In celebration of Black History Month, Cultural Xplorer is doing a series of interviews to eradicate the myth that African-Americans and people of color do not travel and to show you people of color who are traveling the world and making history. This series will feature a number of interviews from both men and women of color from around the world who are passionate about traveling and sharing their stories through their writing and through travel videos.

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Heather, Ishmael (Ish), and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron

Meet Heather Greenwood Davis of the travel blog Globetrotting Mama. Heather has been traveling since she was a child and she has been a full-time travel writer since 2007. She travels with her husband Ishmael, and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron. Number of years traveled: Full time travel writer since 2007. She writes about family travel, solo travel, luxury travel, and full-time travel. She has also been the recipient of numerous awards such as the 2012 National Geographic ‘Travelers of the Year Award‘ and the 2009 Travel Media Association of Canada ‘Best Family Feature‘ award. 

Heather on Travel

How were you exposed to traveling?

My parents traveled with my brothers and I as kids. I always loved the thrill of leaving home for some new place. Trips with and to family were my favourites.

What motivated you to make travel a part of your life?

It always has been but in 2002 when my son was born I realized I wanted to see more of the world with him. That led to more family travel and the decision to be a full time travel writer.

What is your most memorable travel experience to date?

Our year away as a family. We left in June 2011 and didn’t come home again until June 2012. We hit 29 countries on six continents and were awarded national Geographic Traveler Magazine’s inaugural “Traveler of the Year” award. It was an incredible year.

How many places have you traveled to so far?

Outside of that year away,  I don’t keep track. I prefer to focus on the experiences.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned on the road?

That everything I need in the world can come with me or be reached by me  when I travel. And that the people make the destination.

What has been your biggest challenge on the road and how did you overcome it?

The biggest hurdle was overcoming our own preconceived ideas about danger and place. We live in a very fortunate bubble in North America and seeing the adversity and struggles of other nations has opened me up to new ideas and forced me to question what I see on TV.

Heather on Blogging

When did you decide that you wanted to become a travel blogger?

I was a travel writer first. Then as we planned for our year away I turned to travel blogging as a way of keeping family and friends up to date  on our plans.

What makes your blog unique in comparison to other travel blogs?

It’s not a “how-to” blog as much as it is a “lessons learned” blog. In many ways it’s still an ongoing letter to my kids about what the world is teaching me.

What are the top three articles that you feel everyone should read on your blog?

Who is your target audience?

Anyone who dreams of travel (long term or short), parents who secretly long to take their kids and run,  armchair travelers who may never leave but enjoy the lessons and tales from the other side of the world.

Heather on Life

Favorite travel (or life) quote:

“You must take your chance.” – Merchant of Venice,  William Shakespeare
What is something that your readers do not know about you? I”m an introvert! I do a lot of TV and media work and come into my own when I’m talking about the things I’m passionate about but left to my own devices I’d happily stay behind the computer.

Where do you plan on going next?

A road trip is planned for March. And I’d love to get the kids to Japan soon. Other than that I’m wide open to wherever the road might lead.
Find out more about Heather and her globetrotting family:
Website: Globetrotting Mama // Facebook: Globetrotting Mama // Twitter: @greenwooddavis // Youtube: Globetrotting Mama