The Weekly Passport

Issue #51

Author

Culture Travels
September 29, 2025

The Weekly Passport!

Y’all, sometimes the stories we need to tell aren't the ones we want to tell.

This week, we're sharing an urgent travel warning that could save lives, reflecting on finding hope in unexpected places, and giving you access to resources that make your next journey unforgettable.

Culture travels when you do—and we're here to make sure you do it safely and meaningfully.

Let’s dive in.

TRAVEL
TUNISIA IS NOT SAFE FOR BLACK TRAVELERS RIGHT NOW

A Maryland woman's kidnapping in Tunisia last week revealed something deeply disturbing: systematic anti-Black violence and state-enabled human trafficking networks targeting our community.

What happened: Meka was drugged in her hotel lobby and woke up in a stranger's car. She fought her way out, but hotel staff denied the incident occurred. Our investigation uncovered a documented pattern—Tunisian authorities allegedly selling Black migrants to Libyan traffickers for as little as $25.

Our position: Avoid Tunisia until there's accountability.

This isn't about discouraging travel to Africa or Black-majority countries. This is about systematic violence that makes a destination unsafe for Black travelers right now.

Join the community conversation:

@culturetravelsmedia

A Maryland woman was drugged & kidnapped in Tunisia last week. She survived—but what I found reveals a disturbing pattern. Tunisian author... See more

CULTURE
FINDING THE AMERICAN DREAM IN SLOVENIA

Sometimes you find what you're looking for in the last place you'd expect. In Slovenia—a country smaller than New Jersey—I discovered something profound: the American Dream isn't exclusively American.

From family homes passed down through generations to small businesses thriving under high taxes, Slovenians showed me another way to build a life worth living. But the real revelation wasn't about Slovenia—it was about what we're willing to sacrifice for our version of "The Dream."

Key insight: Mental health, work-life balance, and community connection aren't luxuries—they're foundations for a meaningful life.

CULTURE
FREE TRAVEL GUIDES!

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Want to experience Slovenia for yourself? We've created a comprehensive travel guide based on our recent trip—complete with insider recommendations, cultural insights, and practical tips you won't find elsewhere.

What's included:

  • Best neighborhoods to explore in Ljubljana

  • Hidden gems beyond the tourist trail

  • Cultural etiquette and useful phrases

  • Budget planning and transportation tips

  • Personal recommendations from locals we interviewed

What’s the catch? We’re looking for feedback on the content (not design, that comes later.) Give us feedback here.

Note: Access to our free travel guides closes October 3. After reviewing feedback, we're redesigning these resources to better serve you and our community.

 LOOKING AHEAD!

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Next week, we'll be sharing behind-the-scenes content from our upcoming Catalonia press trip (October 1-7) and continuing to monitor the Tunisia situation for any updates that affect Black traveler safety.

Share this newsletter with someone planning international travel—they need to know these stories.

Travel safely, travel informed, and remember: culture travels when you do.

Culture Travels Media is your source for travel news that centers Black experiences. Forward this newsletter to a friend and help us grow our community of conscious travelers.