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meet Jazmin
Jazmin Harb is the creator of Travel To Blank, where she shares sustainable travel tips and guides to beautiful destinations all over the world. She has visited 76 countries and counting, never missing an opportunity to meet new people. “Travel connects people,” she says. “It opens your mind and makes you more accepting of others.”
With her blog, Jazmin works to promote diversity in travel and make it more accessible to people of all backgrounds. Now she’s teaming up with Delta Air Lines for Faces of Travel, an initiative to increase representation and visibility within travel culture for people of diverse races, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious beliefs, and physical abilties. In her own words, Jazmin reflects on why representation matters.
Follow along
I grew up in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with a mindset that other people visit exotic destinations — but not me. I remember saving images of landscapes from other corners of the world, thinking how beautiful they were, but not that I would ever actually go there. One day I asked myself, why not? Why can’t I visit these places?
People go where they can picture themselves. If they don’t see someone who looks like them in a place, they go somewhere they’ll feel more comfortable. That’s why representation in the travel industry is beyond important for people of color, because you realize you are welcome in that destination.
Representation also helps create awareness for locals. Visitors might not look or sound like them, and that’s okay. They have all the right to be there and enjoy their time. I believe everyone should feel welcome, no matter where they choose to travel on this beautiful earth.
“This world is so beautiful with all its diversity, and it should be discovered by everyone.”
Inspiring journeys
I love encouraging people to explore the world. I’ve taken trips that have changed my life completely. Road tripping down the California coast by myself made me realize I could accomplish anything. My trip to Nepal, after a devastating earthquake in 2015, changed the way I appreciate things. It’s amazing how something so short can have such an impact.
I love any place with welcoming people, where I can learn the story of their history, culture, and country. Sharing our experiences is the most beautiful thing we can do. No matter where we come from, what we look like, or who we love, we should all be pushing to make everyone feel safe and welcome everywhere we go.
Follow Jazmin’s adventures around the world on Instagram @traveltoblank or at traveltoblank.com/.
MARY ONYANGO,
Fitness instructor
PRESENTED BY
Mary is a top trainer in NYC, plus a mom and entrepreneur. For her, travel is an essential break from a busy schedule and a chance to reconnect with family. “Those are the moments that bring so much vitality to life.”
RAVI KAPUR,
Chef
PRESENTED BY
Chef Ravi Kapur draws on his mixed Indian, Hawaiian and Chinese heritage at his two San Francisco restaurants. He believes representation in travel helps break down barriers and connect cultures.
JAZMIN HARB,
Travel blogger
PRESENTED BY
Jazmin writes about sustainable travel and hidden gems around the world. Originally from Ecuador, she loves to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while traveling. “It makes you more accepting of others.”
TEE GEORGE,
Outdoor content creator
PRESENTED BY
More than 85k nature lovers follow Atlanta-based Tee George on her inclusive outdoor adventures. Whether camping, hiking or traveling abroad, she aims to help people of color discover their love for the outdoors.
JULES NGUYEN,
Photographer and blogger
PRESENTED BY
A global traveler, blogger and photographer, Jules is dedicated to sharing honest, authentic stories in the BIPOC community. “It makes the world of travel more tangible for people who grew up thinking it was out of reach.”
