Women and African Americans in Adventure Travel
The phrase adventure conjures up images of young men on mountain bikes, ironic beards, khakis and bare bones backpacking for most people. The reality is completely different. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) the average adventure traveler is a 47 year old woman. Women are traveling solo, planning girlfriend getaways and making the decisions for family travel. We are choosing to add more active excursions to the SPA getaways and taking the kids snorkeling or kayaking after the theme parks. The stereotypical adventurer actually makes up a very small percentage of travelers going on adventurous travel journeys.
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Lookie, no 25 year olds in the bunch!
My group hiking and rappelling in Zapopan |
So where do African-American travelers fit in this picture? At ATMEX ( Adventure Travel Mexico conference) this year there were only a few Black travel professionals that I noticed (all female too!). Considering the rising numbers of Black travelers that's pretty sad. There are plenty of gambling trips, party buses and booze cruise opportunities, but I know people are looking for more from their vacation time.
Elaine Lee explored this a few years ago in, "Mind the Gap: Exploring the African American Adventure Travel Market."
She nails some of the reasons why we are missing from the scene. Some are from the trade itself and others from the consumer side. Tour operators and tourism boards can definitely do more to include a more diverse picture in advertisements to make travelers feel welcome. The statistics show we do more than party, so include more people of color in your photos.
As consumers, we can also do our part to seek out vacations beyond the usual trips to the mouse or Bahamas cruises. If you're a camper or hiker at home add a new destination to you belt next time you're on vacation. Ms. Lee notes that maybe we stick to what's tried and true because it's comfortable. There are some very real historic components to why we may worry how we'll be received in foreign countries based on how we're perceived at home. That is slowly changing as the number of explorers who come back with glowing reviews increases.
"...word is getting back to the African American community that the racism and specific hardships we experience in America are much more rare abroad. In most places on the planet, we are warmly welcomed and treated very well. Additionally there are numerous African Americans, African American communities and/or venues of African American culture scattered throughout the world."
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| Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas |
One thing I noticed walking around San Cristobal de las Casas alone, is how freeing it was to wander around a small town and absorb the culture without stares and constant anxiety. The extent of being singled out in 2 weeks was the lady at the laundry who asked to touch my hair with a smile. For taking a load of sweaty laundry off my hands for only 40 pesos she can take a whole twist home as far as I'm concerned!
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| San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas |
In Georgia, there are numerous outdoor activities within a short driving distance, but to be honest I am just not comfortable in rural Georgia as a Black woman. Camouflage and rebel flags just don't help me relax and take in nature.
By contrast, I've been in jungles, mountains, cities and small towns in Mexico and felt nothing but welcome. Racism may be one of the reasons we're afraid to travel, but it's the very reason to go. Broadening your perspective can really change the way you view things back home. I've learned so much about indigenous cultures asserting their identities that resonates with our struggle in the U.S. There are numerous groups dedicated to groups of African-Americans in adventure sports that give the safety in numbers with group trips, but there are plenty of places that you'll feel welcomed without a group.
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| Me at Guachimontones |
Some of the problem is perception of what adventure is. Sure adventure includes adrenaline fueled activities like paragliding, but it also encompasses cultural travel and nature based activities that aren't necessarily dangerous. You don't have to be an outdoor enthusiast to try something new. Of course if you're mostly sedentary it's not the time to try that uphill biking, waterfall jumping tour. (By the way did I mention, you better have travel insurance?) A large part of the surge in adventure travel comes from so called grazers, people who dabble in an activity but may not be the type to do it on a regular basis at home. I'm committing to do my part in increasing awareness of adventure travel with some groups for the 'grazers'. We'll offer some interesting cultural travel with a little intro to adventure included. It's easier to step outside the box with a little positive peer pressure. I'm definitely not a die hard enthusiast of any sport, but I'll try just about anything once (especially when there's food and drink at the end!)
A few more pics from my adventures through Jalisco, Chiapas and Quintana Roo.
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| Beginner friendly rappelling at El Diente |
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| Yes, Tequila tastings are a cultural activity ;-) |
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| Hacienda El Carmen |
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| Heading to the coral reef in Puerto Morelos |
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Today is one of those days where I just had a heavy heart thinking about all the turmoil in the world right now. I came across this quote that reminded me there is a purpose in helping people find new experiences through travel. It's much harder, if not impossible to go back to your old ways of thinking once you've left your bubble and faced things different from your culture of lifestyle. Even if you're travling in your own state you can easily experience something new, meet someone new and stretch your mind.