Melanin and Miles Travel Podcast - podcast cover

Melanin and Miles Travel Podcast

Joi Wade and Janelle Laytonmelaninandmiles.com
Melanin and Miles is the weekly travel podcast for millennial and gen-z black women that explores being a woman of color while traveling, affordable travel advice, bucket list travel destinations, funny travel stories and interviews with popular travel influencers. The podcast also includes tips on packing, hotels, airlines, passports, solo travel and budget travel. Melanin & Miles is co-hosted by Joi Wade and Janelle Layton, two black girls in their 20's who have traveled to over 25 countries and 5 continents and love exploring new cultures. Subscribe and stay updated at melaninandmiles.com
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Episodes

Travel Ratings: Peru, San Francisco, Barcelona | EP. 168

Sharing our travel ratings out of 10 for Janelle’s trip to Peru, Joi’s trip to San Francisco and both of our experiences in Barcelona, Spain. Leave a comment in the Spotify app to let us know your ratings!

Feb 25, 202518 min

Travel Ratings: Tokyo, Little Cayman, Seattle and Bend | EP. 167

To kick off 2025, we have a new series in which we will rate every destination we traveled to in the past year on a scale of 1 to 10! In this episode, we will rate Janelle's January 2024 travels to Tokyo, Japan, Little Cayman, Seattle, Washington, and Bend, Oregon.

Feb 11, 202519 minEp. 167

Why you need to go to Cartagena | EP. 166

Cartagena, Colombia is a bucket list travel destination for Black Americans & it's a PARTY CITY! Joi is breaking down the 5-day trip she took for her 25th birthday in August. These are the best things to see, eat and do in Cartagena. Full Itinerary Breakdown: https://www.melaninandmiles.com/episodes/how-to-spend-5-days-in-cartagena-colombia-ep-166

Jan 30, 202430 minSeason 10Ep. 166

Breaking down the most ELITE travel credit card (AMEX Platinum) | EP. 165

The American Express platinum card is one of the most elite and popular cards for travel. While this card might not be right for everyone, people who find themselves in the airport multiple times a year can definitely take advantage of the amazing perks of this card. In today’s episode, we are talking about why I got the AMEX platinum credit card and how I plan to maximize the benefits. Credit card referral links for extra points https://www.joiwade.com/blog/credit-card-referrals

May 16, 202310 minSeason 10Ep. 165

Becoming an Expat with Asha | EP. 164

This week we interviewed Asha Farrah. She is an expat and legal resident in Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico. In this episode, she shares her experience in Mexico and how she started business to help aspiring expats. She created her company, Mexpat Dreamers , to empower aspiring expats to successfully build an intentional life in Mexico by focusing on the logistical considerations necessary to thrive. You can find more about Asha on Instagram and her website ....

May 02, 202315 minSeason 10Ep. 164

24 Hours in Chicago | EP. 163

Spend the day with Janelle in Chicago. Janelle has a long layover in the city and was not going to waste it in the airport. Find out what you could do SOLO with only 1 day in Chicago. Some of her favorite destinations/activities are linked below. Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour Skydeck Chicago Ciccio Mio - Italian Restaurant...

Apr 18, 20238 minSeason 10Ep. 163

Mommy and Me in Cancun | EP. 162

This week Janelle and her mom, Cynthia, chat about a recent trip to Cancun, Mexico. If you want to travel with family or someone that wants an easy trip, Cancun is a great destination. We did a lot in 4 days and we were never disappointed by services, food, or activities.

Apr 04, 202317 minSeason 10Ep. 162

Let's Talk Travel with Katrina | EP. 161

Katrina McGhee is a Career Break and Sabbatical Coach - a certified life coach with an MBA - whose signature Take the Break program helps mid-career women create happier, more fulfilling lives by designing bold and transformational life breaks. After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina sold all of her possessions and left her corporate job for a 20-month break to travel around the world. Upon her return to work, she landed five job offers in just five weeks, paid off $42k of debt in full and later...

Mar 21, 202321 minSeason 10Ep. 160

Let's go to Maui | EP. 160

Welcome Back!! It's a new season after a long break. Listen to one of Janelle's favorite solo trips from last year on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

Mar 07, 20238 minSeason 10Ep. 159

Travel Like a Bawse | EP. 158

This week we interviewed Shakeemah who has travelled to well over 50 countries solo and enjoys empowering and equipping women with tools to start their own travel journey around the world. She has been featured in Essence, Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, The Washington Post, Pop Sugar, and Travel Noire. She also started Travel Like a Bawse and created several courses where she teaches women how to master solo travel safely and confidently without draining their bank account!! Listen 🎙🎧 to...

Aug 23, 202221 minSeason 9Ep. 158

Travel with Katrina | EP. 157

Katrina McGhee is a Career Break and Sabbatical Coach - a certified life coach with an MBA - whose signature Take the Break program helps mid-career women create happier, more fulfilling lives by designing bold and transformational life breaks. After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina sold all of her possessions and left her corporate job for a 20-month break to travel around the world. Upon her return to work, she landed five job offers in just five weeks, paid off $42k of debt in full and later...

Aug 16, 202220 minSeason 9Ep. 157

Travel with The Boss Lady | EP. 156

Saba is a full time Virtual Assistant Coach that has found a way to work from anywhere in the world. Listen to some of her stories of working abroad in places like Colombia, Panama, and Guatemala. Follow her on Instagram , Twitter , or check out her website to see how you could work in a digital space to allow more travel in your life.

Aug 09, 202219 minSeason 9Ep. 156

Travel with a Kween | EP. 155

This week we interviewed @KweenCarter06, an avid traveler originally from south Florida. KweenCarter has found the perfect balance of work and travel and discusses some of her favorite travel stories and worst travel mistakes on the podcast. Follow KweenCarter story on Instagram to see where she travels next.

Aug 02, 202220 minSeason 9Ep. 155

Travel with Hawa | EP. 154

This week we interviewed Hawa who is a travel content creator, and trip planner that creates personalized and authentic travel experiences with you in mind. Listen to how Hawa left her fulltime job to begin traveling full time and various experiences she’s had within Africa and around the world. Check out more of Hawa’s travel story on Instagram and her website . Fine more on her business here ....

Jul 26, 202220 minSeason 9Ep. 154

Travel Hacking with Deal Duchess | EP. 153

Mahogany is a frequent traveler who shares cheap flights, luxury travel hacks, and more. She works with travelers to help them find the best deals for everyone from people that could be traveling solo to kid friendly and family travel. Listen to learn more about her travel hacking experience and how she paid less than $1000 for a trip worth over $20,000. Follow her journey on Instagram and check out her website to schedule a consultation....

Jul 19, 202221 minSeason 9Ep. 153

Disneyland But as an Adult | EP. 152

Joi shares her 2 day itinerary to Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure in Anaheim California. Learn how to plan your trip, what to bring, how to use the Disney app and plan your rides and the best food to have.

Jul 12, 202219 minSeason 9Ep. 152

Pack Set Go with Goon & Smalls | EP. 151

This week we interviewed Goon who does a lot of travel with his brother, Smalls. Together Goon and Smalls have traveled to over 67 countries and have no plans of stopping their travel journey. Their main goal is to inspire unlikely travelers to see the world and they do this through their podcast ( Pack Set Go - Traveling Podcast ) and sharing their travel story on social media. Check out the podcast on any listening platform and follow them on Instagram while you’re at it. https://www.thelifest...

Jul 05, 202228 minSeason 9Ep. 151

Pelumi and The Black Explorer | EP. 150

This week we interviewed Pelumi who is a frequent traveler that has visited 70+ countries and hopes to inspire others to explore more and have culturally immersive experiences. She is also the co-founder of The Black Explorer , a media brand that amplifies the voice of black travelers worldwide, and the founder of Comfy Trav . Fun fact, earlier this year she spent three months exploring 10 African countries solo. Follow her on socials to see what she’s been up to in the travel world....

Jun 28, 202216 minSeason 9Ep. 150

Black Spaces in Seattle | EP. 149

This summer Janelle has been doing an internship in Seattle and wanted to do an episode recapping some of the highlights of the city and what it’s like being a Black woman in the area. Janelle lists some of her favorite Black-owned eateries and attractions in the city and explains how she found out how to network and find other Black professionals in the area.

Jun 21, 202215 minSeason 9Ep. 149

Vancouver, B.C. with Janelle | EP. 148

This week Janelle talks about her recent trip to Canada! Janelle spent her long weekend in Vancouver, British Colombia and talks about nightlife, restaurants, and day activities in the city. She definitely enjoyed her trip, listen to find out more.

Jun 14, 202218 minSeason 9Ep. 148

Travel with Lisa Shakespeare | EP. 147

This week we interviewed Lisa who shared with us how she became a travel influencer and the founder of the Shakespeare Agency. Follow Lisa on instagram and check out her website to see her on her next trip!...

Jun 07, 202221 minSeason 9Ep. 147

Travel with Asya | EP. 146

This week we interviewed Asya. Asya has traveled to 25 countries across 6 continents and counting. Asya wants to encourage more black women and women of color to live their best lives through travel, adventure and self care. This means trying new foods, activities, and adventures. Listen to learn more about her travel experience and be sure to follow her on Instagram or visit her website to see future trips....

May 31, 202222 minSeason 9Ep. 146

Journeys with Jadira | EP. 145

This week we interviewed Jadira who is a full time social worker and world traveler. She has traveled to many countries including places like Benin, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Rwanda, and so much more. Listen to learn more about how she balances work and travel and hear more about some of her favorite trips throughout Africa. Find Jadira on Instagram to follow more of her travel story.

May 24, 202216 minSeason 9Ep. 145

Travel with Kimberly | EP. 144

This week we interview Kimberly a full time police officer, entrepreneur, mother, and wife that also loves to travel. Listen to hear about her recent trip to Guatemala, how she found a passion for travel, and tips on how to balance work, family, and travel. Follow Kimberly on Instagram to see more of her travel story.

May 17, 202216 minSeason 9Ep. 144

Joi’s Hawaii Adventure | EP. 143

Hear Joi’s Oahu trip recap including her visits to Lanikai Beach, Moana Hike, Polynesian Cultural Center, Ala Moana Shopping, Botanical Gardens. Also hear the story of her first experience in first class with Delta One.

May 10, 202224 minSeason 9Ep. 143

Moving with Malikah | EP. 142

Malikah is a serial expat, frequent traveler and content creator. She was born in New York and has traveled to over 30 countries. Malikah first moved abroad to Italy, and is currently living in Beirut, Lebanon. You can find her on Instagram , TikTok and YouTube at Where is Malikah to learn more about how to make travel part of your lifestyle and plan for your move abroad....

May 03, 202216 minSeason 9Ep. 142

Travel with Renée | EP. 141

Renée Cheréz is a Black woman writer and travel liberationist creating magic at the intersections of travel, identity, and liberation. Her work focuses on her personal experiences as a traveler existing at various intersections, including immigrant and queer, and her deep belief that travel is a tool for Black liberation. Through her digital guides and forthcoming workshops and coursework, Renée guides those she journeys with to remember their inherent freedom through traversing not only the ext...

Apr 26, 202217 minSeason 8Ep. 141

Let’s Travel with Gina | EP. 140

Gina Nelson, founder and host of the Diving for Pearls Podcast, a podcast about women in the UAE who are thought leaders, innovators and visionaries making transformative inroads in their industry. She is an avid traveler who has now been to 54 countries across 5 continents. She has lived and worked in three countries and is currently working and living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Learn more about Gina on her website and on Instagram ....

Apr 19, 202222 minSeason 8Ep. 140

Travel with Cindy | EP. 139

This week we interviewed Cindy, who is currently living in Germany but has traveled all over the world. Listen to hear about how she balances work and travel, some of her favorite travel experiences, and how she found a passion in travel. Follow Cindy on Instagram to follow more of her travel story!

Apr 12, 202217 minSeason 8Ep. 139
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