Luxury Travel for Black Women Who Want More Than a Vacation
Good hotels
Great food
A little adventure
Welcome to Passports & Grub
I’m Tomiko Harvey, a Gen X luxury travel creator who has explored more than 65 countries, and I’m still adding stamps to my passport.
I believe women over 45 deserve to travel well, whether that means checking into a five-star resort, going on a safari in Africa, planning a girls’ trip to Mexico, or finally booking the destination that’s been on your bucket list for years.
But I don’t just want to tell you where to go. I want to tell you what it’s really like when you get there.
Is the hotel worth the money? Is the destination safe for Black travelers? Where should you eat? What should you skip? And will you actually enjoy yourself, or spend half the trip wondering why you booked it?
Those are the questions I answer with firsthand hotel reviews, destination guides, and practical travel safety advice. Because at this stage of life, we’re not spending our hard-earned money on just any vacation.
Where Do You Want to Go Next?
Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway, looking for a hotel that’s actually worth the price, or researching a destination before booking, I’ve got you covered.
Accommodations
Honest reviews of the luxury hotels and resorts I’ve stayed in, and whether I’d book them again.
Destinations
Where to stay, eat, and explore, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.
Experiences
Safaris, girls’ trips, and adventures for women over 45 who don’t put an age limit on travel.
Meet
Tomiko Harvey
Your Travel Friend Who Does the Research Before Booking
I’m Tomiko, the woman behind Passports & Grub. I’m a wife, mom, empty nester, and luxury travel creator who believes this chapter of life deserves to be enjoyed.
I’ve stayed in some amazing hotels, eaten meals I still think about, and had a few travel experiences that taught me what not to do next time.
I started Passports & Grub to share the kind of travel advice I was looking for myself. Not just pretty photos and lists of places to visit, but honest information about what a destination is really like, especially for Black women.
Outside of writing about travel, I serve as the North America Conference Director for TBEX, one of the world’s largest conferences for travel creators, and I work with tourism boards, hotels, and travel brands.
My favorite part of what I do is helping another woman feel confident enough to book the trip she’s been dreaming about. I want you to see the world, enjoy yourself, and come home with stories worth telling. And if there’s a great restaurant involved, even better.
Travel Safety for Black Women
I’m not here to scare you out of traveling. I’m here to help you travel prepared.
As a Black woman who has traveled extensively, I know that researching a destination involves more than checking the weather and finding a cute hotel.
I want to know whether I’ll feel welcome, which neighborhoods to avoid, how to get around safely, and what I should understand about local customs before I arrive.
Most travel safety content is recycled State Department warnings. Mine is not. I only write safety guides for places I’ve actually been, and I combine that firsthand experience with practical research.
Start with the safest cities in Mexico for solo female travelers, Is Mexico safe to travel right now?, Is Jordan safe for solo female travelers?, and Is South Africa safe?
Travel Inspiration for Women Over 45
Who decided that getting older meant slowing down?
I’m in my 50s, my daughter is in college, and I’m enjoying this next chapter of life. That includes trips with my husband, girls’ getaways with my friends, and saying yes to experiences I might have talked myself out of years ago.
I love luxury, but I also love adventure. Give me a beautiful resort with a spa, and I’m happy. T
ell me we’re going on a safari, hiking to a waterfall, or exploring a new city, and I’m probably already looking for flights.
Here, you’ll find ideas like my girls’ weekend getaway in Los Cabos, romantic getaways in South Africa, and mother-daughter trip ideas for women who aren’t interested in putting an age limit on their travel plans.
My Favorite Destinations
People always ask me which destinations are my favorites. That’s an easy answer: Jordan and South Africa.
Jordan: A Country I Can’t Stop Talking About
From climbing to the Monastery in Petra before sunrise to spending the night in a luxury bubble hotel in Wadi Rum, Jordan gave me some of my favorite travel experiences.
I loved the food, the hospitality, the history, and the contrast between the busy streets of Amman and the desert of Wadi Rum. And yes, I would absolutely go back.
Start with my Jordan itinerary for Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, and the Dead Sea, with options for 5, 7, or 10 days. Traveling alone? Read Is Jordan safe for solo female travelers? before you book.
South Africa: Johannesburg and Kruger National Park
Johannesburg is a city I love for its culture, history, food, and connection to Black heritage.
It deserves more attention from travelers who only think about Cape Town. I loved seeing Black excellence everywhere, from the restaurants and art galleries to the neighborhoods and people I met.
Johannesburg felt like home to me.
If you’re considering a visit, read my firsthand guide on whether Johannesburg is safe for tourists. I share where I stayed, how I got around, and what I learned.
Then there’s Kruger National Park. Being on safari and seeing wildlife in its natural habitat never gets old for me.
Read my Jabulani Safari luxury lodge review, then check my guide on what to wear on a safari in South Africa. Trust me, those early morning game drives can be colder than you expect.
More Destinations I Love
I return to Mexico regularly for girls’ trips, love exploring Europe, and enjoy discovering new places in Asia.
From Cabo San Lucas for couples to boutique hotels in Dublin and luxury hotels in Bodrum, Turkey, I share firsthand recommendations to help you decide where to go next.
“I was planning my first trip to Mexico and had so many questions about safety. Passports & Grub gave me the information I needed without making me afraid to travel. I felt so much more prepared.”
Danielle M.
“Finally, a travel website that speaks to women like me! I love luxury, but I also want adventure, good food, and honest advice. Passports & Grub makes me feel like I’m getting recommendations from a well traveled girlfriend.”
Stephanie J.
“I love that Tomiko tells you whether a hotel is actually worth the money. I’m over 50, and I don’t have time or money to waste on a vacation that doesn’t live up to the pictures.”
Angela R.
Latest Travel Guides and Hotel Reviews
Planning your next trip? Start with my latest destination guides, luxury hotel reviews, and travel safety articles.
I share what I experienced, what I’d recommend, and what I’d do differently, so you can make better decisions before booking.
- Is Jordan Safe to Visit Right Now? (November 2026 Update)
- 10-Day Jordan Itinerary (Plus 5- and 7-Day Options)
- Safe Cities In Mexico For Solo Female Travelers
- Is Loreto Mexico Safe? 2026 Travel Advisory + Safety Tips
- 25 Must-Try Foods in the Czech Republic
- 18 Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels in New Orleans
Work With Passports & Grub
For Tourism Boards, Hotels, and Travel Brands
I partner with destinations, luxury hotels, and travel brands to create content that helps travelers discover new places and book with confidence.
My work combines firsthand travel storytelling, photography, video, and search engine optimization to connect brands with travelers who are actively researching their next trip.
As both a travel creator and SEO strategist, I know how to create content that connects with an audience while supporting a brand’s marketing goals.