Meet The Travel Brands Inspiring Black Travel (Spotlight Feature : Host a Sister)

Black Travel isn’t a trend. It’s a reclamation — of space, voice, and belonging. It’s redefining who travel is for, and empowering people of color to see themselves in the world — not as spectators, but as active participants on a global stage.

YouLi is proud to support travel brands inspiring this transformation by creating journeys built on representation,

In this spotlight feature, we spoke to Rashvinda Kaur, founder of Host a Sister, about what Black Travel means to her, how she’s grown a global sisterhood, and how she keeps trips personal even as the work grows.

When Rashvinda Kaur started Host a Sister, she wasn’t setting out to build a company, she was solving a problem she’d seen everywhere she traveled.

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, and now based in New Orleans, she’s always loved exploring new cultures and cuisines. But as a woman traveler, she saw something was missing — safety, representation, and connection.

"I noticed that travel spaces weren’t built with inclusion in mind. Many women, especially women of minority and women of color, didn’t always feel safe, represented, or welcome in traditional travel communities. There was a lack of trusted networks for travelers to connect with locals who truly understood their experiences."

In 2019, she created Host a Sister: a women-only hosting community built on trust, cultural exchange, and belonging. It quickly grew into a global network that now connects thousands of women travelers across continents, opening their homes, hearts, and local knowledge to each other. 

The Black Travel movement mirrored what Rashvinda had been building all along — a travel community where representation and belonging aren’t optional, but essential. Host a Sister is helping normalize diversity in travel narratives by creating a space where women of all backgrounds — including Black travelers — feel seen, celebrated, and safe while exploring the world.

“To me, Black Travel represents freedom — the ability for Black travelers to take up space globally, to see themselves reflected in the world, and to connect through shared stories and experiences. 

By spotlighting women travelers of all backgrounds, including Black women, we’re shifting the idea of what a 'typical traveler' looks like. We're showing the industry that women of color are leading the way in creating meaningful, conscious, and culturally rich travel experiences."

Every connection made through Host a Sister feels deeply personal. A traveler might find a host who becomes a lifelong friend, a local guide who understands her story, or a fellow adventurer who reminds her that the world is full of open doors. Rashvinda recalls one trip that perfectly captured the heart and spirit of what this community is all about —

“During one of our group trips, women from five different countries met for the first time and, by the end, called each other sisters. Some had never traveled abroad before; others had always felt invisible in mainstream travel spaces. Watching them connect, laugh, and plan future adventures together reminded us that travel isn’t just about places, it’s about people and the power of being seen.”

Scaling Up, Staying Grounded

As the community grew, so did the work behind it. For the team at Host a Sister it meant tackling two major challenges: managing the logistics that come with bigger trips, and staying personally connected to the women the community was built for. And that’s when they discovered YouLi.

“YouLi helped streamline the process so I could focus more on the travelers and less on logistics. Payment plans and customizable forms have been game changers. They make it easier for travelers to budget and understand every trip detail clearly. Having everything, from forms to messages, in one platform also made coordination smoother and more professional.”

What’s Next — And Advice for Other Travel Brands

Today, Host a Sister is more than a travel network — it’s a global movement of women proving that inclusion, trust, and representation can redefine what travel looks like.

When asked what excites her about where travel is heading, Rashvinda doesn't hesitate.

“I’m excited about the rise of intentional, community-driven travel! I see more women, especially women of color, building their own platforms and creating spaces that reflect their values, and that's exactly what we need — more diverse leadership in travel.  

True inclusivity happens when underrepresented travelers aren’t just featured, they’re leading the conversation. That means investing in diverse founders, storytellers, and operators who are building intentional, community-centered experiences. Black travelers are not just exploring the world, they’re redefining it through storytelling and entrepreneurship."

Her advice to other travel brands is simple but powerful:

“Inclusion isn’t a trend, it’s a commitment. Partner with diverse creators and community leaders, invest in representation at every level, and build spaces that make every traveler feel seen, respected, and valued.”

Want to be part of the Host a Sister community?

Discover more about their mission and upcoming trips at hostasister.global, or connect with them on social media for stories of sisterhood and travel inspiration — Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.