The Transformative Journey of Nubia Younge: Empowering Black Women Through Travel

Have you ever dreamed of traveling abroad or leaving the United States altogether? Nubia Younge, a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and travel advocate, once shared those dreams of exploring the world and, more importantly, discovering herself. Today, she is dedicated to empowering other Black women to become expats and travel internationally, helping them do so without regrets, doubts, or reservations.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Citizen

Nubia Younge’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up as a single mother in Boston, she didn’t get her passport stamped until she was 32. Since then, she has traveled to over 40 countries and lived extensively in Mexico and Thailand. Younge embodies the idea that Black women can thrive abroad while finding community. “What I realized community means is being seen and being represented,” she reflects. “When I left abroad, I started seeing people who look like me, and it just felt like home.”

The Catalyst for Change

Younge’s transformation began in 2017 when she was laid off from her corporate job. Feeling burnt out and disillusioned, she decided to take a leap of faith. “I was tired of being tired,” she recalls. With her daughter in college and her son about to graduate high school, she withdrew her 401(k) funds, bought a one-way ticket to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and sent her son to live with his father. This marked the beginning of her "pursuit of happiness, freedom, love, and all of the things."

Building Community and Connection

Her experiences abroad led her to create several platforms aimed at connecting Black travelers and digital nomads. Younge founded Black In Tulum and Black In Travel, which serve as vital networks for Black travelers to connect, thrive, and foster a sense of belonging. Her latest venture, Ori Table, focuses on the Yoruba tradition of “divine alignment,” offering intimate retreats that emphasize self-investment and community.

“These retreats are going to be very intimate, usually eight people total, in luxurious places around the world,” she explains. “We’re investing in ourselves, in rest, and in the environment.” Younge aims to create a safe space for women to share their stories and explore their aspirations, whether that means scaling a business or simply finding peace.

The Birth of Black In Tulum

The idea for Black In Tulum emerged from Younge’s observation of a growing number of Black travelers in Tulum, Mexico. She organized a brunch on the beach for a small group of Black travelers, which quickly gained popularity. From that initial gathering, she created a Facebook group that grew from 25 to 28,000 members in just four years. “Despite having zero professional background in travel, I’ve always had a passion for hospitality and bringing people together,” she shares.

A New Era for Black Women Travelers

Younge’s business model has transformed the travel landscape for Black Americans, connecting them to one of the world’s top destinations for expatriates. With luxury retreats and curated experiences, she aims to elevate the travel experiences of Black women, allowing them to have life-changing moments abroad. “I want to focus on slower, more immersive travel,” she states, acknowledging that many Black women may not have the luxury to travel as often.

Overcoming Barriers

Younge recognizes that family, fear, and finances often hold Black women back from pursuing their dreams. “Those are the three things that would keep you from doing anything in life if you allow it,” she explains. Her own journey has revealed the survival mindset many Black women live with, often feeling isolated and unsupported. “You’re shedding all of the things that you thought were life, and then you realize you’ve been lied to all your life,” she reflects.

Embracing Identity and Thriving

For Younge, thriving means being seen and accepted for who she is. Identifying as queer, she has found greater acceptance abroad than she did in the U.S. “I thrive best in areas where I’m acknowledged,” she says. Her journey has not only been about travel but also about self-discovery and learning to love herself. “I had to learn how to thrive and navigate this world alone, but not lonely,” she shares.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Nubia Younge’s story is one of empowerment, resilience, and community. Through her platforms and retreats, she is not just facilitating travel; she is fostering a movement that encourages Black women to embrace their identities, pursue their dreams, and find joy in the world. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to chase your dreams and that the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored.