Midwest

24 Hour Guide, Black Owned, Midwest, Ohio, Traveling While Black, United States

Traveling While Black: Cleveland, Ohio Black-Owned Guide

Cleveland keeps giving me reasons to come back. After two visits, I have gathered plenty of recommendations for spending a day or even a full weekend in Black-owned Cleveland, OH.

Chicago, Florida, Illinois, Midwest, Orlando, Podcast Episode, South

[Ep. 04 | IL & FL] You Don’t Need a Week Off to Travel, You Need a Micro Trip w/ Akylah Cox of Go Kylah Go

Do you want to travel but feel pressed for time or money, or both? You are not alone! Between work, family responsibilities, limited vacation days, and the cost of travel, finding the time and money for a traditional vacation can feel impossible. In this episode with my guest Akylah Cox from Go Kylah Go, we are unlocking the power of the micro trip also called a micro-cation: a short, intentional trip that proves you do not need unlimited time to see the world. If you have ever said, “I want to travel, but I do not have enough time,” this episode is for you.

24 Hour Guide, Black Owned, Midwest, Milwaukee, Traveling While Black, United States, Wisconsin

Traveling While Black: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Black-Owned Guide

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, does not get nearly enough love. Black-owned Milwaukee, WI most definitely does not get the love it deserves. I think part of the reason is its close proximity to Chicago. Located only about 1.5 hours away on Amtrak’s Hiawatha route, Milwaukee can easily become a side trip from Chicago. But after exploring Black-owned Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I realized it deserves to be the main trip. So here's a one-day guide to help you get started!

24 Hour Guide, Black Owned, Covington, Kentucky, Midwest, South, Traveling While Black, United States

Traveling While Black: Covington, Kentucky Black-Owned Guide

Covington, KY is that quiet little sister no one talks about because it sits right across the river from Cincinnati, OH. With a population of around 40,000 compared to Cincinnati’s 315,000, it’s easy to overlook. But honestly? Covington surprised me, especially Black-Owned Covington, KY.

24 Hour Guide, Black Owned, Cincinnati, Midwest, Ohio, Traveling While Black, United States

Traveling While Black: Cincinnati, Ohio Black-Owned Guide

Cincinnati, OH surprised me in the best ways. I had no idea how significant Cincinnati’s role was in the Underground Railroad or how connected Harriet Beecher Stowe was to the city. I loved experiencing Black Cincinnati in so many layers, from Black art and music to the entrepreneurs and businesses that continue to shape the city today. This one-day Black-owned Cincinnati guide is for you.

Car Free Travel, Midwest, Milwaukee, Podcast Episode, Train Travel, Wisconsin

[Ep. 03 | WI] She Chooses Train Travel Over Planes, Here’s Why w/ Sojourner White of Sojournies

In this episode of Unlock Black Journeys: The Podcast, I’m joined by Sojourner White: the “Train Travel Queen” and award-winning travel vlogger and writer behind Sojournies. We explore train travel as a powerful way to experience the United States, alongside Sojourner’s perspective on navigating Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a Black woman.

Midwest, Northeast, South, Top Picks, United States, West

A Black Woman’s Guide to Visit All 50 States: My Journey

If you’ve ever thought about the goal to visit all 50 states, you’re in the right place! This is more than a bucket list for me. It’s a personal commitment to experience the fullness of this country through its cities, small towns, food, culture, and the histories we were not always taught. It is part of a larger goal I set for myself to visit all 50 states and 50 countries by age 50.

Michigan, Midwest

The Ultimate Travel Guide to the “Motor City:” 72 Hours in Detroit

Looking for somewhere new to explore? Want a city that has a lot to offer? Detroit is the perfect place to check out! Yes...I know what you are thinking. “Why Detroit?” Yup, many people have asked me that question, thinking it is dangerous or in shambles. Contrary to popular belief, however, Detroit has a LOT to offer!

Michigan, Midwest, Traveling While Black

Traveling While Black: Detroit Black Owned Guide

When I think of Detroit, I automatically think of black history. Motown anyone? Detroit is literally the second blackest city in the USA with 78.8% of the population being black, right under Jackson, Mississippi and right above Birmingham, Alabama. Detroit is the only city on the top ten list list that is north of the Mason-Dixon line. Interestingly, it is also the largest city in the top 10. As a result, you cannot explore #Detroit without exploring Black Detroit!

Midwest, Missouri

Traveling While Black: St. Louis Black Owned Guide

When I travel, I like to travel with a "black lens" perspective because…. I am black. I think that the blackens is not given enough attention especially through traveling because we are the minority among travelers to begin with. I also think it is important to shine positive light to the black experience.

Midwest, Missouri

Exploring the “Gateway to the West:” A Guide to St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri has been on my domestic travel bucket list for a couple of years. However, I am not sure where that interest sparked. Maybe it was while watching Nelly's brief reality show as a St. Louey native? Maybe it was seeing images of the Gateway Arch scrolling online? Whatever it was, I finally made it happen on Columbus Day weekend - 2018. After my long weekend trip, St. Louis definitely has a special place in my heart!

Chicago, Illinois, Midwest

How to Enjoy Chicago for FREE.99

Chicago is America's second city for very good reason. While I was there I BARELY scratched the surface but fell in love with it nonetheless. I visit there during my novice traveling days. This meant I did not maximize my time as well as I could have because I did not do my research before arriving. I depended completely on people's suggestion or just walking around bumping into something, although that is not always a bad thing. It also means the quality of my photos during my was trip due to my less experienced photo taking skills and my lesser quality camera (although that camera held me down at the time!)

Chicago, Illinois, Midwest

Best Food Spots of Chicago

If you are coming to Chicago, an empty stomach is a MUST! Chicago has a HUGE food scene to check out. Originally coming to Chicago for a long weekend, but then ending up stranded due to Tropical Storm Sandy hitting my home city, I had ample opportunities to explore the food scene. However, even with nearly a week there, I barely scratched the surface on foods to try.

Dr. Princess Francois.

Welcome to the Franny the Traveler blog! I’m Dr. Franny, a national award-winning educator, entrepreneur, author, and Black travel enthusiast on a personal mission to make every destination a Black-owned destination. As I visit all 50 states and 50 countries by age 50, this Black travel blog is a growing collection of Black-owned city guides, itineraries, travel tips, and reflections on traveling while Black for the conscious traveler. I’m so happy you’re here!

[Ep. 07 | NY] The Afro-Latinx Experience in NYC: Understanding Dual-Identity, Culture, and Belonging w/ Diva Green of I Got Your Black

15 NYC Afro Latino-Owned Businesses to Support this Hispanic Heritage Month & Beyond

[Ep. 06 | Solo] After 40 States & No Driver’s License, Here’s How I Travel the U.S. Without a Car

12 Car-Free Day Trips from NYC Every Black Traveler Must Take (2 Hours or Less)

I’ve Visited 40 States Without a Driver’s License: Here’s 10 Tips How to Travel the U.S. Without a Car

Travel more for less. 15+ tips from FREE Microcation Checklist + automatic newsletter signup! (NOTE: Check your spam if you did not see a confirmation email with checklist)

Unlock Black Journeys with Dr. Franny

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