Roots tourism has gained traction among African American travelers looking to add a bit of education and reflection to vacations that would otherwise be filled with leisure and folly. From Africa to South America, landmarks commemorating key moments in black history are showcased, holding links to African Americans and Africans of the diaspora all over the world. Here are five landmark locales significant in black history to add to your next travel itinerary this year:
[RELATED: Voluntourism: Travel and Give Back with 6 Great Destinations]
GHANA: CAPE COAST CASTLE
On the Cape Coast, a beautiful seaside town that features serene beaches and pastel-colored fishing boats, there’s a place that holds a pivotal role in black history that’s not-so-beautiful but a consistent tourist stop for African Americans returning to the African country to trace their roots. It’s a fortress that served as slave dungeons, showcasing the harsh realities of the slave trade. Thousands have made a stop there while researching or on holiday, and Barack Obama famously visited the castle in 2009:
SENEGAL: ISLE DE GOREE
This African country also offers tourists lots of sun, comfy
CANADA: AFRICVILLE
First
UK:Â NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL
Located on the third floor of this global museum is
BRAZIL:MUSEU AFRO BRASIL
This institution capture what some say is a lost narrative of the history of African culture and it’s influence on Brazilian society. Located in Ibirapuera Park, a major urban park in São Paulo, it holds about 6,000 items and pieces including paintings, sculptures, photos, documents and archives between the 15th century and the present day.