Naija Xplorers is a journey collection on calabargist that options African journey content material creators and lovers. They share their experiences about the very best locations to journey, get pleasure from a solo journey, and tips about budget-friendly adventures, each regionally and across the globe. From the foodie who is aware of the place to get the very best meals in Lebanon, to the explorer who has travelled to all 36 states in Nigeria, they may present a novel perspective on the world, sharing journey hacks, hidden gems, and their private experiences.
Within the first episode of our journey collection, we characteristic Zim, a journey curator and photographer who has visited 55 international locations together with Thailand, Switzerland, and Vietnam. Zim shares with us her distinctive experiences as a traveller, the very best ideas for a easy journey, and suggestions for international locations that Nigerians can go to.
Take pleasure in!
Hey Zim! Inform us three enjoyable info about your self
I’m a health club rat. I really like adrenaline-inducing actions. I’m obsessive about puff-puff.
The place did you go in your first journey? Share the price and the way you made it occur.
My first solo journey was to Belgium, and this was years in the past. Saved up my pocket cash and took a visit from London to Brussels. I bear in mind your complete journey value about €250.
Identify the 5 locations which have actually left a mark in your soul.
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Albania
- Switzerland
- Lebanon
- (Particular point out to Vietnam – stole all of my coronary heart)
What sparked your ardour for journey, and what retains you motivated to discover new locations?
My mother was a traveller and I’d prefer to imagine I caught the bug from her. I used to be at all times fascinated with all of the tales she would inform each time she acquired again from a visit. So once I was sufficiently old to journey I made a decision to see the world.
My motivation stems from desirous to expertise the life and tradition of others. Rising up in Nigeria you’re used to issues being a sure method, and once I journey I get to reside life by way of the lens of others and this has actually opened my perspective on life.
Budgeting is an enormous concern for many individuals. How have been you in a position to fund subsequent journey experiences earlier than you began making a living as a journey content material creator?
I save and make investments quite a bit. Fortunately I’ve had well-paying jobs so it makes saving a lot simpler. I additionally hold my each day value fairly low as journey is actually one in all my solely hobbies so I’d quite simply spend cash on that.
Among the many locations you’ve visited, which vacation spot stands out as essentially the most budget-friendly for a Nigerian, and the way a lot did it value?
Positively Lebanon. The whole journey value $1000 which was a little bit underneath half one million naira once I went in 2022.
What gear and instruments do you utilize for capturing and enhancing your journey content material?
I exploit my cellphone and a tripod. Just lately acquired a gimbal which I fairly get pleasure from utilizing. For enhancing, I exploit Inshot and Lightroom.
Being Nigerian, how has your nationality influenced your journey experiences?
On the constructive facet, Nigerians are very assured folks so every time I’m in a brand new nation I at all times have main-character vitality lol. Which will get folks to need to discover out the place I’m from. On the adverse facet being a Nigerian with a Nigerian passport is a problem, particularly the visa course of. From the documentation requested to the occasional airport stress as soon as they know you’re Nigerian. I strive to not let all these get to me although.
When deciding on journey locations, what standards do you sometimes observe when deciding on your subsequent journey?
Availability of Adrenaline, climate, journey and meals. The meals is extraordinarily necessary.
What’s essentially the most attention-grabbing cultural custom you’ve encountered in your travels?
I lately attended the yi peng competition in Thailand which is often known as the Pageant of Lights. It’s celebrated to mark the top of the monsoon season and the start of the cool season. The primary spotlight of the competition is the discharge of 1000’s of paper lanterns, often known as Khom Loi, the night time sky. This act is believed to deliver good luck and symbolizes the discharge of worries and adverse parts. It was such a good looking custom to witness.
Seaside or mountains?
Positively Mountains.
Window seat or aisle seat?
Window seat.
All-inclusive resort or Airbnb?
All-inclusive resort.
Pack gentle or overpack?
Pack gentle – I’ve by no means travelled with greater than 1 medium-sized baggage.
Plan every thing or wing it?
Plan to an extent however wing it if wanted.
What recommendation would you give to your youthful self about journey?
Begin monitoring your air miles and stick with a resort chain ….. began this a lot later which I type of remorse.
