An Interview with "Breaking Borders" author Adil Ismaaeel

Author and entrepreneur Adil Ismaaeel shares traveling advice and talks with us about the creation process of his latest book Breaking Borders. Ismaael let us know ways to travel smart and why more black men should begin traveling the world. Also included in this Q&A are benefits that come with traveling, suggested steps as of how to plan to travel and more.

Angelica: You just released your first book Breaking Borders. Can you tell us a little about what we can expect from the book?

Adil Ismaaeel: Breaking Borders is an inspirational guide to embolden black men and men of color to travel the world, and gain access to opportunity and success around the world. Much of the book was written with the intention of emboldening young men of color to challenge the "norms" that were put in place to contain them, shift their perspectives, and show them all things are possible.

It is intended to break the borders within the minds of young black men showing them that they are not limited to the neighborhood they live in or the limited opportunities that are available to them, helping them take on the belief that all things are possible. Just as the ideas of men that came before them took hold of the world, their ideas too can take hold of the world. Their ideas too can take them beyond their world. Their ideas can bring change to the world. We also highlight how one can better manage their money for a better lifestyle which will in turn help them travel more. We share how to travel and many tips on how to travel better and more effectively.

Angelica:What was your writing process like?

Adil: My writing process was very simple. After having thought of the concepts for a few years and asking many people the question: "why more black men don't travel?". The concepts were boiling over in my head. Once I began to write them down they just flowed onto the pages, non stop for 2 days. Then, I interviewed 3 travelers to be featured and use their journey's to inspire other black men. Whenever I had a thought while away from my computer I would just write it in my notes, then email it to myself and insert it in the appropriate place. I took 3 weeks to do hard core analysis and scrutinizing my concepts and thoughts. Then, I turned it over to my editor who made it all look pretty.

Angelica: What was the most challenging part about writing and creating Breaking Borders?

Adil: The most challenging part was identifying the 3 travelers, with great stories and backgrounds, and making sure they brought diverse angles. Then, I found that designing my cover was most challenging. Making sure the concept was thought provoking enough to make people want to read. Finally, getting a graphic designer to set aside their opinions and doing exactly what I asked them to do.

Angelica: What or who influence you to begin traveling?

Adil: I started my business, GreatnessTravels, back in late 2014. After getting into the depth of business, I realized that I had to begin traveling and develop experiences. That's what initiated my travels.

Angelica: In your opinion, what are a few things that you believe most people can gain from traveling?

Adil: As I began to travel, I realized how important travel is and the benefits that travel provided to ones life if you travel properly. Traveling with the correct mind state will open you up to opportunities and experiences in the places you visit. These opportunities and experiences help to shift your perspective on ideas/concepts and help you to become more well rounded. Traveling also, exposes you to better quality of food especially coming from the US. This exposure to better quality of food can help you make better decisions of what to eat once you return home and inspire you to seek healthier food options. What I enjoy most is the exposure to different cultures and ways of life, and being open and understanding of them once you see them. This understanding helps you not to judge or jump to conclusions about a particular thing. This in turn brings a great benefit when you are home on the job and throughout your daily life.

Angelica: What traveling tip would you give to people who want to travel but are a bit scared and think that traveling might be complicated as far as planning and expenses?

Adil: Let go of your fear and get out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to do something you've never done before.My recommendation is to get an idea of a region that you want to go visit. Look on Google flights or skyscanner.com to see the cheapest time of the month and which airport to fly into. Don't go luxury, Get an inexpensive 4 star hotel to stay in. Pick 3 things you absolutely want to do when you visit. Keep your mind open be completely open minded to new experiences and understand the cost of living in a destination so that you don't over pay for anything.

Angelica: Your aim is to inspire more black men to get out there and see the world. Why do you want to inspire specifically black men to travel more?

Adil: The image and confidence of the black man has been destroyed. The idea of hope doesn't exist in the minds of many young black men unless their dribbling a basketball, or have a mic in their hands which is a false sense of hope. What's needed is for our men to see what's possible, that possibilities exist for them outside of what's been put before them. There are many beautiful black women who are doing amazing things traveling the world. For black women the track record is there but don't get me wrong many more need to be inspired for change. What I realized beyond mama babying her boy and trying her best to protect him, our black men don't get the attention that they need. They don't truly have anyone focusing on his growth and development to gain a status in the world. So, I decided I want to inspire change within the black community. By emboldening young black man to travel and break the borders around them.

Angelica: Is there a specific place that you’ve traveled to that has significantly impacted you?

Adil: Dubai, UAE impacted me most. Seeing that the city was built in less than 20 years and the entire country was built in 45 years. It just allowed me to see that all things are possible. You need time and the will to stop at nothing to accomplish it and it is possible. It made me think, "heck most people live till their 75-80. What can I truly accomplish on this earth while I'm here". It really shifted my paradigm.

Angelica: What has been your favorite place that you have traveled to thus far?

Adil: I don't like to think that I have a favorite place any more and that may change the more countries that I visit. The thing is, there are so many beautiful places in this world with so many amazing people and cultures. To make one my favorite would be limiting myself. What I like to do is take something that I like from all of the places that I have visited.

Angelica: Where is Breaking Borders available for purchase?

Adil: www.greatnesstravels.com

Angelica: How long were you working on Breaking Borders and how do you feel now that it is complete?

Adil: Breaking Borders were thoughts that I had been brewing up for a few years, I just hadn't known it then. I just kept thinking on the topics that I wrote on. I began to work on the project in late January of 2017 and published in July 2017. At the point that I began to work at this project I had to let all of my thoughts flow on to the pages which was an amazing experience. Then the level of critiquing that took place to analyze the thoughts and ideas.

Angelica: Any additional comments?

Adil: "Our goal is to maximize our client's travel experiences"

Keep up with Adil Ismaael via instragram @adil_ismaael

www.greatnesstravels.com