Creating Safe Spaces

Giving away a free trip to Vietnam (airfare and activities included)!

Making people feel safe to be themselves is my superpower…

Or so I’ve been told.

I am not quite sure how host and more importantly space maker became something I do, but it’s a gig I take seriously.

I’ve always liked having people over and feeding them, playing games and chatting into the wee hours of the night. I’m the friend who connects and introduces vastly different parts of my circle but somehow it works, the queer divas lounging right alongside my very bougie tech bro friends right beside my hippie mom while we’re on a trip laughing until we cry.

I was never quite sure why this worked for me, but then someone I traveled with said, “Anela you’re so unapologetically YOU, yes it’s in your face but it’s so real and also so kind, that it gives other people permission to be themselves.”

That’s a sentiment I’ve heard again and again from close friends, people I’ve worked with, and even folks who’ve gone on group trips with me.

I’ll surely fail sometimes, but I’ll take it.

That’s the energy I try to bring to any experience I host.

Be it a dinner, meetup, happy hour, or anything else I host.

It’s even part of my mission statement for my group trips, to create a safe space for folks to have the adventure of their dreams. I’m proud to host experiences around the world where our group is made up of predominantly Black and other women of color and includes a broad range of ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. The last pre-trip email I sent out said “essentially don't be a dick and come as you are” and I stand on that.

I’m hoping to bring a few more of you along with me this year. So let’s make space for joy together.

First, two spots have opened up on the trip I’m hosting in Portugal in October.

This food & wine focused experience from October 9-19 will be a chance to unplug, explore, and relax together. I’ll be fresh off my book tour, so trust me when I say I’ll be leaning into the freedom and ease of this one. I believe the only spots left are in shared rooms.

Get the details here (you have to call to book this one) and claim your spot!

And I also have an incredible giveaway for paid subscribers 👀

My friends at Intrepid Travel are sponsoring one of you to come with to Vietnam with me FOR FREE!

There’s a reason why I’ve worked with Intrepid for years now!

This experience will include airfare and a premium 8-day tour in early November (I’m not hosting this one just traveling alongside you). You’ll have the chance to explore with me and some of my friends over my birthday on the adventure of a lifetime.

This one’s for paid subscribers only. Fill out the form below to enter for a chance to win this spot!