Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple | Watch on YouTube
Episode Summary
What if your next travel adventure did not require taking a single day off from work?
What if your workday could take you somewhere new?
Have you ever looked at your workday and thought, “I could be somewhere else right now?”
In this episode of Unlock Black Journeys: The Podcast, we are unlocking the idea of work and wander: using the flexibility of remote work, hybrid work, and/or working from home to turn an ordinary workday into an opportunity to explore. Whether you work from home once a week or work a fully remote job, there are ways to make room for travel without needing to take the day off.
We talk about how to take advantage of the freedom that comes with working remotely, strategies for balancing work and exploration.
Since our podcast guest, Ugo (founder of Ugo Went There), is from New Jersey, this takes center stage as we unpack why the state deserves more love, the areas you may not hear about when people talk about New Jersey, and the Black-owned businesses and communities worth seeking out. We also talk about the differences between growing up in North Jersey and Central Jersey, and how those experiences shape the way we understand place, identity, and home.
If you have ever thought, “I would love to explore, but I have to work,” this episode is for you.
Because sometimes you do not need to take time off to travel.
You just need to make room to wander.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to work remotely and travel without using PTO by turning a workday into a day trip
- The importance of building community instead of waiting for community to find you
- How where you grow up shapes the way you experience and understand place, including the differences between North Jersey and Central Jersey
- Why New Jersey deserves more love, including the destinations and places you may not hear about
- The Black-owned businesses, communities, and experiences worth exploring across New Jersey, and why meaningful travel can happen close to home
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple | Watch on YouTube
Connect with Ugo:
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugowentthere/
- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ugowentthere
Follow Unlock Black Journeys Across Platforms
- Join the newsletter: Unlock Black Journeys
- Read the blog: www.frannythetraveler.com
- Check out Episode Recaps: Binge Here
- Follow on Instagram: @franny_the_traveler
- Follow on Youtube: @frannythetraveler
- Follow on LinkedIn: Princess Francois
- Purchase: Support BLACK Green Book (affiliate link)
Listen to this Podcast Now
Part of Unlock Black Journeys: The Podcast
This episode is part of Unlock Black Journeys: The Podcast, where we are archiving all 50 states, one conversation at a time! Learn what it’s like traveling while Black and how to find Black-owned businesses, shop local, plus explore Black history & culture as you visit all 50 states through curated, local Black travel insights.
We tackle questions like:
- What is it like being Black in this place?
- Is it Black-friendly?
- Are there Black people here?
- Where can I find Black-owned businesses in the USA?
- Is this location safe for Black travelers in America?
- What is it like traveling while Black?
Why? Because every destination is a Black destination. Stay tuned to see when your state is featured.
If you like this post, check out these posts as well!
- A Black Woman’s Guide to Visit All 50 States (Blog)
- 15 Car-Free Weekend Getaways from NYC Every Black Traveler Must Take (4 Hours or Less) (Blog)
- Spend a Day in Black-Owned Cape May, NJ (Blog)
- [Ep. 001] She Chased 50 States and 50 Countries, But Found Something Else Instead (Podcast)
- [Ep. 02] She Chooses Train Travel Over Planes | Traveling While Black in Milwaukee, WI w/ Sojourner White (Podcast)
- [Ep. 03] You Don’t Need a Week Off to Travel, You Need a Micro Trip w/ Akylah Cox of Go Kylah Go (Podcast)