TrayTableSeatBack is a Black-Owned Travel Company that was founded in 2017 by its founder, Rahiem Johnson with the goal of inspiring and sharing the travel stories of black and brown travelers.
As an avid traveler, our founder Rahiem Johnson was tired of not seeing people who looked like him during his travels. In response to this, he created TrayTableSeatBack as an online travel blog in 2017 to highlight and showcase black and brown travels as inspiration for other black travelers. In 2019, our services expanded to include curating international trips, with the aim of providing more black and brown individuals with the opportunity to explore the world.
At Tray Table Seat Back, our goal is to redefine tourism and bring more visibility, diversity, and representation to the travel industry. Our motto, “visibility creates believability,” reflects our commitment to providing representation and diversity in the travel industry for working class people of color. We believe that travel is a powerful tool that can inspire, educate, and transform individuals. However, we recognize that the travel industry has historically underserved black and brown communities, which is why we are committed to offering unique and immersive travel experiences that cater specifically to our needs and desires.
TrayTableSeatBack is dedicated to creating authentic and culturally enriching travel experiences for black and brown individuals, with a specific focus on working class people of color. We understand the importance of impact and representation, and strive to provide a safe space for working class black people, females, and LGBTQIA+ travelers to access affordable and thoughtfully organized international travel experiences.
Our unique selling proposition lies in our dedication to representing the underrepresented within the travel industry. We aim to redefine what tourism looks like by exposing more black people to new experiences and destinations.
The name “TrayTableSeatBack” was inspired by the announcements made on board before a flight takes off and lands “Ladies & Gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position”. It represents our mission to prepare and inspire our travelers to embark on their own adventures.
We are proud to be at the forefront of the black travel movement, offering accessible luxury experiences while promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and diversity in the travel industry.
“If they won’t give you a seat at the table, build your own table” Unknown
I am Rahiem Johnson, the proud creator of “Tray Table Seat Back” Travel Community. Since my early years, I have always carried a deep passion for exploring the world. However, due to financial constraints during my upbringing in Philadelphia, PA, my family and I were limited to occasional trips to destinations like Virginia Beach.
It was during my late teenage years and early twenties that I embarked on my first adventure, driving to New York City. This exhilarating experience was soon followed by my first plane ride to Los Angeles, California. Despite working long hours and carrying the misconception that travel was reserved for the wealthy, I couldn’t ignore my burning desire to see the world.
One day, it dawned on me that I work tirelessly and shouldn’t deny myself the joys of my labor. I made a vow to travel as much and as far as I could. Setting a goal of at least one international trip a year, I embarked on my first international journey in the summer of 2013, venturing to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. From there, the rest is history.
Now, after ten fruitful years, I have had the privilege of exploring over 50 countries across five continents, and I have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. With each adventure, I aim to capture and share my experiences, inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones and discover the beauty of our world.
Through my “Tray Table Seat Back” Travel Community, I invite you to join me on this incredible journey. Together, let’s explore new horizons, embrace diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories. Together, let’s make every trip an enriching and transformative experience.
Come, join me on this remarkable voyage, and let the world be your canvas.
