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Online community targets jet-setting black millennials

July 20, 2015 / 10:30 AM EDT / CBS News

An online global community called Travel Noire has become one of the go-to sites for black travelers in search of ideas of where to go, where to stay and deals to get there.

Since launching in 2013, it has sought to appeal to young black millennials with some cash to spend and a desire to see the world, reports CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers.

"I thought about creating a community of people who looked like me, who loved to travel," Travel Noire founder and CEO Zim Ugochukwu said.

The 27-year-old said the idea for site came to her while she was living in India three years ago.

"I just didn't see anybody who looked like me. I had traveled to almost every country in Asia and we were still in a minority. And so I wondered why that was, I wondered why brands weren't spending money in this very influential market," Ugochukwu said.

She created Travel Noire to show travelers how to fly to destinations abroad without breaking the bank. African Americans spend $48 billion dollars a year on domestic travel, but Ugochukwu said that money is usually spent on the same vacation spots every year.

"To see myself in a destination that I wouldn't normally expect to see myself in, that's a trigger. And that means that same $5,000 that I was going to spend in the same destination I've been going to for 10 years, is going to be spent on this new destination," Ugochukwu said.

She said her site is different from others like Priceline or Orbitz.

"They sell tickets. They're a means to an end. So if you have the funds, then you purchase your ticket. What Travel Noire is offering is the difference between one vacation and seven vacations a year. We're teaching people about how to permanently integrate travel into their own lives," Ugochukwu said.

The company uses Instagram to reach a wider audience. Vacationers post photos with #TravelNoire and the account has more than 100,000 followers. In addition to photos from every corner of the globe, visitors on the website can find articles and videos on everything from how to pack properly or rack up airline miles.

The site also has a subscription service. For $9 a month, users can access Travel Noire District and seek advice through chat rooms with experienced travelers on every continent. District users are also able to take advantage of glitch fare notifications.

"Every day you get about 15 or so glitch or low fares," she said.

Errors, or glitches, in an airline's computer system can produce low ticket fares.

"Travel Noire has also taught me how to travel for a lot cheaper, a lot cheaper, let me tell you," subscriber Modupe Sonuyi said.

She received a glitch fare notification on Christmas Eve that she said she couldn't pass up.

"There was a glitch fare could take you to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Manila, Philippines. I decided to definitely capitalize on these glitch fares and bought a couple of tickets," Sonuyi said.

A round-trip ticket to the Philippines cost $280, she said.

"Since Travel Noire I have found so many different ways to travel," she said. "I'm not afraid to pick up and go."

They plan to launch a new product this week called Travel Noire Experiences that will offer guided tours in several destinations around the world.

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More from CBS News

Travel Noire Awards Winners Announced

Y ou voted and now the winners are in! The 2023 Travel Noire Awards kicked off on July 11 with voting through July 31. This year’s awards recognize and celebrate the best in 16 categories including individuals, destinations, stays and experiences that kept us inspired. After weeks of excitement and anticipation, we’re ready to reveal the winners selected by our Travel Noire audience.

Destinations

Favorite stateside city vacay for black travelers.

Winner: New Orleans, Louisiana 

A clear winner among voters, New Orleans took the lead for favorite stateside city. Affectionately known as NOLA, the city’s unique culture, vibrant party scene and delicious food captured the hearts of Travel Noire’s readers.

Favorite International City Vacay for Black Travelers 

Winner: Accra, Ghana

Accra is a city rooted in freedom and a newfound hotspot for Black celebrities and travel enthusiasts. Visitors come for its rich history, coastal beaches, beautiful textiles and great food.

Favorite Island City Vacay for Black Travelers

Winner: Montego Bay, Jamaica

A classic vacation spot for Black travelers with easy access from the United States, it’s no surprise that Montego Bay was the number choice for favorite island city vacation.

Favorite Hidden Gem Vacay 

Winner: Bazaruto Islands, Mozambique

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a dream destination, boasting crystal blue waters and abundant marine life. It beat out two other hidden gems in this year’s awards.

Favorite Wide Open Spaces Experience

Winner: 4×4 Dune Bashing in Dubai  

This wide open space experience was popular among Travel Noire followers on social media. Dubai has been a hot destination for Black travelers and its sand-filled activities, like dune bashing, kept us hitting the “like” button on Instagram all year. 

Favorite Unique Stay

Winner: The Manta Resort, Tanzania 

The Manta Resort’s underwater floating room, where visitors can observe the waters of Tanzania from above and below the ocean, led this hotel to the top of our list. Voters couldn’t resist the turquoise blue waters and sandy beaches of Pemba Island. 

Favorite Luxe Stay 

Winner: The Ritz Carlton Maldives

The Ritz Carlton is a classic name in luxury hotels, and its resort in the Maldives is no exception. Perhaps the location situated in a real-life blue lagoon was the deciding factor for voters.

Favorite All-Inclusive Stay

Winner: Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island

This tucked-away retreat located on Desroches Island with fine dining, world-class amenities and special experiences curated by the hotel staff sealed the deal for Travel Noire readers.

Favorite Travel Influencer: Individual

Winner: Ashlee Major Moss ( @ashleemajormoss )

Ashlee Major Moss, a travel influencer based in London took us along for the ride to some amazing destinations this year. Her dedicated Instagram followers dominated the polls, placing her at the top spot in this year’s awards.

Favorite Travel Influencers: Family/Couples

Winner: The Hambrick Family ( @thetravelingchild )

The Hambrick Family beat out two other popular traveling families in the Travel Noire Awards. The family who travels world-wide with their children, live by the phrase “If kids live there, kids can visit,” which resonated with Travel Noire’s voters.

Favorite Celebrity Travel Experience

Winner: Gabrielle Union in Africa

Gabrielle Union celebrated her 50th birthday with a remarkable trip around Africa, which captured Travel Noire’s readers. Her travels to Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Namibia was documented on “My Journey to 50,” which aired on BET.

Favorite Expat 

Winner: Carissa Boston ( @carissamonyce )

Carissa Boston is known for letting us into her world as an expat living in Mexico and her travels across the world. Her vlog-style videos held the interest of our voters looking for an inside look at her travel experiences.

Experiences

Favorite black-owned tour operator.

Winner: Travel Divas ( @traveldivas )

Travel Divas took the lead for Favorite Black-owned Tour Operator this year. The highly organized website which displays past and upcoming trips for potential travelers and an Instagram account with over 100,000 followers, edged out the competition.

Favorite Celeb Black-Owned Restaurant

Winner: Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen (Issa Rae)

Hilltop Coffee, now with four locations, owned by Yonnie Hagos, Ajay Relan and Issa Rae has become a popular outpost in L.A. The simple and refreshing menu combined with the community-focused culture took this restaurant to the top spot in our poll.

Favorite Party Destination

Winner: Las Vegas

Las Vegas is synonymous with “party” and Travel Noire’s readers agreed. The endless options for entertainment, hotels, restaurants, pool parties and nightlife made this city our favorite party destination.

Favorite Cruising Experience

Winner: Norwegian Prima – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Prima’s emphasis on luxury took the cake in this year’s awards. The modern cruise ship, premium amenities and extensive array of dining options were the deciding factors for voters.

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2023 Travel Noire Awards: Our Favorite Expat Carissa Boston

Carissa Boston specializes in budget and solo travel. Her impressive travel resume boasts six continents and 31 countries. Her vlogging-style posts give her 156,000+ Instagram followers an inside look at her trip experiences. Boston provides travel hacks and tips, including when to travel and how to travel on a budget to some amazing destinations. Boston’s latest trips include Cape Town, South Africa, Ghana and several locations in Mexico.

TRAVEL NOIRE: Why did you decide to move abroad? 

CARISSA BOSTON : I had a strong desire to change my environment. For once, I wanted to do something fulfilling for myself and being able to fully experience living in a different country has always been a dream of mine. It was my 30th Birthday gift to myself.

TN: Where are you currently based?

CB: I am currently based in Guadalajara, Mexico.

TN: What’s the best and most challenging thing about living abroad? 

CB: For me, the best thing about living abroad is the cultural immersion. Living in Mexico has really pushed me to try new things, like learning a new language, trying new foods and developing new friendships with locals and people who moved abroad. I have really grown as a person. For once, I am living a life of ease and freedom. The most challenging thing about living abroad would definitely have to be living away from my family. It’s hard to not feel guilty for not being around for most holidays and celebrations. However, I do feel comfort is knowing that my family is happy for me. They love and support anything that fulfills me.

TN: Have you lived in any other countries? If so, which is your favorite and why?

CB:  Moving to Mexico is my first time ever living away from my hometown, Panama City, Florida. I would love to live in as many countries as possible.

TN: What advice would you give to people of color interested in becoming expats?

CB: It’s never too late to start your life abroad. There are so many people who are willing to help and encourage you. Join as many “Expat” Facebook groups as possible and ask questions to see what the experience is like for people already living in the country you are looking to relocate to. There is so much advice and resources in these groups and people are more than willing to help. You have a community, just trust that everything you want is on the other side of fear and take that leap of faith.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and vote for the finalists ! 

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