For the past five years, we have traveled full-time in our Class C 24-foot Entegra Odyssey, living life on our terms, embracing adventure, and inspiring others to do the same. Our nomadic lifestyle has taken us through big cities, small towns, and the most remote corners of this country, and we have been blessed to say that we have never encountered any trouble as an African American couple on the road.
But as we watch the current social and political climate unfold, we can’t help but wonder: Will that continue to be our experience?
The Reality of Traveling as an African American Couple
When we first started this journey, one of the most common questions we received from friends and family was, “Do you feel safe?” It’s a fair question—after all, traveling full-time means stepping into unfamiliar places, often rural, where diversity isn’t always a given. There’s an unspoken concern about whether we would be welcome, whether we’d stand out too much, and whether people would treat us differently simply because of the color of our skin.
The truth is, we have felt nothing but kindness and hospitality in our years on the road. From campgrounds and Harvest Host stays to military bases and state parks, we’ve been met with friendly smiles, helpful neighbors, and open-hearted conversations. We’ve built connections with people from all walks of life—many of whom had never met a Black full-time RV couple before.
However, we’re not naive. We know the world is changing, and as tensions rise in different parts of the country, we are mindful of how that could impact our travels.
Staying Aware but Not Fearful
We’ve always approached travel with common sense and preparedness, but we refuse to live in fear. Here are some of the ways we continue to navigate the road safely and confidently:
- Researching Our Stops – Before we pull into a new town, we do a little research. We check forums, Facebook groups, and even reviews of RV parks to gauge the general atmosphere. This isn’t about paranoia—it’s about being informed.
- Trusting Our Instincts – If a place doesn’t feel right, we keep it moving. Period.
- Building Community – We’ve connected with a network of diverse travelers who share their experiences and advice. Whether it’s through social media or meetups, having a community makes all the difference.
- Knowing Our Rights – As a military family, we’re used to being prepared. We educate ourselves on state laws regarding self-defense, discrimination policies, and traveler rights so that we know how to advocate for ourselves if needed.
- Choosing Love Over Fear – We travel because we love the freedom it gives us. We refuse to let fear steal that joy. We remain optimistic, while also being prepared for any challenges that may come our way.
Hope for the Future
We hope that our experiences continue to be filled with warmth, kindness, and a shared love of travel. We also hope that the country doesn’t become so divided that people start seeing each other as enemies rather than fellow human beings.
To our fellow Black nomads, and to anyone who may have concerns about life on the road, know this: You belong here. Your adventure is just as valid as anyone else’s. Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing the beauty of the open road.
We will keep sharing our journey, keep encouraging others to live life on their own terms, and keep hoping that the world meets us with the same kindness we’ve experienced so far
Let’s keep rolling, y’all. 💛
Have you ever had concerns about traveling as a person of color? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it.
Kirsten & Mack
