Travel Noire has always been about showcasing black travelers that inspire others to see more of the world. Filmmaker and photographer Eposi Litombo shares how traveling abroad helped her to understand the true meaning of home.
Travel Noire: Where are you from and where do you currently live?
Eposi: I was born in Cameroon, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and now live in San Diego, California.
Travel Noire: When did traveling become more than a hobby for you?
Eposi: My entire life, my parents communicated that having a worldview that took into account other people’s perspectives is very important. Whenever they could, they would make sure to take my sisters and me to a different country. It has been a family value ever since.
Travel Noire: What are your favorite destinations to travel abroad and why?
Eposi: I tend to favor the continent of Africa because I was born there and want to get to know it better. It has always been a dream to get to visit every region. Each region has been so different and certain parts so awe-inspiring that I am compelled to keep coming back. I’ve been to Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Cameroon and Nigeria. I hope I’ll get to see so much more.
Travel Noire: What are your top three travel secrets that black travelers should know?
Eposi: I like to spend a lot of time researching where I am going to visit, the interesting places to make sure I see on my trip, what kind of food, and the cultural norms (especially if the culture is very different from what I am familiar with). Second, when I get there, I make it a point to get to know or be friendly with the locals. Lastly, if I meet and mesh well with a local who suggests something different, that research goes out the window, and I go with the local’s recommendations. That last tip usually earns a great time I could not possibly have planned.
Travel Noire: How did traveling change your perspective on life?
Eposi: It gave me a new perspective on how other people see the world, and taught me to consider those different points of view in my everyday life.
Travel Noire: What has been your most inspiring travel moment?
Eposi: I often travel alone, and it gets lonely at times. Once, I was fortunate enough to be traveling with my family in Monaco, and we were stuck outside an aquarium trying to get a taxi. It was windy and cold, and so my parents huddled around me to keep me warm. Me, a grown woman. In that moment, I saw that home is not a place. No matter where I go if I am with people I love, it feels like home.
Travel Noire: What advice do you have for black travelers traveling abroad?
Eposi: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Enjoy your travels, but look up where you are going and familiarize yourself with safety measures that could come in handy if something goes wrong.
Travel Noire: Where are you off to next?
Eposi: If things go the way I hope, I will be headed to Bali, Indonesia next.