The Travel Noire Awards are back, celebrating the best in Black travel, lifestyle, culture, and expression from around the globe. While we select winners for many categories behind the scenes, you — our top-tier audience — will decide who takes home the coveted Top Travel Influencer award. These exceptional creators have shaped our experience of the world through their authentic storytelling. They provide us with stunning photography, transformative cultural connections, and insights that make travel more accessible and inclusive for the Black community.
Cast your vote for the nominee who has most inspired your wanderlust this year and helped redefine what it means to explore the world as a Black traveler. Meet the 2025 nominees for Top Travel Influencer.
Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara)
From Corporate America professional to full-time travel blogger, Ciara Johnson has documented her adventures across six continents. After working in HR for two years while saving every penny, Ciara quit her job. She booked a one-way ticket to Mexico to begin her journey as a solo female traveler. Through her blog, Hey Ciara, and social media presence, she’s dedicated to making international travel more accessible, especially for young Black women who might not otherwise see themselves represented in travel media.
Ciara is known for her practical approach to travel. She offers honest reviews and budget-friendly tips that have inspired countless followers to take their first solo trips. Her relatable content addresses common concerns, such as safety and affordability, while celebrating the joy of discovery.
Colby Holiday (@WorldofaWanderer)
The award-winning creator behind World of a Wanderer, Colby Holiday, brings a unique perspective to travel content at the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ experiences. Having lived in five countries across three continents, including Germany, South Korea, Spain, Mexico, and the United States, she has developed a global outlook that informs her storytelling. Colby’s journey began in 2006 through a college program called Camp Adventure that stationed her on an American military base in Germany as a camp counselor.
This experience ignited her passion for international exploration. After years of “gallivanting around Asia and exploring Europe,” she briefly returned to Atlanta before deciding corporate life wasn’t for her. With characteristic spontaneity, she quit her job and moved to Mexico within just 10 days, starting with “one freelance client, a hope, and a prayer.” Today, her platform focuses on luxury and adventure travel. It also emphasizes inclusion and representation, making her a powerful voice in the travel industry.
Gabby Beckford (@PacksLight)
Travel influencer Gabby Beckford has revolutionized travel for young professionals through her platform, PacksLight, which she launched in 2018. A former engineer with a background in statistics, Gabby turned her passion for travel into a full-time career in 2020. She creates content that makes international experiences more accessible to diverse audiences. What makes her approach unique is her focus on “Paid Travel Opportunities” (PTOs). These are scholarships, grants, and funded programs that eliminate financial barriers to travel.
Gabby’s mission was born from personal experience. After winning $40,000 in scholarships that funded her year-long study abroad in Dubai and trips to six other countries, she realized travel didn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the privileged. Her proudest achievement is the creation of the Packs Light Travel Grants, through which she awarded “$30,000+ worth of life-changing travel experiences to 6 recipients” in its first year. She is also a TEDx speaker featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, and CNN. Gabby is also a leading voice for Gen-Z travelers aiming to “seek risk, seize opportunity, and see the world.”
Jeff Jenkins (@ChubbyDiaries)
Known for amplifying the plus-size travel experience, Jeff Jenkins founded Chubby Diaries to show the world that adventure is for everybody. After years of feeling excluded from travel narratives that didn’t represent bodies like his, Jeff created a platform that addresses the practical concerns of plus-size travelers while celebrating the joy of exploration without limitations. His approach to travel content resonates with audiences who are rarely represented in traditional travel media.
Jeff doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges that plus-size travelers face, from seat belt extenders to activity weight limits. Still, he balances these practical considerations with inspiring content that shows him enjoying adventures worldwide. His work has earned partnerships with major travel brands looking to become more size-inclusive. In addition, his advocacy has opened doors for travelers of all sizes to experience the world with confidence and dignity.
Jessica Nabongo (@jessicanabongo)
Making history as the first documented Black woman to visit every country in the world, Jessica Nabongo completed her remarkable achievement in October 2019. Born in Detroit to Ugandan parents, Jessica brings a unique first-generation American perspective to her travel content, which she shares through her blog, Catch Me If You Can. Beyond being a travel influencer, she runs a boutique travel firm and operates a luxury lifestyle brand for global travelers.
Jessica’s work extends beyond breathtaking photography and travel tips. Her company, Jet Black, specializes in curating travel experiences to Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Jessica has established herself as one of the most accomplished voices in travel media today.
Kellee Edwards (@kelleesetgo)
As a multi-talented adventurer who explores by land, sea, and air, Kellee Edwards stands out in the travel landscape. As a licensed pilot, advanced open-water scuba diver, and experienced explorer, Kellee accesses remote destinations that few travelers ever experience. Her groundbreaking work made history when she became the first Black woman to host a show on the Travel Channel, with Mysterious Islands. This achievement is especially significant, as the network had gone seven years without a female host before her.
Kellee’s adventurous spirit has earned her partnerships with major brands like Ford, resulting in a national commercial and a cover feature in Travel + Leisure. Her accomplishments also earned her a place on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2019 “The Women Who Travel Power List.” Through her content, Kellee consistently pushes boundaries and inspires her audience to pursue adventure in all its forms, regardless of gender or racial barriers that have historically limited representation in adventure travel.
Kemoy Martin (@kemoy_martin)
Dallas-based travel and lifestyle influencer Kemoy Martin has journeyed through 81 countries, bringing global exploration into the spotlight through his social media presence. Kemoy offers practical travel hacks, luxury-on-a-budget tips, and destination inspiration, helping his audience travel smarter and broader.
Beyond sharing travel adventures, Kemoy mentors aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs. He provides guidance on building a personal brand, mastering digital marketing, and monetizing a social presence. His YouTube platform further amplifies his content, mixing business acumen and personal development with his passion for travel.
Martinique Lewis (@Marty_Sandiego)
It’s impossible to discuss the Black travel movement without Martinique Lewis’s name entering the conversation. Martinique has established herself as a preeminent authority on Black travel history and contemporary Black travel movements. Her groundbreaking ABC Travel Green Book app serves as an essential resource for Black travelers seeking safe and welcoming destinations worldwide. The platform is modeled after the historical Green Book that guided African American travelers during the Jim Crow era. As president of the Black Travel Alliance, Martinique advocates for diversity in the travel industry while holding brands accountable for representation.
Martinique also works as a consultant with destinations and travel brands to develop meaningful diversity initiatives that drive measurable improvement in inclusion. Her curriculum on inclusive tourism has been adopted by hospitality programs at major universities, extending her influence to the next generation of tourism professionals.
Oneika Raymond (@OneikaRaymond)
As a wife and mom, Oneika Raymond skillfully balances her roles as a travel influencer, television host, and educator. Her background in international education brings unique insight to her travel content, particularly when addressing family travel and raising global citizens. Beyond showcasing beautiful destinations, Oneika sparks important conversations about race and privilege in international contexts, helping her audience navigate the complex social dynamics of travel.
Oneika’s influence extends to mainstream media, where she brings diverse perspectives to travel programming. Her thoughtful approach to content creation has built a dedicated audience that appreciates both her practical travel advice and her willingness to address challenging topics.
Help crown the trailblazer who’s made you dream bigger, travel farther, and see the world differently — vote today for the 2025 Travel Noire Top Travel Influencer. Polls close Wednesday, September 24, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Stay tuned as more winners are revealed throughout the Travel Noire Awards season. Visit the Travel Noire Awards hub to explore all categories and see the latest updates.
