Hello, Hola, Bonjour and Ciao!

I hope this summer edition finds you healthy, hopeful, and already plotting your next adventure. Ugogurl newsletter summer 2026, issue 35 is here! This issue is packed with resources: calls for submissions, travel summits, Portugal writing retreats for Black women, Paris adventures, outdoor groups, film and podcast picks, and practical travel tips to make your journeys smoother. As always, I am here to lift as I climb — sharing travel media information that comes my way so that you can soar.

It has been a beautiful and busy season for me. I had the honor of speaking at the SF Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show, was featured by Road Scholar on the joys of solo travel, and was a guest on the “You Are A Lawyer” podcast, where I got to talk about the life I have built at the intersection of law, travel, and storytelling. And, in wonderful news, the Sisters’ Sanctuary of AARP featured Go Girl 2 in their travel-themed March newsletter — I am deeply grateful.

Wishing you safe, joyful, and transformative travels, Elaine

Calls for Submission, Jobs & Travel Media Opportunities

Conference Scholarships for Aspiring Travel Journalists - The nonprofit SATW Foundation will award two tuition scholarships to the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference (August 7–9, Corte Madera, CA): the Paul Lasley Scholarship for writers and the Ed Stone Scholarship for photographers. Faculty includes some of the best in the industry. Application deadline: 11:59 p.m., Monday, June 22.

Black women writers: Here is an invitation to submit your work. Midnight & indigo Is currently accepting short stories and creative nonfiction for publication, and they pay for every piece they publish. Submission deadline is Tuesday, June 30th.

Real Simple is broadening its editorial coverage and growing its roster of contributors. They are seeking writers who can pitch, report, and write digital features across culture, finance, and relationships, with a focus on personal narratives and expert-backed advice.

Monocle an independent voice on global affairs, business, design, culture, and more, is looking for pitches on international affairs, urbanism, entrepreneurship, culture, design, fashion, and hospitality. Rate: £0.50 per word for digital stories.

Torch Magazine is accepting submissions year-round from Black women writers in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scripts (plays or screenplays). No deadline.

Callaloo the premier journal of literature, art, and culture of the African Diaspora, accepts original scholarly articles, book reviews, interviews, nonfiction essays, short fiction, poetry, and visual art by and about writers of African descent worldwide. Submissions reopen on September 1.

Solas Awards — Annual Competition for Best Travel Writing. The 21st Annual Solas Awards competition ​honors excellence​ in travel writing across 20 categories, with cash prizes up to $1,000. It is sponsored by Travelers’ Tales. Deadline: September 21, 2026.

PEN America offers a range of literary grants to support writers at various stages of their careers.

Grants for Black Writers (March–September 2026) Rise 2 Write has compiled a curated list of funding opportunities for Black writers, updated for the current grant cycle. A fantastic resource to bookmark.

Provoked Magazine is accepting pitches! Are you a bold, voicey writer with something provocative to say about being a woman 50+ today?

Trotters is a brand-new travel publication launching this year, prioritizing witty, authentic first-person storytelling over standard journalism. Send pitches to gofortrotters@gmail.com and mention anything particularly interesting or unusual about your story.

Intrepid Times will be accepting travel story submissions in July 2026.

Calling All Women Travel Authors! Have you published a travel memoir or book? Email editor@journeywoman.com to be featured in JourneyWoman’s ongoing series on women’s travel books.

The Black Travel Alliance is one of the most comprehensive resource hubs for Black travel professionals, content creators, writers, travel agents, and all-around travel pros. Bookmark it and check back often.

Travel Massive's classified board lists job opportunities, freelance gigs, and collaborations specifically for travel industry professionals and content creators. A great spot to browse open roles or post your own availability.

Freedom With Writing curates weekly lists of calls for submission specifically for travel writers, with opportunities paying up to $1,000 per article. Their newsletter rounds up themed calls from magazines and websites — a must-subscribe for anyone actively pitching.

Blavity, parent company of the beloved Travel Noire platform, has several job openings across their media brands.

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) maintains an ongoing job listing board for roles across the adventure and experiential travel industry.

Travel Writing & Travel News

The Best Women’s Travel Writing, Volume 13: True Stories from Around the World was recently released! The newest collection in this award-winning series edited by Lavinia Spalding invites you to join twenty-seven inspiring and thoughtful writers as they traverse the planet. It includes a story by “Go Girl” contributor Faith Adiele. Faith will be joining the editor at a book launch at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference, Thursday, August 6, 6:00 PM, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA

Outside Magazine has released its annual Travel Trailblazers list, spotlighting pioneers making adventure more accessible and visionaries transforming the impact of travel. Inspiring reading for any traveler.

Condé Nast Traveler has released its annual Women Who Travel Power List, spotlighting leaders who are pushing travel forward in inspiring ways. Worth celebrating!

Modern Underground Railroad pioneer, Tony Cohen, is on the road again. Now, Tony has set out on Freedom Walk 2026. The journey is taking him and his fellow walkers from Baltimore into Canada at Niagara Falls on July 1 and they will end the walk in Toronto on July 4. A statue of Harriet Tubman will accompany them all the way.

10 Black Adventure Groups Helping Travelers Reconnect With the Outdoors Fodor’s highlights organizations across the U.S. and beyond that are helping Black travelers rediscover a long-standing connection to nature through adventure, community, and exploration.

Black Book Festivals Around the Country - Meet other book lovers and your favorite authors at Black literary festivals across the country, curated by AARP’s Sisters’ Sanctuary.

Entrée to Black Paris has introduced two exciting new offerings. Exploring Black Paris: A Short Guide to the Left Bank is now available. They are also now offering weekly open tours: a 90-minute small-group guided introduction to Black Paris through the Left Bank.

The “Other” Lost Generation of Black American Artists in Paris - A beautifully researched piece on the often-overlooked history of Black American artists who lived and thrived in Paris, adding vital depth to the city’s cultural legacy.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago presents “Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance,” a major exhibition exploring how Black artists, writers, and intellectuals found refuge, freedom, and artistic inspiration in Paris during the 20th century, through 2027.

Destination Stewardship by Tonya Fitzpatrick (Kogan Page, April 2026) Tonya Fitzpatrick, co-founder of the award-winning World Footprints travel media platform, has released her new book Destination Stewardship. Grounded in the Ubuntu principle, this timely work explores responsible and community-driven travel.

Whoopi Goldberg Launches WhoopInk — A Bold New Publishing Imprint Oscar-winning entertainer Whoopi Goldberg has launched WhoopInk, a partnership with Blackstone Publishing focused on bringing “fresh, diverse new talent to the marketplace.” Goldberg will be intimately involved in everything from cover design to promotion. A welcome development for representation in publishing!

US Withdraws from UN Women Executive Board and Defunds UNFPA - In January 2026, the United States withdrew from the UN Women Executive Board, cutting both its seat and its financial contributions — and simultaneously defunded UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. These actions have significant implications for women’s rights and global health globally, and are worth tracking as informed travelers and global citizens.

John Francis: The Planetwalker — 22 Years of Walking for the Earth. In 1971, John witnessed an oil spill in the San Francisco Bay and made a life-altering decision: he stopped using motor vehicles and spent the next 22 years — 17 of them in a vow of silence — walking thousands of miles across the country and world to champion environmental awareness and peace. An inspiring story of travel, purpose, and commitment.

Travel TV, Podcasts, Film & Internet

Trevor Noah’s World Tour — New Travel Docuseries on YouTube Trevor Noah is launching a prestige travel docuseries called Trevor Noah’s World Tour. Described as the ultimate global hangout, the show follows Noah as he journeys from city to city with friends, collaborators, and surprise guests, blending his signature humor with authentic on-the-ground experiences that spotlight local people, food, and culture.

​Beyond the Resort is a YouTube channel created by Natalie Preddie and dedicated to going deeper than the tourist track, exploring culture, community, and authentic travel experiences.

Craig Lou | This Is Somewhere! — New Black Travel Video Series Craig Lou shares real stories from around the world — the people he meets, the food he tries, and the cultures that make every place unforgettable. If you love authentic travel, honest moments, and adventures that feel human, this is your channel.

DIVERSEEGO is the first travel streaming TV network to inspire Blacks and Latinos to travel the U.S., with shows produced by Blacks and Latinos. They are now actively recruiting Black and Brown travel hosts and content creators. A platform to watch and support! https://www.diverseego.com/​

​“Strolling” is a documentary series by cecile emeke that features intimate, unfiltered conversations with people across the Black diaspora, many of whom are immigrants and expats. 2014 to present times on youtube.

Session Recordings: 18th National Black Writers Conference one of the nation’s premier gatherings celebrating Black literature, was held at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY, March 25–28, 2026. Its theme: Expanding Conversations on Environmental Justice, Popular Culture, Resilience, and Peace. Session recordings are now available.

Tracey Hopkins’ Travel-Themed Music Playlist

Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next adventure? Check out Tracey Hopkins’ travel-themed playlist collection on AARP’s Sisters’ Sanctuary. Perfect for the road, the sky, or the armchair.

Travel Trade & Travel Writing Events

There is still time to apply for the Center for Black Literature's Summer 2026 Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color. The application has been extended to Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Black Travel Summit 2026 — Milwaukee, October 15–18 Fresh off its first international edition in Rio de Janeiro, the Black Travel Summit returns to the U.S. with Milwaukee, Wisconsin as its host city. Themed “Renaissance: Rebirth. Renew. Reclaim,” the four-day gathering will bring together Black travel professionals, creators, entrepreneurs, investors, and destination partners.

Take World Writing Retreat Portugal — September 27–October 2, 2026 Founded by author and travel writer Georgina Lawton, the Take World retreat is a five-day writing experience for Black women and womxn of color creatives, set in a secluded house near Sintra, 40 minutes from Lisbon. Expect set writing time, chef-prepped lunches, daily yoga, author workshops, and lifelong friendships.

Black Women Writers Retreat in St. Kitts — July 19–26, 2026 Author, activist, and UC Berkeley faculty member Aya de León is hosting an intimate writing retreat for Black women in the Caribbean this July. Bring that project you've been working on — or struggling with. Registration is $550 before July 1 / $600 after. A $250 deposit secures your spot; final payment due July 7.

Women, Writing & Resistance — Celebrating Black Women Writers Come immerse yourself in the worlds, words, and roots of Black women writers who have shaped the very definitions of liberation, love, justice, and truth.

Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference — August 7–9, Corte Madera, CA One of the premier travel writing conferences in the country, featuring faculty from the top tier of travel journalism. Scholarships available (see Calls for Submission above).

Travel Writing: Biz / Classes / Info

Girl, Let’s Go: A Travel Coloring Book for Black Women - A delightful new title by Dr. Sherelle Roberts — a travel coloring book designed especially for Black women globetrotters. A wonderful gift and creative companion for the traveler in your life.

Applying to Writing Residencies is a workshop offered by Faith Adiele. Dates: Thursdays, July 16 – 23 Time: 7-9pm (PT) Format: Zoom

Simon & Schuster Resources for Black Authors and Book Professionals Simon & Schuster has highlighted organizations that exist to champion and empower Black authors and book professionals.

Brown Girls Climb — Mentorship, Access, and Outdoor Leadership Brown Girls Climb (BGC) is a national nonprofit striving to facilitate mentorship, provide access, uplift leadership, and celebrate representation in the outdoors and climbing for People of the Global Majority.

10 Best Bookshops in Paris — For the Literary Traveler

Planning a Paris trip? Monocle has curated a list of the city’s best bookshops— a must for any literary traveler.

Travel Tips

Her.Travel.Circle — Free Accommodation for Solo Female Travelers Imagine a world where solo female travelers offer free accommodation across four continents! Her Travel Circle is building exactly that community.

The 1-Minute Video You Should Take Every Time You Rent a Car - Before driving off the lot, take a one-minute walk-around video of every rental car. It’s the simplest way to protect yourself from disputed damage claims.

Why You Should Never Put Your Suitcase on the Bed -A hotel hygiene tip worth knowing — and it’s not just about bugs.

It’s Now Easier to Earn Delta SkyMiles on Airbnb Bookings - Delta and Airbnb have partnered so travelers can earn SkyMiles on eligible Airbnb stays. A great way to stack up miles for your next adventure.

Free Airline Family Seating — Know Your Rights! Airlines are now required to seat families together at no extra charge. Here’s how to make sure it happens on your next flight.

What to Do When Your Flight Gets Canceled Know your rights! If your flight is canceled for a reason within the airline’s control (mechanical or technical issues), airlines are typically required to provide meal vouchers after a 3-hour delay and hotel accommodations for overnight delays.

Flighty: an airport tool that helps you navigate terminals, track gate changes, and stay ahead of delays in real time.

Uber Launching Water-Bound Service in Europe

Uber is partnering with Click and Boat to launch a water-bound service across 23 coastal cities in Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, and Croatia. A fun new way to get around on your next European adventure!

Expat Spots/Info that I recently learned about.

Carryin' On: Celebration of Life, Legacy, and the Work of Assata Shakur at Riverside Church in NYC on May 30, 2026. Her daughter speaks at 1hour 24 minutes. Tribute booklet. Musical Soundscape.

​Asha’s Place - A Healing Studio For Black People - An intimate space where healing, community, and culture come together in Lisbon, Portugal.

Honeysuckle and Flo — A Retreat Space on Portugal’s Silver Coast What started with a feeling and a photo online became a retreat space on Portugal’s Silver Coast built in honor of Veronica McKenzie’s mother, Florence. A beautiful destination for Black women seeking rest and renewal.

Black-Owned Restaurant “Qulture” Brings Authentic Southern Comfort Food To Bangkok, Thailand. Grand Opening was April 2026.

Black.in.portugal on Instagram shares updates on Lisbon-area resources for Black travelers IG: @black.in.portugal

Elaine / Go Girl 2 News!

Featured at the SF Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show

Great news! I was a featured speaker on the Savvy Traveler Stage at the 2026 SF Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center on March 21. I taught a class entitled “From Journey to Journalist: Travel Writing 101,” helping attendees learn what it takes to become a travel writer while unwrapping the magic of travel writing. This was stop #5 on the producers’ national 8-city tour.

Featured in Road Scholar’s Blog on Solo Travel

Road Scholar’s newsletter is featuring my article, Freedom & Inspiration: What Elaine Lee Loves Most About Solo Travel.”​ As many of you know, I have successfully completed two solo trips around the world and visited 70 countries, mostly traveling solo. I am grateful to the Road Scholar team for this opportunity to share my travel wisdom!

Interviewed on “You Are A Lawyer” Podcast (Episode 243) I was recently interviewed by Kyla Denanyoh, creator of the “You Are A Lawyer” podcast, to discuss my life as an attorney, globetrotter, and travel journalist. In this episode, I share how I built a legal career rooted in civil rights work, how a trip to Paris changed the trajectory of my life, and how I designed a lifestyle that lets me travel the world while still using my law degree. Kyla has interviewed 200+ guests since launching in April 2020.

Go Girl 2 Featured in AARP’s Sisters’ Sanctuary Newsletter!

Wonderful news! The Sisters’ Sanctuary of AARP featured my book, Go Girl 2: The Black Women’s Book of Travel and Adventure, in the March edition of their newsletter, which was dedicated to travel. The feature appeared in a section called “Good Reads for Globetrotters!” I am honored and grateful to be included.

Lola Akinmade on the Art of the Compliment

"One of the kindest and most insightful compliments I ever got was from someone who has been a beacon of inspiration for me within the travel industry. Someone who continues to inspire me… Elaine Lee of U Go Girl." Her sentiments really touched my heart! To read the rest of her amazing article, click here.​

About Go Girl 2

Go Girl 2 is a rich collection of fifty-four powerful travel tales, poems, and photos that will inspire, educate, and entertain black women globetrotters, as well as provide vicarious thrills for the avid armchair traveler. Dive into stories by a new generation of travel writers, including luminaries Lola Akinmade Åkerström, Lebawit Lily Girma, Martinque Lewis, Rue Mapp, and Noo Saro-Wiwa, on spicy adventures in the frozen Arctic to sun-drenched blue Caribbean, to the discovery of cultural treasures in Africa, Australia, the Americas, and Asia. To round out the anthology, stories by Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Jill Nelson, Linda Villarosa, Faith Adiele, and Evelyn White, along with other crowd favorites, have been republished from the original Go Girl. At the end you will find a bonus resource and planning guides.

To order Go Girl 2, you can simply go to Amazon for print copy or kindle. If you want a signed copy directly from the publisher, just send a check for $25 plus $5 for P&H to UGOGURL PRODUCTIONS • 2340 Powell Street, Suite 160, Emeryville, CA 94608. For more than one or special requests simply email me at elaineruthlee@gmail or call 510 603 5672. You can also venmo Elaine at: @eleegogirl or send a payment to Paypal at: @UgogurlProductions.

Elaine Lee is the editor of “Go Girl: The Black Woman's Book of Travel and Adventure" and its sequel "Go Girl 2". She is also a San Francisco/Bay Area based lawyer, globetrotter, and travel journalist. She has visited 70 countries and completed two solo trips around the world. Her travel writings have been showcased in numerous national magazines, anthologies, and websites. She has shared her love of travel on many local and national radio, TV shows and travel conferences. Her website ugogurl.com is a leading portal for information on black travel, black travel writing and travel media information.

Ugogurl Productions

​www.ugogurl.com​

Elaineruthlee@gmail.com

2340 Powell street #160, Emeryville, CA 94608
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