Gabby Beckford

Gabby Beckford, who operates her platform Packs Light, is a travel influencer and Gen Z travel marketing expert. She founded Packs Light to empower young people, particularly Black, women, and Gen Z travelers, to pursue global experiences. Her work emphasizes breaking mental barriers, questioning conventional norms, and creating opportunities for travel rather than accepting limitations. As a public speaker, she shares her approach to navigating the world with confidence. Beckford's journey into full-time travel began after a scholarship for study abroad sparked her pursuit of a digital nomad lifestyle. She transitioned from an engineering career to dedicate herself to travel and education, establishing Packs Light as a resource for young travelers. Her expertise centers on making travel accessible, particularly through funded opportunities like scholarships and grants, and practical tips for solo travel and digital nomadism. She also launched the Packs Light Travel Grants, which have awarded over $30,000 in travel experiences to recipients, aiming to remove financial and logistical barriers. In 2020, she co-founded the Black Travel Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to increasing equitable opportunity and representation for Black travel creators. Through her platform and the Young Travelers Network, she continues to guide individuals to apply for various funded opportunities.