Traveller XP

22/05/2022

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou

22/01/2022

▪Once upon a time In 2022...▪
Every year end and beginning we do the same: we evaluate the year that ends and outline goals and plans for the year that begins.
2021 was so intense that it demanded a superhuman effort from us. Our biggest challenge was to deal with our emotions 🧘🏾‍♀️, to find a balance ⚖️so as not to be delirious with euphoria or belittle ourselves with the losses. We learned from Exu that everything is in movement, and that life is not about fighting🤼🏿‍♀️, but it's a dance 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾.
Where do you find inspiration to reach your goals?

21/01/2022

▪And maybe happy ending doesen't include a guy▪
Maybe it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over freeing yourself up for something better in the future.
Mabe the happy ending is just moving on.

20/01/2022

▪Not fragile like a flower 🌺, fragile like a bomb.💣▪

21/11/2021

▪Let me tell you about how we started to become entrepreneurs & how it transformed our lives▪
First let me introduce myself, I am Isabella Vargas - better known as Izzy - black woman, mother, poet, entrepreneur, Pan-Africanist, idealizer, manager, content producer, a "handyman" at Traveller XP, CEO of my dream.
But nobody is an island and I would never fly so high without the help of my sister, Raquel Vargas. She can be both: the wind beneath my wings and the anchor that keeps me from drifting. She is a designer, a developer, a creativity enthusiast, a voracious researcher of technological modernity, and a technology artist.
In late 2018 I started entrepreneurship out of necessity, a breakup led me to start over, zeroing in on life: living with my father, no money (working as a freelance tour guide), and two kids to support. My sis was fired from a pharmaceutical corporation and then found out she was pregnant!
I had experience in project management (5 years in an NGO) and my partner had zero experience in having a business - she didn't understand anything about business plan, management, finances... and learned by force 🥷🏾, with a lot of effort, asking, studying, reading, enrolling in many courses on the Internet 👩🏾‍💻. Because besides this we also had to manage children, husband, personal issues, pandemics...
Do you know how society tells women that they are not good enough? And how it tells black people that they don't belong in certain places? 🤦🏾‍♀️ Although in Brazil, black women represent half of the business owners, and despite the fact that black entrepreneurs make about 1.73 trillion reais annually, we suffer discrimination and racism. But we continued to believe that our idea is not only good enough, Traveller is disruptive, innovative, and generates social impact.
Today we understand that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle😎, that entrepreneurs are creative and inventive leaders who see opportunities where most people only see problems. We create solutions to make the world a better place. Our entrepreneurial journey has provided us with personal, professional, and social growth.
So, shall we go together?✊🏾

20/11/2021

▪Still I Rise ▪

You can write me into history
With the bitter lies you tell
You can drag me in the dust
But still, like dust I will rise.
Does my elegance trouble you?
Why do you sink in sorrow?
Because I walk as if I have oil wells
gushing in my living room.
Just like the moon and the sun
With the certainty of the waves of the sea
As hope rises
Still I'll rise up
Did you want to see me down?
Head down, eyes downcast?
Shoulders bowed with tears
With soul crying out weakened?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't take it so hard,
For I laugh as if I had
Gold mines in my backyard.
You can shoot me with your words
And cut me with your look
You can kill me with your hate
But just like the air, I'll rise up
Does my sensuality bore you?
And you, surprised, wonder
To see me dance as if I had
Diamonds at crotch height?
From the shocks of this scandalous story
I rise
Above a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I am a black ocean, vast and restless,
Coming and going against the tides I rise
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
At a dawn that is wonderfully clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hopes of slaves.
I rise
I rise
I rise!
(Maya Angelou)

19/11/2021

▪️ Little Africa in Rio ▪️
Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and carnival celebrations - attracting tourists from all over the world. However, Rio also boasts a very rich Afro-Brazilian heritage and culture, although it has been neglected throughout the country's history.
Rio received one of the largest slave ports in the world.
In fact, Brazil is the country that imported the largest number of enslaved Africans in the Americas. About 10 million enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas. Of these, approximately 6 million came to Brazil. They came to Brazil to work in sugar farming, mining and coffee plantations. Of the Africans brought, 60% were sent to the southeast region.
The place known as Little Africa, Pequena África in Portuguese, was the gateway where most Africans were received to work as slaves in Brazil.
Little Africa was also a place where freed blacks settled to create a huge black settlement after the end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1850. Being closer to the port of Rio was very strategic, as they could find jobs as forklifts and other occupations related to port activities.
Since then, Little Africa has become a site of historical events, including cultural gatherings, artists, black-owned businesses, and political movements to preserve its African roots.
The Valongo Wharf (Valongo Wharf) was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2017. It is the place where most enslaved Africans entered Rio and where a large slave market existed.
Another important place to visit is Pedra do Sal, where freed blacks lived and promoted Afro-Brazilian culture, such as samba music and capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music).
However, despite its importance to the history of Brazil, Little Africa has been abandoned for decades. Despite international recognition, Rio's Little Africa needs infrastructure to receive visitors and tourists.
The reason may be the attempt to exterminate the Afro-Brazilian heritage in the city.
Do you agree? Tell us in the comments.

16/11/2021

▪️Lençóis Maranhenses - National Park▪️
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is located in the state of Maranhão, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. It covers an area of 155 thousand hectares (the size of the city of São Paulo), which includes a multitude of white sand dunes and several kilometers of deserted beaches.
Near the cities of Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro do Maranhão, it is a unique place in the world, a region of white dunes where rainwater makes blue lagoons.
As Maranhão is very hot, entering these refreshing lagoons is one of the most delightful experiences.
The place is so perfect that, despite the heat, the sands are not hot. So you can walk barefoot calmly on the dunes, contemplating all that cinematographic view.
One of the most frequent questions from customers looking for this trip is whether it will rain on the date of their trip. Understanding that the spectacular, crystal-clear lagoons only exist because of rain, and that we are not meteorologists... We recommend that trips be booked for the period after the rains. If it rains a lot in the rainy season, the lagoons stay full longer. If it doesn't rain enough, they may not fill at all.
So, statistically, the best time to go to Lençóis Maranhenses is usually between June and September, when the lagoons are fuller and the rains are less frequent. The rainy season is usually from February to May. This is not an absolute rule, but I do not recommend anyone to go there before May - before that the rains are intense, and even if the lagoons are full, the moments of sun will be more scarce.
The Lençois Maranhenses are part of the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions), a touristic route that includes the Lençois Maranhenses and other ecotourism destinations in Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará (Jericoacoara, Delta do Parnaíba, and Lençois Maranhenses in the same route). To do this complete itinerary, the ideal is at least 10 days of travel.
Discover the best new African businesses run by the next generation of afro-descendant Brazilian entrepreneurs. 🇧🇷
Join Traveller XP, link in Bio.

13/11/2021

▪ A contagious rhythm: A celebration for the senses ▪
Tambor de Crioula (Creole drum) is an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression that involves circular dancing, singing, and percussion of drums, with many similarities to other rhythms of the "samba family".
It is a celebration practiced in the quilombos of Maranhão, and perpetuated between generations. It is commonly danced during Carnaval, June festivals, and is always associated with the praise of São Benedito. Women wear rounded skirts with brightly colored prints, wide petticoats with lace around the edges, and white or colored blouses with lace and low-cut necklines. The men wear white pants, straw hats, and printed shirts. Animation is done with a chant led by the men and accompanied by the women. Three drums keep the roda alive, and the songs praise saint protectors, pay homage to the women, and tell facts of daily life and farewells.
Although researchers have not been able to pinpoint the historical origins of the tambor de crioula, it is possible to find, in printed documents and in the memory of the elders, references to recreational and religious practices performed during the 19th century by slaves and their descendents, as a form of leisure and resistance to the oppressive context of the slave labor regime.
The Tambor de Crioula would have been one of these of these practices and, in this sense, is updated as an expression of jubilation for the jubilation for the end of slavery, besides holding other meanings. (IPHAN, 2017)
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Traveller XP is a digital platform offering the unique african heritage of Brazil, through experiences and values like hospitality, warmth and friendship.
Discover more 😎, link in Bio.

12/11/2021

▪ Off the beaten path in Brazil ▪
Beach with blue water and palm trees 🏖: short definition of paradise!
Get to know São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas, a beach town located in the Coral Coast region in northeastern Brazil.
A trip to São Miguel dos Milagres is synonymous with rest and lots of leisure on paradisiacal beaches and natural pools of crystalline and warm waters.😎
It was colonized during the Dutch invasion in Brazil, the town also had a sugar trade and was a coconut producer.
Today, the small fishing village has about 8 thousand inhabitants, and some irresistible attractions: Beaches and natural pools, Manatee Sanctuary, Buggy Ride (Japaratinga and Maragogi), and Porto de Pedras Lighthouse and Lookout Point.
🔖If you are curious, save this post!
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🧳 If you want to know more about Brasil Off the beaten path, send us a DM or email.

27/08/2021

Are you hyped up? I can’t wait to join the Black travel family for ‘TRIBE’ and what will be a combination of dope conversations, performances, group speed-networking, and giveaways. This is THE event For Us By Us and ALL things Black and Travel!

We are serious about financial freedom in our community, show us that you are too by registering today at www.BlackTravelSummit.com/tribe. Get ready for the dopeness and join us in creating a table for ourselves.

20/07/2021

13/07/2021

🍴5 brazilian Fruits🥄
▪️Jaboticaba▪️
A rather unusual fruit, jabuticaba blossom of the trunk of its tree.
This Brazilian fruit has a sweet fleshy pulp that contains several seeds. We usually eat the fruit fresh or prepare jams, liqueurs, and baked goods with it.
▪️ Pitanga ▪️
With a pleasant taste, ranging from sweet to sour, Pitanga is a versatile fruit. Pitanga can be consumed raw or used to prepare pulps, juices, ice creams, popsicles, sweets, liqueurs, and even fermented.
▪️Caju▪️
You’ve probably heard or eaten cashew nuts before, but we also eat the cashew apple (it resembles a red pear).
It tastes sweet and a little acidic and makes a delicious and refreshing juice.
▪️ Guaraná ▪️
Native to the Amazon basin, Guarana is a fruit famous for its stimulant effect. It contains twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee seeds, that’s why it’s widely used in energy drinks.
▪️ Açaí ▪️
Açai berries are a fruit native to the Amazon Rainforest in South America. It tastes like a blend of berry and cocoa with a slight metallic aftertaste. Açai is considered a superfood with benefits ranging from improved skin appearance to weight loss.
Which one will you try first?
🍍🥭🥥


#먹스타그램

17/06/2021

▪️ Life is Good ▪️
Spread Good Vibes😎✌️

15/04/2021

▪️ São Miguel dos Milagres ▪️
São Miguel dos Milagres is a piece of paradise on the coast of Alagoas, located approximately 2 hours from Maceió.
The small fisherman's village has become known for its beautiful beaches with blue water and pleasant temperature. With an always calm sea, the beaches are protected by 20 km of coral walls and during the low tide they form natural pools of unique beauty! 😎
The lodging experience is simple, but it is very rewarding for those who love the contact with nature.
The place is really beautiful as the photos show, nice, quiet, full of beautiful scenery (I recommend taking the buggy ride and getting to the viewpoint of São Miguel - it's a simple viewpoint, in the middle of nowhere, that gives you an awe view - and of course, many beautiful pictures too).
I fell in love with this place since I found out it existed!
What is the first word that comes to your mind when we say "passion?"
Save or Share this post with someone who would love São Miguel dos Milagres as much as you do.
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12/04/2021

▪Brazil's Hidden Gems▪
Jalapão is one of the hidden gems in Brazil. For those who like off the beaten path destinations and with a dose of adventure. The total area of Jalapão is 34 thousand km² and the region is considered one of the largest blocks of native cerrado vegetation remaining in Brazil. It is still not very familiar to Brazilian travelers, but little by little the ecotourism-loving public is discovering this incredible destination.
The ideal way to get there is from the capital, Palmas, and we recommend hiring an experienced guide (or a tour), a 4×4 vehicle and a driver experienced on sandy roads, to avoid getting stuck and losing your travel time.
I suggest a trip of 2 to 10 days, which is enough to see the most popular tourist attractions: the Jalapão Dunes, the Formiga Waterfall, the Prainha do Rio Novo, the Cachoeira da Velha Waterfall and at least one of the fervedouros (the most famous is the Fervedouro da Ceiça).
Experience the feeling of floating in several of Jalapão's fervedouros (the water that springs from the springs and mixes with the sand comes so strongly from the water table that it allows visitors to float effortlessly.
Impossible to reach the bottom and, most impressively, impossible to sink!) Visit the Cachoeira da Velha waterfall and try rafting Cachoeira da Velha waterfall is the biggest waterfall in the Jalapão State Park.
The rafting has level 3 and 4 rapids and is bound to get some screams of excitement, but the best part is being able to reach the veil of Cachoeira da Velha by boat and traverse the rocks behind the waterfall.
Jalapão is a small village, where people's lives are very simple and without luxury. However, you will be welcomed.
Have you ever felt at home even though you are a long way from home?
This weeek more hidden Brazilian gems, Save and activate the notifications so you don't miss it.

01/04/2021

▪️ Things that nobody tells you about Brazil 🇧🇷 ▪️
▪️ In South America, there are 02 weather phenomena that alternate with each other, "La Niña" and "El Niño". The first causes high temperatures and makes the weather dry even in the rainy season, the second causes milder temperatures and heavy rainfall, even in the dry season. The cycles of each one last about 2 years and can reach 3 years. So be sure to research which one is in effect before scheduling your trip.
▪️ The waters of the South Atlantic (below latitude 23º27' S) are usually colder. Although Brazil is a tropical country, the average temperature of the sea water in Rio de Janeiro is 16ºC (it is cold!!). While in Salvador da Bahia, it is 23ºC (a pleasant swim!).
▪️ Although many people know that Brazil is a country of continental dimensions, nobody told you that the distance between the southernmost point of Brazil (Chuí) and the northernmost point (Oiapoque) is 4175 km. The distance between these extremes is greater than the distance from the northernmost point of Brazil to the southernmost point of Canada. This means that you should do your research if you are planning a trip to multiple cities in Brazil. Spoiler🙊: if you don't get help from a local expert, you may end up with your plans falling apart 🤦🏿‍♀️!
Would you like other posts like this one? Check out the highlights and see what my clients say. DM me know if you need any help!🙋🏿‍♀️
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