Courtesy of Travel Divas
Black women deserve luxury. Recognizing this, Shanterria Earley founded Travel Divas—an award-winning group travel company that caters to Black women. “She brought all of this together to showcase Black women traveling, but at a luxury level,” smiles Michelle Thames, Community Director of Travel Divas. “We do luxury travel. It’s a five-star experience. What we do is [Shanterria] brings together is an experience for black women.”
While “fancy” and “luxury” are often thrown around, Travel Divas prove it. “The experiences are all-inclusive. You don’t have to think about anything. When you travel with Travel Divas, everything is taken care of for you,” Thames gushes. “It’s like a white-glove service. I think it’s a luxury to go somewhere and not have to do anything.”
Past and future destinations include Senegal, Ghana, Singapore, Jordan, Milan and more.
“Dubai is a top trip for us,” Thames said of the company’s luxury experiences. “We host afternoon teas. We visit the Burj Khalifa. They have six- and seven-star hotels in Dubai. We stay in the best hotels.”
But Travel Divas was born in New Orleans. In 2007, Earley began organizing bus trips to The Big Easy that were a hit with black women travelers. This summer, Divas will return to the city that started it all. On July 4, more than 300 The divas will be arriving in New Orleans for the 30th ESSENCE Festival of Culture, which is sure to be an incredible female trip.
“It’s one of the biggest festivals for our community. When you go to New Orleans, it’s just a different space,” Thames says. “We’re excited to be back. ESSENCE Fest is the culture. It’s the Black community. When you go to the store and see the ESSENCE magazine, it’s the nostalgia. The Travel Divas were a part of the experience, and we want to continue to be a part of it.”
Since its inception in 2007, the company has hosted over 500 trips, both domestic and international, serving up that rich aunt vibe wherever they land. The added value of their experiences is that members have the privilege of exploring the world with other travel-minded Black women.
“A lot of black women haven’t had the experience of going to Rome, the Almafi Coast, Greece, and Africa, and being able to do that safely with a group of people,” Thames shared. “I think that’s important. You want to be protected, and Travel Divas provides that safe and inclusive environment.”
Additionally, women who enjoy traveling and prefer not to travel alone can participate in the Travel Divas roommate program.
“If you’re afraid of traveling alone, you don’t have to be alone,” explains Thames, who shared that many women who meet through the matchmaking program become lifelong friends. “We’ll match you with the best roommate possible, and it’ll be the best experience for you.”
During ESSENCE Fest, Travel Divas will host an exclusive Welcome Party with NOLA rapper and artist Big Freedia, an old-school hip-hop brunch, and a series of health initiatives, including group hikes and panels with guest fitness experts. “We’re not just showcasing travel, but lifestyle. Health and wellness are important,” shares Thames. “[It’s really about] creating an experience.”
If trips of spectacular opulence with other Black women sound like your vibe, look no further than Travel Divas. The community has over 50 trips planned for 2024, and they’ve already started advertising excursions for 2026. “We have so many trips planned. [If you really] “Sit down and think about your dream destination, Travel Divas probably has that spot for you,” says Thames. “As we always say, ‘Book the trip, sis.’”
To learn more about Travel Divas, visit www.thetraveldivas.com or click here to join their Facebook group.
