Travel – Flight Reviews – Lifestyle
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“10 Bad airplane habits you could do without” is a VLOG on annoying things people do on airplanes (the habits YOU could do without). Share you worst habit below.
I receive many questions from my readers, some of which are related to travel destinations I would recommend for honeymoons and group trips. Some of these questions come from my Nigerian readers, who have issues getting visas or simply don’t have the patience to apply for them. Below is a video answering their question. Below are AMAZING visa-free destinations for those readers and YOU.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGAfX8GAUCM[/embedyt]
Have you been to any of these destinations before? And what were your thoughts on them?
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.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0UzUXPvyEU[/embedyt]
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!!
Eko hotel art and craft market is an organised creative market located in Eko hotel and suites in the heart of Victoria Island. It can be found on Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street. The market is very similar to that in Lekki “Lekki Arts & Craft Market”. It is certainly a smaller version of the Lekki market and its location on prime property also reflects on the prices of the pieces sold at the market. The market consists of organised stalls under one roof. Pieces range from bronze pieces to jewellery to masks (Expect to see less paintings for sale as compared to in Lekki Art Market).
This market is also home to Foreign exchange traders. Expect to find one of the best FX rates in Lagos here. Don’t forget to haggle as I have re-iterated in many of my Nigeria-related posts.
Animal skin bags for sale
A jewellery store which also double takes as a FX currency store
A view of a trader at his store
The market is home to many stunning sculptures and masks
TIPS FOR WINNING BIG AT EKO HOTEL ART & CRAFT MARKET (CRAFTS OR FX)
If there is one thing that Nigerians lavish money on, it is on weddings. Our honeymoons are treated the same, they are simply opportunities to indulge. The only issue is that our green passport limits the numbers of locations where we can freely visit without a visit to the consulate of an embassy. For those that have no time to stress over applying for visaS but still wants to venture out of the boundaries of Nigeria for a LUXURIOUS honeymoon, this is for you (Note that you may need to apply for a visa on arrival for the destinations below).
(1) SEYCHELLES
A beautiful country in the indian ocean but still part of the African continent. Indirect flights will take 13+ hours from Lagos but the beauty that awaits you is well worth it. This country is made up of 115 islands so you will be spoiled for choice on islands to explore. The Seychelles has also become inspiration for wedding ceremonies (due to the ease of visa free travel) for Nigerians. Stay at the Four Seasons Resort and enjoy the luxury of your own villa with an infinity pool nested in the beautiful grounds (see image below).
(2) CAPE VERDE
This island country consists of 10 islands and is located 570km off the coast of West Africa. The flights to Cape Verde are a little more trickier as there are currently no direct flights from Nigeria. Total flight time is 8 hours on the shortest route but stop-overs will make journey longer depending on which airline you take. Stay at the Ibersotar Club Boa Vista in Boa Vista and look out upon Praia de Chaves, an endless stretch of white sand backed by rolling sand dunes – the perfect honeymoon for a pair of beach lovers.
(3) SENEGAL
A country in west africa bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. The country has dramatic landscapes and is perfect for exploring the wildlife reserve. Total flight time from Lagos to Dakar (The capital of Senegal) is approx. 4 hours but includes one stop (at least). Stay at the luxurious “Fathala Lodge” and experience guided game drives, Lions walks, bush walking to mention a few activities.
Image: ciee
(4) KENYA
Kenya with its savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands is a stunning destination. From Nairobi (the capital), one can visit the Maasai Mara Reserve (Home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos) known for its annual wildebeest migrations. Stay at the luxurious “Governors Il Moran Camp Masai Mara Kenya Safari Camp” and experience luxury at its best. Direct flights to Nairobi from Lagos takes about 5 hours.
Hope you were inspired with my 4 luxury visa-free honeymoon destinations. Perhaps you have ideas on other visa-free destinations for Nigerians. Please share them below 🙂
Olumo rock is a popular tourist destination located in the city of Abeokuta [meaning “under the rock”] in Ogun State (only an hours drive from the bustling city of Lagos). The city of Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock acted as sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance. The site was renovated in 2006 to include an elevator, a water fountain and a museum.
Below is my travel video to Olumo Rock {Click here to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel for more AMAZING ?? travel videos}, visual diary and tips on visiting Abeokuta and Olumo Rock.
WATCH MY TRAVEL VIDEO BELOW
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mFEFgQO3fg[/embedyt]
VISUAL DIARY
At the fountain in front of the Rock
The elevator and garden at the base of Olumo Rock
The Cultural and Musical Heritage Centre at Olumo Rock
The small centre which was not opened during my visit
A view from the second landing whilst climbing the rock
In front of the “Orisa Olumo Chamber”, a shrine at the site. (Spot the sacrificed birds on the door of the shrine)
About to explore the Hide-Out cave in the Rock
The lady behind me is known to be the 132 year old Iya Orisa who lived most of her life under the rock (2017)
Another shrine at Olumo Rock
A representation of the deities
Manoeuvring between the rocks
Getting a helping hand from my tour guide to climb the rock
The view from at the top of my climb
TRAVEL TIPS
TRAVEL REVIEW
Costs: N700 to visit. N2000 to visit using the elevator (bear in mind the elevator wasn’t working during my visit).
Where did I stay: Abeokuta has many accommodation options. I stayed at the Daktad Suites and Event Centre (a lovely hotel). Tip would be to book your hotel in advance on Jumia travel.
Accessibility: If walking up a small hill is an issue for you, I would avoid visiting Olumo rock as I cannot guarantee the elevator would work (unless you are happy to admire the rock from the base).
My verdict: I had a great time visiting the rock. It was an impressive site with very knowledgeable guides.
What did you think of my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it and it was useful? LET ME KNOW
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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?
I had never heard about Oktoberfest before in my life but a few german friends mentioned festival, germans and beer and I was down. For those that have never heard of it. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival held yearly in Munich, Germany. Think beer, amusement park rides, games, traditional german food and you have Oktoberfest. I went to Oktoberfest dressed in my jeans and a casual top. Before I venturned into the festival (seeing how everyone was dressed and how I didn’t want to look like a tourist), I invested a decent amount into a traditional german outfit (I convinced myself it would be useful in the future for halloween and future Oktoberfests).
En-route to Oktoberfest – Taking the train from our Air BnB accommodation to the festival. You can see how we actually dressed to the festival.
The crew all cheese for the camera
Trying out some well brewed german beer at the festival in our newly purchases attire #WhenInRome…
Took me forever to finish this up. It was sure goooood….I ate to many different types of sausages on this trip, that I don’t remember the name of any.
Indecent behavior at the festival was controlled by the german officer….trust me, these officers were needed.
Making friends and drinking beer at the festival
What I loved about Oktoberfest: The energy. Everyone down to have a good time and just getting on with it. Very well organised festival
What I hated about Oktoberfest: The walking: but I guess that is what festivals are about
Would I go back: 100% YES
Tips: Get to Oktoberfest early, if you want a seat that is (unless you have booked tables in advance). Ensure you have a way to communicate with friends as you may likely lose them in the vast crowds. Sleep well, as its going to be a long few days. 🙂
Have you attended Oktoberfest before? If so, what did you love or hate about it? If you need any tips, please feel free to ask.
Croatia is what I call a pleasant surprise, a surprise I hadn’t heard much about in all my years of living in Europe. All I knew was that this beautiful country was home to the set of the tv show “Game of Thrones”. My visit to Croatia took me to visit Dubrovnik (a city in Southern Croatia known for its stunning old town with large stone walls) and Split (a town in the Dalmatian Coast which is know for its beaches and fortresslike complex at the Diocletian Palace).
Did I mention that the old city in Split is a UNESCO heritage site? I spent 5 days and 4 nights in Croatia and here is what I got up to (and hopefully inspiration for your trip to Croatia).
DAY 1: “DUBROVNIK” – EXPLORE OLD TOWN, CABLE CAR RIDE, LOCAL FOOD & NEW FRIENDS
I arrived into Dubrovnik at midday which meant that I had enough time to begin exploring. I stayed at the Hilton which was a mere 2 min walk into the old town. I then took the cable car up to the top of the city, grabbed a baileys coffee and walked down the hill to an incredible meal (a recommendation made by my Croatian airport driver).
The gates to the old city in Dubrovnik
Walking through the old city, I decided to surround myself with beauty. One actually took out my ear rings.
Making new friends: Many were friendly and wanted to take pics!!
Enjoying some gelato in the old town
One of the many beautiful paths/staircases in the old town
Such a beautiful city
After the cable car ride from the town, we grabbed a seat at the Panorama Restaurant and sipped our baileys coffee whilst absorbing the stunning (I mean extremely stunning) views of Dubrovnik.
Absorbing the beauty of this city on our walk down to an amazing restaurant “Konoba Dubrava”
Touch down at “Konoba Dubrava” where I had an unforgettable time
DAY 2: “DUBROVNIK”- EXPLORE OLD TOWN, VISIT FORT LOVRIJENAC
The plan for today was to explore more of the old town, explore the Game Of Thrones set, set sail on the waters and go exploring. Unfortunately weren’t able to charter a boat as the weather was not great.
On our way to explore Dubrovnik from Fort Lovrijenac….what a view!!!
Exploring the stunning walls at Fort Lovrijenac (There was a fee to enter the fort)
Another view of the city from the Fort. This view shows our hotel
DAY 3: VISIT TO SPLIT
We left Dubrovnik at 6am on a bus to Split (bus was approximately 15 EURS). The bus took us approx 4 hours to Split and we then checked in at a beautiful boutique hotel before we began to indulge in the town. Walk around the old city, indulge in some good food (Try Villa Spiza for great home cooked food and Restaurant Sperun), take tour of the city, explore the many museums if history is your thing. I recommend
A view of the port of Spilt from the beautiful window in the old town
Exploring this UNESCO heritage site in the city of Split
The city is filled with many museums and a few Cathedrals
The statue represents Bishop Gregory of Nin, a Croatian Bishop that strongly opposed the Pope. It has been told that the rubbing of the statue’s toe will bring good luck (Trust me to keep rubbing on the toe for a while)
DAY 4: SPLIT TO BOSNIA – MOSTAR, WATERFALL
This trip to Bosnia was not part of my well planned itinerary but after speaking to locals and a friend of mine from Serbia, I was advised that it would be a missed opportunity if I didn’t go. The trip to Mostar, Bosnia was approx. 3.5 hours and truly flew by.
“In mostar”
DAY 5: BACK HOME
We took an early bus ride from Split to Dubrovnik where we then caught our flight back to London. The bus was an hour late but given we had allocated enough time, we made our flight. I would suggest factoring in bus delays when travelling between cities in Croatia due to e.g. passport checks, bus delays e.t.c
MY REVIEW
What did I enjoy: The views, the food and the people. The warmth of the Croatian people was incredible.
What didn’t I like/What would I change: The weather wasn’t the best. We travelled in April so I would suggest that people travel in the summer around June (when the weather is a bit stable) but I could imagine that the city would also be incredibly packed then.
I would visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. A few travellers I met said it was probably the one of the most stunning places on earth they had been too. I had heard of it but I didn’t have enough time to visit.
Would I go back?: Yes, certainly
TRAVEL TIPS & HACKS
Have you been to Croatia before? What was your most memorable moment in Croatia?
