What's Happening?
BOOKED Trips, a travel company founded by Jalisa Whitley, is creating immersive travel experiences inspired by books. The company designs itineraries where meals, conversations, and activities are centered around the themes and narratives of specific
literary works. BOOKED Trips focuses on stories by women, authors of color, and writers outside the Western mainstream, aiming to highlight voices that may not receive widespread attention but are deeply connected to their origins. Since its launch in 2022, the company has organized trips to various international destinations, including Mexico, Colombia, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa. Notably, trips to South Africa have been based on Trevor Noah’s memoir, 'Born a Crime,' among other African-centric books like 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi for Ghana and 'What Are Butterflies Without Their Wings' by Troy Onyango for Kenya and Zanzibar. The company's 15th journey is currently underway, exploring Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important as it redefines the concept of literary tourism, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and intellectual engagement. By focusing on marginalized voices and non-Western narratives, BOOKED Trips contributes to a broader understanding of global cultures and histories, which can enrich the perspectives of U.S. travelers. The company's commitment to partnering with locally owned, women-owned, and Black-owned businesses in destination countries ensures that tourist dollars directly benefit local communities, counteracting the economic leakage often associated with large multinational travel corporations. This approach fosters sustainable tourism and promotes equitable economic development in the regions visited. For African American travelers, in particular, these trips to African countries often represent a significant 'homecoming,' offering a profound personal and cultural connection that goes beyond typical tourism.
What's Next?
BOOKED Trips plans to continue expanding its literary-inspired travel offerings, with a particular interest in Nigeria. The founder, Jalisa Whitley, expressed a desire to organize a trip around Nigerian writers, whom she believes are producing some of the best literature of the past decade. This expansion would require finding the right local partners in cities like Lagos to ensure the experiences align with the company's values of authenticity and community engagement. Future trips are expected to maintain the company's core philosophy of small group sizes, intimate discussions, and deep dives into the historical and cultural contexts of the chosen books and destinations. The company also continues its Maya Angelou Scholarship program, providing financial assistance for travelers to participate in these immersive journeys.
Beyond the Headlines
The model employed by BOOKED Trips highlights a growing trend in experiential travel, where consumers seek more meaningful and transformative journeys beyond conventional sightseeing. By using literature as a framework, the company taps into the emotional and intellectual resonance of storytelling, creating a deeper connection between travelers and the places they visit. This approach challenges the traditional, often extractive, nature of tourism by prioritizing local partnerships and cultural exchange. The emphasis on diverse authors and settings also serves as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, fostering empathy and understanding across different communities. The personal growth and self-discovery reported by travelers, particularly the sense of 'homecoming' for African Americans visiting Africa, underscore the profound impact of such thoughtfully curated experiences on individual identity and global awareness.
