Lawrence Phillips, the brilliant mind behind Green Book Global, a revolutionary travel review platform for Black travelers, embarked on a life-changing journey after experiencing burnout from his consulting career. His travels across the globe resulted in diverse encounters and an eye-opening realization of the need for a contemporary version of the Green Book. Thanks for signing up! Stay connected with your preferred topics through personalized feeds on our convenient app. Download it now for a seamless experience.
This essay, based on a conversation with Lawrence Phillips, has been slightly edited for length and clarity. But rest assured, every word is a unique and human creation.
My passion for travel blossomed during my time in Boston, where I participated in a program that focused on empowering underprivileged youth in the city. Despite having no prior experience with camping, I embarked on a 30-day hiking trip to Olympic National Park. I still remember how my mom worried when I forgot my toothbrush, but I turned adversity into opportunity by finding a discarded toothbrush, sanitizing it, and using it. This adventure taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and perseverance, especially in the realm of travel.
Fortunately, my early travels were devoid of prejudice, including a month-long journey in Spain as part of the high school program. As a child, I had a “glass half full” mentality, oblivious to the broader world’s realities. However, this bubble burst when I reached my twenties.
Enthralled by the corporate world, I embarked on an eight-year journey as a consultant after graduating from Georgia Tech. As a consultant, I had to quickly adapt to new environments and grasp complex business dynamics. Furthermore, the job afforded me the luxury of traveling across California, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, and more, all on the company’s dime. I must admit, the perks of company-funded travel were quite enticing.
Nonetheless, burnout gradually consumed me. Two years of flying back and forth between Atlanta and San Diego on a relentless project schedule drained my spirit. Mondays were reserved for flying in, followed by arduous workdays from morning till night. By Thursdays or Fridays, I would board the plane home, only to rinse and repeat the cycle anew. Despite my accomplishments and promotions, fatigue wore me down. The pinnacle of achievement arrived when I flew on a private jet with a client, and yet, it exacerbated my exhaustion. It was then that I made the decision to quit, and two months later, I bid farewell to the corporate world.
With newfound freedom, I embarked on a year-long journey across more than 30 countries spanning all seven continents. Yet, as a Black man, I couldn’t ignore the trepidation that accompanied certain destinations. It’s an unfortunate acknowledgement of the world’s realities; some places embrace Black travelers, while others display hostility. Vigilance and thorough research became essential tools of my trade. However, I struggled to find a platform that provided destination-specific reviews for travelers like me, and particularly tailored for Black individuals.
Throughout my travels, it became increasingly evident that people perceived me differently. A conversation with a Black woman in Paris exemplified this. While discussing our shared love for chocolate, I inquired about visiting Brussels, questioning whether the destination would be welcoming towards people like us. Her assuring response granted me a moment of relief. Of course, there were tougher experiences as well, though I couldn’t discern whether they stemmed from racism or mere unfortunate circumstances. In China, strangers would randomly take photos of me or point in my direction. Nevertheless, I actively engaged in thorough research to mitigate potential challenges.
It was during my travels in Thailand, in 2015, that the vision for a comprehensive review platform began germinating. I initiated the coding process, originally envisioning it as a site catering to young professionals of all races. Yet, as I reflected upon my encounter in Brussels, it became evident that a Black-specific travel site was necessary. That interaction served as an affirmation to curate a platform that catered specifically to the needs and experiences of Black travelers. In 2018, Green Book Global officially launched, captivating the attention of thousands with over 6,000 reviews. Describing it as a contemporary Green Book or a Black-centered version of TripAdvisor, our platform allows Black travelers to discover destinations that resonate with their experiences.
Unlike other travel sites, we prioritize destination ratings rather than activities. Each location receives a score ranging from one to five, covering nightlife, history, local cuisine, romance, and, most importantly, the experience of traveling as a Black individual. Our goal is to provide information that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their travel destinations, without intending to discourage or encourage any particular choice.
Above all, I want Black travelers to recognize that the world is their oyster. Despite justified concerns and fears surrounding travel as a Black person, especially within the United States, it’s crucial to approach the world with an open mind and stay well-informed. You are entitled to explore any destination you desire.
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