Travelling can be a thrilling and exciting experience, offering the chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of common pitfalls that can potentially turn your journey into a challenging ordeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter, a first-time traveller setting out on your maiden adventure, or even relocating to a new place, these tips will serve as valuable guidelines to ensure your journey is not only enjoyable but also hassle-free.
1. Avoid Overpacking:
Carrying an excessively heavy suitcase can lead to discomfort and unnecessary expenses. Opt for a compact carry-on bag and select versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched throughout your trip.
Remember, many needed items may be more budget-friendly at your travel destination, so it’s wise not to overburden yourself from the start.
2. Fight Jet Lag Wisely:
Fight the effects of jet lag by resisting the urge to nap immediately upon arrival at your destination. Instead, stay awake until it’s bedtime in your new time zone and get some sunlight exposure to help your body adjust.
Napping upon arrival can worsen jet lag and hinder your ability to adapt to the new time zone.
3. Understand Your Travel Insurance:
Take the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and coverage of your travel insurance policy.
Being well-prepared for unexpected situations can save you from potential stress and financial burdens during your journey.
4. Check the Weather Forecast:
Stay prepared for changing weather conditions by regularly monitoring the local weather forecast at your destination. Adjust your plans and packing accordingly to ensure you’re ready for various weather scenarios.
5. Prioritize Food Over Clothing:
As a Nigerian traveller, you may have specific culinary preferences that can be challenging to satisfy abroad. Consider packing durable food items that you enjoy and are accustomed to, as they can be a comforting taste of home during your travels.
6. Secure a Reliable Phone Plan:
Verify the international coverage of your cell phone plan and explore the option of purchasing a local SIM card for data connectivity while abroad. Ensuring you can stay in touch with loved ones is essential to avoid communication issues.
7. Notify Your Bank:
Notify your bank about your travel plans to prevent potential card issues while abroad. Financial peace of mind is crucial when travelling to foreign lands.
8. Mindful Flight Connections:
When booking connecting flights, allocate a minimum of two hours between connections. This buffer accounts for potential delays and minimizes travel stress, allowing for a smoother journey.
9. Verify Your Visa Status:
Confirm visa requirements, and application deadlines, and ensure all provided information is accurate to prevent travel disruptions.
10. Currency Exchange Options:
Avoid high exchange fees at airports by researching alternative options, such as local banks or currency exchange shops. This would help you prevent unexpected financial shortages.
11. Embrace the Moment:
While capturing memories through photos and sharing experiences on social media can be enjoyable, remember to savour the present moment.
Limit your social media usage to protect your privacy and fully immerse yourself in the travel experience.
Incorporating these travel tips into your journey can help you make the most of your adventures while avoiding common pitfalls.
Whether you’re exploring a new destination or revisiting a familiar one, a well-prepared and mindful approach to travel can enhance your overall travel experience.
Step aside, money moguls! It’s time to shine a spotlight on the richest women in Africa, who are rewriting the script on wealth and success. While you might be familiar with the big names dominating the “richest men” lists, these women prove that ambition and hustle have no gender.
From savvy entrepreneurs to industry titans, these women have built empires brick by brick, shattering glass ceilings along the way. You will be inspired as we embark on a journey through the net worth and inspiring stories of Africa’s richest women.
We’ll be celebrating their different paths to success, from self-made entrepreneurs who started with nothing to those who inherited fortunes and used them to empower others. Hold onto your hats, because these women are not just rich; they’re redefining what it means to be a force to be reckoned with.
1. Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria)
Forbes projects that her net worth exceeded $1 billion as of March 2023. Alakija is a businesswoman and philanthropist with interests in fashion, oil, real estate, and printing.
She is the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited and the founder of Rose of Sharon Group.
2. Ngina Kenyatta (Kenya)
In Kenya, everyone affectionately knows her as Mama Ngina. Her wealth is quite impressive, estimated at a whopping $1 billion as of May 2022. Not only is she the mother of Kenya’s former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, but she’s also a savvy businesswoman with significant investments across various sectors.
From banks and media outlets to even the dairy industry, her influence extends far and wide. Whether you’re dealing with your finances, catching the news, or enjoying a glass of milk, there’s a chance Mama Ngina’s business interests might touch your life in some way.
3. Hajia Bola Shagaya (Nigeria)
Hajia Bola Shagaya is a powerhouse businesswoman in Nigeria, worth a huge amount of money—around $950 million!
She’s the boss lady of Bolmus Group International, a company with its fingers in many pies, from oil and fancy buildings to banks, and she captures memories through photography. She’s even helped run a big bank called Unity Bank Plc before. Pretty impressive, right?
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4. Isabel dos Santos (Angola)
Isabel dos Santos used to be the richest woman in Africa, but now it’s unclear how much money she actually has. Legal problems and frozen assets make it hard to say for sure.
Some experts think she still has billions (like $2.2 billion), while others believe it’s much less. She used to work in different businesses like oil, news, and phone companies, but now those are being investigated, and some of her money is locked up.
5. Wendy Appelbaum (South Africa)
South Africa’s top richest woman? That’s Wendy Appelbaum, with a cool $168 million (or 2.6 billion Rand) to her name.
Owning the fancy Demorgenzon Wine Estate and holding big positions in other companies, she’s a real go-getter.
But even with all these impressive achievements, it’s important to remember that women in Africa still have a long road ahead to reach equal footing with men in terms of wealth and power.
Ranking cities based on beauty can be challenging. Travellers may prefer exploring ancient wonders and museums or being captivated by modern skylines and architecture. Still, there are many beautiful cities in the world.
While personal preferences vary, some cities stand out for their exceptional beauty due to historical charm or natural surroundings. These cities should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you enjoy urban pleasures, here are my top 10 favourite cities in the world (though this list is not exhaustive).
1. Cape Town (South Africa)
Cape Town, South Africa, is a stunning city with some of the world’s most amazing beaches, beautiful mountains, and picturesque vineyard-covered hills.
It offers spectacular drives and a lot of trendy bars and fine-dining restaurants. The city is renowned for its exceptional accommodations and world-class service, making it a top-notch destination.
Visitors often find Cape Town to be a picture-perfect city and a place they want to return to. The best time to visit is during the hot, dry summer months from late October to March or April, with peak temperatures in December to February, ideal for a beach holiday.
2. Vancouver (Canada)
Vancouver, situated between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a unique combination of languages, customs, beliefs, art forms, music, dance, storytelling, traditional practices, and knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations.
It boasts natural beauty, with spectacular mountains, wildlife-filled waters, and lush rainforests. The city itself is adorned with ultramodern glass skyscrapers reflecting the stunning surroundings. Vancouver’s friendly residents contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, making it an incredible destination, provided it’s not raining.
For the best weather, plan your visit between June and September, as Vancouver tends to experience significant rainfall in autumn, winter, and spring.
3. New York (USA)
New York City, known as “The Big Apple,” is the ultimate cosmopolitan destination, symbolising the epitome of urban living. It offers unparalleled experiences, from exploring world-class museums and indulging in extensive shopping to attending top-notch performances and facing tough choices in the diverse dining scene. While New York can be expensive for visitors, there are also numerous free activities to enjoy.
The best time to visit is flexible, as each season in the city provides compelling reasons to explore. Early fall brings crisp breezes and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit.
Winter offers better hotel rates, despite the cold. Spring is delightful, with New Yorkers celebrating the thaw by engaging in outdoor activities. Summer, however, can be intensely hot; for that, you could avoid July and August.
4. Rome (Italy)
Rome, situated on seven hills with a view of the Tiber River, is a city rich in ancient monuments, showcasing grand classical architecture amidst some of the world’s most beautiful squares and avenues. While famous landmarks like Vatican City, the Colosseum, and Piazza Navona attract visitors, exploring the lesser-known Trastevere district is a must. Trastevere is filled with faded palaces, charming streets, and homes adorned with flower boxes.
The best times to visit Rome are spring (April to June) and autumn (late September to October), offering mild temperatures, sunny days, and fewer crowds. Summer sees an influx of visitors and uncomfortably hot weather, while winters can be surprisingly cold, wet, and grey.
5. San Francisco (USA)
San Francisco, often called the Bay City, is cherished by its residents for its breathtaking setting, boasting one of the world’s most stunning bays. With its artsy, bohemian vibe, the city features 43 hills ranging from 200 to 938 feet, providing spectacular views.
Key attractions include iconic cable cars, magnificent bridges, the notorious Alcatraz, the foodie haven Ferry Building, and the lively sea lions at Pier 39. Exploring this magnificent city is best done on a bike.
The optimal time to visit San Francisco is in the autumn (September to November), which offers warm temperatures and sunny days. Spring is also favourable, although breezes may have a bit more chill.
Summer experiences a surge in tourism but is not ideal due to frequent fog, making days chilly and views obscured. Winter brings rain and cold temperatures, despite being in California.
6. Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)
According to a Brazilian saying, “God made the world in six days; the seventh he devoted to Rio.” Rio de Janeiro, home of Samba and the Caipirinha cocktail, is endowed with one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful settings.
Visitors standing by the Corcovado statue or atop Sugarloaf Mountain are treated to an exciting panorama where the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean meets the bright white sandy beaches and lush green tropical vegetation. Locals fondly refer to it as “the marvellous city.”
The optimal time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the spring months of September and October, which offer dry, sunny, and warm weather. Summers are hot with frequent rainfall, making it suitable for attending the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Copacabana Beach or the legendary carnival celebrations in February. Winters are colder but mostly dry and sunny, though the beach may be off-limits on some days.
7. Paris (France)
Paris, with its monumental squares, ancient churches, renowned boulevards, the romantic Seine, and charming Montmartre streets, stands out as the most glamorous and elegant city.
The City of Light has been an inspiration for painters, sculptors, writers, poets, and composers, influencing major world capitals, each claiming its own version of the Champs-Elysées. Cruising the Seine or enjoying a café terrace view reveals why Paris captivates so many with its beauty.
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The best times to visit Paris are in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). Recent years have witnessed extreme temperatures in both summer and winter, possibly due to global warming. High temperatures, coupled with air pollution, make summer visits to Paris uncomfortable.
8. Hong Kong (China)
Undoubtedly, Hong Kong, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is one of the world’s most photographed and stunning city skylines. The combination of towering skyscrapers and futuristic buildings against a lush mountain backdrop creates an unparalleled urban scenery.
Beyond its skyline, Hong Kong is well known for its vibrant lifestyle, friendly locals, splendid harbour, extensive shopping options, and a wide range of restaurants and cuisines.
The best time to visit is from the middle of September to the end of February, just to enjoy a mild climate with warm and sunny days. From May to mid-September, the weather can be hot, wet, and humid, with August being the wettest month and the peak of the typhoon season.
9. Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague, often called “the city of the thousand spires,” is known for its well-preserved historical monuments spanning various periods. The city’s most famous attractions include the elegant Charles Bridge, picturesque Old Town Square, and the impressive Prague Castle, all connected by cobblestone streets and atmospheric alleyways that enhance the overall charm.
A good time to visit Prague is during the spring and fall, when the skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summer months can be hot but manageable; however, it’s the high season, leading to skyrocketing hotel rates. For a unique experience of a snow-covered Prague without crowds, consider a romantic winter trip.
10. Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Amsterdam, with its main canals adorned by thousands of buildings, treats each structure as a monument meticulously repurposed as apartments, offices, cafés, restaurants, or even brothels. This collective architectural diversity contributes to the city’s aesthetic uniformity, making Amsterdam one of the most beautiful cities globally.
It features a charming interplay of bridges and canals, picturesque cobbled streets, elegant architecture, and a multitude of bicycles. Standout attractions include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the iconic Anne Frank House.
For the best experience, plan your visit to Amsterdam between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), just before or after the peak summer tourist season. This allows you to avoid crowds, enjoy milder temperatures (given the city’s unpredictable weather), and immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s laid-back ambience, as the locals do.
Now that we have explored these beautiful cities, take your time to plan out which to visit first and when to visit. If you experience travel anxiety, you will find this article helpful.
Having weak passports immediately limits travel options. This issue is particularly prevalent in some African regions, where citizens with strong passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, making travel easier.
People from countries with weaker passports face challenges like lengthy visa applications, higher expenses, and extended wait times to visit various places.
Weaker passports not only affect individuals but also have economic repercussions for both individuals and nations. Travel restrictions can hinder the growth of tourism by limiting foreign visitors and their contributions to local economies.
Moreover, individuals with limited travel options may struggle to explore new markets, hindering entrepreneurial initiatives and business growth.
As the global community becomes more interconnected, Africans recognise the potential benefits of strengthening their passports, but some countries on the continent find it challenging to improve passport strength.
Weak passports can result from various factors, including political tension, diplomatic issues, and insecurity, among others.
Henley and Partners, a firm specialising in residence and citizenship by investment, recently released its passport index for Q1 of 2024. According to the report, it highlights the 10 African countries currently with the weakest passports.
“The Henley Passport Power tool features 199 countries and relies on World Bank and other publicly available national GDP data as well as Henley Passport Index data.”
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Rank
Country
Economic Mobility Score (Visa-Free Access to Global GDP)
She’s the boss lady of Bolmus Group International, a company with its fingers in many pies, from oil and fancy buildings to banks, and she captures memories through photography. She’s even helped run a big bank called Unity Bank Plc before. Pretty impressive, right?
