Journey of The Traveling Afro: My Story

Hi and welcome to The Journey of The Traveling Afro! I’m Tré Bacon, and whether you’re a curious traveler, a wellness seeker, or simply someone looking for inspiration, I’m glad you’re here.

Let’s start with a quick intro: I’m a 30-something-year-old with a deep-rooted passion for travel, wellness, and conscious living. My Chinese friends call me Huoyan Jinjing (火眼金睛), a Chinese nickname that means “fire eye golden sparkle, also referenced to the Monkey King,” a little nod to my time living in China. I’ve spent years exploring the world, learning new languages, connecting with people, and diving into cultures I’d only dreamed about. Travel isn’t just a pastime for me—it’s my life’s work, and I started this blog to share my story and, hopefully, inspire others to set out on their own adventures.

My love for travel began with a high school graduation gift from my mother, who sent me to London with the drama department. (Thanks Mom!!) I grew up in a small, conservative town in Florida, and London felt like stepping into a new universe. The vibrant, eclectic streets of Camden Town were filled with expressive fashion, music, and an openly thriving LGBTQ+ community. It was a world where everyone seemed free to be themselves, and I knew then that I wanted to experience more out of life. I wanted to connect with people, cultures, and places as far from home as I could imagine.

Another defining journey came a few years later in South Korea, where I traveled to meet my cousin. One night, we dined in a traditional restaurant where we had to leave our shoes at the door and sit on the floor. I’ll never forget trying duck, eating a salad that looked like it had been plucked from someone’s front yard, and clumsily wielding chopsticks. It was funny, a bit awkward, and completely eye-opening. I felt welcomed, respected, and utterly intrigued by the local culture. This trip didn’t just plant the seed—it gave me the confidence to move abroad. Within a year, I packed my bags and boarded a plane to Beijing, where my life as an expat began.

I’ve since lived in Beijing, Shanghai, and Dubai, each place shaping me and teaching me more about myself and this big, beautiful world. Living abroad taught me that language isn’t a barrier but an invitation to deeper connection; today, I’m fluent in Mandarin, working on my Portuguese, and I can’t wait to pick up another language soon.

This journey—the Journey of the Traveling Afro—is more than just my travel diary. It’s a collection of stories, experiences, and learnings from around the world. Here, I share everything from wellness rituals I’ve picked up in different cultures to mindful travel tips for those who want to leave a positive impact on the places they visit. I want, you, my readers to feel both the thrill of travel and the deeper, transformative journey it inspires. My goal is to motivate overworked, mentally drained individuals, especially those who are grieving or in need of a reset, to consider wellness travel as a means to heal and reconnect with themselves.

Through this blog, I also embrace sustainability and responsible travel practices, both in my lifestyle and in the destinations I choose. I’m not one to stick to tourist zones, even if the language is unfamiliar; I believe true connection happens when we immerse ourselves fully in a place. Whether I’m learning traditional recipes, diving with locals, or practicing self-care rituals that transcend borders, I’m always looking for authentic experiences that feed my soul and fuel my journey.

For Brands

So, why work with me? I’m an experienced traveler and writer with a unique perspective—someone who understands the ins and outs of the travel industry, appreciates the nuances of cultural immersion and connects with a community of like-minded, sophisticated travelers. I bring authenticity, enthusiasm, and a strong storytelling background to every partnership. Brands that share my values for sustainability, wellness, and global connection will find a collaborator who is committed, professional, and deeply passionate about creating meaningful content that inspires.

*Passionate Traveler: Over 30 countries and counting!

*Worldly Nomad: I’ve called three different countries home and am always up for the next adventure.

*Academic Achiever: I hold both a BFA and an MBA, bringing creativity and strategic thinking to all my projects.

*Art Curator: I love creating art and teaching creative skills in my spare time.

*Language Enthusiast: Fluent in Mandarin, learning Portuguese, and native English speaker.

The Journey of The Traveling Afro is here to inspire you to explore, connect, and care for yourself and the world. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, I hope you find joy, inspiration, and maybe a little adventure with me. Let’s create meaningful experiences together.