In celebration of Black History Month 2015, Cultural Xplorer is continuing with the annual series of Black History Month interviews highlighting bloggers and travelers of color. This interview series was created to eradicate the long-standing myth that African-Americans and people of color do not travel.

This series features 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.

 

 

Nicole on Traveling

I Luv 2 Globe Trot Nicole

Nicole in Abu Dhabi

How were you exposed to traveling?

I started traveling at a young age, but took my first international trip abroad my first year after graduating from college to visit some girlfriends teaching in Japan.

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

I’ve always been curious about different cultures and places. Growing up I wanted to be an architect. Even though that didn’t come into fruition, one of my favorite things to do is visit places with amazing architecture and design. It’s like I’m still able to live out a bit of that childhood dream through travel and exploration.

What is your most memorable travel experience to date?

My most memorable trip to date would probably be my European tour did back in 2012 during the London Olympics for 2 weeks. I trotted to not only UK, but France, Italy, Amsterdam and Belgium. I met my favorite hip hop band The Roots in Amsterdam on that trot; one of my favorite artist Jose James at a Jazz festival in Bruges, ate the most delicious food in France and Italy…that was one of The best vacations Ever.

How many places have you traveled to so far?

I have traveled to over 30 countries.

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

I’d have to say it’s important to be adaptable. Traveling and being on the road, you realize that things typically won’t go according to plan and that’s ok.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had while being an expat and living a globe trot lifestyle would be being away from my family and friends back home. I’ve missed weddings; I’ve missed babies being born into my family and more. I have to come to terms with the fact that life goes on while I’m away, but due to technology it is nice to be able to experience certain things with my family and friends. I relocated back to Oman for work before I could attend my graduation from grad school in Germany. Due to my amazing classmates, I was able to take part via Skype. Thank God for technology.

Nicole on Blogging

Nicole in Oman

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

I decided to travel blog after getting so many queries about how I’m able to live abroad for the amount time that I have and what makes me travel. I decided it was necessary to document these experiences and to hopefully inspire others to live an atypical lifestyle.

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

Our blog (I Luv 2 Globe Trot) is unique because it is a combination of two African American women that have been living the expat lifestyle for several years now, I being based in Oman and Renee and Australia. In addition to the blog, we’ve created an online community of globe-trotters and future globe-trotters to help inspire one another to trot the globe.

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

Young minorities interested in travel and expat life.

Nicole on Life

Nicole in London

Favorite travel (or life) quote:

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

What is something that your readers do not know about you?

I feel much more comfortable writing then I do speaking in public forums. I used to have stage freight as a child, hopefully overcome that as more opportunities present themselves in the future.

What do your future travel plans for 2015 include?

Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, possibly Spain again for a travel conference, and USA to see family.

Interested in finding out more about Nicole and her travels around the world?

Website: I Luv 2 Globe Trot // Facebook Page: I Luv 2 Globe Trot // Facebook Community Group: I Luv 2 Globe Trot // Twitter: I Luv 2 Globe Trot