Map of Heritage: 4 Intentional Destinations for Black History Month (and Beyond)

When we talk about Intentional Travel, we’re talking about traveling with our eyes wide open. It's about selecting destinations that challenge our perspectives and connect us to the stories that shaped the world.

February is Black History Month, so there's no better time to audit your 2026 calendar for a "Heritage Anchor." Whether you’re looking to explore the roots of American music, the resilience of the Gullah Geechee, or the influential "Black Paris" of the 1920s, here are four destinations that offer a profound ROI for the soul. 🌍

Charleston & The Gullah Geechee Corridor, South Carolina

To understand the African American story, start at the water’s edge. Nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to North America arrived through Charleston’s harbor. For an Intentional Experience, visit the International African American Museum (IAAM), built on the former Gadsden’s Wharf. Then, head to the Sea Islands to connect with the Gullah Geechee culture. This isn’t just history; it’s a living, breathing culture found in the basket weaving, the unique creole language, and the low-country cuisine that has influenced global dining. The Pineapple7 Touch: I recommend a private, chef-led tour that explores the West African roots of Carolina Gold rice and heirloom ingredients.

Paris, France: The "Rive Gauche" Revolution

Many travelers think of Paris for the Eiffel Tower, but for Black intellectuals, artists, and jazz musicians of the 20th century, Paris was the "City of Refuge." For an Intentional Experience, walk the streets of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter through the lens of James Baldwin, Richard Wright, and the incomparable Josephine Baker. Paris provided a creative freedom that was denied to these icons back home, and that legacy is still woven into the jazz clubs and cafes of the Left Bank today. 🎷🇫🇷 The Pineapple7 Touch: Let’s arrange a private "Black Paris" walking tour led by an academic expert who can bring the 1920s jazz scene back to life.

Ghana: The "Door of Return"

While many destinations focus on the tragedy of the past, Ghana has led the global movement in transforming sites of sorrow into sites of "homecoming." For an Intentional Experience, visit Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. Standing in the damp dungeons and walking through the "Door of No Return" is a heavy, essential experience. However, the intentionality comes in the "return"—many travelers now participate in naming ceremonies where they are welcomed back to their ancestral roots with a traditional Ghanaian name. Afterward, head to the Ashanti Kingdom in Kumasi to see the living legacy of West African royalty and gold craftsmanship. 🇬🇭👑 The Pineapple7 Touch: I recommend a stay at a luxury beachfront resort like Lemon Beach in Cape Coast, paired with a private Kente weaving workshop in the Adanwomase village, where you can learn the royal history behind every pattern.

Washington, D.C.: The National Epic

I can't have a conversation about American history without including my hometown, Washington, D.C. It's the home to arguably the most important cultural institution of our time. For an Intentional Experience go to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) where they offer a masterclass in intentional storytelling!! Starting three stories underground in the shadows of history and rising into the light of cultural achievement, it is an emotional and educational journey that every American traveler should take at least once. 🏛️🇺🇸 I spent hours in this museum and could have spent more time in there. It's an absolute MUST when you visit the Nation's Capital. The Pineapple7 Touch: D.C. is a perfect long-weekend getaway or Stay-Cation for in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast. I’ll help you navigate the timed-entry system and pair your visit with a stay at a luxury hotel that overlooks the monuments! One of my favorites is the Intercontinental the Willard Washington DC. This is where Dr Martin Luther King Jr penned his "I Have a Dream" speech when he stayed there.

Why Heritage Travel Matters

Travel has the power to turn a textbook chapter into a lived memory. When we intentionally visit sites of Black history, we aren't just "vacationing;" we're honoring the resilience, creativity, and brilliance that built the world we enjoy today.

Where will your curiosity take you this year? If you're ready to add a heritage-focused "Anchor Trip" to your 2026 calendar, I’d love to help you curate it. Let’s make sure your next trip is as meaningful as it is memorable.

Grace A Cular Yee is the founder and lead travel strategist at Pineapple7, where she transforms the chaos of modern travel into seamless, intentional exploration. With a focus on bespoke curation and precision logistics, she helps high-achievers reclaim their time and reconnect with the world through meaningful, high-integrity journeys. Ready to plan your next chapter?