Black History Month Wrap-Up

If you aren't on Facebook as much or at all anymore, then you probably missed some or all of my Black History Month travel stories, but don't worry, because I've rounded them all up for you to read at your leisure. While Google is complying in advance to the government wanting to do away with Black History Month, I continue to get 400 emails a day regarding travel, and many of those have great Black travel stories, which I have been saving for this and my own travels.

"The Wonder Gaze" from Ken Gonzales-Day's Erased Lynchings series

Remember, Black history IS important history, especially in America, and educating yourself on that history while you travel is smart. It may rarely be feel-good, but history isn't there to make you comfortable. I hope you will add some important local history and culture to each of your trips, so you understand more about your destinations by the time you go home.

"The White Man's Burden" by Deanna Bowen

February 1

Nature and outdoors is for everyone. Disappointed by the low percentages of people of color visiting U.S. national parks, Diamon Clark and Kristen Walker are creating a sense of ownership through Our Parks Too.

February 2

When you know historical facts most others don't, you go out and teach it yourself! Sampson Levingston leads walking tours in Indianapolis that cover histories even locals are surprised by.

February 3

Most of America's music has roots in Native American and Black culture. Learn the history of music at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

February 4

Black cowboy culture is more than just a moment; it is a reclamation of history as it happened. What you never learned about cowboy culture from all those westerns you used to watch.

February 5

In sports that are historically classist and white, these people are making skiing and snowboarding more inclusive to POC.

February 6

When the duo behind Houston’s Bludorn restaurant took a pilgrimage to Senegal, they brought back a new definition of hospitality—and an appreciation for the flavors of home.

February 7

Get smarter in minutes, when you follow Blair Imani. She gives you bite-size vids about Black history, Black-owned businesses, world events, clothing, makeup, and more!

"Love and Loss in the Milky Way" by Fred Wilson

February 8

Washington DC's iconic carousel has a nice piece of Civil Rights history.

February 9

You can find Black history everywhere, even if you think there isn't any. Even in Paris, you can learn about poets and activists and painters.

February 10

There is still a grave underrepresentation of Black owned breweries, wineries, and spirit makers. Here are some fantastic businesses to support.

February 11

Black Restaurant Week is a celebration aimed at introducing you to the diverse tastes of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine throughout the country. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, bakery, café, or food truck, diners can savor budget-friendly menu selections and explore a rich array of international flavors.

February 12

If you want to learn more about how to use your garden plants (or those found in your local woods or park or while you're traveling around new places), follow Alexis Nikole, better known as @BlackForager on FB and IG. She's a lovely Black creator that knows SO MUCH about foraging and using plants to make amazing things.

February 13

Even though Black travelers spend roughly $109 billion annually on domestic leisure travel, making up more than 13 percent of the U.S. travel market, they’re often underrepresented in destination messaging and initiatives. New York is making sure Black travelers have the Empire State on their list of must-visit destinations.

February 14

From the exhibits at The National Constitution Center to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal or AME church, there’s more African American history to be revealed, digested and remembered in Philadelphia than meets the eye.

"White Noise, American Prayer Rug" by Nicholas Galanin

February 15  

Once a holding cell for kidnapped Africans, the island’s House of Slaves is today a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the site of healing and atonement.  

February 16

Do you need a dose of happy in your day? Follow ColorMeCourtney for colorful outfits, travel, and decor. Find her @Colormecourtney on IG and other socials.

February 17

Celebrate Black History Month all year long with your favorite Black‑owned restaurants redefining vegan cuisine.

February 18

Follow in the footsteps of Black thinkers, traders, and leaders who contributed to the rich history of Hawai‘i.

February 19

From vibrant villages near Cartagena to historic sites in West Africa and the Caribbean, many places worldwide have preserved structures in places that encapsulate the essence of Black heritage and stories.

February 20

If you love Disney, Universal, haunted houses, Harry Potter, and food & hotel reviews, Adriana is your girl. She runs her own YT channel and is also the host of Iconic Eats, where she tries theme park and cruise food and drinks. We love her. She's bubbly and enthusiastic about everything she does. Find her @bibbidibobbidi_broke on YT and all the socials.

February 21

Amtrak Presents Freedom of Movement: The Legacy of Train Travel in Black History (video)

Historical timeline, with what I think is one of the most "interesting" eras

February 22

Motorcycle pioneer Bessie Stringfield made history when traveling alone as a Black woman was unimaginable.

February 23

Unlike Ellis Island, a tourist destination with a must-see museum and database where visitors can track their lineage, there's little in Charleston memorializing the area's relationship to the African American experience.

February 24

Sibongile Sambo, a rejected flight attendant, started her own aviation business, making history as Africa's first all-female jet company.

February 25

It's always worth it to rent a car and take a day trip from New Orleans, especially if you're looking for deep history. This building was the headquarters of a historic Black benevolent society and remains the oldest virtually unaltered jazz hall on earth.

February 26

If you love Disney and fitness, Brittany Noelle meshes the two together. She's bubbly and you'll often find her donning her wizard gear at the parks, as well as showing folx how to do workouts for any level that are tailored to specific characters. Find her @magicalfitbritt on IG. For more just fitness videos, find her on @b_noellefitness.

February 27

Asheville, North Carolina, is now home to one of the few Black heritage trails in Appalachia. This 1-mile trail passes through 3 neighborhoods.

February 28

Tayo Aina's rise from Uber driver to internationally acclaimed African Travel Content Creator and storyteller is inspiring.

I hope you were able to add some new destinations to your travel list and maybe were inspired to look for more ways to include important history in your travels. You don't always have to visit museums to do it.

Do you have a favorite Black history museum, tour, or restaurant? Tell me below!

Does Everyone Hate Me?

It can be hard to be a plane passenger at times, but there are things you can do to make it easier on you and others around you, including the flight crew, because they have to be there and every flight is a mixed bag. They (and probably you) hope that everything goes off without a hitch, so do your part to make everyone's day a little brighter by being a better traveler.

It's not just those people who pick fist fights with other passengers or take their socks and shoes off mid-flight or get too drunk that make flights horrible for those around them. Here are things you can stop doing starting with your next flight:

Ringing the Call Button Because You're Impatient

I have been flying for 40 years. I think I've only used a call button once in that entire time. Unless you desperately need help, just chill. They will bring you a drink. They will come pick up your trash. There are 150 other people on this flight that brought their own bottle of water or snack and can wait 10 minutes for whatever. I also bring along a plastic bag (usually a potty bag from the 50 rolls I have at home for the dog) for my trash, especially when I'm bringing my own snacks, because I don't want to stuff trash in my seatback pocket. Gross. Even if you have loose trash, you won't die if you have to hold onto it for a little bit.

Blocking the Aisle During Food and Drink Service

Yes, there are times you need to use the restroom or stretch a bit, but try hard not to do it when there's a cart in the aisle, because they can't get around you. While we're at it, if there are things you need during your flight, don't put them in your carry-on in the overhead and then open the bin a bunch of times. Nobody wants your butt in their face while you're rummaging around in your bag. 

Keeping Your Headphones On When They're Trying to Talk to You

You know when you're trying to talk someone and they won't even look away from their phone? Don't do that. When the crew is coming around to take drink orders or ask you if you want a snack, take your headphones off for a minute, so you hear them and you appear attentive. 

Getting Mad When There's No Overhead Space

Life isn't always fair and you don't always get to have room in the overhead. It sucks, but it happens. Don't get mad at the flight crew. It's not their fault. Also, it's not their fault if your bag is too big and doesn't fit. You probably knew it wouldn't. This is why I don't bring carry-ons that expand, unless I'm checking it on the way home, because they're easy to overpack. There are bag size restrictions for a reason. 

Taking Up Too Much Overhead Space

If you're lucky enough to get space in the overhead, don't hog it. You don't need to put your carry-on and backpack and coat up there. We all hate not having legroom, but if you don't want to put extra things under your seat, then don't bring them. The overhead is meant for one item per person. You can put other things up there once everyone has boarded and there is spare room.

Acting Like Crew Aren't People

They aren't statues. They're doing a job and ignoring them is rude. Say hello and be polite. Say thank you or goodbye when you deplane. A little kindness goes a long way.

Ignoring Requests Regarding Safety

This is probably not your first flight. You know the plane is descending You know that you need to stow all your electronics. They told you. Don't just ignore that. Also, put your tray table up, fasten your seatbelt, and put your seat in the upright position. Everyone has to do it. You're not special. Imagine having to tell grown-ups at your job the same thing 50 times when you could be doing something useful. Just put your stuff away. Pack a magazine for take-off and landing if you need something to do.

I know this wasn't really a great feel-good post, but know that I post these etiquette tips because sometimes we just need a reminder. We aren't the only people on the flight and the crew isn't there to cater to your every whim. We're all just trying to get to our destination and being kind can be the best thing you do wherever you go, because when you're nice, other people try to be nicer as well. 

What is something that other people do on planes that make you wish they didn't?

Ways You're Wasting Your Time at the Airport

I'm not like most people. I looooove the airport. Not just my home airport. Pretty much all airports. I understand why people don't like it, but I'm convinced that most people waste their time at the airport and are missing out on some of the best things about this early part of their travel journey. 

A display from Portland Events & Film with ShadowMachine at PDX

Viewing the airport as a part of your trip makes it seem way better than just a waiting room to get into a smaller waiting room to get to where you really want to go. 

It's like a mall that also has a portal to another destination! (Yeah, I actually hate the mall, but it's the best comparison.) Once you start thinking this way, you might feel differently in the future too, not be one of those annoyed harried people who look at the route monitors with a permanent scowl. Listen, you'll eventually get to where you want to be, so chill out and enjoy yourself. Do some research. Download the Gate Guru App. Make a plan. Then "waste" your time doing these 7 things:

I love these new pieces at PDX. They're crochet!

Art collections

All airports now have some sort of art collection. Some even have their own galleries for those travelers who have quite a bit of time to kill. I always like to see the different things on display at different airports. Take some time to wander your terminal to check out the exhibits available. One of my favorites is the History of Flight "museum" in Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas. They are remodeling, so we'll see what it looks like in its new home.

Play areas

Travel with kids can be trying and, after having to sit for hours without getting to flail or even stand up, jumping around and annoying people near the baggage carousel is not a fantastic way to burn off energy (or make friends). Head to the nearest play area, which almost all airports have, and let them climb and run and yell and whatever else so they can be ready to fly or for the next leg of your journey. Bonus is that they are usually airplane themed and lots of kids love pretending to be a pilot. 

Workout rooms

These may be few and far between, but if you're lucky enough to go through an airport with some, pack some shorts and a tee in your carry-on to do some running or strength training. Getting some exercise is a great way to stay alert and get moving after a long flight of being folded into a tiny space. If you normally get a workout in during the day, then you're not missing out by sitting on the plane.

Movies

You're probably bringing your laptop or tablet, so why not download some movies or TV shows to watch if you have 90+ minutes to spare on your layover. If you're lucky, you might be in one of those fancy schmancy airports that have an actual theater for travelers and you can see a new movie or short indie films on a big screen.

Spas

Treat yourself to a massage, pedicure, or something else a little luxurious. I've been lucky enough to get a manicure at the Butter London location in Seattle, but we've also hit up the XpressSpas on trips as well. They do their best to make your treatments short and sweet, so if you have a tighter connection, you can still catch your flight.

Specialty souvenir shops

Bring home gifts to commemorate your trip for yourself or others. If you're just passing through, this is also a great way to sample some of the local flavor, whether it's candy or beer or whatever else. Fair warning, when you go through Portland (PDX) and think Oregon Rain sounds like a fantastic water choice, just don't.

Go sightseeing

If you have a fairly long layover, don't think you can't get out and enjoy your stopover city a bit. Last year, we had 8 hours in Baltimore on our way to Paris, so we stored our luggage and made a fun day out of it. On our way to Philadelphia, any flight we chose out of PDX had a layover in SFO and the outgoing flight from there wasn't until 10:30pm no matter when we flew, so we took the earliest flight, had 12 hours there and met a friend for some sightseeing and catching up. We went to lunch, the zoo, the wax museum, the San Francisco Dungeon and finished up with dinner at Pier 39, then went back to the airport and had a nice sleep overnight on the plane. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle)

Buy something you forgot 

Or entertainment. My favorite new shops are the 24-hour kiosks in airports. You can buy everything from travel-sized makeup to fancy noise-canceling headphones to an ebook reader. You pay full price, but if you forget that sunscreen you love from Supergoop! or the best ever Benefit foundation, or even a toy for your dog, you can get them at whatever time you're stuck at the airport.

What do you like to do to pass the time at airports?

Portland Coffee Tour 2025 - Part 2

It's February and that means we're talking about some more coffee joints in Portland. As you know, I adore coffee, and since I know a lot of my readers love coffee, I wanted to bring back this series, especially when coffee shops come and go so fast sometimes and the pandemic didn't do any of them any favors. 

This month I brought back a favorite for Black History Month, also, because there are so few Black-owned coffee shops in our city. But I'll also talk about a few other great ones.

Deadstock Coffee Roasters (rewind from a past coffee series post, to applaud a long-standing Black-owned business in Old Town Chinatown, which now has a second location in Beaverton that I went to after I posted this. We ordered a dirty chai, sugar-free chocolate cappuccino, and a slice of butterscotch pound cake. I'm definitely going back.)

This tiny little coffee joint is like walking into a little bit of an old school hip hop video. They have sneakers and sports memorabilia and a fun piece of art that features a boom box. They have a few stools to sit at, but when I was there they were full, including someone doing homework on a laptop, so they obviously are pretty social in their small space. You won't find food here, or a menu, but they claim they'll make any coffee you want, or you can ask for their specials. They didn't have any when I visited, but I asked them to just make me something cold and the barista suggested the Zero Chill (also seconded and applauded by a customer, or possibly another worker on break).

It is a cold brew coffee mixed with ice tea. Those are my two favorite things to drink! He was nice enough to pour it into an espresso cup first so I could taste it before I committed to a full size, but I was in. It only cost $4, which I thought was a decent deal, considering how good and refreshing it was. I took my drink to go and drank it on my way to my next coffee adventure. There's street parking or you can park in a paid lot across the street. This area of town is unique, but can also be...challenging.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap | Budget Travel Tips | Travel Writer (@shereentravels)

Harder Day Coffee Company

I keep meaning to make it back to Harder Day, because they have a menu full of delicious sounding things that aren't just bagels, like their breakfast burritos. This shop moved in where one of my favorite other shops closed and I felt a bit guilty going there, but I'm not going to not support a local family-owned in-house coffee roaster. That's not entirely unheard of in Portland, but still pretty rare. I always like to try a special, and a lavender latte can either be done really well or really badly. The coffee had a delicate lavender flavor and smell and the brew itself was really smooth. I also grabbed a toasted bagel with cream cheese, which was as expected.

The shop itself is in a very convenient location and is bright and airy. There is okay street parking. You're not going to be pulling into a lot and jumping out. You may have to walk a block or more. The baristas were very friendly, and clearly know how to make a good drink and keep the noise level down for you to sit and relax. I sat in the window, so I could watch people walking by and traffic, and even though the space is large for a lot of coffee shops in town, it still felt warm and cozy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap | Budget Travel Tips | Travel Writer (@shereentravels)

Champagne Poetry

When you hear that a coffee place (okay, it's technically a bakery) has Japanese souffle pancakes, you make your way over there, stat! What are souffle pancakes? They are tall, jiggly pancakes that can be made several ways. Champagne Poetry has both plain (served with strawberries, honey, boba, Nutella, caramel, or ice cream) and ube. We both got the plain ones. Eric got strawberries and I got Nutella. 

I also ordered the honey cinnamon latte, because that sounded like an awesome combo with my pancakes, and I wasn't disappointed with either choice. On my next visit, I'd like to try the taro latte and one of their crepe cakes. Every baked good in their case looks like a work of art and everything is incredibly colorful, which goes with the uber pink vibes of the bakery itself. They play funky 90s jams, or they did when we visited, and there's outdoor seating when the weather is nice. This place is incredibly popular, which is not surprising, given that everything is delicious and Instagram-worthy, and it's also in a very walkable neighborhood, which makes it a place easy for people who live nearby to just pop in.

Okay, that's February for you. All the pinks for V-Day and the effortlessly cool Black-owned for Black History Month and just a cute shop in between. I hope you enjoy them and visit at least one while you're out and about or come to visit. 

Tell me your favorite coffee shops from Portland or where you live, or one you'd like me to try for a future review.

Romantic Paris Staycation

This was from my destination date night for Valentine's Day 2024.

Valentine's Day is just a few days away. If you haven't planned anything yet, it's okay, there's still time to get the most coveted reservation, the one at home with your sweetie. If that doesn't sound all that exciting to you, what if I told you that you'd be taking them to Paris (or really any city they've been dreaming of)?

In 2022, we took a vacation to Paris, and it was awesome, but not every year can be a Paris year. In fact, I know I'm privileged to have been to Paris even once. So, if Valentine's Day snuck up on you, I'm going to show you how you can pull together a romantic staycation over this week, if you get on it right now. You may need to put it off to Saturday, but you can still do it.

This is one of those times I decided to make all my own food, which is unusual, because I like to get a meal delivered, and you might want to, too, but if you don't, following is the list of foods I made. I wanted as much to be heart-shaped as possible and I wanted to do a tea time spread, as that is one of our favorite things to do:

• Mini Hasselback potatoes: loaded version
• Radish tea sandwiches - I cut the bread into hearts and froze and I also added a little radish heart on toothpicks
• Cucumber flowers with dill butter - I did these as open-face and cut both the bread and the cucumbers into flower shapes
• Sweet pea and leek tartlets - instead of using big tart pans, I used heart-shaped baking tins from Michael's
• Salmon petits toasts - I made the filling for this and instead of toasts, I spread it on tortillas, cut them into strips, and then rolled and used toothpicks to shape them into a sort of heart shape
• Curry chicken tarts - I actually purchased a container of curried chicken from Trader Joe's and put them in phyllo cups I had in the pantry
• Savory peach tarts - I couldn't find fresh peaches, so I used canned peaches that I dried off between paper towels, and used hot honey instead of cooking the peaches with chili flakes. I also cut my puff pastry into heart shapes

I set my coffee table with a pink sequin tablecloth that was actually a curtain panel, added a heart runner for an interesting look. I also got a 3D travel-themed Valentine's Day card, in place of my usual flower centerpiece. All my tablewear (runner, tiered tray, heart dessert server, heart plates) came from Target. I used red napkins I already had, mismatched teacups from my cabinet, and my bird teapot. We drank a chocolate raspberry tea that I received for my birthday, and I also had a mini bottle of rosé prosecco. They have different stuff this year.  

If you can't find these items at your local Target, don't have a local Target, or don't want to use what you already have, here are some items you can sub in and get before V-day:

• Heart shaped plates: melamine | paper | ceramic
• Tiered serving tray
• Cake/dessert display
• Heart baking tins | heart tart pans | heart ramekins
• Conversation heart napkins
• Heart table runner
• See-through, stovetop tea kettle with infuser (on sale right now!) | I love this affordable red polka-dot kettle | or if you're looking for a traditional teapot
• Tea bags - if you're using loose-leaf tea, I find that these (I actually use the Coffee Sock, but they won't deliver before the 14th) are actually better than every other infuser I've used.
• Mini cookie cutters | if you just want hearts, here's a set
• Barbie champagne flutes | or maybe these cutie floral wine glasses
• 3D Valentine's Day card | Paris themed card

As a background, I picked a Parisian river view with the Eiffel Tower behind it. If you've followed my destination date series, then you know I usually do two backdrops, and this time I did, too, but used the second one in a different way. I wrapped our TV stand with a rose garden backdrop, because we watched a few videos of a Seine cruise. 

You can pick up fun things like these ring pops or Valentine head boppers or glasses at your local dollar store. These glasses Eric has on are actually blue, which you can see in other pics, but somehow came out green in the pics where he's wearing them. Mine are pink, but almost disappeared in pictures.

I probably spent the equivalent of a fancy dinner out on this destination date, but I didn't have to hear a bunch of people's conversations, I didn't have to dress up (you can), and I didn't have to drive anywhere and wait for my table to be ready. We had a fun time and it was a nice, relaxing, and romantic evening in. I hope this gives you some good ideas for your own romantic evening in. If you want more tips for things to do outside of your home, here's my post on how to do a romantic staycation on a budget. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, if you celebrate. All of these ideas can also be used for a Galentine's or Palentine's celebration. Cheers!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, you will be supporting me and this blog, at no extra cost to you. You don't even need to buy these things. Anything you purchase after clicking through helps. Thank you in advance.