THE URBAN FLIGHT COLLECTIVE STORY
The Full Story
Welcome to Urban Flight Collective, born in 2021 from the shared vision of two travel enthusiasts who are also best friends. Our journey began with a profound passion for exploration and a noble mission: to make the fascinating continent of Africa more accessible to the global diaspora. Our purpose? To unveil the breathtaking beauty of Africa, immerse our guests in rich cultural experiences, and illuminate history through the unique lens of this remarkable continent.
At Urban Flight Collective, we are on a mission to transform the way people experience travel. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to embark on unforgettable journeys, even amidst their busy 9-5 lives. Our commitment is to simplify the travel planning process, allowing you to comfortably afford a remarkable trip. From crafting distinctive itineraries, seamlessly connecting point A to B, to curating enriching experiences, we take pride in the exceptional value and lifelong memories we provide to our cherished guests. Join us in redefining travel, one unforgettable adventure at a time.
Check out our co-founders exclusive article in Black Enterprise Magazine where she talks about Urban Flight Collective.
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Motivated by this vision of deep appreciation, Williams was propelled to ensure others who look like her could also embark on a similar journey of wanderlust and self-discovery. She teamed up with her best friend, Eric Garced, also known as The Travel Papi, to establish Urban Flight Collective—a venture specializing in group trips to countries in Africa.
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“We recognized that the media’s portrayal of Africa often deterred people or instilled fear in their hearts,” Williams says.
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“To address these misconceptions, we created a safe and welcoming space where travelers can leave the stress of planning behind,” she adds. “We handle all the logistics, empowering our guests to focus on their personal growth and connection to their ancestral homelands.”
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In doing so, Urban Flight Collective has been booked and busy since its inception.
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Read the full article HERE
Meet Eric
@thetravelpapi
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Eric, a co-owner of Urban Flight Collective, is a Philadelphia native who brings a unique blend of creativity, travel expertise, and cultural understanding to our team. With a degree in graphic design, Eric combines his artistic talents with his passion for exploration to curate exceptional group trips to Africa.
As a Puerto Rican with ancestral ties to Africa, Eric's personal connection fuels his dedication to learning about African cultures and history through immersive travel experiences. His profound understanding of the importance of representation and inclusion motivates him to create spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly brown and black communities, can embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and cultural appreciation.
With his infectious enthusiasm and commitment to fostering meaningful connections, Eric strives to make every Urban Flight Collective trip an opportunity for exploration, connection, and personal growth.
Meet Queenie
@flywithqueenie
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Queenie, an Afro-Jamaican travel influencer based in NYC, is a dynamic force in the travel industry. Her journey of self-discovery began in 2018 when she took an ancestry DNA test, revealing the rich tapestry of African countries that make up her heritage. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, Queenie made a personal promise to herself to visit each of these countries within her lifetime. It was during her transformative trip to Kenya that her perspective shifted, and her passion for Africa deepened.
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Embracing her role as an advocate for African travel experiences, Queenie rebranded herself as the "Africa Travel Plug" on social media. Through her platforms, she seeks to showcase the captivating beauty of Africa (Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Kenya and more!) , debunking stereotypes and opening the world's eyes to the continent's diverse cultures, landscapes, and people. Queenie believes that by shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of Africa, she can contribute to a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the continent.
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Driven by her own experiences, Queenie recognizes the transformative power that travel to the motherland holds for the African diaspora. She actively creates spaces where individuals from the diaspora can embark on meaningful journeys, reconnect with their roots, and forge a deeper sense of identity. Queenie understands the importance of these transformative trips, as they serve as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding, and strengthening the bonds between Africa and its diaspora.
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With her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to authenticity, Queenie continues to inspire and empower others to embark on their own transformative journeys to Africa.
Her passion for showcasing the beauty of the continent and creating opportunities for the diaspora makes her an influential figure in the travel industry and an invaluable resource for those seeking to explore the wonders of the motherland.
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