Passports & Grub

As far back as she can remember, Tomiko Harvey has appreciated a good trip and a delicious meal. But just because she appreciates the finer things in life, doesn’t mean these things need to be stuffy or exclusive.

“When I started Passports and Grub, I knew I wanted to talk about luxury travel, but in a way that felt real, relatable, and accessible,” says Tomiko.

So as you peruse her blog, you’ll find she makes the most of her passport. She treks across continents, tracks down unique experiences, and zeroes in on the best local eats, whether it’s a Michelin-star restaurant or a hole-in-the-wall spot with amazing flavors.

But as she jets off to parts unknown, Tomiko is aware that she doesn’t look like most other travel bloggers. As a Black woman over 50, she wants her blog to push back on the misguided notion that Black women can’t have unforgettable travel experiences.

“My goal is simple,” says Tomiko. “To help Black women over 50 travel boldly, safely, and in style without second-guessing their choices.”

So as Tomiko looks for that next stamp on her passport, she prioritizes luxury destinations that actually cater to Black travelers. That means no awkward stares and no worries about safety.

“I want Black women to put themselves first and take that trip whether it’s solo, with their girls, or their significant other,” says Tomiko. “At the end of the day, I want my followers to see the world and feel good about every decision along the way.”

The best part of passive income? Tomiko can stop worrying about monetization and focus on her true passion: Taking great trips, then helping other Black women do the very same thing.

“My safety articles are the most popular content which makes sense because Black travelers prioritize travel safety just as much as luxury and experiences,” says Tomiko.

From Mexico to Italy, Tomiko’s country-and region-specific safety guides offer first-hand advice for Black travelers who want to stay secure while having a great time in foreign lands.

“A reader messaged me saying she had always been afraid to travel alone, but after reading my safety articles on Mexico, she finally booked her first solo trip to Cabo,” says Tomiko. “She told me she used my tips to stay safe and had the time of her life. That moment hit me because I realized how much my content was giving women the confidence to take up space and explore the world.”

As the digital landscape evolves, Tomiko is evolving with it. Her Instagram account, @tomiko.harvey is full of funny travel reels, breathtaking photography, and plenty of safety tips. And her TikTok presence is also growing fast too, offering followers a new way to connect with her content.

“I know how to pivot, optimize, and grow because I’ve done it before,” says Tomiko. “Valuable, well-optimized content always wins in the long run.”

Wherever the road takes her next, Tomiko is grateful that she’s gotten the chance to turn her passion into a thriving business.

“I created Passports and Grub so I could have the freedom to travel, work for myself, and build something meaningful,” she says. “Whether I’m on a press trip, speaking at Travel Blog Exchange conferences, helping Black creators collaborate with tourism boards or just planning my next vacation, I love that my business allows me to do what I love, on my own schedule.”