Agencies and organizations that provide resources for black travelers include: Rodgers Travel (tel. 215/473-1775; www.rodgerstravel.com), a Philadelphia-based travel agency with an extensive menu of tours in destinations worldwide, including heritage and private group tours; the African-American Association of Innkeepers International (tel. 877/422-5777; www.africanamericaninns.com), which provides information on member B&Bs in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean; and Henderson Travel and Tours (tel. 800/327-2309 or 301/650-5700; www.hendersontravel.com), which has specialized in trips to Africa since 1957.

The Internet offers a number of helpful travel sites for the black traveler. Black Travel Online (www.blacktravelonline.com) posts news on upcoming events and includes links to articles and travel-booking sites. Soul of America (www.soulofamerica.com) is a more comprehensive website, with travel tips, event and family reunion postings, and sections on historically black beach resorts and active vacations.

For more information, check out the following collections and guides: Go Girl: The Black Woman's Guide to Travel & Adventure (Eighth Mountain Press), a compilation of travel essays by writers including Jill Nelson and Audre Lorde, with some practical information and trip-planning advice; The African American Travel Guide by Wayne Robinson (Hunter Publishing; must be bought direct at www.hunterpublishing.com), with details on 19 North American cities; Steppin' Out by Carla Labat (Avalon), with details on 20 cities; Travel and Enjoy Magazine (tel. 866/266-6211; www.travelandenjoy.com; subscription: $24 per year), which focuses on discounts and destination reviews; and the more narrative Pathfinders Magazine (tel. 877/977-PATH; www.pathfinderstravel.com; subscription: $15 per year), which includes articles on everything from Rio de Janeiro to Ghana.