I caught up with Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare, a Black travel and lifestyle influencer from Jamaica who resides in the US. Her excitement for exploring the world is palpable, and it’s clear that her journey is filled with vibrant experiences and profound lessons as she continues to show that it is normal for people who look like us to travel the world. 

As the boss lady of Shakespeare Agency, Lisa wears many hats – travel influencer, consultant and content creator. Apart from her own travels and arranged group trips, she makes it her ‘life’s mission is to help the busy individual plan their vacation to the Caribbean, providing them with authentic and local experiences, off the beaten path adventures and connecting them to the culture, in turn making their vacation relaxing, fun and stress-free.’ (quoted from Lisa’s website)

In true Suburban Girl JA style, I inquired about the lessons she’s learned along her journeys.

Technically, Lisa started her travels as a child. The travel bug bit her when she was just 12 years of age on a school trip to Cuba. “It was the vibrancy of the place that really stood out to me,” she reminisced. “The culture, the music, the people, the food, the dancing, and the Spanish language. I fell in love with everything.”

Finding Common Ground – Language

Navigating the nuances of travel and a foreign language is undoubtedly challenging.

When faced with language barriers, she relies on gestures and body language to communicate. “Pointing at things, smiling, gesturing—those are the only other ways I can think of [outside of the reliance on technology],” she explained. Her natural friendliness helps break down barriers, making her encounters with different cultures even more meaningful.

Lisa’s endearing nature and genuine curiosity have always helped bridge language gaps, making her encounters with different cultures even more enriching. She emphasises the importance of connecting with people through those experiences.

Engaging with Different Cultures

Her experiences in various cultures have taught her a lot about the power of community and nonverbal communication.

“Understanding the power of community is something I learned mostly through travelling,” she said, continuing with, “when you’re able to build community with people, it enriches the overall experience for everybody.“

Witnessing how people come together to support each other, she highlighted, has inspired her to prioritise collective well-being in her own relationships. 

Lisa shared an experience with the Mursi tribe in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia, where despite their perceived initial stern expressions and lack of smiles, her friendly character traits, helped her connect with members of the Tribe. She said that by the end of the day, they were great friends dancing and clapping hands together.

“Every culture has its own sets of traditions, customs, and values,” Lisa reflected. “If you show that you’re genuinely interested and want to learn, and you respect how they live their ways of life, you can learn a lot.“

Learning from Resilience and Adaptability

Lisa shared how her travels have taught her the importance of resilience and adaptability. Throughout her travels, she has met countless individuals who face significant hardships daily – whether it’s dealing with economic struggles, political instability, or natural disasters. Despite these challenges, they manage to maintain hope and a sense of purpose. She explained,

"resilience is not about avoiding adversity but facing it head-on with courage and determination." 

One striking example she shared was from her visit to the Ivory Coast, where she encountered a floating restaurant made entirely out of plastic bottles. “I was flabbergasted. Everything was made out of plastic bottles. It was pretty incredible to see.” These experiences have shown her the incredible resourcefulness of people and their ability to create solutions from limited resources.

For Lisa, these experiences are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Her travels have taught her that with the right mindset and willingness to adapt, we can overcome any challenge that life throws our way.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Lisa encourages aspiring travellers to step out of their comfort zones. She advised,

"The most memorable and life-changing experiences often happen when you step outside of your comfort zone." 

From way up high or securely on the ground, Lisa encourages getting comfortable in one’s comfort zone. She shared an exhilarating experience of hanging off a waterfall in Zambia, despite her fear of heights. “After I did it, I felt so accomplished. It was beautiful.”

Another exhilarating experience was among big African cats. At the Fathala Wildlife Reserve in the Fatick Region of Senegal, Lisa walked with lions. As scared as she was, she held her fear and embraced the majestic moment.

Lisa believes that travelling with an open mind and an open heart is crucial.

"Be open to new experiences, new ideas, and ways of life. Approach every destination and person you meet with curiosity and a willingness to learn." 

This mindset has allowed her to connect deeply with the cultures and people she encounters.

Transformative Experiences with Locals

Among the many transformative experiences Lisa has had, one stands out above the rest. During her visit to Sipo village in the Saloum Delta of Senegal, she met Fatou Mané, the then Queen of Sipo.

“Meeting her was literally one of the most profound, life-changing experiences and left a lasting impact on my heart,” she shared. Despite not speaking the same language, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

At one point, the then queen took Lisa’s hands and prayed for her in her native language. Though Lisa couldn’t understand the words, she felt the energy, sincerity, and love flowing through them.

This encounter highlighted that true connection doesn’t always require language. Lisa reflected,

"It's about the energy, intentions, and shared genuineness of wanting to create that connection."

Sadly, the Queen of Sipo passed away a few months later, making the experience even more profound for Lisa.

“Her [Fatou Mané’s] prayer and presence were like a gift to me,” she said. This experience changed the way she approaches travel, reinforcing that it’s not just about the destinations but the people encountered along the way.

“Meeting Queen Sipo taught me to embrace the people we meet, to allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and to understand that we’re all connected, even across languages and cultures. Her memory continues to inspire me to travel with more intention, to listen deeply and to honour the stories and traditions of those I meet on my journey”

Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare

She continues and shares that, “that’s why I love going into villages and talking with the elders. I remember when I went to Benin, I had another experience like that where I met three women, and they were the elders of the village. They were like, you know, I guess you could say they were the queens like they were the main three women [of the community],” who are centenarians but “look not a day over 60! I was shocked!”

Lisa said these women held her hands and head while she knelt and bowed to each of them out of respect and a form of greeting to say hello to them. “It was just so beautiful, and I just have a soft spot for old people. So, you know, meeting the elders is always something that I try to do when I travel.

Embracing the Unexpected | Detours, Flexibility and Community Bonding

Travelling often comes with its share of unexpected challenges. Lisa has faced many of these, especially while hosting group trips. One memorable incident occurred in South Africa at Table Mountain, a popular landmark with breathtaking views over Cape Town and its coastline. “We were going to take the cable car up, but the day we went, it wasn’t working due to technical issues,” she recalled.

The disappointment was evident, but Lisa quickly came up with an alternative plan. She led her group to Lion’s Head, another popular hiking spot nearby, which offered stunning views, especially at sunset. “Even though it wasn’t planned, everyone was down to go. We hiked up Lion’s Head, and it turned out to be an incredible experience.” For many in the group, this spontaneous adventure became a highlight of their trip where, “they captured stunning photos and felt it was just as good as Table Mountain.”

This experience reinforced for Lisa the importance of flexibility and quick thinking in travel. She noted,

"Unexpected things happen, but you have to be flexible, open, and think on your feet. Sometimes it can lead to even more memorable adventures."

When asked about a specific shared experience and flexibility while building community, Lisa shared a memorable incident from a group trip she led in Cape Town, South Africa. The day was planned for exploring the renowned Stellenbosch wine region, but their transportation got delayed, leading to hours of waiting.

Instead of letting the delay ruin the day, Lisa encouraged everyone to make the best of the situation. They wound up playing games, chatting, and sharing stories about their backgrounds and travel experiences. “The camaraderie we built during that unexpected downtime became one of the highlights of the trip,” she shared. This experience taught her that…

life’s detours can lead to some of the most meaningful connections and memories.

Finding Strength in Adaptability

Lisa’s travels have taught her the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s dealing with lost luggage or unexpected changes in plans, she has learned to pivot quickly and maintain a positive attitude. “I’ve learned to adapt quickly and keep people motivated. Even in situations where everything is possibly going wrong, I still try to maintain a level of positivity,” she said. Her ability to spin a situation into the best possible outcome, even if it means just sitting and laughing together, is a testament to her resilience and adaptability.

One particularly challenging experience occurred when an airline lost her luggage on a two-week trip to Ethiopia. Despite this setback, she didn’t let it ruin her trip. “I borrowed my friend’s clothes, washed and rewashed my clothes, and made it work somehow,” she shared. This experience taught her the importance of rolling with the punches and finding a way to make the best of any situation.

Embracing Solo Travel

Another significant lesson Lisa-Gaye has learned through her travels is, “I’ve learned that I love my own company. I like alone time and me time,” she revealed. While she loves hosting group trips, she cherishes the free days where she can reset and have quiet moments to herself. This time alone allows her to rejuvenate and recharge, preparing her to give her energy to others again.

Lisa encourages everyone to try solo travelling at least once in their life. “You will learn so much about yourself. You’ll learn how you handle stressful situations because you’re figuring things out on your own,” she explained. Solo travel provides an opportunity to navigate new cities, learn new languages, and reflect on personal experiences.

Inspiring Others, Receiving Heartwarming Feedback

Throughout her travels, Lisa has received numerous pieces of feedback that have touched her heart. One of the most profound came from a woman who reached out to her on social media. This woman expressed an interest in going to Ghana after following Lisa’s travels. Although she couldn’t join a group trip, she asked for recommendations and tips for her solo trip.

When the woman returned from Ghana, she shared her experience with Lisa, describing it as the most life-changing trip she had ever taken. “It was a solo trip, something she had always dreamed of doing but was hesitant to take the leap,” Lisa explained. Inspired by Lisa’s content, the woman embraced the experience, connected deeply with the culture, and visited significant places like the Elmina Castle, a historical site related to the transatlantic slave trade.

The woman shared how her trip allowed her to reconnect with her heritage and build meaningful relationships with the locals. “Hearing that my content made her realise that travel is not just about luxury but about connecting with people and culture was incredibly touching,” Lisa said. This feedback reaffirmed her purpose in sharing her travels: to encourage others to see the beauty in the world, embrace new experiences, and discover themselves along the way.

Encouraging the World to Travel

Lisa’s passion for travel isn’t just about exploring new places for herself; she aims to inspire others to do the same. “I want people to really take the plunge and see the world,” she said. Lisa believes that even starting with one new country a year can open up a world of possibilities.

Her message is clear: the world is vast and beautiful, and there’s so much to learn and experience. “Travel with an open mind, an open heart, and let the adventure begin,” she concluded. Her stories and insights serve as a testament to the transformative power of travel and the connections we make along the way and the life lessons we can learn and impart.

Finally, it is obvious that high on Lisa’s list are the power of communication and connection despite language barriers, not being afraid to try new things, foods, and experiences, as well as ensuring that you respect every country and culture that you come into contact with.

Thanks for sharing with me, Lisa! I look forward to my continued vicarious experiences through your travels. Mine are on the horizon! 😉

Signed,

The Suburban Girl JA®