While in Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, I visited the Daintree Rainforest. It's a natural wonder that should be on every traveller's bucket list. With its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, it's an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Here are some tips for visiting the Daintree Rainforest: 1. Plan your trip: The Daintree Rainforest is a large area and can take several days to fully explore. Make sure to plan your trip in advance, and allow enough time to take in all of the sights and activities. 2. Choose your accommodation: There are several options for accommodation in and around the Daintree Rainforest, including camping, glamping, and eco-friendly lodges. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. I stayed at the beautiful Oaks Port Douglas Resort and would definitely recommend staying there if you prefer a 4 star hotel experience. 3. Get active: The Daintree Rainforest offers a variety of activities to keep visitors active, including hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and proper footwear. I'd also recommend carrying a handheld electric fan. I visited during Australia's spring and found it to be quite humid! The temperature hit me like whenever I travel from Toronto and get off the plane in Jamaica. 4. Learn about the local culture: The Daintree Rainforest is home to the Kuku Yalanji people, and there are several opportunities to learn about their culture and history. You can take a guided tour, or visit a cultural centre to learn more about their customs and traditions. While in the area, I did cross paths with Black Indigenous Australians and they always gave me a friendly nod which made me feel welcome. 5. Respect the environment: The Daintree Rainforest is a fragile ecosystem and it's important to respect the environment while visiting. Follow the rules and regulations, and make sure to leave no trace behind. The Daintree Rainforest is a truly special place, and a visit here is a must for anyone looking to experience breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich culture!

Travelling in Sydney, Australia was an enjoyable experience, but it's important to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise, especially travelling while Black. My first challenge was getting to Sydney, Australia from Toronto, Canada. I left Toronto on a Saturday evening and arrived in Sydney, Australia on the following Monday morning their local time. It's truly a long-haul flight, so prepare accordingly. The second challenge is dealing with racism. I didn't personally experience any racism while I was there. I felt safe as a solo traveller, but I'm not going to pretend that it doesn't happen. Based on what I gleaned ahead of time, it's still a problem in Australia and is mostly geared toward “Aboriginal Blacks.” Side note – I'm not sure why they're still called Aboriginals in Australia. I found hearing some Australians use that word uncomfortable. The “ab” in the word Aboriginal is a Latin prefix that means “away from” or “not”. In that sense, it can mean “not original” which isn't the best description. I live in Canada where they're called Indigenous Peoples instead. Black travellers may also encounter racism in various forms, such as verbal abuse, discriminatory treatment, or even physical violence. The best way to deal with this while travelling anywhere in the world is to stay calm, document any incidents, and report them to the relevant authorities. Another challenge that Black travellers may face is a lack of representation and visibility in the tourism industry. I only saw two other Black people during my stay in downtown Sydney. There are few Black-owned businesses and tour operators in Sydney, and it can be difficult to find information and resources catering to Black travellers. However, there are some excellent resources available online, such as “Black Travel in Australia”, which provides information on Black-friendly places to visit around Sydney. Despite these challenges, Sydney is a beautiful and diverse city that has a lot to offer Black travellers! The city's vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-class attractions make it an ideal destination for travellers of all backgrounds. I'd recommend doing the Sydney City Walk which includes the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's a variety of places to eat at The Rocks or you can book a sunset dinner cruise on the Sydney Harbour which I had the pleasure of doing! With preparation and an open mind, you can enjoy all that Sydney has to offer just as I did!

I visited Los Angeles, California for one week in December 2021. This is what I considered a “last minute” trip because I didn't actually plan on travelling anywhere in 2021, but the way the holidays lined up with my remaining vacation days was rare and made for great timing that I just couldn't miss. I decided to stay in West Hollywood aka Weho because I wasn't planning on renting a car (because I hate driving in LA) and I wanted to be in walking distance from my hotel to restaurants, shopping and must-see hotspots. Unfortunately, I didn't get to do much walking or go to a number of places that I had planned to visit because it rained. I've been to LA/Southern California many times and I was shocked! Tony! Toni! Toné! said, “It never rains in Southern California”! I'm here to tell you that they lied. It does rain and when it rains, it pours! December 2021 was the 3rd wettest December on record in 11 years! Unfortunately, LA was also experiencing peak COVID cases, so I was on a mission to stay dry and avoid getting sick. The struggle was real, but I was determined to make the best of my trip! Things To Do: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum – The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a registered National Natural Landmark located in Hancock Park. It's an active paleontological research site and portal to the Ice Age in the heart of LA. I learned that 11,000 years ago mastodons, mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and ground sloths roamed the very land I was standing on. I also learned about the tar pits where natural asphalt seeped up from the ground. The tar preserved the bones of trapped animals allowing scientists to study them today. If you enjoy history and science, I'd recommend visiting La Brea Tar Pits. The Grove – The Grove is a retail and entertainment complex in LA. It features an animated music-fountain similar to the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, but much smaller. The highlight of my visit to the Grove was going to the AMC to watch the movie House of Gucci. I hadn't been to a movie theatre in over 2 years, so it was treat! It was also cool because Gucci had a pop-up shop in front of the AMC where you could shop their fragrances. They were also giving out free samples which I took home as souvenirs! Sunset Ranch Hollywood – I had the pleasure of going horseback riding at Sunset Ranch Hollywood. I booked the Mount Hollywood Day Tour which is 2 hours long. Fortunately, it was a beautiful afternoon with no rain. I rode to the top of Mount Hollywood for 360° views of LA, including the Hollywood Sign, the ocean and valleys. It was amazing! I love horses and riding has become of passion of mine. It truly feels therapeutic. I was actually inspired to go horseback riding after reading the book The Compton Cowboys which broadened my perception of cowboys and Compton's young Black residents. While I was riding, I passed by a Black family walking on the trail. They gave me a friendly nod. I heard the kids ask their parents, “Can we go horseback riding?!” It was heartwarming to hear. Representation matters and I hope those kids get to go horseback riding one day. California African American Museum – Speaking of representation, the California African American Museum (CAAM) holds it down! This museum is located in Exposition Park and focuses on the education, on the cultural heritage and history of African Americans, specifically in California and western United States. Admission is free to all visitors! During my visit, I got to view two beautiful exhibitions called Rights and Rituals: The Making of African American Debutante Culture and April Bey: Atlantica, The Gilda Region. If you enjoy art and history, the CAAM is a must-see! The Last Book Store – The Last Bookstore is located in downtown LA and is California's largest used and new book store. They also sell records for vinyl collectors and connoisseurs. I enjoyed perusing the shelves and the various creative displays. The only thing I didn't like was how crowded it was. I'm not sure if it's always like that or if it was just because of the weather. I'd love to visit again when it's not so busy. Los Angeles Lakers Game – I've always wanted to see the Lakers play at the Staples Center (now known as Crypto.com Arena) and I've always wanted to watch a game in an executive suite, so while I was in LA I decided to treat myself! I loved the executive suite experience! Suite guests have access to VIP entrances, so I didn't have to wait in any lines. The suites are professionally cleaned and sealed. They're also only accessible to guests by scanning a QR code from your phone. You can order food and drinks to the suite. It was so much fun and the Lakers won! This is an experience I'd definitely recommend and definitely do again! Safety Tips: Walking in LA – While walking in LA look left, right, left and then right again when crossing streets. I know this might sound redundant, but I'm sharing this for your own safety. I watch and follow KTLA and unfortunately, some drivers roll stop signs and run red lights resulting in hit-and-runs/pedestrian injuries and deaths. Shoutout: Shoutout to The Gardens of Taxco Mexican Restaurant! I recommend this restaurant for tasty Mexican food in West Hollywood. I decided to walk to this restaurant and almost missed it, but I saw a line-up in front of a storefront and immediately knew this was the place. It's a hidden gem that has great reviews and they gave me free desert! Gracias!

I visited Reykjavik for one week in February 2022. I decided to book Icelandair's "Lagoons and Northern Lights" package because December through March is the best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland. The package included roundtrip flights on Icelandair and airport-hotel transfers, a welcome drink and daily breakfast, northern lights and stargazing excursion, and the choice of lagoon experience: the new geothermal Sky Lagoon, the otherworldly Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon, including a visit to Gullfoss falls. This was my first international trip since the pandemic began. My primary goal was to relax and be pampered, and Iceland didn't disappoint! Things To Do: Northern Lights and Stargazing – As I mentioned earlier, December through March is the best time of year to see the northern lights, however due to the unpredictability of Iceland's weather, there's a chance that you might not get to see the northern lights which is what happened on my trip. There was too much cloud coverage every night, so I didn't get see anything. I did visit Aurora Reykjavik: The Northern Lights Center where I got to see the northern lights through virtual reality. I'd definitely recommend visiting this attraction especially if you don't get a chance to see the northern lights in real life. Sky Lagoon – The Sky Lagoon is Iceland's newest geothermal spa. It's definitely a place to “slow down [and] savour the here and now...” I had the choice to book this lagoon as part of the package, but I decided to book it outside of the package through Viator. I booked the 7-Step Ritual in the Sky Lagoon Including Transfer. This experience left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. One thing I noticed about the lagoon was how quiet it was. I then noticed that there were no children around. Please note that children under the age of 12 aren't permitted at the Sky Lagoon. Blue Lagoon – If it's your first time in Iceland, you can't visit without going to the Blue Lagoon. It's one the 25 wonders of the world! It's a man-made lagoon heated by the lava fields. The water's colour is result of silica reflecting the sunlight. Silica is great for your skin, but not so great for your hair. It can make your hair stiff. They advise visitors to put deep-conditioner in your hair prior to entering. As a Black woman who wears her hair in a protective style while travelling, I'd just recommend not getting your hair wet or immersing your whole head in the water. Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon, including a visit to Gullfoss falls – The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular tourist routes. There are many opportunities to stop and take pictures of the landscape which includes Gullfoss waterfall, Kerid crater, Strokkur geyser and Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasion tectonic plates meet! I booked this tour through Viator. My tour also included a stop at the Secret Lagoon which is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. I really enjoyed it because it truly felt like an authentic Icelandic bathing experience. The pool's temperature ranges from 38-40 °C and is surrounded by several hot springs that are approximately 100 °C! You may walk by and look at the hot springs on a path, but don't touch! Again, the minerals in the water are great for your skin, but not so great for your hair, so avoid getting your head wet. I enjoyed all of the lagoons I visited and would definitely visit them again! As a heads up, you must fully shower before entering all lagoons which means you'll likely be exposed to strangers. I thought that I'd feel uncomfortable or that people might stare at me because I'm Black, but that wasn't the case for me and I felt fine. In addition to the Lagoons and Northern Lights, there are so many other things to do in Iceland! I also booked the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavik through Viator. I love horses and I try to book a horseback riding excursion anytime I get the chance. Yes, Black people ride horses! We're out here! This tour is suitable for beginners to pro-riders and you'll be riding the horse “English Style”. One week went by so quickly! I can't wait to return to the land of "fire and ice"!