Naija Xplorers is a travel series on BellaNaija that features African travel content creators and enthusiasts. They share their experiences on the best places to travel, how to enjoy solo travel, and tips on budget-friendly adventures, both locally and around the world. From the foodie who knows where to find the best food in Lebanon to the explorer who has traveled to all 36 states of Nigeria, they will offer a unique perspective on the world, sharing travel tips, hidden gems and their personal experiences.
In the previous episode we had a conversation with Omotoké, a travel content creator who calls herself “the West Africa travel profile.” She has traveled to 13 countries in Africa and spent 19 months backpacking through 36 states in Nigeria. Did you miss it? Read it here.
This week we feature the travel content creator Ipinmi. She decided to become a travel content creator after exploring her city, Lagos, during the pandemic. She found the experience rewarding and motivating, and she also wants to inspire others to explore the world. Ipinmi describes herself as an introvert who loves adventure.
Let's get into the conversation:
Tell us three fun facts about Ipinmi
1. I am an introvert who loves adventure.
2. I rode the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa.
3. Visiting 3 countries in Africa inspired me to create a Christian travel journal (coming soon).
What sparked your passion for travel and what motivates you to explore new places?
In 2020, I decided to explore my city, Lagos, because the pandemic had grounded everyone. I took a day trip to Epe, where I visited the mangroves. I saw Garri being made from scratch and went to the fish market. It was that day I knew I was created for a life of travel. The excitement I feel about exploring new places motivates me. Sitting down with people and learning about their culture and their language, their craft, stepping out of my comfort zone and really pushing the boundaries is very rewarding. I want people everywhere to have this feeling too: to know that the world is big and it is up to us to explore it.
Where did you go on your first trip? How much did it cost? What were some fun experiences and challenges you encountered?
My first trip after deciding to become a travel designer was a 5-day solo trip to Ghana. It was my first solo trip, and I had planned it like crazy; from activities to drivers to food, every dollar spent was accounted for. It costs $969, including flights, accommodation, activities, souvenirs and food. I stayed in a hostel during this trip. It was a surprise to me and my audience that there are hostels in Africa because they are not common, but I stayed in a 7 bed dorm with 5 other girls and bonded with 2 between them. Since it was my first solo trip, I wanted to meet other people and the hostel experience gave me that opportunity.
The first day (immediately after landing) I abseiled. I jumped off Ghana's longest suspension bridge, the Adomi Bridge, and swung over the Volta River (of course I was in a harness, but it was still wild). It is, to this day, the craziest thing I have ever done while traveling, and it is what sparked my love for adventure.
One of the challenges I faced was data. It was difficult to get a local SIM card because you had to register to buy one. However, the driver I hired for the duration of my trip had an extra SIM card, which he lent me, and it saved my life.
What are the three things you can't leave the house without?
1. Universal adapter
2. Power bank
3. Inhaler (I have asthma)
How were you able to fund subsequent travel experiences before you started making money as a travel content creator?
I had a full-time 9-5 job.
Being Nigerian, how has your nationality influenced your travel experiences?
When people say, “If you can make it in Nigeria, you can make it anywhere,” it’s true. Living and working in Nigeria has made me very tolerant of things like traffic and long commutes, and it has helped me understand that a country can have multiple cultures and languages. During my travels in Ghana, I booked multi-day trips from Accra, a 2-4 hour drive. The distance didn't bother me; it just fueled my desire to visit and experience somewhere new. My nationality has made me more adaptable in a new country because, just like at home (Lagos), things abroad may not go as planned, and that's okay.
Budgeting is a big concern for many people. What are your top 3 money saving tips for traveling on a budget?
1. Travel first: When you're on a budget, you can't be picky about where you want to go. One of the biggest costs of traveling is transportation. Use sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find the cheapest flights to your destination country. If it's cheaper to drive to a destination, do it.
2. Traveling with friends: you can share everything: accommodation, food, activities and transportation. It's just cheaper than traveling alone.
3. Travel in the off-season or shoulder season; this is the period when fewer people visit the country. There are fewer people and it's cheaper than high season. However, off-seasons usually have unfavorable weather conditions; like in the United Arab Emirates in summer, there are fewer people, but temperatures rise up to 50°C.
What's your ultimate comfort food after returning from an adventure?
Rice and chicken stew. There's just something that hits you differently after being away for several days or weeks.
How do you balance the authentic experience of a destination and the creation of engaging content for your audience?
I create content first (usually in the morning or when I first arrive at my destination). This allows me to fully enjoy the rest of my day.
What security measures do you put in place during your explorations?
1. I always take out travel insurance; it is not negotiable. Anything can happen when traveling, so it's important to be well prepared.
2. If I use carpooling, I always share my ride with people at home.
3. I always receive a local physical or e-Sim.
4. I share my route and location with my family and friends.
5. If I'm traveling alone, I never tell anyone I'm alone and I wait until I leave before sharing content.
For someone aspiring to pursue a career as a travel content creator, what advice would you give them?
Do you remember your why? Growth can be slow and you need to remember why you started; it keeps you motivated.
– Travel by road or by plane?
Both
– Window seat or aisle seat?
Window seat
– An Airbnb or a hotel?
Hotel (for free breakfasts, but I love unique Airbnbs)
– Pack light or overpack?
Recovery of the overpacker
– Plan everything or manage everything?
A mix of both
What is the ultimate starter kit for an aspiring travel content creator?
1. A good phone
2. A tripod (if you are traveling alone)
What's next on your travel bucket list?
See the Taj Mahal in India.
