Episode 8

Black & Brown Travelers Belong Everywhere: Changing the Travel Narrative with Rafael Peña

Published on: 25th February, 2025

Ever thought about packing up and moving to a new country? Travel strategist and journalist Rafael Peña joins me on The Random and Wonderful Podcast to share his journey from event planning in New York to living in Thailand, Argentina, Italy, and Portugal. We dive into how travel expands your perspective, the power of representation in media, and why every Black and Brown traveler should spend at least a year abroad. Tune in for practical travel strategies, eye-opening stories, and a fresh take on global exploration!

Rafael Peña's Bio:

Rafael Peña is a travel strategist and journalist whose work has been featured in Black Enterprise, Travel Noire, Miami Herald, DetourXP, and many other publications. Having lived in Thailand, Italy, Portugal, and Argentina, Rafael is passionate about redefining the travel industry for Black and Brown travelers. He believes that everyone should experience living abroad for at least a year to gain a broader global perspective.

Resources Mentioned:

• Travel Noire – https://travelnoire.com/author/Rafael Pena

• Black Enterprise – https://www.blackenterprise.com/author/penar/

• DetourXP – https://detourxp.com/

• Ebony Expats & Black Expat Facebook Groups – Great resources for moving abroad

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About the Podcast

Random and Wonderful: Conversations about Travel Anxiety, Wellness, and Mindset Shifts
Travel Stories That Inspire Bold Living
Travel isn’t just about new places—it’s about personal growth, mindset shifts, and embracing the unknown. Hosted by Grace Simmons, a confidence coach and travel enthusiast, this podcast is your go-to guide for overcoming travel anxiety, building confidence, and discovering the wellness practices that make travel transformative.

Each episode blends inspiring travel stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you step out of your comfort zone and travel with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time traveler feeling hesitant or an experienced explorer seeking deeper self-discovery through adventure, you’ll find encouragement, motivation, and real-world advice here.

Expect engaging interviews with travelers, mindset and wellness experts, and personal stories about navigating fear, finding freedom, and embracing joy on the road. Grace’s down-to-earth approach makes travel feel accessible, empowering you to explore the world without self-doubt holding you back.

New episodes every other Tuesday! Hit subscribe to join the journey, and don’t forget to share your own random and wonderful travel moments on IG @random.wonderful.

About your host

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Grace Simmons

Hi there friend,

I'm Grace Simmons! I teach women to travel with intention, from sacrificing their dreams to confidently creating a life that reflects joy, curiosity, and growth. My journey from a U.S. Army Veteran to a travel mindset coach and entrepreneur taught me resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to helping others unlock their full potential. I founded the Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC to empower individuals to discover new personal and professional horizons.

Listen to the Random & Wonderful Podcast, where I share travel stories, interview other travelers, and offer confidence-building tips.

You can find out more about me here (https://pages.amethystpalaverhut.com/profile).