How to Explore the U.S. on a Road Trip and Support POC-owned Businesses Along the Way
Though Americans are getting more and more comfortable with air travel, the increased interest in domestic road trips is still at an all-time high. But instead of recommending the usual routes and pit stops to clients, travel company CrushGlobal is taking a new approach, highlighting COVID-safe road trips that also support POC-owned businesses around the country.
In fall 2020, award-winning journalist and CrushGlobal founder Kristin Braswell launched a series of road trip guides that offer itineraries throughout California, the Northeast, and the South — all with a focus on supporting POC-run businesses and experiences.
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According to Braswell, the audience response has been tremendous, with travelers recognizing that CrushGlobal is unique in its emphasis on both safety and providing inclusive and diverse experiences.
"With the continued need to ensure safe travel as the norm, my team and I explore ways to provide road trip experiences where our customers not only feel safe, but are also supporting businesses that have been affected by the pandemic," Braswell told Travel + Leisure. "Our guides are constantly updated to include the most up-to-date safety protocols, as well as incredible businesses that make our road trips so memorable."
The already released guides feature seven different themes, spotlighting chefs, wine experts, hiking tour guides, and more. Examples of experiences include private cabana wine tastings paired with curated chef bites, tours of lesser-known Southern history, and outdoor adventures led by hiking experts in California. In the coming months, Braswell will announce several additions to the lineup, with road trips inspired by outdoor adventures, wine, and literature.
Courtesy of CrushGlobal
For those looking for a more personalized experience, CrushGlobal also offers custom road trip guides — the bestsellers to date — with hotel reservations, special wine tastings, and other perks, including discounted experiences, hard-to-get reservations, and more.
"People want the freedom to choose their own adventure within their own budget, and we are able to provide that with these personally curated guides," Braswell said. "Our customized guides have included everything from old Hollywood and magic themes to wine country getaways."
The road trip guides, with itineraries ranging from three to seven days, are currently available for purchase on the CrushGlobal website. Prices start at $29.
Jessica Poitevien is a Travel + Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but she's always on the lookout for her next adventure. Besides traveling, she loves baking, talking to strangers, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
