By Jasmine Phillips
If you would have told me at the beginning of 2020, “Jas, all of your trips will be cancelled this year,” I would have never believed you. Me? I’m going on vacation no matter what.
Well, COVID-19 had other plans. Now, “vacation” looks like traveling from the bedroom, to the kitchen, to the couch.
This pandemic has brought with it an increased amount of stressors—especially for those of us used to being on the go. My family, used to traveling and adventuring together, is now searching for ways to keep entertained, sane, and in good mental health. As an extrovert who also craves physical touch, I’m often left with feelings of hurt, loneliness, and the yearning to travel to hug my loved ones.
These overwhelming feelings led me to ask the question: is it safe for me, as a queer, Black woman, to travel in the age of COVID-19?
Since most mainstream travel sites don’t cater to queer, Black travelers, I turned to social media. More and more, Black, LGBTQ couples have taken to platforms like Tik Tok to document their lives, share their love, and capture their travels. Some are long distance, making travel even more essential to their relationship. These are folks who look and love like me—voices I’ve come to trust.
But while these social media vloggers have great ideas for road trips to isolated locations, social-distanced activities, and suggestions for yummy food along the way, as Black, queer people, there are more barriers to travel than just the risk of catching COVID. For those of us lucky enough to still have our jobs, negotiating paid time off can prove nearly impossible—especially during a pandemic when budget issues are at an all time high. Plus, with many wages being slashed (or being laid off completely), “luxury spending” on vacations may not be possible.
Yet, that doesn’t mean we should just burn ourselves out. We have to adjust and redefine travel based on our current circumstances. If you can’t take time off from work, use the weekend (or your day off), to take a day trip. Take a long drive and sightsee from the safety of your car (or bike). Travel to a nearby state park (make sure to check restrictions first) for an isolated walk. Or simply take an hour at night to stargaze by yourself or with your partner. Just getting out of the house can do wonders for your mental health. Give yourself the space to do what you can. Explore your options. And have safe travels!
