Holiday(s). It would be so nice! I always enjoyed the experiences of visiting different countries from a young age. My first destination was the homely motherland; Nigeria. I couldn’t even walk yet and flew to the other side of the world. I went with my mother and brother, at seven months young. The several visits to my second home continued throughout my childhood, as well as other destinations. My holidays mainly involved me following my mother to aunty or uncle’s houses in our hometown Ibadan, Nigeria, or to Gold Souk in Dubai, when she felt in the mood to treat me. Also, browsing the shopping malls in Guayang, South China; as I looked for cute accessories for my brother’s wedding., and of course; the typical family holiday to Spain.
I felt so blessed to be able to visit such nice countries from a younger age, and I always wondered what it would be like going on holiday at a more mature age. I sparked it off by celebrating my eighteenth birthday, in a very lively and gorgeous part of Portugal followed by two more-than-memorable holidays; the following Summer in Turkey and Greece.
As I continued onto my second and stressful year of university, my future career as a journalist and planning holidays were my only motivation to get through the year. Before you knew it, January sales had arrived, holiday groups were created on Whatsapp, deposits were put down and holidays were booked!
Now, the first adventure of 2013 started off with a late night chat with a good friend, followed by the most impulsive Spring break holiday booking! Within minutes our itenary was sent to our emails for a three day and four night holiday during the late Easter month of April, to the glorious Spanish town that is Marbella. Sun, sand and shots – no complaints. It was needed after being locked up in the library for months typing essays every day! A much needed break; and ridiculously cheap and priced well under £100 per person. Recommended for those that love naps, swimming, socialising with locals, clubbing, and that are confident in Spanish!
I felt a lot less guilty with the next location as it was the glorious 4 month break that I had waited for what seemed like forever for; Summer! Before the time that I had flown off to Marbella, 8 scorching days in June in gorgeous Tunisia was already booked, and I became even more excited for some African heat; it had been a while! Tunisia was pure bliss; from seeing camels casually roam the streets, to learning specific Arabic words to kindly tell the over-excited locals. This was indeed my five-girl-in-a-group girly holiday, and it went well – no fights, just pure banter or what we named as “Shanter” (long story). Life is really relaxed, natural and cultural there. Go to Tunisia if you need a break from it all and want to experience something new and beautiful.
I’ve only ever imagined taking a city break when I was older and would live the Sex and the City kind of lifestyle. Paris came sooner than expected! The most proactive girly weekend that was full of laughs, macaroons, metro journeys, minimal French, and beautiful views of the stunning architecture. You can never go to Paris just once. I really can’t wait to go back!
September arrives quickly two months later into the Summer holidays whilst I’m working my butt off Monday to Friday at work. I and another friend from university realise that an impulsive and crazy party holiday break was needed! I lost count of how many of my friends had visited the celebrity capital party island that is Ibiza. We discussed two weeks before going. Booked one week before flying out. Hardly slept during the 4 day stay, and partied into the early hours on the West End strip, accompanied by nearby beach trips and cocktails during the day. Luckily, no hangovers – Ibiza was indeed the place to be this Summer – you’d only know if you went really
Last and by the looks of my passport expiration date; the least of the year – visiting my beautiful country without a worry in the world; Nigeria! Abuja to Lagos to Ibadan to Lagos. Two weeks too short and well enjoyed! Celebrating my grandmother’s 102nd birthday was everything. Experiencing home as a grown up and visiting numerous places with my cousins of a similar age was the best. It also felt great confidently speaking my language which is Yoruba, and talking to many locals, some of who didn’t even suspect that I wasn’t a Nigerian resident! Then there was the beauty of the nature and food that never failed to disappoint, and standing ten feet from a lion at the zoo for the first time in my life. Seriously homesick and can’t wait to go back!
My country visits of 2013 were truly the best and the countless memories will stick for a long time.
Below are some tips for students like myself that like to travel a lot:
Save any money that you have coming through. I’ve been asked a few times “how comes you’re able to fly out so much?” because I know how to handle money well. Learn!
Depending on how long you’re staying for, make sure you do research on the hotels you are staying at, in terms of location, cleanliness, safety etc; it helps!
Always travel with someone that you’re completely comfortable with. You never want to come back regretting going away with that person. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced that whatsoever
If you want a cheap and cheerful holiday, book at least 2 months before going! Fact: I’ve never paid for more than £300 for a holiday.
Make sure your passport is valid before booking anything. Not one travel agent gives refunds. Trust me – go with reliable people, and make sure they know how to handle alcohol!
Make sure you understand the legal requirements for visitors of the country you are going to. E.g. when I went to Turkey, I had to pay 10 GBP at the airport for a temporary visa.
Prevention is better than cure! If you must take a few jabs/tablets to go to certain countries, do so! (I did when going to Nigeria). Malaria isn’t cute.
Bring more than enough spending money to be on the safe side. No room for worries.