From Cape Town to Oaxaca: Nubia Younge on creating authentic & safe spaces for Black queer women
Why travel expert Nubia Younge believes splurging smart beats spending big, plus her ultimate LGBTQ+ dinner guests & where they'd dine.
Mark
Nubia Younge knows how to get from point A to point B. More importantly, she does it in style. The Black queer travel entrepreneur behind Black in Tulum and Black in Travel just launched Orí Ayé Travel, a high-end retreat and tour operation. The brand’s inaugural trip will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2026.
But if you think Younge’s experiences have solely included first-class tickets and luxury accommodations, think again. The powerhouse businesswoman, at one point, was a single mom raising two kids in low-income housing. She didn’t use her passport until she was 32 years old, and has since visited 40 countries.
After being laid off from her corporate job in 2017, Younge bought a one-way ticket to Thailand (her daughter was in college, and her son had moved to live with his father), and she never looked back.
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“These retreats are going to be very intimate, usually eight people total, in luxurious places around the world where you’re investing in yourself, you’re investing in rest, you’re investing in the environment,” Younge told ESSENCE, “but we’re also doing maybe a workshop or two within the retreat centered around giving your life even ‘more.’ “
GayCities caught up with Younge between travels to chat about the iconic queer influences in her life, insider tips on lesser-known destinations, and the moment that affirmed her multitudinous identity as a Black queer travel expert.
The ultimate LGBTQ+ dinner party
GAYCITIES: If you could have dinner with any three LGBTQ+ icons (past or present) at your favorite restaurant in the world, who would you choose, where would you dine, and what would you order?
NUBIA YOUNGE: I would love to have dinner with Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, and Stormé DeLarverie; these three powerful, unapologetic icons made it possible for folks like me to show up fully, boldly, and in color. I would make reservations for JOEY King Street in Toronto. The food is delicious, the service is top-tier, and the vibe is just right for deep conversation, belly laughs, and amazing storytelling. That would be an epic dinner party.
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Travel tips from a pro
What is an under-the-radar destination that is secretly perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers but isn’t on everyone’s list yet? Sorry in advance, we’re blowing your cover!
Oaxaca: Mexico’s cultural heartbeat, but without the chaos of the tourist traps. It’s queer-friendly, artistically vibrant, full of ancestral healing, and has some of the best food you’ll ever have. I’ve been wanting to experience a stay at Casa Silencio, an eco-luxury mezcal distillery and hotel tucked in the mountains. As a queer woman of color, I can imagine going to this hotel with friends or a significant other, living a soft life.
What’s the biggest travel mistake you see LGBTQ+ travelers seeking premium experiences make that could easily be avoided?
One of the biggest mistakes is confusing price with value. Just because something costs more doesn’t mean it’ll offer the experience you’re craving. True luxury is about intentionality, not just thread count or Instagrammability. I encourage my clients to splurge where it matters most to them, whether that’s a private chef, a healing massage, or culturally immersive tours. Emotional safety, ease, and alignment are the new luxury.
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Nubia Younge: Black, queer, and ready to board
Tell us about a travel moment that affirmed your identity as both a Black woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community – where were you and what made it special?
I was in Cape Town, South Africa, at this rooftop event that wasn’t even marketed as queer, but the energy was pure magic. I went solo, not knowing what to expect, and ended up surrounded by beautiful Black straight and queer individuals, all dressed in the color theme for the night, partying together and enjoying life.
As I stood out on the rooftop looking out at Table Mountain, I realized I was standing in a sea of Black joy, no pretense, just presence. At that moment, I felt fully seen. Not just tolerated, but truly celebrated. I felt safe in my skin, unapologetically Black, and queer. That moment reminded me why representation and safe spaces matter so deeply, especially in global travel.
For women traveling solo or with their partners, what safety and comfort considerations do you prioritize when selecting destinations, accommodations, and experiences?
When I’m choosing destinations, accommodations, or experiences for women, especially queer women and women of color, I’m looking for places that feel welcoming. I prioritize cultural sensitivity and a sense of ease. I also look for wellness-focused experiences and places that center customer connection. Because we deserve to travel in peace, feel seen, and rest without apology.
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