Meet Christina Belloge
Welcome to The Club Diaries: A spotlight series amplifying the incredible people within our Club community doing wonderful things!
Meet Christina Belloge - Founder of Melanin Travels Magic and avid adventurer. Christina highlights the importance of taking on new experiences & adventures for the Black diaspora, and also shares the impact of Covid-19 on the Tourism industry!
Christina Belloge - Melanin Travels Magic
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have always been passionate about exploring different cultures, languages, and living in new places since I was young. Over the years, I've had the privilege of visiting more than 40 countries worldwide, with over 20 visited in just the last eight years.
The pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement gave me the push to create Melanin Travels Magic, an organisation dedicated to connecting members of the Black diaspora with their heritage, roots, and culture in nations throughout Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.
“My goal is to provide the Black diaspora with unforgettable experiences that celebrate our rich cultural history.”
What inspired you to pursue your career and how did you get there?
In my early 30s, life threw me a curveball that required me to make a big change. Due to family matters and shifts in the job market, I knew it was time for a new adventure. I packed my bags and headed to Germany to learn about social media marketing from a large fashion retailer.
I focused on community management and organic social media strategies. But soon enough, I dove into paid social advertising and haven't looked back since.
Christina Belloge - Melanin Travels Magic
If you could curate your dream travel experience, what would that look like?
I am so excited to plan my dream travel experience in South Africa for 2024! I can't wait to explore Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
“The best part is that I have an amazing network of female guides who will make sure I'm safe while exploring on my own or with their guidance.”
There are so many incredible places to visit plus there are lots of low-cost flights within South Africa so I can customize my trip with wine tasting, hiking, chasing waterfalls and trying delicious foods.
I always leave room for spontaneous encounters and adventures. These are often the most memorable moments of any trip. So don't be afraid to let go of your itinerary and embrace the unexpected!
What's your secret to finding awesome holiday deals for the newsletter you share with us and your travel community?
I use websites to search for the best prices months ahead of time and networking with people from all over the world on social media. Sometimes I get lucky and snag a last-minute deal. Just recently, I found a flight to Miami and Egypt for less than £400 with a return, 2 weeks before leaving.
Little life hack, if you fly through a hub destination like Iceland, Miami, or Montreal, you can easily explore two destinations at once. Subscribing to travel newsletters and booking flights months ahead of time can save money on your dream vacation.
Christina Belloge - Melanin Travels Magic
How has covid-19 and the cost of living crisis impacted global travel?
I couldn't believe it when the pandemic hit and travel became a distant memory.
“I had just launched my own business, but with nowhere to go, I felt stuck. Everywhere was either banned or deemed too risky for travel due to Covid-19.”
It was frustrating beyond belief as things got even worse as countries began banning all travel outright in an effort to protect their citizens from the virus. Only two countries remain open for tourists: Mexico and Zanzibar as their economic GDP relied heavily on their tourism.
Do you still feel excited about booking flights for yourself and taking a break from your routine?
Yes, I still feel excited about booking flights and taking a break. Planning and researching deals is always thrilling for me. However, the part that stresses me out is packing because I tend to overpack and bring too many clothes that go unworn. It's funny how that happens!
Christina Belloge - Melanin Travels Magic
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before embarking on your first adventure?
The Western Media have been lying to us all our lives about Africa - war, hunger, and poverty. When I travelled to Senegal on my first big international trip in 2010, I was blown away by how peaceful and beautiful it was.
Now, over 40 trips later, I still laugh at his famous phrase "You're going to get kidnapped!" because I know the truth about the amazing continent of Africa.
“My dad, who always warned me of the dangers of travelling solo, even said he wished he were as brave as me!”
Thanks so much to Christina for taking the time to share her thrilling journey in Travel & Tourism with us. To connect with Christina and the Club community, click HERE to join today!
Website: Melanin Travels Magic
LinkedIn: Melanin Travels Magic
Instagram: Melanin Travels Magic
