No Guidebook for This: Diaries of a Black (African) Female Solo Traveler

By Zahra Sachikonye, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Decolonizing Solo Travel: Why Representation Matters

When I would research different destinations to travel, almost all the blogs and travel guides I read were from a very similar perspective. These articles were written by mostly white, mostly Western points of view. Their advice, whilst useful, was only relatable to a point. When thinking about safety, I had the added task of researching the levels of racism in a place, something most people have never even thought of doing. As someone with an African passport, I had to apply for visas for countries most of my friends could just walk into. This brought added planning, finances, stress. There was a lot of it that felt very lonely. So, I hope that the articles I write, including this one, can make even one person feel less alone.

Hong Kong itself is an incredibly diverse city, especially in central areas (although these also tend to be more expensive). For example, if you go out at night to places like LKF, you’ll be sure to find a vibrant international community with people from all over the world. But day-to-day, you can go a long time without seeing another black person, especially a black African. In my classes I was one of the only black African students, often the only black person in the room. It’s a strange sensation to not quite see yourself in a place that is so diverse. For me, that felt quite isolating at times. I realised more than ever the importance of representation.

Navigating Isolation: Where to find Comfort

I think that I had a relatively positive experience of ‘being black in Hong Kong’ compared to some people I spoke to (besides one horror story that I’ll save for another time). Despite this, there were subtle things that only people in similar shoes could understand: microaggressions, cultural disconnects, unspoken questions. I sometimes wondered if I was being seen or heard the way I wanted to be.

Lesson 1: Letting go of the need to be understood and trusting that my understanding of myself is enough

It is so draining to feel like you have to constantly explain yourself. Especially where there are so many cultures coming together, you might never feel fully understood. I think accepting this is part of the solution. However, there are times when your own understanding is not enough and you want someone to validate your experience and existence. Also very valid.

Lesson 2: Community is comfort

I joined Bridges International (community group, can join the Christian events if you want) where I found people from all over the place and was able to be myself and feel fully seen. At church I met a fellow Zimbabwean who introduced me to a wider Zim community. At uni I found friends who weren’t in my position but wanted to listen and understand. Friends who sympathised with me and made me feel heard and hopeful.

You are not alone in whatever you feel. I hope you find your people. Feel free to reach out to past students (like myself) who went abroad. We understand what it’s like and are more than happy to give you some advice or just lend a listening ear. The University of Manchester counselling and mental health service as well as other services (contacting the placements team for help) might be a good direction to go depending on what you are facing.

Final Thoughts

My experience as a black person in Hong Kong was calm. Travelling around to other countries is where I encountered problems. This is not a universal experience and honestly, I’m not sure what to say to close this article. I don’t know if I should offer advice, encouragement, or share my personal experience in more depth. I’m still unpacking the meaning and impact of my own experiences. I considered ending on a high note about how much power there is in showing up fully as yourself but, I’m not sure if that’s what I would have wanted to hear. What I do know is this: being a minority can be exhausting and you deserve to feel seen.

The end.