The Weekly Passport

Hello Travel Buddies!

Welcome back to your Weekly Passport newsletter!

This week, we’re diving into powerful stories celebrating Black history, travel, and culture. We’re thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes look at our latest project honoring Harriet Tubman’s legacy, insights from Carmen’s trip to Kenya, and an exciting announcement for sports and culture lovers alike. Let’s dive in!

In this issue, you’ll learn about:

• Our journey to Auburn, NY, to uncover Harriet Tubman’s legacy through her descendants.

• 3 interesting facts about Lamu, Kenya, that every traveler should know.

• San Antonio’s selection as the host city for the 2025 HBCU All-Star Basketball Game.

COMPANY UPDATES
How Many People Did Harriet Tubman Save?

This week, our team is headed to Auburn, NY, often called the "chosen home of Harriet Tubman." We’re meeting with her descendants to discuss her powerful legacy in this historic town and why more people should visit this under-the-radar destination.

Click here > for a behind-the-scenes clip from our pre-interview with Michele Galvin, one of Harriet Tubman’s nieces. Pre-interviews are essential to our process—they help us break the ice and build rapport with community members, ensuring they feel comfortable and open to authentic sharing. In this short clip, Michele shares why discussing how many people Harriet Tubman saved is important to her family.

Stay tuned for more on this inspiring story as we bring Tubman’s legacy to life through the voices of her family and community.

🧳 TRAVEL
3 Interesting Facts About Traveling to Lamu, Kenya

Fresh off her trip to Kenya, Carmen is sharing three fascinating insights about Lamu, a unique island destination that offers a glimpse into the beauty and culture of East Africa.

• A Living Piece of Swahili History: Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, dating back to 1370. Known for its coral stone architecture, narrow winding streets, and vibrant traditions, Lamu offers travelers a true time capsule experience, rich with historical charm and cultural heritage.

• Car-Free, Stress-Free: One of the island’s most unique features is its absence of cars! Instead, donkeys are used for transportation, creating a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the slower pace of island life, where the focus is on relaxation and community connection.

• "Lamu Tamu" – The Sweet Spirit of Community: Known as "Lamu Tamu" (Sweet Lamu), the island is celebrated for its warm and welcoming community. Vacationers are often treated like family, with locals going out of their way to create a sense of belonging. From boat rides delivering coffee to friendly faces at every turn, Lamu offers an unforgettable sense of peace and connection.

These unique qualities make Lamu a hidden gem for travelers seeking culture, tranquility, and genuine human connection.

CULTURE SPOTLIGHT
HBCU All-Star Basketball Game Coming to San Antonio in 2025!

For sports travel enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of culture, we’re excited to share that the 2025 HBCU All-Star Basketball Game for both men and women is coming to San Antonio!

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, a press conference will be held on the steps of City Hall to officially announce San Antonio as the host city for this exciting event.

This event is a celebration of athletic talent from HBCUs and an incredible opportunity for San Antonio to tap into the multi-billion-dollar Black travel market. Hosting the HBCU All-Star Game will help create cultural events that East Side residents—the city’s historic Black community—can feel a part of and take pride in.

We look forward to sharing more updates as San Antonio gears up for this exciting intersection of sports, culture, and community impact.

Travel Tips!
Travel Tips: Prepare for Holiday Travel and Passport Delays

• Plan Ahead for Passport Renewals
  If your passport is due to expire soon, start the renewal process early! The U.S. State Department is currently experiencing significant delays in passport processing, with wait times reaching up to 12 weeks. To avoid last-minute issues, frequent travelers should renew their passports at least six months before the expiration date. Many countries also require six months of validity for entry, so don’t wait—get ahead of the game and make sure your passport is up-to-date.

• Expect Higher Holiday Travel Prices
  Planning a holiday getaway? Be prepared for higher-than-usual prices for flights and accommodations this season. Due to increased demand, popular destinations are seeing a surge in costs. To save money, consider booking your flights on less popular travel days, such as mid-week, and set up price trackers to catch any last-minute deals. A little flexibility can go a long way in helping you avoid the holiday price hikes.

🛂 SHARE YOUR PASSPORT

Thank you for joining us this week!
We’re grateful to have you on this journey to celebrate Black history, culture, and travel. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep connected.

The Culture Travels Team