Sosha, a veteran and law grad enjoys wandering and exploring the world solo. She has been to 22 countries and 26 states. In an exclusive interview, Sosha gives us solo travel tips as a Black woman.

Sara: What inspired you to start exploring the world?

Sosha: I would say probably the Navy. People assume I’ve traveled to 21 countries within the Navy but they only sent me three places. I went to Japan, Italy, and Spain when I was in the Navy. And that was enough to spark my interest.

Sara: So what was your first place you visited outside of Navy?

Sosha: So if we're talking about international travels, it was Canada-Toronto and Niagara Falls. I wanted to start with English speaking countries to get my foot wet. From Canada, I booked London. It's still different even though it's English. And then from London, I took the dive straight to Spain because I'm comfortable with Spanish.

Sara: Would you consider yourself Explore[Her] or Resort[Her]?

Sosha: Definitely hands down, Explore[Her]. I think I've only ever stayed at one resort in my life. It was when I lived in Hawaii and I think I got military package discount. But I am not a resort person at all. Every trip I go on, I either book an Airbnb or a hostel and I'm always doing tours, excursions. At a resort, I'm not getting the culture and mingling with the people.

Sara: What are some of your traveling rituals?

Sosha: I always have to make a list of what I need because I pack ahead. I'm one of those. I have to clean laundry and take out the trash. I also like to at least write out important information before I leave such as Embassy info. If I need anything to show at the airport-pertinent information-I usually write that on a piece of paper or in my phone. So when I land I have everything because sometimes the border patrol will ask you for address where you're staying and I'll have that all ready to go.

Sara: You specialize in solo travel. How did you get started in traveling solo?

Sosha: I think just people always canceling. I used to be married, and I think it started with him because he didn’t want to go to important events like my best friend’s wedding. I started my solo traveling when he didn’t want to go. So it started with having an unsupportive partner, and then it continued because I would have friends that were like, oh, “I'm so down.” And then once I start planning, it was like excuses. I decided to still explore the world solo-stateside initially.

Sara: Thank you for your candidness shout out to that unsupportive partner because you learned how to travel solo, which I think is a dope experience.

Sosha: And solo travel also forces you to sit down by yourself and start talking to other people. I was in Boston at this speakeasy by myself and these guys started talking to me. They took me around Boston, did some Boston trivia. It was so much fun. But if I was there with someone else, that probably wouldn’t have happened.

Sara: What tips do you have for black women who want to travel solo?

Sosha: Try English speaking countries first. Also find other black travelers and see what they say about certain countries. I would ask other travelers their advice about countries they visited-if it's friendly, female friendly or even black friendly. Certain places I visited like Egypt; most of the men were not friendly at all. They would yell at us on the street and spit, calling us hoes in their language. Italy was not friendly either. And I told myself I'm going to stop spending my money in countries that don't appreciate me.

Sara: What's the best destination for solo travel?

Sosha: Iceland, for sure. It's super friendly. I think it's the safest country in the world.  Spain is my favorite country for sure. I like that people are friendly and getting around was so easy. They have a lot of events, too, so that you can meet people especially expats. London as well because they’re used to tourists and it’s  easy to get around.

Sara: Have you had any scary encounters by traveling solo at the black one?

Sosha: No. The worst thing is encountering scammers, especially Italy. But I think there was a time in Spain where we thought this guy was probably going to try a snatch or purse or something. But I'm very aware my surroundings. So we didn't go down into the Metro, we were pretending to go down, and then we just turned around and came back and let him pass us to go down.

But no, I would just say watch out for scammers on the street. In Spain and other places, they have a lot of gypsies. So they'll ask you to put your hand out type thing and then they'll put rosemary in your hand and then they'll ask for money. Or little kids will come up and then do certain things and then ask for money back. Just don't take anything from anyone. And if they throw something in front of you, don't pick it up. Don't stop. Just keep walking.

For more of Sosha’s travel content and photos, follow her on Instagram: @wanderlusting4justice.