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, how you can take pleasure in a solo journey, and recommendations on budget-friendly adventures, each domestically 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’ll present a singular perspective on the world, sharing journey hacks, hidden gems, and their private experiences.
Within the earlier episode, we had a dialog with Omotoke, a journey content material creator who calls herself the “West Africa journey plug.” She has travelled to 13 international locations in Africa, and he or she spent 19 months backpacking throughout 36 states in Nigeria. Did you miss it? Learn it right here.
This week, we’re that includes Ipinmi. She determined to turn into a journey content material creator after exploring her metropolis, Lagos, through the pandemic. She discovered the expertise to be rewarding and motivating, and he or she needs to encourage others to discover the world as properly. Ipinmi describes herself as an introvert who loves journey.
Let’s get into the dialog:
Inform us three enjoyable details about Ipinmi
1. I’m an introvert who loves journey.
2. I’ve ridden on the world’s quickest rollercoaster, the Formulation Rossa.
3. Visiting 3 international locations in Africa impressed me to create a Christian journey journal (coming quickly).
What sparked your ardour for journey, and what retains you motivated to discover new locations?
In 2020, I made a decision to discover my metropolis, Lagos, as a result of the pandemic had grounded everybody. I took a day journey to Epe, the place I visited the mangroves. I watched Garri being constituted of scratch, and I went to the fish market. It was that day that I knew that I had been created for a lifetime of journey. The thrill I really feel about exploring new locations motivates me. Sitting down with individuals and studying about their tradition and language, about their craft, stepping out of my consolation zone, and really pushing boundaries is so rewarding. I need individuals in all places to even have this sense—to know that the world is large and ours to discover.
The place did you go in your first journey? How a lot did it value? What have been the enjoyable experiences and challenges you encountered?
My first journey after I made a decision to turn into a journey creator was a 5-day solo journey to Ghana. It was my first solo journey, and I deliberate it to a tee; from actions to drivers and meals, each final greenback I spent was accounted for. It value $969, inclusive of flights, lodging, actions, souvenirs, and meals. I stayed in a hostel on this journey. It was a shock to me and my viewers that there are hostels in Africa as a result of they aren’t frequent, however I stayed in a 7-bed dorm with 5 different women and bonded with 2 of them. Because it was my first solo journey, I wished to satisfy different individuals, and the hostel expertise gave me that chance.
On my first day (instantly after touchdown), I went abseiling. I jumped off the longest suspension bridge in Ghana, the Adomi Bridge, and dangled over the Volta River (after all I used to be in a harness, but it surely was nonetheless wild). This, so far, is the craziest factor I’ve ever completed on a visit, and it’s what sparked my love for journey.
One problem I had was knowledge. It was troublesome to get a neighborhood SIM since you wanted to register to purchase one. Nevertheless, the driving force I employed all through my journey had an additional SIM, which he lent me, and it was a lifesaver.
What are the three issues you may’t go away house with out?
1. Common Adapter
2. Energy financial institution
3. Inhaler (I’m asthmatic)
How have been you in a position to fund subsequent journey experiences earlier than you began being profitable as a journey content material creator?
I had a full-time 9-5 job.
Being Nigerian, how has your nationality influenced your journey experiences?
When individuals say, “If you can also make it in Nigeria, you can also make it anyplace,” it’s true. Residing and dealing in Nigeria has made me very tolerant of issues like visitors and lengthy commutes, and it has helped me see {that a} nation can have a number of cultures and languages. On my Ghana journeys, I booked multiple-day journeys from Accra that have been 2-4 hours away. The space didn’t hassle me; it simply fuelled my want to go to and expertise someplace new. My nationality has made me extra adaptable in a brand new nation as a result of, similar to at house (in Lagos), issues overseas could not go in keeping with plan, and that’s okay.
Budgeting is a giant concern for many individuals. What are your high 3 money-saving hacks for finances journey?
1. Journey first: if you’re on a finances, you may’t be choosy about the place you need to go. One of many greatest prices of a visit is transportation. Use websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to seek out the most affordable flights to your vacation spot nation. If it’s cheaper to drive to a vacation spot, then do it.
2. Journey with mates: you may cut up every thing: lodging, meals, actions, and transportation. It’s simply cheaper than travelling solo.
3. Journey through the low season or shoulder season; that is the time when fewer individuals go to the nation. There are fewer crowds, and it’s cheaper than peak season. Nevertheless, the off-seasons often have unfavourable climate; like within the UAE in the summertime, there are fewer individuals, however temperatures go as much as 50°C.
What’s your final consolation meals after coming back from an journey?
Rice and stew with hen. There’s simply one thing about it that hits in a different way after being away for days or even weeks.
How do you stability experiencing a vacation spot authentically with creating partaking content material on your viewers?
I create content material first (often within the mornings or once I first get to a vacation spot). This enables me to completely take pleasure in the remainder of my day.
What are the protection measures you place in place when exploring?
1. I all the time get journey insurance coverage; that is non-negotiable. Something can occur on a visit, so it’s vital to be adequately ready.
2. If I’m utilizing ride-sharing, I all the time share my journey with individuals at house.
3. I all the time get a neighborhood bodily or e-sim.
4. I share my itinerary and dwell location with household and mates.
5. If I’m travelling solo, I by no means inform anybody I’m alone, and I wait until I go away earlier than I share any content material.
For somebody who aspires to pursue a profession as a journey content material creator, what recommendation would you provide them?
Keep in mind your why? The expansion could be sluggish, and you need to bear in mind your cause for beginning; it retains you motivated.
– Journey by street or by air?
Each
– Window seat or aisle seat?
Window seat
– An Airbnb or a lodge?
Lodge (for the free breakfasts, however I really like a singular Airbnb)
– Pack gentle or overpack?
Recovering overpacker
– Plan every thing or wing it?
A mixture of each
What’s the final starter package for an aspiring journey content material creator?
1. An excellent cellphone
2. A tripod (in case you’ll be travelling solo)
What’s subsequent in your journey bucket listing?
Seeing the Taj Mahal in India.
