This is by far my top 'travelling whilst black' destination to date. Everyone in Cuba seems to be a shade of brown and it's brilliant. I had totally underestimated how much representation matters! I instantly felt safe, relaxed and at home there, even as a solo female traveller. I spent most of my time exploring the hidden gems of Havana, I highly recommend the Alocubanotours (insta) through Airbnb experiences to tick off a tour of Havava in a vintage car along with getting some wonderful pictures. The experience was worth the $25pp and 75cuc for the whole car. I stayed in airbnbs in Havana and Vedado too, both came with everything you need for a comfortable stay and also lovely balconies. They cost less than $40pn and have good restaurants and bars within walking distance. I also did trips to Santa Maria Beach, Trinidad and Vinales, with Intrepid tours. This tour was quite costly and the group was a lot older than myself so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it but a tour of the island is a must. Each location was special and magical in it's own right and everything is steeped in the eye-opening Cuban history. Drink rum, smoke a cigar, dance, listen and learn... And then drink some more! You are bound to fall in love with the country. Yes there are things to get your head around such as WiFi access and currency but this is all overshadowed but the wonderful Cuban people. They are a kind and passionate people. One of the many plus sides of being brown in Cuba is that many people think you are a local! It was wonderful and something I havnt really experienced before, I just wish my Spanish was better. Top tips, go to a slasa club-they are fire. There are few in Havana. Entry and drinks are cheap, music and dancing unlike anything I've experienced anywhere else and download MAPS.ME before you go, it came in handy so many times. Get to know locals-they will show and share things, places and experiences only a local can and support them anyway you can. Everyone should go to Cuba! I will be back for sure.

I simply adore Paris. I have been numerous times but most recently discovered the joy of going as a solo traveller. Unfortunately I speak little to no French but this hasn't hindered my experiences at all. There is so much to see, do and experience: making a list and having a some sort of plan is highly recommended. Be a tourist and tick all the tourist things on your list, you won't regret a single one. I have always stayed in Airbnb's in Paris and wouldn't think of doing it any other way now. Districts 11 and 8 are great locations. Meeting local people, especially hosts is great and there are black hosts out there that make for an even better experience. I would also highly recommend the Paris Airbnb experiences, again especially the ones run by local black guides and communities. The city isn't cheap but oh so worth it. The food and wine are devine and they have a massive speakeasy cocktail scene which is so much fun!

I went to Cancun for Christmas 2019 and it was the perfect relaxing vacation. We stayed in Haven resort and spa, an all-inclusive hotel that cost about $250 pn. It is a little drive from the main hotel strip and ideal to experience the peaceful side of cancun. Slight side note, the staff were brilliant and very helpful. The food and cocktails were great, with a variety of local dishes to experience for the first time. The beach was quiet, as was the hotel (perhaps because its quite new) which suited us perfectly. However this meant there was no real nightlife in the resort and a night out to the 'strip' proved difficult to organise and expensive so we didn't bother this time as we were mainly there to relax. When we were relaxation in the near deserted beach or swim up bar we ventured out to Chichen Itza and Isla Mujeres. Both were booked through the hotel concierge and are highly recommended. Chichen Itza was a whole, fairly long, day excursion which cost about $100pp and included transportation and lunch, aswel as entry. We also stopped at a cenote on the way-which is a must do! So bring your swim wear. Our half day catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres was fabulous. It cost about $60pp and drinks on the boat were included. We decided to explore the island using one of the very novel golf carts. We loved the freedom this gave us, just keep an eye on the time and how much gas you have left! We were able to find a secluded beach on the north coast that we had to ourselves. Paradise!