There's nothing like a good ol' chocolate, caramel, or vanilla-wafer brotha who is not only open to adventures in business, love, and the bedroom but who is always down for the extraordinary trip of a lifetime. And sis, we as a community are doing more and more traveling---especially to international locales---these days. According to research, black travelers contribute a whopping $63 billion to the tourism industry, and 17% of us take one or more trips outside of the U.S.
It's fun to enjoy a solo trip every now and again, but sometimes it's good to get a little companionship from a guy who knows how to let it all hang out and make new memories.
These 10 men are changing the game in the travel world---venturing off the beaten path and letting us in on how royally our kings roll around the world:
Jubril Agoro, Passport Heavy
Agoro, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur from Chi-town, offers premium content via his travel platform, Passport Heavy, which features vlogs from his experiences in places like Mexico City, London, Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), and Medellin (Colombia). His videos always invoke feelings of yearning, possibility, and aspiration, and he's always super-motivational. He also gives so many details about how you can replicate the experiences. (Added bonus: His Website says he's "looking for romance", so ladies, go ahead and hit up thet DMs. Let's hope that by the time this is published, that's still true.)
Jonathan Global
This guy's Instagram is packed with black boy joy and photos that look like they came from a modeling portfolio. The consultant who proudly proclaims his Howard University alumni status, has shared experiences from Budapest to the Philippines to Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and relishes in more than his share of luxe. We can dig it.
Brian, Where In The World Is B
A self-proclaimed "travel engineer", Brian proves that we can all get past travel stereotypes (and throw away the phrase, "Black folks don't go there.") He's taken trips to Cambodia, Finland, and Haiti, and offers a glimpse into luxury experiences in places some of us might not have previously considered a must-see. He also candidly shares the highs---and lows---of TWB (aka traveling while black). Brian keeps it moving, around the world, surpassing 90 countries visited.
Rondel Holder, Soul Society
As founder of a travel community and content platform that has grown to more than 77,000 followers, Rondel proudly travels with his wifey---sorry, ladies---and advocates for black travelers going beyond the usual. He's had journeys from Africa to the Caribbean to Europe, and with more than 60 countries visited, gives us a view not only into the sweetness of black love but the euphoric feeling of getting one more passport stamp.
Stephen-Philip Ibar, SOAI
This Jamaican vlogger is known to take a baecation or two to explore nontraditional venues within the country of his birth. He also creates memorable experiences like "Catch & Cook" lobster and jungle treks in Mexico. Stephen-Philip reminds us all that though we might have a favorite go-to vacay spot, we must still be open-minded to going beyond the typical resorts and Airbnbs. I mean, our travel and love lives get stale otherwise.
Kevin Curry, Fit Men Cook
Curry is a chef who has made amazing strides with his platform that showcases healthy living. The creative entrepreneur also takes readers along on his travels, some of which include food adventures in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Morocco. As if his dishes aren't swoon-worthy enough, Curry shares his fitness and gym routines that might have you sneaking to the other room to binge watch. (Sorry, bae.)
Cedric Wood, Ced Tripping
A Southern-bred professional with a doctoral degree who plays the organand travels? Chile, go ahead and faint. The clinical pharmacist shares reviews and experiences from his trips via his Website and gives us a sneak peek of global adventures on his IG. Japan, Croatia, Kenya, and Switzerland are just a few spots he's landed on, and the list continues to grow. Can't vouch for his relationship status, but hey, don't let that keep you from fantasizing or even doing a bit of Web stalking---I mean, research---to find clues.
Rick Southers, Rick on the Run
OK single ladies, you might want to steer clear of knocking over that wine glass or coffee cup near your laptop while checking out his IG page. When this photographer is not traveling with his Omega Psi Phi bruhs to locales like Louisiana's French Quarter and the Louvre in Paris, he's luxuriating on Bali's Kelinking Beach or at Croatia's Palmizana. What better way to up your (Instagram) travel profile than having a bae who knows his way around the world and behind a camera lens?
Andrew Robotham
A photographer and engineer, Andrew travels with his wife, an entrepreneur in her own right, on global explorations. The two give us all the tripspiration feels via IG. You'll find ideas for plans with your current boo (I'm taking notes) or future hubby you've been prayed about---from honeymooning in Bali, to anniversary revelry in Kenya, to yacht lounging in Italy.
Marcus, Marcus Meets World
He touts himself as "The Jetsetter", and the name is quite fitting since he's been to more than 50 countries. You'll find photos and back-stories for some of his most inspiring trips, from playing soccer with local kids in the West African nation of Togo, to enjoying coffee outside Poland's infamous Crooked House. Throw in a beard, muscles and mention of Hebrews 11:6, and he might be the formula for a travel-bae match made in heaven. (But don't quote me on his marital status, as that is unknown based on his IG. Guess you'll have to shoot your shot and see.)
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Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Celebrity Hairstylist Cliff Vmir On Social Media Success & How To Pivot Following Looming TikTok Ban
It’s the year 2025, newspaper ads, radio ads, billboards, posters - OUT. And you know what’s in? Social media. I mean, this clearly isn’t just a 2025 thing, but have you ever sat back and thought about the unprecedented rise of the “social media influencer?” Gone are the days when the marketing we relied on came from traditional sources. Everyday people have become some of the best marketers in today’s world.
You could even say, personality is the best marketing tool of today. xoNecole caught up with celebrity hairstylist and CEO of haircare line FEMMÉ, Cliff Vmir, who was ahead of the game as one of the first entrepreneurs to successfully use social media to promote his business.
Cliff started his hairstyling journey at 13, and by 15, he was already using Instagram to show off his skills. His talent, unique style, and effervescent personality earned him a strong social media presence. Taking Instagram by the reins while most of us were posting cringe-worthy selfies or blurry shots of a night out, his foresight has earned him some big celebrity clients, from Cardi B to Jazmine Sullivan, and a booming business.
While speaking to xoNecole, the “King of Hair” reflected on his rise to social media stardom.
“I would say I’m one of the world's first hairstylists to ever really take social media by storm and use it as a marketing tool at such a young age,” he tells us.
“No one was really utilizing Instagram for their business...But I wanted to use that as a showcase to show my work. I used my age as a good marketing tool, with me being 15 at the time and me really knowing how to do hair very well. My hashtag was #cliffvmirthe15yearoldstylist.”
The last few years have seen Instagram face new competition with the emergence of TikTok because of the variety of content available and how easy it is for creators to go viral and find fame. Cliff told us why TikTok is the app he’s loving right now.
“I just feel like TikTok has that algo of what Instagram used to have when Instagram first hit the scene. Like it is so easy to go viral or to get discovered...It's like, as long as you're staying consistent, you'll eventually fall in the algo,” he explains.
“People are making full-blown careers just off of TikTok. And it's just something about that TikTok Shop. It's its own kind of Amazon situation.” And it seems the feeling is mutual. Cliff recently teamed up with TikTok and spilled the tea on their partnership.
I just feel like TikTok has that algo of what Instagram used to have when Instagram first hit the scene. Like it is so easy to go viral or to get discovered...It's like, as long as you're staying consistent, you'll eventually fall in the algo
“I've been doing some partnership live streams with them…I've been up to the TikTok headquarters doing live streams and connecting with my fans and doing a whole live buying/shopping experience…they do things for the creators to keep the creators engaged,” he says.
The mega stylist recently went viral on TikTok with sales from his haircare line FEMMÉ skyrocketing.
“Right now, our store has sold over 23,000 units…I've never even sold this amount of units within a year. So like I said, TikTok is definitely one of those things that pushes you to the forefront,” he shares.
“And I'm just thankful...I'm thankful for the people over at TikTok who stand behind me, for the supporters on TikTok that are actually buying my product, and all my return customers as well.”
Time is running out for the clock app with the looming TikTok ban that’s set for January 19. What will this mean for creators, influencers, and everyday users?
Personally, I’m not looking forward to losing all my saved hair and makeup tutorials. And how will I plan my trip itineraries without checking “black girls + (city)” or “(city) + nightlife + black people”? #freetiktok
@iamcliffvmir Lol this my ish tho😭
Cliff shares his thoughts. “I just feel like we’re going to have to go back to the basics, which is Instagram. And I'm just going to really have to create a very strategic…But you'll just see me being more active everywhere,” he says.
“Of course, TikTok is where it is…I'm going to be active everywhere else - X, Facebook, and Instagram. I really hope they don't ban it, that would really hurt my feelings.”
#shadowbanthetiktokban, am I right? The “Hair OG” also gave us some tips and tricks for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs.
“If they're going to social media as a business, then just stay consistent, keep posting business things, and just make sure that you're keeping up with just certain trends and you're following people who you aspire to be…That's first,” he says.
“Number two is you should never be scared to get in front of the camera and make the content…It’s like a marketing tool for yourself. And then using the hashtags like #FYP and #viral, and hashtags that really can drive consumers to watch your videos.”
As a longtime celebrity hairstylist, Cliff knows all things hair-related. So what can we look forward to in 2025? A new look, perhaps? Here’s the hair trends predicted for this year.
“We're definitely going to see less wigs. We're going to see more leave-outs. We're going to see a lot more natural hair flourishing,” he reveals.
“I feel like that is really important. Yes, you can wear a wig, weave all day long, but what about the natural hair underneath? I kind of see some things remaining, though as far as things like closure installs. But hair is going to start being more natural again…It's going to revert to how it was in 2015 and 2016.”
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