Five exotic places Nigerians can visit in Ghana

Ghana is like second home to Nigerians, just like Nigeria is same to Ghanaians. Both countries and its citizens share some common affinities. If you’re planning to travel from Nigeria to Ghana or you haven’t decided which African country to visit, you should try shooting your best shot at Ghana. There are lots of exciting places to visit in this country such as its castles, and forts used during the slave trade. There is also the less travelled Volta region.

Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 5 exciting places to visit when in Ghana.

Elmina & St. George’s Castle

If you’re enthusiastic about fishing or knowing the story of slave trade in the country, this castle is a good place for fishing and learning about their history. It is synonymous to Nigeria’s slave trade in Badagry. The castle is not too far from Cape Coast. According to history, the castle was built by the Portugese in 1842 but was later taken over by the Dutch some 150 years later. There are tour guides at the castle and a small museum.

Kumasi

Kumasi is located at the southern-central Ghana and it’s the second largest city. The Ashantis who are famous artisans domicile mostly in Kumasi. They are famous for making gold jewelry and trinkets around the world. Surprisingly, the king of Ashanti is always enthusiastic to meet visitors every 42 days. When you are in Kumasi, make effort to visit the Kejetia market where they make Kente clothings.

Busua Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Ghana. It is a large and modern hotel with dining facilities, pool and chalets. There are lots of low and high budget hotels located along the beach. The bar and restaurant of the hotels serve excellent French foods. It is a great place to relax, paddle around in the Atlantic and enjoy some lobsters.

Volta Lake

If you enjoy visiting a lake, doing boat rides and all, Volta Lake is your best choice. It’s the largest man-made lake in the entire world. The entire length of the lake takes about 24 hours to complete. Although, there are smaller ferry services on the lake. Bookings can be made through the Volta Lake Transport Company. When on the boat, you will have some livestock and vegetables to share the ride with.

Accra, Ghana’s Capital

Accra is the capital of Ghana with over 2 million residents. It’s a mixture of shanty towns, castle and lively markets and modern buildings. There are a lot of attractions in the city such as the National Museum which showcases the country’s culture and history; Makola market, a colourful and blissful market where you can shop for everything and anything; and some fantastic beaches.

Simple Beach Hacks For Beach Lovers

The beach is an amazing place to have fun and relax with your either your friends or significant other. But if you truly want to have an unforgettable time at the beach, and avoid regretting going, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some beach hacks to ensure that you enjoy every second you spend at the various beaches in Lagos including Elegushi, Eleko, and Kuramo.  The only thing you need to do is to take certain small items along with you to the beach.

Rub baby powder to get rid of sand

The beach sand is one of the annoying things about going to the beach. In some cases, it may be impossible to remove the sand when it sticks to your leg and foot. You can rub baby powder on your legs to prevent the sand from sticking. Also, you can use the same baby powder to get it the sand off.

Bring slippers. Don’t walk barefooted

Sometimes the beach may be unbearably hot that you find it difficult to walk. So, never forget to bring along a flip flop. This will also prevent you from walking barefooted when you remove your boots, sandals or simple wear. It is easier to just wear slippers.

Use balloons to unblock ears after swimming

When you swim or dive in the beach, it likely that your ears will be clogged or blocked with water. So, rather than using your hand to hit your ears to remove the water, you can inflate a balloon several times to unclog your ears.

Deal with sunburn with fresh aloe vera

When you expose your skin to the sun for a long period of time, it burns and turns red. So, if you are sunburned at the beach, you can use fresh aloe vera to smear the sunburn spots. You don’t need to worry.

Keep your wallet, keys, and cell phone

You can’t leave your money, phone, and wallet at home because you are going to the beach. You have to get creative and develop your own exclusive beach locker. Whatever you come up with, ensure that your valuables are not stolen.If you are staying in one of the best hotels in Lagos, you can leave them in the room.

Hilarious reasons why Nigerians Eat Meat Last

You must have observed at the restaurant that many Nigerians eat their meat last. It raises the question, why do they eat the meat at the end of their meal? The type of meat you will most likely to get in a restaurant include round about, ponmo, shaki, chicken, and cow/goat meat. Interestingly, this practice knows no gender as both boys and girls do it. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares some hilarious reasons why some Nigerians eat meat last.

You save the best for last

You order 3 wraps of Eba and sizzling vegetable and meat. The meat is like a trophy you are rewarded with after you have successfully dealt with the wraps of eba, Congratulations, this is your meat trophy, you can now eat it. You clasp your fingers, pick your meat in a slow motion, drop in your mouth, close your eyes to savour the taste and chew. Wow!

It is embarrassing when eating and there is no meat

Yes now. You are eating a plate of rice and you eat your meat at the middle or beginning of your meal, you yourself will be embarrassed. If unfortunately at that very moment you ate your meat before finishing your meal a pretty lady sits beside or in front of you, you will regret ever eating your meat. In fact, shame will not allow you finish the meal.

It motivates you to complete the meal

Quite a number of people cannot eat a meal if there is no meat let alone complete it. So, the meat inspires and motivates you to empty your food in your stomach. You will even salivate as you look forward to devouring the meat.

It is the way ‘I’ was brought up

For some Nigerians, the reason why they eat meat last is the way they were brought. The watchful eyes of mummy will not allow them to eat the meat until they finish the food. Hence, you dare not try to eat your meat immediately you start eating if you don’t want to receive a hot slap. So, it is already part of them.

You don’t have enough money to buy meat

If you buy like 5 types of meat buy your plate of write, there will be enough meat to run the full length of the meal. This will enable to eat meat at the beginning, middle, and end. But, you can’t try this if you bought only one meat. You have to reserve it until the end.

It is bad habit

Some people consider eating your meat immediately as bad habit.

How To Cope With The Closure of Abuja Airport

How To Cope With The Closure of Abuja Airport

The Federal Government of Nigeria has finally closed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for much maintenance and repairs. Hopefully, it will be reopened on April 19th. Although quite a number of Nigerians and foreigners have expressed reservations about the closure, the safety of passengers should be the ultimate concern. Hence, the Federal Government has no choice than to shut down the airport. Expectedly, the FG has made arrangements to ferry passengers to Abuja. So, if you have anything to do in Abuja, Jumia Travel, the leading online booking agency shares ways to deal with the closure of Abuja airport.

Let your mind be at rest

The main concern of travelers and tourists about Kaduna is security due to recent events in the city. However, the Federal Government has assured passengers that they don’t need to worry about their security. The distance from Kaduna Airport to Abuja Airport by road according to Google map is 242.6 km (3h9m). Different security apparatus will be on the way all through your trip. So, let your mind be at rest and believe that nothing will happen. Kaduna has always been a safe and secure city.

Reduce your luggage

If you are traveling to Abuja for now, you should reduce the amount of luggage you carry. The stress of getting your luggage at Kaduna airport, then loading them into the bus coupled with the 3-hour travel can be unbearable. To cope with this, you should only carry essential items. Doing this will stop you from paying anyone to carry your luggage.

Make your own transport arrangement

You can also make your travel arrangement from Kaduna to Abuja. It is not compulsory to go with the buses provided by the government. So, if you have a friend who is familiar with the Kaduna to Abuja route, put a call through to him to pick you up at the Kaduna airport.

Travel by road

Some travelers may not be too disposed to fly to Kaduna en route Abuja. Then, your best option is to travel straight to Abuja via road. It is even cheaper to travel via road than flying. But, safety is always a major worry.

Avoid evening travel

You won’t like to be on the Kaduna road in the evening or wee hours of the night traveling to Abuja. Even if you get to Kaduna airport in the evening, delay your travel until the next day and spend that evening in a hotel.

Book a hotel close to Abuja Airport

You should book a hotel close to the airport to reduce the stress of arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and then you start another journey to your hotel. If you don’t know which hotel to book, Jumia Travel can conveniently help you search for hotels near Abuja airport.

The Odd Things That Happen Whenever It Rains In Lagos

The Odd Things That Happen Whenever It Rains In Lagos
When it rains in Lagos, the city appears to run or function differently. This is why some Lagosians may be unhappy whenever it rains. But, they don't have control over this. As the center of excellence, the people and government should take immediate action to cushion the effect or impact of the rain. In line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online booking agency discusses the things that happen in Lagos when it rains.


The traffic doubles
Traffic has always been one of the highlights of any megacity. It should not surprise anyone that traffic is a problem in Lagos. A lot of man hours are wasted in traffic. Although, the government is making effort to ensure the free flow of traffic; it has so much work to do. You can only imagine the nature of the traffic when it rains. The traffic can be very bad. What many workers and employees do to cushion the effect on them is to leave work as early as possible.


The roads are flooded
The traffic doubles because the roads are flooded. This happens as a result of a poor drainage system. So, there is nowhere the rainwater will flow to than to stay on the road. The government has been opening up the drainages around the city but some Lagosians will still dump refuse inside to block it. Well, if you cannot drive home, you can book a hotel to spend your night.


No electricity
This may not be peculiar to Lagos alone. When it rains, it is an opportunity for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to hold on to power. Funny but true. However, in some cases, PHCN may not interrupt power no matter how heavy it rains. They are very unpredictable.

The heat disappears
This is the most obvious reason Lagosians want it to rain. Even if you use a generator, you will still switch it off at some point. The heat that follows every time power supply is seized can sometimes be unbearable. With the rain, the heat disappears and everywhere is cool and warm.

Danfo drivers become rational
Not only danfo drivers but every driver who uses the road at that moment drives carefully. You don't need a soothsayer to tell you what will happen if you drive recklessly when it rains.

5 Ways To Ensure Your Smartphone Always Functions Like Brand New

After buying a new smartphone, there will be no complaints because it is in a perfect condition and working fine. However, when the excitement of buying a smartphone eventually wears off, your phone starts acting up as it becomes very slow and unresponsive. This may be as a result of the way you use your phone. The undeniable fact is that we all want our smartphone to run like brand new even though you have used it for two years. In line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online booking portal shares ways to ensure that your smartphone runs like brand new.


Uninstall dormant apps


There are limitless numbers of free apps you can download in the Google or iPhone store. Since you don't have to pay, you download both relevant and irrelevant apps on your smartphone. If you do this, then you don't need to complain about your phone working like a snail. What you should do is to get apps you are not using in order to free up space/


Ensure you update your OS


Phone manufacturers don't in these smartphones include updates for fun. These updates are to ensure that your phone is in sync with the latest version. So, whether you are using an Android or iPhone, you should always update the Operating System intermittently for maximum performance.


Clear your home screen


Your home screen makes it easier for you to access your apps. So, many of us prefer to have all our apps on the home screen. This can impact the way your phone functions. You should always clear your home screen or you delete app icons you don't use regularly.


Free up some space


Your phone memory may be filled up or there may be some file residues after you uninstall an app. This will no doubt take up much-needed space. So, you should always clean your phone to free up space.


Reset your phone


The worst case scenario is for you to simply reset your phone. This is when your phone is totally unresponsive. But before you reset, transfer your pictures, files, and videos so that you don't lose them. Most times, the reset will restore the factory setting.

Pelu Awofeso: “Northern Nigeria Is Vastly Beautiful”

Pelu Awofeso: “Northern Nigeria Is Vastly Beautiful”

Travelling around Nigeria has never been simplified the way Pelu Awofeso is doing. He has visited 32 states in Nigeria documenting several indigenous festivals and carnivals on his own account.

Beyond crisscrossing the country, he has won the prestigious CNN/Multichoice African Journalist Awards in the Tourism reporting category, he is the publisher of WakaAbout magazine, and also a contributor to several leading news platforms. Awofeso tells Jumia Travel, about his travelling experiences and much more. Enjoy!

Can you tell us about yourself?

I started out as a freelance columnist for the state-owned Standard newspaper in Jos (Plateau State), after which I moved to Africa Today as Arts & Travel Correspondent, Network Africa (as Editor) and National Daily (as Travel Editor).

In the past decade, I have written for both local and international publications, some of which include: World Policy Journal (US), Travel Intelligence (UK), A24 Media (Kenya) and NEXT (Nigeria). My most recent freelance engagements have been for thecable.ng, Naij.com and WINGS (inflight magazine for ARIK Air). I am a winner of the CNN/Multichoice African Journalist Awards in the Tourism reporting category.

You are a foremost travel journalist and enthusiast, can you tell us how you developed your love for travel?

It all started when I made my first visit to Jos as an adult. It was my first journey outside of the southwest region and seeing the majestic hills, experiencing the cold weather and interacting with the indigenes made quite an impression. Shortly, I learned that Plateau State had many tourist attractions so I began to visit them one after the other; I couldn’t have enough and I travelled some more and thereafter began to write a weekly travelogue which was published in the local newspaper. That’s how my travel adventures and journalism career kicked off.

How many states have you toured? Can you describe one of your most outstanding experiences?

I have travelled widely around Nigeria—32 states at the last count—documenting several indigenous festivals and carnivals; my other travel interests include museums, monuments, nature, crafts and the daily pursuits of everyday Nigerians. An experience that will stay with me for a very long time is visiting the Biafra Bunkers, now part of the National War Museum in Umuahia; it is underground and you have to navigate the space with a flashlight. It is a bit scary, but it helps one to imagine what the civil war years must have been like for the immediate community.

What will you say to those who prefer to travel out of Nigeria for vacation?

There are a hundred and one vacation-friendly locations around Nigeria and it is high time Nigerians realized this fact and cease to whine about poor infrastructure; the beauty of Nigeria is in its cultural and physical assets and not in manmade structures. It is okay to travel the world and make a statement about it but it is a misnomer if you haven’t first explored your country. The majority of Americans travel around America, and a recent statistics show that nearly 50% of Kenyans travel and vacation in Kenya.

Practically speaking, how do you think the government can develop the tourism sector to attract more tourists?

First, it has to plan and carry out a massive re-orientation programme, because Nigerians are unrepentantly dismissive of Nigeria—they never speak well of the country, at home and abroad. I understand the frustration we all feel with the way the country has been run over the decades, but the solution is not in running down the country. If the government can get Nigerians to love the country and appreciate domestic tourism, then it won’t be long before foreign tourists would flood the country. The local music and movie industries are perfect examples to learn from. They have become multi-million dollar enterprises because of a huge patronage by Nigerians first of all; the rest of the world then followed our cue.

Is it possible to travel within Nigeria on a slim budget especially in this trending economic recession?

Absolutely. The truth is that there is a growing number of Nigerians now travelling more within the country because of the recession—on day tours, short vacations, and retreats. Travelling abroad for vacations has become a lot more costly; local travel is the fall-back alternative.

What advice do you have for people who are traveling to Northern Nigeria?

Northern Nigeria is vastly beautiful and most of its traditional lifestyle and practices and indigenous architecture are still unspoiled. I encourage more people to visit the region, except the crises prone areas.

Can you tell us about the travel projects you are currently working on?

I juggle multiple projects all the time. I am working on two travel books this year, while also promoting a travel writing contest titled “My Nigeria Travel Story”. It is my own way to help grow the appreciation of domestic tourism.

What advice do you have for aspiring young travelers?

They should be bold, pack their bags and go—there is a whole lot to see and savour in Nigeria. Besides, travel is another way to learn about the world around us. I started to travel around the country from when I turned 25 and I have not stopped travelling. I have enjoyed all my trips to date and I am a better person because of my travel experiences.

pix source: Pelu Awofeso

Tips For Connecting With The Right Target Audience on Social Media

Tips For Connecting With The Right Target Audience on Social Media

Social media is a big deal today especially if you are using it to market your business and get potential customers. Regardless, you will want to ensure that your social media marketing efforts get to the right audience. This will no doubt make it very effective.

Expectedly, since you are not paying to sponsor or promote your business, you will still want your message to get to your target audience. Jumia Travel gathers ways you can effortlessly create a social media buzz for your brand and it will get to the persons interested in the message.

You have to define your target market

This will largely depend on the service you are offering. You have to first of all determine or decide who the people who need your services are. What gender? Age? This is the first thing you should do. So, if you want your social media campaign to bring results, you have to define your target market.

Determine where to find them on social media

Since you have defined your target market, the next thing you should probably do is to determine where you will find them on social media. Are they on twitter, Facebook or Instagram? After you have found them, you can now develop interesting content targeted at them.

Check what your competitor is doing

Competition is good for any business. It encourages you to do something different and you can also get sterling ideas from them. How is your competitor reaching their market? You can determine this by looking at their followers on twitter and the groups they joined on Facebook. On your part, you can also follow them or join the groups.

Don’t stop refining

Social media is very dynamic. It keeps changing and if you don’t keep tabs with these changes, you may discover that your present target audience is outdated or a whole lot of people who need your service have joined social media. So, if you don’t refine your target audience, you will miss out. The rule of thumb is that you should regularly refine your target search.

5 tips for those planning to travel to the East this Christmas by road

Natives of Eastern Nigeria who live outside their region are always keen about the Christmas season as it is the one time they travel back home to observe several ceremonies and reconnect with their extended families. They almost always embark on their journey home by road via luxurious buses and shuttles, and due to increase in the number of vehicles heading east, travellers almost always have to deal with traffic jams and gridlocks.
Usually, travelers heading in the south-east direction from the Asaba end get the first taste of the traffic at the Onitsha head bridge before the main course within town where commercial activities add to make the traffic even more frustrating. Seeing as Christmas is here again, and almost every Igbo indigene has plans to visit home, there is bound to be serious traffic gridlock. But not to worry, Jumia Travel, Africa's No.1 online hotel booking site has a few tips and ideas to help alleviate the stress.


Set out early


The early bird gets the fattest worms. If you are determined to beat the Onitsha traffic or at least cut out a lot of it during your journey. You should make plans to wake up super early so as to leave in time. If you are travelling from Lagos and commuting via public transport companies such as God is Good Motors or Chisco, endeavor to catch up with the first bus which leaves at about 6am. However, if you are setting out on your own, you can actually set out as early as 5am, depending on where you are setting out from. You however need to be vigilant so as not to fall victim to robbery or mugging.

Fill your stomach.


Hunger has a way of intensifying stress and making you angry even in situations where you would be angry on a normal day. Keeping your stomach filled helps you stay focused on the traffic ahead, keeps you alert, and less stressed; and makes the traffic much more bearable. Luckily there are hawkers who parade the aisles of the traffic with tasty delights, you can patronize them or you can pack your own food before you set out for the journey. For those who have tiny stomachs and cannot afford to indulge in food, popcorn is a life saver. Eating one kernel at a time occupies your mind while the carbs calm you down.

Listen to soothing Music


Music is food for the soul and everyone has their kind of music, the one that calms and soothes their nerves in times of stress of difficulties. Before you set out on your journey, ensure you stock up on CDs and MP3s. Make sure you diversify the genre as there is no telling what mood you will be in when the gridlock sets in. You might find out that singing along to loud banging music might work better for the stress than slow music. Singing does not only get your mind off the traffic, it also changes your breathing pattern, which in turn lowers stress levels by slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system. If you are however not a fan of any kind of music, you can simple go for an audio book or a podcast.
Go with Public Transport


Most people prefer to travel in their own private cars, however, it may not be the best option to deal with Onitsha traffic, especially if you intend to get to your destination as soon as feasible. The public transport systems have options that offer maximum comfort similar to that which you get from your own car. Sitting in the car and having someone else struggle through the traffic give you the opportunity to leverage your time focusing on tasks that provide utility or pleasure to your life as a whole. Again, these public transport drivers are aware of certain short cuts and routes (unknown to regular commuters) that help them escape some areas of traffic.
Relax


Saying that the Onitsha traffic is exasperating and infuriating is an understatement. However, if you try to force your way through traffic and carry an aggressive style you will end up stressing yourself even more. When you find yourself at the point of frustration and anger, rather than banging on the wheel, making faces, muttering hateful curses under your breath, try to take a deep breath, as deep inhalation has a way of lowering stress levels, making it easier to deal with the gridlock.

Talking drum: The Original Praise Singer.

Talking drum: The original praise singer

With so much energy, the drummer (s) dexterously and skillfully beat the talking drum which was tightly locked in his underarm. He expertly squeezes the cords to produce different tones.

As the drummer (s) dropped the sonorous tunes, men and women in resplendent attires dance in excitement as they splash the cash on the drummer(s). The cash is not only to appreciate the drummer’s drumming skills but also to thank them for using the talking drum to sing their praises.read more

5 Simple Hacks To Take Care of Your Device Charger.

Chargers are very important to any device. Your device is useless without their particular chargers. Simply put, you cannot use your device without your charger. This is even more essential if you are using an original charger.
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