When you’re going on a trip, it’s important to be prepared. What’s the weather like where you’re going? How much money do you need? Do you have the right currency? Unfortunately, black women have to ask one more question: Will the people there be racist?

There’s nothing worse than having a stranger’s stares or rude comments drag you back to earth when you’re trying to explore a new country.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that Africans and African-Americans are considered “exotic” in many parts of the world. Sometimes this is a good thing, but sometimes it can be very, very draining.

So what do you do when you encounter racism abroad?