Travel – Flight Reviews – Lifestyle
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Learn the easy tips and tricks to help you find cheap flights in 2018. These tips will save you money and change the way you buy flight tickets. I really hope they are useful to you.
For more travel tips and advise, click here
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This travel tips video is all about traveling with friends. I talk about ways to make traveling with friends most effective. I also give MY stories when traveling with friends went wrong. Let me know, do you actually like traveling with friends or doing it SOLO?
There are two sets of people that fly business class. The first didn’t really pay for that ticket, their sponsor did. That sponsor could have been their sugar daddy, their real daddy or their company. The second don’t have sponsors like the first so they set out strategically to get these seats. My post today will give you the secrets these second set of people utilise to fly business class for “close to nothing”. Read on for more, and if you are the visual type, I made a video VLOG on my youtube channel here.
(1) USE SUPER SEARCH ENGINES like Sky Scanner
Search engines like Sky scanner have the capability to scan for the cheapest tickets on any route. Different platforms negotiate different deals with airlines. To get the best ticket price, do not necessarily go for purchasing your ticket via the airline’s own website.
(2) FLY A DIFFERENT AIRLINE’S “BUSINESS CLASS”
Business class on different airlines vary in quality but they are consistent in one thing, they are better than economy. Some airlines charge double for the same route compared to their competitors so perhaps it is advisable to look at alternatives.
(3) BID FOR AN UPGRADE IN AIRLINE ONLINE AUCTIONS
Many airlines in a bid to ensure they have all seats sold offer to auction business class seats to economy/economy plus passengers. The bids involve you putting it a bid of what you are prepared to pay for the upgrade within a range provided. The highest bids win and if you don’t win, you do not have to pay anything. I have experienced this auction offer whilst flying with Etihad airways.
(4) JOIN FREQUENT FLYER LOYALTY PROGRAMS & ENROL FOR AIRLINE CREDIT CARDS
Joining frequent flyer programs and owning airline branded credit cards are great ways to easy accumulate airline miles/points. These can then be redeemable for free upgrades and tickets. These programs are free to join.
(5) BOOK EARLY AND BUY DURING AIRLINE SALES EVENTS
A great way to get a business class seat for a fraction of the cost is booking early and also buying tickets during the huge sale periods. Make sure to join airline social media pages as they tend to advertise short-sale deals on these platforms.
(6) ASK POLITELY, DRESS NICE & TRAVEL SOLO
Airlines overbook hoping customers don’t show which means some customers will get the upgrade. Give yourself the best chance of this by asking politely for one (It has worked for me before), dressing nicely and traveling solo.
So that’s it guys, great practicable ways to fly business class on a CHEAP. Tell me, were the points useful for you? and perhaps you have tried them before?
Featured image: Business Insider
One of the things we tend to neglect while traveling is our health and many of us over indulge during our travels. We allow ourselves to “enjoy life” but are not happy with the consequences when we return home to find that we have gained an additional person in weight (in only 2 weeks lol). How can YOU keep fit with all the temptation? Well….
Below is my video on simple but effective travel tips to keep you looking fit aka #PepperDemGang aka #FitFamReady all year round throughout your travels. Watch the video and make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel “SASSY FUNKE” for more videos.
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Please share more #FitFam travel tips in the comments section below. What do you do to keep fit whilst on vacation?
There are different kinds of people that visit Lagos. There are the ones that have come to attend an event/celebration like a traditional wedding, those that are in town to seal a business deal, those that are here to soak up the sun in the summer, those that are Party-ready, PepperDemGang-ready and come to Lagos in December to find their future husbands. And of course, those that are here to visit family.
The tips I will be providing in the 5 ways to save money when visiting Lagos applies to everyone mentioned (as we know most likely you might fall into a combination of two or more of the categories even if by accident).
1. DON’T BUY ASO-EBI (if it will bankrupt you)
Aso-Ebi is a traditional wear that the friends of the couple wear to attend a wedding. Prices can run up high so rather than follow the crowd, analyse your pocket #EnoughSaid
2. ASK BEFORE YOU BUY/USE/DRINK
Especially at bars, ensure to ask exactly how much the prices for alcohol is as you might have a heart attack if you’ve already consumed the drinks and realise the venue wasn’t created for people like you. It is also important to ask and get a clear sense of EXACTLY what you are paying for when making any purchase or transaction (Don’t ASSUME anything).
3. NEGOTIATE
Remember in Lagos, everything can be negotiated (except food in a well organised grocery supermarkets) so make sure that you never pay the first price stated by a vendor. Vendors expect you to bargain (as they naturally overprice their products) so please DO. (Tip: You can negotiate deals at electronics stores especially if you are buying high valued items, just request to speak to the manager)
4. DON’T TIP (if you can’t afford it but do tip for great service)
Memory lane takes me to when I was in New York 7 years ago when I forgot to tip a cab driver. He followed me out of the cab and uttered some serious insults for not tipping. That will not happen in Nigeria. Tipping isn’t an obligation, it is a free choice so ensure that you exercise your right to choose your stance.
5. REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT “MOTHER THERESA” (unless of course you are)
Most people that visit Lagos are very generous with giving money to the needy and I personally find nothing wrong with that but it will get exhausting. Rather than giving money to beggars, why don’t you sponsor a child’s education through a well organised organisation with small donations (It will go farther).
6. CHEAPER DOESN’T MEAN BETTER
In your quest to save money, make sure you don’t compromise on quality. If a price seems too good to be true, make sure you run it by a close Lagosian friend who will give you a review better than that on Trip advisor. Ensure to do your research as the same product can significantly be sold at different prices in the same vicinity.
7. STAY AND SOCIALISE ON THE MAINLAND (and from time to time pop over to the Island)
The prices of everything in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and parts of lekki are inflated. This is due to the cost of rent in these areas which are much higher than those on the Lagos Mainland for instance. Whether it be the cost of hotels or food or artefacts, it will be more expensive in Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
Those are my quick tips on how to save money when visiting Lagos. I hope it was useful. Let me know if it was and perhaps you have other tips and hacks. Comment below!!
Lagos (Nigeria) is a city bustling with so much energy and vibes. Lagosians are a friendly and vibrant bunch and our energy is contagious. Having lived here for many years as a child and more recently as a working adult, I can say that their are few places in the world like Lagos. Below is my Lagos bucket list a.k.a gems and experiences that stand out to me and that hopefully will help you enjoy your time here (however brief or long you time in Lagos may be).
1. Walk across the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge at night
This 1.36km bridge connecting Lekki and Ikoyi is best seen at night where the beauty of the bridge truly shines. Expect to find runners and walkers getting their fitness sessions on in the evening.
2. Visit Yellow Chilli restaurant and order their “Seafood okro”
This is for all foodies. Yellow chilli restaurant is where you find authentic Nigeria dishes at affordable prices in a lovely african-inspired setting. The seafood okra is no doubt their signature dish and it will keep you coming back for more.
3. Visit the Lekki Arts & Craft market
Here you will find authentic arts and crafts from every culture in Nigeria (whilst also getting a history lesson). From leather to painting to metal work, prepare to find unique gems in this market. This market will leave you in awe and keep you spending (well worth it). See my review of the market here
4. Go to Quilox on a Friday or Saturday night
This is for those that want to verify that Lagos is truly the AFRObeat party capital of the continent. Quilox is a popular nightclub with beautiful decor and great music. Prepare for a long fun night out.
5. Attend an “Afropolitan Vibes” night out
Afropolitan Vibes is the premiere live concert series that invites amazing artists to perform live at Freedom Park’s Amphitheatre in Lagos, Nigeria. A very chilled and down-to-earth environment that brings the culturally aware residents of Lagos together. Here you can also try the local food and drinks like “palm wine” e.t.c
6. Take a day trip to Badagry
Badagry is home to the history of the Slave trade. In Badagry, you have visit the slave museums, the first storey house in Nigeria and visit “the point of no return” (This is the point where slaves were shipped from Nigeria to foreign lands).
7. Ride the streets of Lagos in a Keke Napep
This is certainly a great way to get around Lagos especially if you are traveling short distances. They are small enough vehicles to manoeuvre through traffic and also airy enough to ensure you don’t suffer heat stroke (Did I mention they are a cheap and affordable means of travel?)
8. Visit the beach
There a many stunning beaches to visit in Lagos. If you are keen for a beach club scene, visit “Pop Beach Club” on the weekend. If you are looking for a private beach feel, visit “La Manga Luxury Villas Ilashe” and if your thing is more of a resort feel, visit “La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort”.
9. Visit Makoko “The Community Built on Stilts”
Makoko is a community village build on stilts in water. The people of Makoko thrive on fishing as their major form of trade. A tour through Makoko is an eye opening experience to a completely different way of living than in the rest of Lagos.
10. Visit Nike Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a gallery that truly celebrates the many dimensions of what Nigeria has to offer, look no further than Nike Art Gallery. Chief Nike-Davies Okundaye (the owner of the gallery) is
11. Watch a play at Muson Centre
Muson Centre (Music society of Nigeria) is a performing arts centre that hosts many awarding-winning plays. Check their schedule and attend one of the plays. This is another side of Lagos that showcases the incredible talent that Nigeria has to offer.
12. Try a Gelato scoop or 2 at Hans & Rene
You think Lagos and you don’t necessarily think Gelato. Hans and Rene has changed that. With so many flavours (some inspired from locally grown fruits), you will be spoilt for choice. They are indeed the connoisseurs of the sweet life.
13. Stop by at “Glover Court Suya” and try Suya
Glover Court Suya is the King of Suya (grilled beef meat nigerian-style) in Ikoyi and is conveniently located on Glover Court. It is a popular spot for locals and expect long queues late nights on Friday and Saturday but the Suya is certainly worth any wait. Word of advise, if you are not into spicy food, ask them to go low on the spice or put the spice to the side #ThankMeLater
14. Visit Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture is a leading art, culture, lifestyle and educational centre in Lagos. For most of us Lagosians, we see Terra Kulture as a GALLERY + AFRICAN RESTAURANT. It is worth the visit.
15. Visit Lekki Conservation and climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa
Lekki conservation centre is one of Africa’s prominent and most-diverse urban Nature Parks due to its high species richness so certainly a must during your trip. The main attraction of the park is the walkway where you will find yourself close to the clouds. 
16. Visit the NEW AFRIKA SHRINE (KALAKUTA)
First started in 1970’s by legendary Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this is an entertainment centre with african politics, great live music, food and drink bringing together residents of Nigeria from all walks of life. Out of the box but certainly a must.
17. Venture beyond Lagos
One of the biggest mistakes visitors of Lagos make is that they fail to venture outside of Lagos. Many of the incredible festivals that occur in Nigeria aren’t in Lagos. Many of the incredible resorts in the country aren’t in Lagos. My own plan is to venture out more than I currently do. Stay tuned for more experiences in Nigeria.
So over to you! What are your favourite memories from your trip to Lagos?
You think you are a pretty good driver, right? You may have driven on all the roads and highways in the world but if you haven’t driven in Lagos, you simply haven’t driven at all. I actually never drove before I came to Lagos (but I had taken driven lessons in the UK but failed #StoryForAnotherDay) so the experience was very interesting given my reference point. I can categorically say that driving in Lagos is the true test of a real driver. Take it from someone who knows.
If you are planning to drive in Lagos in the nearest future or just want to be entertained, then these rules are for you:
1) If you must drive in Lagos, do so with the knowledge that everyone else is mad except yourself. Avoid every other road user and do not think that they care much about their lives or their cars as you do [especially those drivers driving recklessly when their owners are not in the car).
Image: bellanaija
2) Danfo drivers believe they are immortal. Never yield to the temptation to teach them otherwise. You will only blame yourself in the end. By the way, Danfo’s are yellow 10-15 seater buses as below.
Image: elombah
3) Our “Okada” (Motorcycle) riders have a pact with suicide. Avoid them like plagues.
Image: lagoschamber
4) There will be traffic. It is no myth. Like many other mega cities across the world, Lagos has its own terrible gridlocks. You might need to study the system properly. Know when to leave your home and when to simply stay put.
Image: pulse.ng
5) The only time you pay for damages to a car is if you destroy at least any of the lamps. If it’s simply a bump or a scratch, just say sorry and move on! Most people don’t have insurance so don’t bring all that insurance story their way.
Image: edforh
6) When overtaking, always turn to look at the next person eyeball to eyeball and get some sort of acknowledgment, just because you never know! Your trafficating light is a signal for most NOT to let you overtake. That is the joy of over taking in Lagos.
Image: deveoh
7) Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive bodywork, except you want to spend your whole day fixing your car #TheyHaveNothingToLose
Image: bodyworkplusltd
8) You will be scratched because the bumper-to-fender movement is most likely to get you scratched by a biker, someone riding a Keke (tricycle), a danfo (commuter bus), or yet another private road user. Take very special cars out on weekends to avoid sad stories (when I say OUT, I mean stay on the island not the mainland. Don’t be fooled, many who drive cars do not have any insurance.
Image: naijamoderncars
9) When asking for directions, always ask at least three people. Lagosians always claim to know every inch of the city – even areas they’ve never been to (we are just wired that way).
Image: divus.cc
10) Finally, PLEASE if you get caught breaking any law by any chance, do not allow the police, traffic wardens, FRSC, Kai brigades, fire brigades, VIO, LASTMA, LAMATA, LASWA to enter your car. If they happen to get in, do not drive from that spot (veer off traffic & settle promptly). If they don’t agree to your payment amount, pretend that you are calling your uncle who is in the army (believe me it always works). Never EVER follow them to any sort of office except you are ready to pay ten times more what was demanded. Also, if you’re from ABROAD, ditch that accent ASAP.
Image: omgvoice
Good luck driving in Lagos.
Are you a driver in Lagos? Do share any rules you think are worth knowing. Share your LAGOS DRIVING stories, I know you have many!!
I spent a considerable amount of my life living in London (approximately 10 years) and bear in my mind that I visit london at least twice a year (even since I moved out of the vibrant city to another country). I have for you today 9 Tips that will save you so much money that it would be wrong for you not to read and apply the hacks (especially if you are a visitor to London).
TIP 1: USE A OYSTER CARD TO TRAVEL
Travel is one of the most expensive cost in London. If you’re a visitor and depending on how long you are staying, you should look into a oyster travel card (daily, weekly or monthly). Speak to a representative at the train stations and they will be able to advise you on the best value for your buck with the oyster card based on your own travel plans.
TIP 2: TRAVEL OFF PEAK
Still on the travel point, try to travel anytime except for 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 19:00. This will reduce your expenses and will probably guarantee you a sit on the sometimes overly-packed train.
TIP 3: USE AirBnb OR SPARE ROOM FOR ACCOMMODATION
On to accommodation costs, these costs can really make up a considerable part of your expenses and as such it is good to re-evaluate whether (1) you need to stay in a hotel or (2) you need to stay in zone 1/2 in London. Airbnb.com can be a great option especially for families as you are able to get the same value of accommodation but at the fraction of the cost. And if you’re tight on money, perhaps ask a friend if you can crash on their couch? Bear in mind that the metro system in London works 24hrs and is pretty reliable so there is no need to base yourself in the centre of the city.
TIP 4: EAT CHEAP BY USING GROUPON
A great way to eat cheap is “Groupon”. Due to the vast amount of restaurants in London, competition for customers is high hence there are so many discounts on restaurants. Many of these deals are available on the “groupon” site so ensure you visit the site when you plan your trip to London. Also if you’re dining on Monday -Thursdays, make sure to check the websites of restaurants as they tend to give in-house deals.
TIP 5: BUY BROADWAY TICKETS FROM THE “TKTS” BOOTHS
This is especially useful if you are not too particular about the show and the kind of seats you want. Tickets can be bought on the day at their booth in central London. Expect up to 70% discount if not more.
TIP 6: EXPLORE BOROUGH MARKET FOR FREE FOOD SAMPLES
Feeling peckish?? Visit Borough market near London Bridge between Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.
TIP 7: READ “MONEY SAVING EXPERT”
This website is up to date with deals in London but it is even more useful if you are living in London as deals range from utility to loans etc
TIP 8: VISIT SKY GARDEN FOR A FREE VIEW OF LONDON
You may need to book via their site so check their site. Sky Garden is located on 20 Fenchurch Street.
skygarden.london
TIP 9: EXPLORE LONDON MUSEUMS FOR FREE
Many of the museums and cultural attractions in London can be visited for free from the Tate Modern to the British Museum. Bear in mind some of these museums are the best in the world.
What is your top money-saving tip for visiting London?
This title is a bit misleading as the article really focuses on why Nigerians hardly change travel destinations. You always hear that Nigerians are always travelling to the same destinations notably London, Dubai, Turkey, Atlanta & Texas. You may think that we are not in the least creative but truth is there are many valid reasons why we stick to these locations (There is a method to our madness) and I am about to share them:
1. MONEY CONSCIOUS
You may not necessary agree with this point given the vast spending the younger generation do especially if you’ve watched the documentary “Lagos to London: Britains New Super Rich”. You see the kids popping champagne in London clubs simply to wash their feet with it (Here is a link to those ones but note they represent the minority). Truth is we are the most money conscious people in the world, so we tend to travel where we have family or friends who are prepared to lodge us for FREE. London is a popular destination here.
2. BUSINESS
Majority of the Nigerians that travel to Turkey or Dubai are not going there to primarily check out the museums and sites. They are not vacation (a vacation for the typical Nigerian means they did not go to work). They are there to buy gold, materials and handbags so that they can comfortably stock their shops back home in Nigeria. We are constantly thinking of how to increase our wealth. We spend money to make money.
3. WE ARE NOT WELCOME ELSEWHERE
This is one that I can testify to. Having a Nigerian passport restricts where in the world one can venture. Forget about being even welcome in another country, you are not even welcome in the embassies of some of these foreign countries in Nigeria. Very few Nigerians have the patience or energy to go through hoops and puzzles only to be granted a visa for 3 days (What an insult!! And you know we Nigerians are full of pride).
4. FULL OF PRIDE
Nigerians are full of pride and don’t take being discriminated against lightly. Getting discriminated against is something we don’t handle well. It can make us never step into a country again. It can make us bad mouth that country to death and do everything in our power to ensure that whoever offended us is punished. Rather than open the possibility of this happening, we stick to places we know we will not necessary be respected but at least not insulted. What’s that quote again
Do you agree with my reasons? or perhaps you know of other reasons why Nigerians always travel to the same locations? Share 🙂
Featured image: virgin atlantic
I recently made a youtube video on how to afford travel without a Sugar Daddy (i.e. without someone handing you over “free cash”) and thought it would be useful to write some of these ways down. I have been able to save so much money by using this methods. So many times, we think travel is only for the rich but the truth is, it isn’t (one just needs to know the hacks and be diligent). Read on for more hacks, tips and tricks to afford travel:
1. FLIGHTS: The trick here for me is to fly cheap. Flying cheap means partly to fly during off season. During off seasons, airlines are likely to have reduced prices. Avoid flying during christmas, summer holiday, easter holiday etc. Flying cheap also means to join every airline’s frequent flyer programme. It costs absolutely nothing to join these programmes but the benefits will result in free points which you can later redeem as free flights.
2. ROOMS: There are many loyalty plans in the hotel industry where you receive points for staying with a particular brand/chain (You can later redeem these points for free hotel stays). I don’t really tend to subscribe to those. I am a fan of everyday flexibility. There are so many options when it comes to accommodation and here are my favourites and why:
Hotwire.com: This website basically helps hotels/airlines sell off their unsold inventory at a crazy discount. You are not aware of which hotel you booked until after payment. Prior to booking, you are only given information about the star rating and the area in which the hotel is located. I love love hotwire as its a great way to get great deals if you are not tied to staying at a particular hotel.
Airbnb: This is essentially renting a private apartment directly from someone a local who lives where you are going. I love to use Airbnb as It feels like living in a real home whilst away from home at a flexible budget. I recently used an airbnb to find a apartment in Montreal, Canada and it was cheaper and nicer than a room at a very good hotel nearby. Having a kitchen and living room ensured that I wasn’t forced into eating from a hotel restaurant and could also easily entertain friends whilst I was travelling.
Wakanow.com: A local travel website for booking flights and hotels in Nigeria. They have come a long way and they tend to have good deals. Their customer service is very responsive hence another reason why I use them.
Expedia.com: Expedia is a reliable site to book hotel rooms and I tend to find their prices very competitive. I use expedia because they have extensive choice to choose from.
Call the hotel directly: Sometimes you can get better deals directly with the hotel so its worth calling in to see what they have on offer.
The secret to getting a great deal on hotels is to compare, compare, compare. Use all the options above together and pick the best one.
3. BEG YOUR FAMILY/USE THEIR MILES: Many of us have friends or family that love to travel that also have the habit of accumulating airline miles/points. The beauty of these miles is that they can be used to redeem flights for anyone. So the next time you are trying to find out whether you can afford a flight, simply ask your friend if they can be generous enough to hand over their miles 🙂
4. MAKE SAVING A LIFESTYLE: I knew very early on that I had a passion for travel and because of that I would save a considerable amount of money each month “just because”. I didn’t have a concrete plan for the money saved but I knew it would come useful in the future. The beauty of this is that when I had a certain urge to explore a new destination, I could easily afford it.
5. USE YOUR NETWORK: I have had a very cosmopolitan life having lived in many countries and made friends with a diverse group of people who lived across continents. Because of this, I have been able to save on accommodation costs as I have had friends that were willing to host me for free (Travel Tip: Ensure to bring a gift for your host).
6. TRAVEL IN GROUPS: There is no doubt that traveling in groups could lead to lowers costs for you overall (well at least financially). Accommodation costs and taxi costs are a few of the costs that can be reduced by travelling in groups.
I really hope this post was very useful for you and that it helps you on your journey to traveling more. Perhaps you have other ideas on how we all can afford travel more, COMMENT below on your best TIP for affording travel.