Melanin and Miles Travel Podcast
By Joi Wade and Janelle Layton
Melanin and Miles Travel Podcast Jan 04, 2022
Why you need to go to Cartagena | EP. 166
Cartagena, Colombia is a bucket list travel destination for Black Americans & it's a PARTY CITY! Joi is breaking down the 5-day trip she took for her 25th birthday in August. These are the best things to see, eat and do in Cartagena. Full Itinerary Breakdown: https://www.melaninandmiles.com/episodes/how-to-spend-5-days-in-cartagena-colombia-ep-166
Breaking down the most ELITE travel credit card (AMEX Platinum) | EP. 165
Becoming an Expat with Asha | EP. 164
This week we interviewed Asha Farrah. She is an expat and legal resident in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico. In this episode, she shares her experience in Mexico and how she started business to help aspiring expats. She created her company, Mexpat Dreamers, to empower aspiring expats to successfully build an intentional life in Mexico by focusing on the logistical considerations necessary to thrive. You can find more about Asha on Instagram and her website.
24 Hours in Chicago | EP. 163
Spend the day with Janelle in Chicago. Janelle has a long layover in the city and was not going to waste it in the airport. Find out what you could do SOLO with only 1 day in Chicago. Some of her favorite destinations/activities are linked below.
Mommy and Me in Cancun | EP. 162
This week Janelle and her mom, Cynthia, chat about a recent trip to Cancun, Mexico. If you want to travel with family or someone that wants an easy trip, Cancun is a great destination. We did a lot in 4 days and we were never disappointed by services, food, or activities.
Let's Talk Travel with Katrina | EP. 161
Katrina McGhee is a Career Break and Sabbatical Coach - a certified life coach with an MBA - whose signature Take the Break program helps mid-career women create happier, more fulfilling lives by designing bold and transformational life breaks.
After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina sold all of her possessions and left her corporate job for a 20-month break to travel around the world. Upon her return to work, she landed five job offers in just five weeks, paid off $42k of debt in full and later launched her own business. Follow more of Katrina’s travel story on Instagram.
If you haven't listened to her first episode, make sure to check it out here.
Let's go to Maui | EP. 160
Welcome Back!! It's a new season after a long break. Listen to one of Janelle's favorite solo trips from last year on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
The TEA on Mexico City and Cabo San Lucas | EP. 159
Travel Like a Bawse | EP. 158
Travel with Katrina | EP. 157
Katrina McGhee is a Career Break and Sabbatical Coach - a certified life coach with an MBA - whose signature Take the Break program helps mid-career women create happier, more fulfilling lives by designing bold and transformational life breaks.
After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina sold all of her possessions and left her corporate job for a 20-month break to travel around the world. Upon her return to work, she landed five job offers in just five weeks, paid off $42k of debt in full and later launched her own business. Follow more of Katrina’s travel story on Instagram.
Travel with The Boss Lady | EP. 156
Saba is a full time Virtual Assistant Coach that has found a way to work from anywhere in the world. Listen to some of her stories of working abroad in places like Colombia, Panama, and Guatemala. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, or check out her website to see how you could work in a digital space to allow more travel in your life.
Travel with a Kween | EP. 155
This week we interviewed @KweenCarter06, an avid traveler originally from south Florida. KweenCarter has found the perfect balance of work and travel and discusses some of her favorite travel stories and worst travel mistakes on the podcast. Follow KweenCarter story on Instagram to see where she travels next.
Travel with Hawa | EP. 154
This week we interviewed Hawa who is a travel content creator, and trip planner that creates personalized and authentic travel experiences with you in mind. Listen to how Hawa left her fulltime job to begin traveling full time and various experiences she’s had within Africa and around the world. Check out more of Hawa’s travel story on Instagram and her website. Fine more on her business here.
Travel Hacking with Deal Duchess | EP. 153
Mahogany is a frequent traveler who shares cheap flights, luxury travel hacks, and more. She works with travelers to help them find the best deals for everyone from people that could be traveling solo to kid friendly and family travel. Listen to learn more about her travel hacking experience and how she paid less than $1000 for a trip worth over $20,000. Follow her journey on Instagram and check out her website to schedule a consultation.
Disneyland But as an Adult | EP. 152
Joi shares her 2 day itinerary to Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure in Anaheim California. Learn how to plan your trip, what to bring, how to use the Disney app and plan your rides and the best food to have.
Pack Set Go with Goon & Smalls | EP. 151
This week we interviewed Goon who does a lot of travel with his brother, Smalls. Together Goon and Smalls have traveled to over 67 countries and have no plans of stopping their travel journey. Their main goal is to inspire unlikely travelers to see the world and they do this through their podcast (Pack Set Go - Traveling Podcast) and sharing their travel story on social media. Check out the podcast on any listening platform and follow them on Instagram while you’re at it.
Pelumi and The Black Explorer | EP. 150
This week we interviewed Pelumi who is a frequent traveler that has visited 70+ countries and hopes to inspire others to explore more and have culturally immersive experiences. She is also the co-founder of The Black Explorer, a media brand that amplifies the voice of black travelers worldwide, and the founder of Comfy Trav. Fun fact, earlier this year she spent three months exploring 10 African countries solo. Follow her on socials to see what she’s been up to in the travel world.
Black Spaces in Seattle | EP. 149
This summer Janelle has been doing an internship in Seattle and wanted to do an episode recapping some of the highlights of the city and what it’s like being a Black woman in the area. Janelle lists some of her favorite Black-owned eateries and attractions in the city and explains how she found out how to network and find other Black professionals in the area.
Vancouver, B.C. with Janelle | EP. 148
This week Janelle talks about her recent trip to Canada! Janelle spent her long weekend in Vancouver, British Colombia and talks about nightlife, restaurants, and day activities in the city. She definitely enjoyed her trip, listen to find out more.
Travel with Lisa Shakespeare | EP. 147
Travel with Asya | EP. 146
This week we interviewed Asya. Asya has traveled to 25 countries across 6 continents and counting. Asya wants to encourage more black women and women of color to live their best lives through travel, adventure and self care. This means trying new foods, activities, and adventures. Listen to learn more about her travel experience and be sure to follow her on Instagram or visit her website to see future trips.
Journeys with Jadira | EP. 145
This week we interviewed Jadira who is a full time social worker and world traveler. She has traveled to many countries including places like Benin, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Rwanda, and so much more. Listen to learn more about how she balances work and travel and hear more about some of her favorite trips throughout Africa. Find Jadira on Instagram to follow more of her travel story.
Travel with Kimberly | EP. 144
This week we interview Kimberly a full time police officer, entrepreneur, mother, and wife that also loves to travel. Listen to hear about her recent trip to Guatemala, how she found a passion for travel, and tips on how to balance work, family, and travel. Follow Kimberly on Instagram to see more of her travel story.
Joi’s Hawaii Adventure | EP. 143
Moving with Malikah | EP. 142
Malikah is a serial expat, frequent traveler and content creator. She was born in New York and has traveled to over 30 countries. Malikah first moved abroad to Italy, and is currently living in Beirut, Lebanon. You can find her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at Where is Malikah to learn more about how to make travel part of your lifestyle and plan for your move abroad.
Travel with Renée | EP. 141
Renée Cheréz is a Black woman writer and travel liberationist creating magic at the intersections of travel, identity, and liberation. Her work focuses on her personal experiences as a traveler existing at various intersections, including immigrant and queer, and her deep belief that travel is a tool for Black liberation. Through her digital guides and forthcoming workshops and coursework, Renée guides those she journeys with to remember their inherent freedom through traversing not only the external world but also their inner world. Listen to learn more about Renée’s travel experiences! Find Renée on Instagram here.
Let’s Travel with Gina | EP. 140
Gina Nelson, founder and host of the Diving for Pearls Podcast, a podcast about women in the UAE who are thought leaders, innovators and visionaries making transformative inroads in their industry. She is an avid traveler who has now been to 54 countries across 5 continents. She has lived and worked in three countries and is currently working and living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Learn more about Gina on her website and on Instagram.
Travel with Cindy | EP. 139
This week we interviewed Cindy, who is currently living in Germany but has traveled all over the world. Listen to hear about how she balances work and travel, some of her favorite travel experiences, and how she found a passion in travel. Follow Cindy on Instagram to follow more of her travel story!
Travel and Grad School | EP. 138
This week Janelle talks about her experience with travel while being in graduate school. Her research involves a lot of international travel and explains how she was able to do a lot of internships, conferences, and research experiences outside of her hometown.
Casey Moved to Kenya | EP. 137
Casey talks all about living as a female entrepreneur across varies countries in Africa. Most recently, she has been living in Kenya and talks about her experience there and different trips she has taken to Ghana, South Africa, and more. Listen to learn more about how she balances travel and her career. Learn more about Casey on instagram and her website. You can also check out her business here.
Calling All Travelers | EP. 136
This week we want y’all to reach out to us by email (hello@melaninandmiles.com) or by dm (IG: melaninandmiles) and send us a pitch as to why you want to share your travel story on the podcast. We’re looking for Black women travelers or those that can offer inspiration to Black women for travel. Reach out and we’ll set up an interview with you soon.
Don’t forget to check out my favorite travel jewelry! Go to shop.analuisa.com/melanin this sale is too good to be true, and won’t last long! Enjoy 20% OFF the entire Ana Luisa’s website today! https://shop.analuisa.com/melanin
I’m sure you’ll love them!
#analuisany
Melanin Travels Magic | EP. 135
This week we interviewed Christina, founder of Melanin Travels Magic a company that that books group trips for black people all over the world. Christina has lived and traveled to over 40 countries and shares her travel experience with us in this interview. Be sure to follow her travel story on Instagram and find out more about Melanin Travels Magic on the website and on social media.
Don’t forget to check out my favorite travel jewelry! Go to shop.analuisa.com/melanin this sale is too good to be true, and won’t last long! Enjoy 20% OFF the entire Ana Luisa’s website today! https://shop.analuisa.com/melanin
I’m sure you’ll love them!
#analuisany
Cayman Islands (Grand, Little, and Brac) | EP. 134
This week Janelle talks about her time in the Cayman Islands during the months of January and February. Listen to hear about some of her favorite and least favorite things about these Caribbean islands. Don't forget to check out my favorite travel jewelry! Go to shop.analuisa.com/melanin this sale is too good to be true, and won't last long! Enjoy 20% OFF the entire Ana Luisa's website today! https://shop.analuisa.com/melanin
I'm sure you'll love them!
#analuisany
Jash the Digital Nomad | EP. 133
City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia Travel Guide Part 2 | EP. 132
Money and Mimosas with Danetha | EP. 131
This week we interviewed Danthea Doe, founder and creator of Money and Mimosas – a wealth education company for the self-employed. As an avid traveler and financial wellness expert, Danetha has an incredible story to share about how her approach to money has created a life of ease and grace. Over the past 18 months, while operating and growing her business, Danetha has practiced social distancing by living in beautiful Airbnb homes in remote areas of the United States. From Albuquerque, New Mexico and Boise, Idaho, to Rim Rock, Arizona and Bend, Oregon, the unique traveling experience has taught her many valuable lessons – the most important being swapping out social media distractions to prioritizing self-discovery.
Life with Lamaria in Colombia | EP. 130
This week we interviewed Lamaria, who recently traveled to Colombia and tells us all about her experience in this country. She really loves a lot about the country and found the place rich in diversity, culture, and people and history. In addition, Lamaria shares why she found a passion for travel and content creating. Learn more about Lamaria’s travel story on her instagram and youtube.
AirBnB Business and Travel with Kemoy | EP. 129
This week we interviewed Kemoy who has traveled to over 40 countries. Kemoy is a real estate investor and short term rental coach that helps people create financial freedom so they can travel the world. You can learn more about Kemoy in this episode and through his instagram and website. Click here to join his upcoming FREE masterclass.
Adventure in Black with Courtney | EP. 128
This week we interviewed Courtney Simone, founder of Adventure in Black. Adventure in Black is a travel company dedicated to uplifting black travelers for both domestic and international experiences. Learn more about Courtney and Adventure in Black on this episode and on their instagram and website.
Journeys with Sojourner (Part 2) | EP. 127
This week we interviewed Sojourner a recent graduate and current travel blogger. On our previous episode with Sojourner, she discusses past experiences studying abroad in Granada, Spain and Morocco, living abroad as a Fulbright Fellow in Logroño, Spain and interning abroad in Berlin. This week she talks about recent travel, train rides across the US, and life after grad school. Learn more about Sojourner on her website and instagram.
The Travel Connect Podcast | EP. 126
This week we interviewed Shelby, founder of the Travel Connect Podcast. On the podcast, Shelby connects with travel lovers and talks about all things travel — how to travel like a pro, how to travel within a budget, food faves, and so much more. Listen to this episode to learn more about Shelby and the podcast. Also, check out her instagram and website.
Puerto Rico Recap | EP. 125
This week we are doing a quick recap of our trip to Puerto Rico. We went to San Juan and Vieques, PR. Make sure you listen to the entire episode to hear both the pros and cons of our trip and what we would recommend if you’re looking to plan a vacation. Receive a complementary Melanin & Miles enamel pin when you leave a review on Apple Podcasts — claim yours at melaninandmiles.com/pin
2022 Travel Destination Bucket List | EP. 124
It’s the end of the year so this week we are doing a quick recap of 2021 travel and talking about our travel destination bucket list for the new year. Receive a complementary Melanin & Miles enamel pin when you leave a review on Apple Podcasts — claim yours at melaninandmiles.com/pin
Make sure you get your hands on our free Budget Babe travel guide to learn the top 10 ways you can be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next travel adventure. Get the free guide straight to your inbox at melaninandmiles.com/free
Interviews Around the World: Christina | EP. 123
This week we interviewed Christina, a world traveler that wanted to share her travel story. Listen to learn more about her experiences around the country and the world. Follow Christina on Instagram to see more of her travel story.
Make sure you get your hands on our free Budget Babe travel guide to learn the top 10 ways you can be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next travel adventure. Get the free guide straight to your inbox at melaninandmiles.com/free
Journey with Jada | EP. 122
This week we interviewed Jada, a United Airlines flight attendant that documents a lot of her travel experience on Youtube and Instagram. Listen to learn about life as a flight attendant, some of her travel stories, and upcoming plans. Follow Jada on Instagram and see some of her travel stories by subscribing to her channel on Youtube.
JetSet Squad | EP. 121
This week we interviewed Malaika Lue, founder of Jetset squad travel company and luxury travel designer. Malaika believes that seeing the world's beauty empowered her to see, value, and embrace everything around me. Listen to learn more about Malaika’s personal travel experiences, her travel business Jetset and her fashion line Hidden Gems.
Noire Escapes with Anita | EP. 120
This week we are interviewed Anita, founder of Noire Escapes, a company dedicated to leveling up the melanated millennial travel experience. Listen as she shares some of her recent and upcoming travel stories and more about Noire Escapes. Follow trips hosted by Noire Escapes on their website and Instagram.
Young Black Travelers | EP. 119
This week we interviewed Asshur, founder of Young Black Travelers, a blog and podcast inspiring youth to take the leap to explore the world one post at a time. Listen to learn more about YBT and some of Asshur's favorite trips. Find out more about YBT on Apple Podcasts and Instagram.
Luxotic Retreats with Leticia | EP. 118
This week we interviewed Leticia Ricks, founder of Luxotic Retreats. Luxotic Retreats is a black owned travel retreat company creating global experiences to transform your life. Listen as she talks about some of her favorite trips, what makes her company different than other travel companies, and upcoming retreats with Luxotic Retreats. Find out more about Luxotic Retreats on the website and social media.
Amigos de las Américas | EP. 117
This week we interviewed Sara Nathan, President & CEO of Amigos de las Americas, the 55-year-old nonprofit that organizes gap year and cultural immersion trips to South and Central America for teens/young adults, with a focus on cultural competency, global citizenship, climate change & conservation, and ethical community service. Listen to learn about their various programs and financial aid opportunities for students and recent graduates.