Black-Owned Travel Brands You Should Know About
In case you haven’t heard, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the nomads of the world. The CDC announced recently that they were modifying their travel guidelines, now permitting fully vaccinated people to travel throughout the United States without adhering to testing or quarantine requirements, though still asked to comply with mask mandates. But after a year of solitary confinement, where trips from the bed to the couch aggregated the peak of daily migration, keeping those masks on hand is a small price to pay for regaining the freedom of mobility. While many will surely be looking to check off a trip back home to see Mom, Dad, and your Grandma who was forced to join the ranks of Facetime users, it’s looking like summer 2021 may actually be shaping up to return to form for traveling as we knew it; a slow burn, sure, but it’s better than nothing right? We can’t imagine anyone is looking for a repeat of the Zoom grad parties and socially distanced cookouts that were the backbone of summer 2020.
While the CDC is still working out the kinks and the fate of international travel is certainly questionable, the promise of rediscovering Nomadland as we knew it is palpable. Many have their eyes set on changing up their scenery this summer, case and point being your friend group chats blowing up with Airbnb options as we speak. But a year without travel might have you rusty, if not in dire need of some essentials: luggage, bags, knapsacks, and TSA-friendly must-haves. Yeah, remember those? If you’re planning on hitting the skies or taking to the highways this summer, you’re going to need to restock your arsenal with all the old reliables—but then again, why do that? Your inaugural summer back into the travel bug deserves some new favorites to carry in tow. Check out some of today’s best Black-owned travel brands, keeping you packed with all the necessities and (always) necessary extras as you start planning your next trip. It’s definitely been a minute, so let’s do it right.
Mifland
If your old duffles just aren’t going to cut it anymore, you might be better off investing in something that can stick around a little while longer. Look no further than Mifland, an Atlanta-based mixed accessory goods company that’s marrying modern design with vintage flair. All their products are handmade, expertly crafted to satisfy both your fashion and function cravings. With lines of rucksacks, duffles, totes, and bags for both men and women, they’re quickly becoming the go-to for a splurge that’s worth the sticker price.
Have you ever seen something so perfectly balanced between retro and modern? Photo from Pinterest.
Ebby Rane
Come summer, we’re all looking to step back into the airport in style, and that starts with luggage. Before you run out to snag yet another T.J.Maxx clearance mark-down that’ll get scratched up by your second trip, it might be worth investing in something actually worthwhile. In walks Sonja M. Salmon, banker-turned-entrepreneur who decided back in 2014 that she simply could not put up with any more carry-on fiascos. Taking matters into her own hands, Ebby Rane was born; her very own luggage company named as a tribute to her Jamaican grandfathers, an embodiment of their grit and spirit which flows throughout the brand’s DNA. Their selection of luggage is second to none, designed with all the right bells and whistles for maximum storage, comfort, and ease. A definite must-have.
Who would mind rolling one of these from terminal to terminal? We sure wouldn’t. Photo found on LInkedIn.
ASHYA
For all the necessary extras you know you want, ASHYA’s got you covered. Found in 2017 by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, this New York-based brand is committed to crafting only the highest quality unisex travel accessories. With each collection inspired by cultural narratives, their goal is to provide style and functionality for a more mindful traveler-turned-explorer. Dust off that passport that’s been buried in your drawer and slip it into one of their hand-stitched bolos; safe to say you’ll be the fly-est person going through TSA that day.
The loveliest pouch designed with functionality and safety in mind, this holder will stay nuzzled against the body. Photo from Travel + Leisure.
Black Box Travel
Stepping back into travel mode, one thing we’re not going to do is walk around the airport looking like a mess again. Let’s be honest, traveling is a messy business; skin gets greasy, hair gets messy, and you’re usually well overdue for a shower as soon as you make it to your final destination. Designed specifically for women of color, Black Box Travel provides clean, TSA-friendly essentials for all your hygiene needs. Without parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, their products are fully loaded with shea butter, coconut oil, and other essential ingredients. Whether it’s a body balm, hair balm, shampoo, conditioner, or lip balm, they’ve got what you need to keep things in check this summer.
We feel like we’re glowing just from looking at this! Photo from ShoppeBlack.
Tote&Carry
If you’re looking to really make a statement, Tote&Carry is the way to go. Driven to bring luxury to the masses, co-founders Tony Dennis and Tony Rey defied industry standards by marrying both quality and affordability. The two pulled their near 30 years of fashion experience among major brands and A-listers, launching their own lines of luxury travel items designed to elevate the experience. Their bags are made to stand out, weaving new colors, cuts, textures, and fabrics for the statement pieces of all statement pieces—but without breaking the bank. Running the gambit from the simple to the gaudy, they’ve got just about anything you’d be looking for.
The boldest mustard you ever did see, and boy is it working. Photo from Pinterest.
From sophisticated passport crossbodies to the richest leather bags you could desire, these brands have it all. Before you say yes to your group chat about a weekend away, make sure you browse these high-quality names for the dreamiest luggage.