Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming – Known for militia activity and white supremacist enclaves.
Some parts of Florida – With recent legislation and rising hate group activity, Florida has become increasingly hostile to marginalized communities.
Tips for Safer Travel as a Black Woman/WOC
Research Before You Go – Check forums like Black Travel Alliance, Nomadness Travel Tribe, or Travel Noire for real-life experiences.
Stay Visible & Connected – When possible, travel with friends or in groups.
Support Black-Owned Businesses – Not only does this create economic empowerment, but these spaces also tend to be safer havens.
Know Local Laws & Political Climate – Especially around self-defense, policing, and discrimination laws.
Use Apps for Safety Alerts – Apps like The Green Book Global, Travel Noire, and Black & Abroad can offer real-time info.
Tap into Sisterhood Networks – There are tons of Black women’s travel groups where you can ask for safety recommendations and tips.