Olivia Christine

SUMMER PSA + ignorant things to avoid saying like, “now I’m almost as Black as you” Every BIPOC can attest to growing up with some form of colorism and anti-Blackness in their life; like being told by elders not to be out in the sun too long, lest they want to become darker and “ugly”. I’ve dated guys who wanted me to stay as close to the shade of J. Lo + Rosie Perez as possible, otherwise people wouldn’t know i was Puerto Rican and not “black-black” 🙄. I’ve listened to white girls rave about their artificial summer “bronze” while likening it to my skin or that of my darker friends. This is a summer PSA — stop putting Black and brown people in uncomfortable situations: - no you’re not Black now because you’re tanned - yes Black hair gets wet; whether we choose to is our choice - yes many Black people DO burn - yes I/we can swim; and yes there are some people who can’t - again, there is not a Black person on earth who wants you to compare your arm’s new tan to their skin - if your Black and brown friends allow certain things in your friend group, remember that they don’t speak for all of us - i don’t care how much of a bop that summer hit single is, do not repeat the N word - stop calling the cops on Black people having (pool parties/bbqs/park play dates/etc) you are endangering their lives and no one calls the cops on you when you are raging on god knows what and blasting “Sweet Caroline” - no I am not interested in providing your party with some form of entertainment (insert white people asking the only POC to twerk/dance/freestyle rap/perform) - drunken get-togethers are not where we’d like to answer your burning questions about race. We just want to kick back and relax too. This summer is weird anyway, so who knows how many people you’ll be hanging out with. But keep these reminders in your back pocket and let’s make the summer (and life) comfortable for everyone. . . . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #summertimes #blacktravelfeed #travellatina #swimmingpools #soultravel #essencetravel #mytravelcrush #blackgirljoy #floridavacation #findmeoutside #summertimevibes

UNIQUE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IDEAS • I’d never even heard of bogs let alone bogshoeing, but it’s one of the coolest things I’ve done! So i thought creating a fun list of my favorite, unique adventures to add to your bucket list could get you out there too! 1. Bogshoeing (swipe) - often found in cool, wet areas in the north where there are wetlands/peat bogs. This adventure was in Latvia when I attended the #WITSriga conference. 2. Swimming with sea lions. I did this in the Patagonia waters on the coast of Argentina and it was surreal! 3. White water rafting - i was the only girl on this trip with friends and was pretty scared to try it, but it was an amazing experience and such a great test of teamwork 4. National park camping road trip - you can plot out your park wishlist and create a phenomenal adventure 5. Horseback riding along the beach - try this at sunrise and put your mind at ease! 6. Waterfall rappelling - feeling the water cool your body as you sit into your harness and leap down is exhilarating. 7. Traversing the desert - going across the Sahara was once in a lifetime amazing! You can go by camel or ATV. Try this at a desert near you. 8. Get an RV for a week and road trip! RV life is very different than the camping lifestyle, and you get access to cool RV parks. I loved RVing in St. Augustine and the keys 9. Visit salt flats - there are salt flats in North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia! 10. Rent a catamaran or boat and go diving or snorkeling - anywhere there’s boat life, you’ll find me on the water! 11. Hike your wildest dreams - from the Andes mountains to the highest waterfalls, to Triassic trails, volcanoes, badlands, and multi day treks, no matter where you live there’s always somewhere beautiful to explore. Let me know what your favorite adventures have been + what’s on your adventure bucket list! . . . . . . #latvia🇱🇻 #kemerinationalpark #diversifyoutdoors #enjoylatvia #bogshoeing #latviatravel #latvia #findmeoutside #optoutdoors #liveyouradventure #allaboutadventures #wanderwomeninc #amplifymelanatedvoices #blacktravelfeed #outdooradventure #blackoutdoors #melaninbasecamp #travellatina

HUGE NEWS • travel may be back open, here’s how to get your vacation back: STEP 1: Breonna Taylor’s murderers are still free. For actionable steps on how to help bring justice to Breonna Taylor visit justiceforbreonna.org. STEP 2: COVID-19 is still here. STEP 3: And hundreds of US healthcare workers have died trying to protect you so wear a mask when you’re around others please, ok thanks. . . . . Photo: @VisitBarbados with @heyashleyrenne @stayreddy @onegrloneworld and me @ochristine wearing handmade @grass_fields African dresses. I can’t wait to get back there when it is safe to do so 😍. . . . . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #justiceforbreonnataylor #breonnataylor #blacklivesmatter✊🏾 #barbados🇧🇧 #sayhername #justiceforbre #blackwomenmatter #afrolatina #barbados #islandlife🌴 #blackinfluencers #blacktravelblogger #travelbloggerlife #supportblackownedbusinesses

SUMMER SELF-CARE BUCKET LIST • [#ad] in celebration of the new, plant-based KIND FROZEN Treat Bars (@kindsnacks’ first frozen treat) I’m sharing self-care tips for summertime bliss: . - Be gentle with yourself. This summer is different for most of us, and we’re all working through it the best we know how . - Pick a few new books to read this summer (i might go the mystery route... love those! what are you reading?) . - Plan a picnic and bring a refreshing snack like this KIND FROZEN Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt (180 calories + almond is the #1 ingredient) . - Schedule a weekly pampering session at home (deep condition your hair, take a bubble bath, etc) . - Try a new creative hobby (or make time for a long lost old one) . - Dive into learning a new language (or brushing up old skills) . - Give yourself screen time limits! I’ve actually muted text messages (sorry if I haven’t responded 🥴) deleted many social apps off my phone and have timers for the others . - Plan trips you CAN take. Use your social distancing know-how to safely explore locally, as per your city’s guidelines. . - Buy a new summer look. Even if you’re not going anywhere special something as simple as a fresh sundress or new, bright tshirt can lift your spirits! . . What are your summer self-care plans? #KINDcollective . . . . . #summerreading #summertimevibes #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #selfcareday #selfcaretip #yellowdress #sundresses #summerpicnic #kindsnacks #sunshinetherapy #blackselfcare #personalwellness

TIME FLIES...6 years together • 5 years traveling • 1 year married • 6 months surviving 2020 🥴🙏🏽. . Yesterday we celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary and while it’s nothing like we would’ve imagined it to be, the most important thing was still there: having each other. I haven’t been married long enough to give any advice so chime in below if you’re married. I *can* give advice for partners traveling together or surviving this pandemic together: . - listen to each other - take time for yourself - compromise - revisit hobbies - start projects together - communicate and don’t let things build up - encourage each other - be kind to each other - make time for your own friends/joys outside of each other - remember to say i love you and let them know they’re appreciated Photo: Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake Trail (Ahwahne Tribal land of the Ahwahnechee) . . . . #firstyearanniversary #couplesthattravel #hikingtrails #interracialcouples #interracialrelationships #travelcouples #coupleswhotravel #optoutdoors #yosemitenationalpark #mirrorlake #nationalparkservice #coupleswhohike #hikingcouple #hikingcalifornia #outdoorcouple #speechlessplaces

SKINNY WHITE GIRLS DIDN’T INVENT YOGA • so why are they the face of it? (swipe+share to diversify your feed) in fact, much of the ancient texts suggest yoga was pretty much only practiced by men. I hate how modern day western society has glued this white-washed, weight-focused image to the practice. So today I am going to share some facts about yoga. 1. Those cool poses you do are called “asanas”. These postures are one of the many ways to reach yoga (“union”). Western culture’s popular yoga is based on Hatha Yoga, but yoga is in fact every part of our being. 2. Yoga encompasses many things: it is the union of our physical, mental, and spiritual being by way of breathing techniques, meditation, postures, and more. 3. Today, yoga has become very “fitness” focused, with skinny bodies stamped all over it. Yet some of the best yogis (and most flexible) i know are fat. Your weight and ability to do yoga are not mutually exclusive. 4. Verdic yoga originated in India and was practiced by males for thousands of years, though ancient artifacts that pre-date this period show evidence of women in postures similar to the asanas we know today (#girlpower💪). . 5. As mentioned, solely practicing the asanas is only one part of yoga: in classical yoga there are 8 parts! 6. The 8 limbs of yoga include: the yamas (external discipline), niyamas (internal), asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), pratyahara (withdraw senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadhi (union with the divine 🙌) . 7. You do not need to be as flexible as Gumby to be a good yogi. And you definitely don’t need to be white, wealthy, and wearing overpriced spandex. Yoga is all about meeting yourself where you are. Removing all distractions. And building a true connection between mind, body, and spirit. Even with all my training, I still have much to learn. But i think breaking down barriers is one step forward. Have you tried yoga before? Share your experiences and suggestions below! . . . #diversifyyourfeed #amplifymelanatedvoices #yogaisforeverybody #yogaisforeveryone #yogaforall #joshuatreenationalpark #outdooryoga #selfcaresis #sunsetyoga

DIVERSIFY OUTDOORS 👋🏽 lots of new faces here so here’s a quick “about me”... how many facts did you already know? 1. I’m from the South Bronx but left home at 14 and got a scholarship to live in a boarding school like Harry Potter⚡️ (but not as cool). I even became a prefect. Despite my life change, I still thought the outdoors were only for white people. 2. I have an autoimmune disease called Lupus which I’ve learned to manage so I can travel the world. This is when I started embracing “outside” more often. 3. I quit my corporate job at 27 and created a life of long-term travel for 5+ years. The stress from work had affected my health, but the emotional release and renewed focus on personal growth and wellbeing by traveling brought me wellness. 4. I have a degree in Hospitality Administration so tourism/hotel knowledge is my strength 5. I used to be a wedding designer/event producer, and later a conference planner! I have awards in event marketing and my personality is very much a planner. 6. I’ve visited 40+ US States and 36+ countries (i actually rarely count, hence the plus sign) 7. I married my travel partner (who I met in NYC and dated while traveling the world together!) . 8. I’m a Nuyorican! And would love to one day buy a home on my island (Puerto Rico). . 9. I am a certified yoga instructor (RYT 200) and lived in a yoga resort in Costa Rica for nearly 3 months. 10. I speak 3ish languages and am grammatically questionable at all of them (English, Spanglish, and French-ish 🥴) so I’m taking classes to better all of the above! . ... So, who learned something new about me? Who already knew it all? There are so many things to know, but one thing you can expect from this page is that my mission is to not only diversify travel media, but to also give you realistic tools and inspiration for a joyous, traveling life. Photo: #atacamadesert in Chile —the driest place on earth so bring lozenges 😅 lawd don’t say i didn’t warn you . . . . . #diversifyoutdoors #blackoutdoors #amplifyblackvoices #amplifymelanatedvoices #atacamachile #atacama #forceofnature #wanderwomeninc #findmeoutside #optoutdoors #speechlessplaces #girltrek #outdoorafro

COVID IS STILL HERE • so how do you protest when you’re high-risk or chronically ill? I’ve spent over 3 years with my lupus in blissful remission. That isn’t the case anymore. As my health recently flared, screaming for my attention and awakening from one of the hardest years of my life, a car accident and world pandemic creeped in and said “hold my beer”, isolating my high risk body at home for months — like many others. Due to my health, I had no choice but to make some very hard decisions last week: one of which was to not go out and protest. Instead I did the following, and they are things anyone can do too: . - VOTE . - sign petitions to your local policy makers . - donate to organizations that are doing the work. Try the @aclu_nationwide @actblueorg @eji_org to start . - donate to bail funds to help protestors and Black ppl disproportionally jailed, like @nationalbailout. . - spark uncomfortable conversations with friends, family, social media followers . - use your rewards points to donate to causes or partnered orgs (i haven’t done this yet but @hiltonhonors is connected with Point Worthy so I’m checking it out) . - write a letter to your clients, bosses, and partners calling them to SPEAK UP and make change (this was the scariest for me bc I am still in active contracts, but I needed to speak out) . - support Black businesses, promote Black creators; actively seek to feature them/collaborate . - make signage and hang out your window/door to let protestors know you support them Can you suggest any others? It’s important to let people know that we can be on the “front lines” in many different ways. Our strengths combined will make the greatest change! Photo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii - Navajo land (Monument Valley) . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #silenceisviolence #monumentvalley #navajonation #navajoland #abettertomorrow #blacklivesmatter✊🏾 #blacktravelfeed #wanderwomeninc #optoutdoors #findmeoutside #lupuswarrior

RELAX YOUR JAW • that’s what I’ve been reminding myself this past week. Because tension, stress, anger, hurt, and overwhelm keep manifesting themselves through joint pain, a tightened jaw, furrowed brow, and exhaustion. Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly fighting. Fighting to be heard. Fighting to be seen. Fighting to be free. Fighting against antiquated thoughts and ideologies. Fighting for a brighter future. Fighting for my peace. I use travel and the outdoors as a way to detox from that tension. As a way to grant myself space and self-care. But for many, travel is temporary (and during covid, non-existent)... so you find life and stress right where you left it. Are you feeling that tension too? If not your jaw, maybe in your neck, shoulders, or back? Recognizing our tension is the first step to releasing it. Moments like these are when I call a friend for a laugh. When I try a light yoga flow. When I step out it nature and ground my feet. Even a long hot shower with my music blasting and the door locked brings me peace, relaxing my jaw. Where ever you are right now, remember: you deserve your peace too. BREATHE. Even the best fighters have a day of rest. Here are some accounts that bring me peace: @blackgirlinom / @hellolaurenash @findingpaola @briyoumetravel @aurorajames @colorsofohm @wellwithnoel @hillhousevintage . And more...... do you have any favorites? . . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #wellnesslifestyle #selfcarefirst #selfcaresis #relaxationmode #relaxyourmind #wellnesstravel #travellatina #blacktravelfeed #melanintravel

I HOPE YOU STAY FOR MY JOY • you ever feel like the only time “diversity matters” is when someone’s wallet is affected? Or when it’s a specific occasion (history month, protests, etc.) Or when we’re screaming from the mountaintops holding people accountable (and so they subsequently act only to protect their image). . It’s a big issue i have with Hollywood actually. Black and brown actors often only get recognition if they play stereotyped roles or stories of oppression /equality movements. When are we going to be loved for our joy too? For our normalcy? Why do we have to become activists or a hashtag in order for you to MUTE, LISTEN, and SUPPORT? Don’t you see that our very act of living, breathing, and BEING is a movement? That my stepping outside to claim the outdoors, traveling, embracing joy, and living a life well lived is a statement? Because if you don’t actively take part in being anti-racist, support Black creators when it’s not trendy, and start normalizing diversity, then you’re sending a very clear message: YOU’RE NOT HERE FOR OUR JOY. I love being joyous. My dimples and expressive eyebrows give me away every time, and i unapologetically clap or cackle when I laugh (that is, when I’m not wheezing 😂). . I’m also an empath and sensitive, and will walk you into a deep conversation you didn’t ask for (sorry in advance). . I’m opinionated and deeply observant. I seek peace, nature, food, and color where ever I go and choose to share that joy with you on this platform. I reflect....a lot... often in the form of too-long captions like these. And as someone with an autoimmune disease I have a lifelong goal to eradicate stress from my life (current status: kinda failing). . Anyway, sending a warm welcome to my new followers ❤️ i hope i inspire you to pursue (or keep living) a mindful, joyous, traveling life. . . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #latvia🇱🇻 #rigalatvia #rigaoldtown #europetravels #travellatina #blacktraveljourney #blacklivesmatter✊🏾 #joyinthejourney #blackjoy #adidasterrex

THE TRUTH ABOUT INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS • I was afraid to post this... it ain’t for the faint of heart. Yes, your love becomes a bridge of unity but you also expand your circle while navigating micro-aggressions, race, class & cultural differences/contrasts in upbringings. It’s its own culture shock in a way. That circle may suddenly put you in a position where you are expected to be the spokesperson for Black people. Or in other circles, you become the one who talks about race/injustice “too much”. You have to sit with uncomfortable comments from well-meaning ppl who think they’re being “woke” but are just offensive. Oh and the compliments. OH THE COMPLIMENTS. “You’re so well spoken/smart/eloquent” Thank you for complimenting my code switch to avert your attention from my hood vernacular. When’s the last time you told a white person they were well spoken and eloquent? You deal with having to navigate spaces as one of the few Black people (sometimes the only one) at a dinner table, parties, events. You deal with people attributing your success to a white male. Or ignoring your success before him, altogether. And that’s all outside the home. But inside, while my husband is aware of his white cis male privilege, there are still going to be misunderstandings. Frustrations with having to EXPLAIN feelings. Feelings that when i pick up the phone with a Black friend, they can hear me sigh AND JUST KNOW. Feelings of frustration anytime i have to explain micro-aggressions he has the privilege of not noticing. Feelings of EXHAUSTION. And yet still deep feelings of LOVE. And of mutual RESPECT. And CARE. All while figuring out how to express that deep love for him while I’m simultaneously mad at and hurt by so many white people. I don’t have the guidebook for navigating interracial relationships. And you may not struggle with this “shock” in the same way. But I can’t be the only one feeling it. . (If you’re wondering, my husband enthusiastically supports me sharing this ❤️) . . . #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #interracialcouples #interracialrelationships #travelcouples #coupleswhotravel #optoutdoors #travelscotland

WE OUT HERE • yet when i look at outdoor travel media i don’t see my reflection. I see lots of white and male adventurists clogging up my feeds and to be honest, i often feel alienated. I may be a city girl but when my feet touched the soil of the outdoors, felt the soothe of the sea, and i breathed in the clean air society stripped from my poverty stricken childhood... i felt connected. I wish there were better words to describe the ancestors whispering through my veins, reminding me that we were explorers. Pioneers. Hunters. Gatherers. That we were leaders. Kings and Queens. Fighters. Seen. How can we bring more Black and brown people to the outdoors when we keep the image of the outdoors oh-so-white? When Black lives remain in danger whether in their homes or in nature? Let’s normalize diversity outdoors. If you already follow me @ochristine here are some other accounts to be also inspired by: @she_colorsnature @wildginaa @outdoorsydiva @wecoloroutside @anunstoppablejourney @browngirl_outdoorworld @wayfaretowellness @blackoutdooradventurers @melaninbasecamp @meliseymo @blackgirlstrekkin @jujumil @brandihikes Photo: ⭐️ hiking to the Quilotoa lagoon in the the Andes Mountains, Ecuador. 12,841 feet high, last erupted year 1280. I took a day trip from Quito and my asthmatic ass was slower than everyone on the return ascent. Damn near missed dinner. But i did it. . . . #melaninbasecamp #latinxhikers #blackoutdoors #diversifyoutdoors #hikersofinstagram #amplifymelanatedvoices #adventuretraveler #outdooradventure #outdoortravel #findmeoutside #optoutdoors #liveyouradventure #allaboutadventures #wanderwomeninc #speechlessplaces

NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT • so i will. So many Latinx ppl bring up the “what about Latinos” convo every time we need to talk about Black lives, while simultaneously ignoring the racism and anti-Black ideologies engrained in us. The side comments from our mothers and tías about “pelo malo”. The push to embrace Eurocentric beauty standards. The praise when we “marry up” by being with someone with whiter skin. The preference for white doctors and professional services, because of perceived superiority. The “uglier”, darker sibling or cousin that everyone looks down upon because they’re too Black. The enthusiastic DETAILED mention of our European great grandparents, shrouding over a foggy “no sé” when it comes to questions about our African ancestry. The “somos Indios” commentary to explain our darker skin (newsflash, I’m only 8% Native American) This list goes on. And to deny it would be irresponsible. Yes, I am Latina. I’m also Black. Born to multiracial Nuyoricans who were children of island-born Puerto Ricans. I grew up in a predominantly Hispanic/Caribbean neighborhood and spent my youth not understanding how deeply anti-blackness existed within our community. To avoid Blackness, we referenced our islands when describing identity, followed by a loud “I’M NOT BLACK-BLACK” to distance us from US slavery (while forgetting our ancestors were just a different boat stop). And that in itself is anti-Black. Watching Afro Caribe people denounce anti-blackness and stand proudly as Black people over the years has been beautiful to watch. BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE DONE. It is not enough to just suddenly wake up and claim Blackness. It is not enough to plop an “Afro-“ in front of our culture or ethnicity. We need to turn around and look at our OWN PEOPLE. We need to call out Latinx loved ones for their anti-blackness once and for all. We need call out internalized racism in Afro Latinx spaces once and for all. And we need to educate ourselves and recognize that in our silence we remain complicit in the GENOCIDE of Black people. . . #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #amplifymelanatedvoices #afrolatina #latinosforblacklives #silenceisviolence

HOLY OPPORTUNISM • just FYI a blackout square with no support for Black people or Black creators IS NOT ENOUGH. And following me just for a trend and not to actually support BIPOC creators isn’t enough either. It’s not enough if you aren’t making changes in real life. Calling out those friends/family members. If you aren’t diversifying your teams in the workplace. If you aren’t paying Black creators what they are worth. If you aren’t giving equal platform to marginalized voices. If you are stealing/copying off BIPOC artists, If you are hopping on trends while on your personal FB page talking about how you are “locked and loaded” at home waiting for protesters, If you are giving shout outs to diverse accounts you supposedly follow (and yet are not actually following them/supporting their work)...then you are an opportunist and need to check yourself. Don’t follow me JUST bc of the color of my skin. Or bc you think it’ll give you a pass. Follow me because: I am challenging what outdoor travel looks like, and you are ready to support that. I am bringing awareness to life with an autoimmune disease and you can relate to that or want to learn more. I inspire mindful living — whether in travel or everyday life. I’m speaking up for inclusivity in wellness. I’m advocating for immersive, slow travel that brings joy and expands our minds/hearts. Follow me because I show you how travel and the pursuit of body+mind wellness can change your life.... bc i show that affordable travel exists without sacrificing comfort.... oh and bc I’m funny and a damn good storyteller... and bc i love food and the sims and HP and i think sister act 2 is the best soundtrack ever.... and bc i am living my dreams and left the corporate world 6 years ago... and i love beaches and color and deserts and language and... the list goes on..... but don’t just follow me because you’re jumping on a trend. Sending love to the genuine ones out there! I appreciate you listening, learning, and making moves. [#whytofollowme list inspired by @colormecourtney] . . #blackcreators #amplifymelanatedvoices #diversifyyourfeed #afrolatina #joshuatreenationalpark #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

THIS ISN’T NEW • one of the primary reasons why i left the 9-5 workplace was because i could no longer take the gaslighting, fake smiles, and expectation to be “on” while my world was crumbling around me. I thought having my own business would protect me from all that. But it didn’t. While i see privilege in my entrepreneurial choices (and very clear benefits), there is still the pained smiles, code-switching, and overall feeling of not being able to prioritize your mental wellness. And this isn’t new. Because Black people BEEN being murdered for hundreds of years with no justice. Discriminated against and defiled. Immigrants BEEN being oppressed (unless they’re white of course, then it’s called discovering a new place or being an expat). Indigenous peoples BEEN being systemically oppressed and marginalized. So when we say #BlackLivesMatter, when we fight to end racism, when we rise together to put a STOP to police brutality and make sure justice is served, we BREAK DOWN THE WALLS of the systemic racism this country was built on so that Black lives can no longer be ripped from us, so that Black lives can prosper, and so that ALL marginalized communities can no longer be oppressed. When we throw away the “but what about...” When we have hard conversations at home with the ones we love. When we call out problematic friends in our circle. When we SEE, truly SEE Black people... that’s when the true revolution begins — for ALL. If you are trying to show up at work today... via zoom, email, over the phone, or in person... know that we see you. AND YOUR PAIN, DREAMS, AND LIFE MATTERS. RIP #georgefloyd #ahmaudarbery #michaelbrown #mikebrown #trayvonmartin #ericgarner #breonnataylor #sandrabland #philandocastile #laquanmcdonald #seanreed #bothamjean #amadoudiallo #stevetaylor #tamirrice #atatianajefferson #renishamcbride #ayianajones #freddiegray and countless others. #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿