Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,155,226 members, 7,825,883 topics. Date: Monday, 13 May 2024 at 04:42 AM

Babaghost's Posts

Nairaland Forum / Babaghost's Profile / Babaghost's Posts

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (of 6 pages)

Travel / I Have Visited Over 30 States In Nigeria-michael Balogun, CEO, Tour2nigeria by babaghost: 10:15am On Dec 25, 2017

Michael Balogun is one of the few tour operators in the country who has experienced tourism in two different worlds: Britain and Nigeria. Of course, you cannot compare the tourism space of both nations. Thankfully, Balogun aggregated all his tourism experiences in Britain and invested it in establishing Tour2Nigeria-which has been organising tours to different Nigerian destinations. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, caught up with Michael Balogun who spoke about Tour2Nigeria, challenges of Nigeria’s tourism industry, his top 5 destinations for Christmas and much more.


Please tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Michael Balogun, CEO and Co-Founder of Xtrm Tours 2 Nigeria Ltd, a tour packaging company. I spent a couple of years in London and the experience of their tourism sector ignited my passion. Together with my friend Mr Kole Majekodunmi, co-founder of Xtrm Tours2Nigeria Ltd, we were able to give this ignited passion an expression. In Nigeria, we felt we could replicate the same experience in terms of selling the memorable experience to tourist and the rest they say is history.

Can you tell us more about Tour2Nigeria? What does your business have to offer intending travellers?

Xtrm Tours 2 Nigeria Ltd is a registered company here in Nigeria. Tour2Nigeria's main objective is to make the brand a one-stop shop and hub for everything tourism in Nigeria. Also, the core of our business is to promote inbound tourism in Nigeria and in the process help to create employment opportunities as well as promote the image of the country to encourage foreign investors. We have been using our platform to showcase both the Tourism, Cultural & Art aspect of Nigeria. We believe in giving our clients a memorable experience with our tour and customer service.

How many Nigerian states have you visited? Can you share the most exciting and exciting experience? Any weird experience?

I have visited over 30 states in Nigeria. My most exciting and weird experience will be during a private tour of the Lekki conservation centre, and it was during the Canopy walk which is the longest canopy walk in Africa. I have a slight phobia for heights which I had warned my client about. Halfway through the canopy walk, I heard my client telling me, “Michael, do you know you have been saying a lot of prayers and cursing at the same time?” It was hilarious when we got back on the ground because I thought I was murmuring all that inside my mind. That’s another thing about touring and visiting new places that I find exciting, it lets you push yourself beyond your comfort zones at times. You do things, you didn’t think you could; despite my fear of heights I have taken that canopy walk many times.

As an experienced tour operator, how much should an average Nigerian budget for a tour?

With our research and survey, among other factors like the minimum wage in Nigeria, I can say that it can range from about N10,000 to around N100,000. However, a tailored tour can be programmed around whatever budget you have in mind.


We all agree that Nigeria is a beautiful country. Despite this, some Nigerians still prefer to visit Dubai, Paris, Seychelles and London among others for their vacations. What do you think can be done to encourage Nigerians to tour Nigeria?

Nigeria is a beautiful country blessed with so much history, historic sites, landmarks, festivals and culture, not forgetting the culinary aspect too. We have everything here to make it the biggest and best destination hub in sub-Saharan Africa. The major challenge we have had over the years has been the attitude of the government towards the tourism sector due to the focus on oil and gas. There is a need for DMOs (Destination Management Organisations) to be set up to take full charge of destination branding and creating awareness. These countries like Dubai spent billions of dollars to get to where they are today. Take a look back at Dubai in 1985 and see how far they have come to be one of the biggest destinations in the world.

In your opinion, what are the problems or challenges of Nigeria's tourism industry? What do you think can be done to fix these problems?

The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries with a global economic contribution (over $7.6 trillion in 2016). Our biggest problem in Nigeria is not even the security or infrastructural challenges, but issues of politics, putting square pegs in round holes. We need to have the right people at the helms of affairs in this sector. A lot of efforts too is required from the owners and managers of these resorts and destinations. With the power of the social media, we don't have any excuse not to do more. Hopefully, our leaders and people in the tourism sector would soon come to a realisation of the importance of the tourism statistics and how much the country is losing out on in terms of revenue and its effect on our GDP.

Based on your experience, do you have any advice for travellers, travel bloggers or any person that might be aspiring to tour Nigeria?

The best advice I can give anyone travelling to Nigeria is to have a clear and an open mindset and make the best of the moment while in Nigeria. This is the best way to enjoy your travel to our beautiful country, Nigeria and indeed to anywhere in the world. For those aspiring to be a travel blogger my advice for you is to give the best opinion of your visits and not just write to drive traffic to your blog.

Can you give us your top 5 Nigerian destinations to visit during Christmas?

Depending on your location within the country: Inagbe Grand Resorts and Leisure, Ikogosi, Lekki Leisure Lake, Agodi Gardens and Calabar Carnival.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to become a tour operator?

A genuine passion for Tourism is the first step. I mean, you should have the passion for bringing culture/history to life. You must be determined and be able to exercise a lot of patience. An excellent interpersonal skill is also a step in the right direction.
Travel / 5 Tricks To Get More Turnover This Festive Period by babaghost: 11:16am On Dec 17, 2017
5 Tricks To Get More Turnover This Festive Period

As a startup, you may think it is impossible to market what you do. That's no excuse. These proven tips which will assist you in getting the word out about your business and watch as it grows.

Give your product away

If you are very sure about your product, you should give it away without collecting a dime. Once customers taste this unexpected your product for free, they will line up at their local store to buy it or even request that the store carry it.

Attend networking events

Taking advantage of networking events to push your business. You will probably meet people who are interested in your product and are either willing to partner or patronise you. If you can, you can create your own event.

Send a weekly e-mail

If you want to maintain the relationship with your customers, there is nothing simpler than creating a weekly e-mail that provides something of value to them. You can send the email once a week or daily. The important thing is to ensure the emails are relevant to the receiver.

Sponsor an organization

Many local organizations are not that expensive to sponsor for a year if you consider the so-called per meeting cost. If your product or service is a good fit with their audience, you will get exposure every time the organization sends out an e-mail and a mention every time they meet. Attendees always remember and appreciate companies who sponsor their favourite organizations.

Create a cool giveaway

When thinking through what your company will give away make sure it's something customers won't want to throw away or easily lose in their desk or bag.
Travel / Hotels Should Have A Good Sense Of Customer Service -bonaventure Iyida, GM, Eric by babaghost: 10:58am On Dec 17, 2017
Erico Bellisima is one of the best and most affordable hotels you will find at the Egbeda axis of Lagos State. The exquisite hotel which seats in a serene environment is managed by Bonaventure Iyida. Jumia Travel had an interview with Iyida where he told us about Erico Bellisima Hotel and much more. Excerpts

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF SIR AS IT RELATES TO YOUR FUNCTION IN ERICO BELLISIMA?

I am Bonaventure Iyida, the General Manager, Erico Group of Companies which includes the hotel and the bar.

WHAT AMENITIES CAN GUESTS ENJOY IN A HOTEL LIKE YOURS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FUN ACTIVITIES THEY ENGAGE IN WHILE THEY LODGE? WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK WOULD YOU CONSIDER BEST FOR LEISURE LODGING IN YOUR HOTEL?

We have a lot of side attractions in the hotel. These comprise of our executive swimming pool, exclusive VIP lounge, snooker board, etc. We are known for 24 hours electricity supply and maximum security for all our guests and customers. We also have a massive car park session that can take over 70 cars.

Our peak day is Wednesday (Ladies Nite) and Saturday (Jazz Nite). There is space for parties at the swimming pool side. We have a restaurant and bar. The reason why you should prefer Erico Hotels to other hotels is that we’ve got a lot of side attractions as earlier mentioned, and wonderful customer service.

IN A FEW WORDS, TELL US WHAT MAKES ERICO BELLISIMA UNIQUE COMPARED TO OTHER HOTELS AND SUITES?

We have a serene and tranquil atmosphere for relaxation. We also have rooms that are not designated for smoking while we also have designated areas for smoking.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY HOTEL ADMINISTRATORS IN NIGERIA? ANY WORDS ON POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THESE CHALLENGES?

Some hoteliers go as far as lying to prospective guests on services that they cannot afford to offer all in the bid to have such client or guest in the hotel. And when these lies are found out by the guest, it will turn up to be a general problem for hoteliers, and as such, guest will broadcast that this happens in all the hotels. This is why we ensure that we have all facilities as advertised.

In addition to this, some hotels are not open up to innovation in the hospitality industry and this draws us back in meeting up with the 21st-century requirements for hospitality business in the world. We must all embrace it.

AS A MANAGER OF THIS HOTEL, CAN YOU SHARE ONE OR TWO OF THE LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNT ON TRAVEL AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT THAT CAN BE USEFUL TO STUDENTS AND UPCOMING HOTEL ADMINISTRATORS IN THE HOTEL AND TOURISM SECTOR?

On the lessons learnt about our online travel guests, the hotel has to be careful the way they treat these guests because these guests have access to the social media and could use it against such affected hotel and it will affect us generally. We should have a good sense of customer service and respect.

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO WORK IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN NIGERIA, WHAT WILL BE YOUR ADVICE TO THEM?

Working in the hospitality industry is a very good venture especially for someone who has the passion and is ready to leverage on such passion to make an impact. This is my 12th year in the industry and it has been fun all the way. All you need is to have passion and work hard to survive in the industry. You will also need patience, handwork and dedication to your duties to be able to make a lot of impact in the industry. If you have all these, you will definitely stand out.
Travel / 4 Secrets To Enjoying An Economy Flight by babaghost: 10:48am On Dec 17, 2017
An economy flight has more to do with how comfortable you are than with how much you paid for the ticket. Regardless, there is so much you can do to make your flying experience more cosy and cost-effective. These secrets shared by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency will help you ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable economy flight.

Book your seat in advance

There are several categories for economy class seats, from super saver to full economy depending on the airline you take. The super saver seats come with certain restrictions but they are cheaper than the full economy fare. Once the seats have been taken, you are left with expensive flight tickets. If you want the best price, book well in advance.

Know who is best to buy tickets from

Some travel agents will still disappoint you notwithstanding your painstaking efforts at booking your flight early. This is why you should choose your travel agent carefully and consciously. Jumia Travel is a reliable platform to book your flight.

Fly with noise cancelling earphones

Noise cancelling earphones get rid of ambient noise, enabling you to sleep with little or no discomfort. This will help you survive and enjoy your flight even though it's an economy flight.

Avoid alcohol binge

If you overdo alcohol, you have opened the door to serious difficulty during your flight. This is because at 3,000 metres or whatever metres the plane might be flying, you might feel its effects more since you're getting a double shot-alcohol+altitude.
Travel / 5 Things You Should Not Wear When You Travel by babaghost: 9:54am On Dec 17, 2017
Traveling via plane or car can sometimes be a stressful experience. Regardless, one of the things that many people overlook or do not take into consideration is what they wear when they travel. This is key because the attire you adorn can exacerbate your already stressful trip and totally ruin it. In line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, rolls out things you should not wear when you travel.

Uncomfortable clothes

If you are spending long hours on a flight or in a car, you want to be comfortable. So, don’t make your journey more difficult by choosing to wear uncomfortable clothes. Similarly, avoid very tight fitting attires as it can cause a lot of distress.

Shoes that aren’t good for walking

It is advisable to wear shoes that you can easily walk around in. Comfortable shoes are important if you are running to catch a flight or a bus. If you wear unpleasant shoes, you will either fall over your foot or remove it.

Flashy jewellery

There is absolutely no need to show off your jewellery when you’re on a trip. If you have to wear one, simply keep it to a minimum. This will reduce the chances of attracting unwarranted attention, something getting broken or lost in transit.

Contact lenses

When travelling, there is a high possibility that you will be dealing with dry air. So, do your eyes a favour and wear your glasses instead of contact lenses. Your glasses will be a lot more comfortable than your contacts, and they will cause fewer problems if you want to take a quick nap.

Perfume

It is better you let go the perfume especially if you are flying. It may smell great to you, but that may not be the case for the person sitting next to you. They may simply find the scent unpleasant. Pack your fragrance and apply it later or simply use a or deodorant instead.
Travel / 7 Obvious Signs You Are Not Ready For Your Travel by babaghost: 9:46am On Dec 17, 2017
Travel is loaded with the unexpected and that's why it's such an adventure. It, therefore, follows that the more prepared you are for your trip, the better you will be able to handle any unforeseen circumstances or incidences. Regardless, there are signs you have to be aware of to actually know if you are prepared for your travel or not. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 7 signs you are not quite prepared for your next trip.

Your house looks the same

You are probably not ready to travel if you haven't taken care of important tasks around the house. These could include general cleaning of your home, switching off sockets and ensuring all your home devices such as your television, microwave, or air-conditioning are unplugged.

You don't know your flight status

You should check your flight regularly before you depart. This will help you know if there will be any significant changes in your flight such as cancellation, delay or reschedule. If you are not in the know, you are definitely not ready for your trip.

You don't know your passport expiration date

You would be surprised that some frequent travellers do not know when their passport will expire. These travellers would have booked their trips only to discover weeks or days prior to departure that their passport has expired or close to expiring. So, do not hesitate to check your passport expiry date.

You haven't packed

Use a packing list and start collecting what you will need for your trip at least a few days before departure or even longer. However, due to procrastination, some travellers will delay their packing until the last minute. At this point, it is possible to forget some key items.

You do not have enough cash

Having enough cash at hand will help you deal with any emergency as soon as possible because you do not need to run around in search of an ATM. By the way, it is not entirely advisable not to have cash in your wallet when you travel.

No one knows you are leaving

For safety reasons, tell someone reliable where you're going so that they can help you to keep an eye on your house. You do not want your home ransacked or burgled before you return.

You don't have a backup I.D.

Always carry a copy of your passport and driver's license (or other identification) when you travel, especially if you are flying. If your passport gets lost or stolen, a backup copy will ease the process of applying for an emergency passport.
Travel / How To Know If You Are In A Bad Hotel by babaghost: 10:08am On Dec 10, 2017
You definitely want to book or stay in a very decent hotel despite the amount you pay. However, there are circumstances whereby what you see online is completely different from what is on ground at the hotel. So, how do you know you are lodging in a bad hotel? Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency highlights signs that you are in a bad hotel.

Poor customer service

The way you are treated by the customer service gives you a deep insight into how well the hotel is managed. This said, there are certain hotels whose customer service is mediocre as they offer terrible customer service to their guests.

Faulty door knobs and loose cabinet hinges

This may be minor but they actually reveal the state of disrepair of the hotel. This will make you question the level of security of the hotel especially when you are travelling with kids or minors.

Bugs in the room

Personal hygiene is non-negotiable for every hotel. But because the cleaning is hurriedly and haphazardly done, your room bed may be infested with bugs from which you can contract disease (s).

Foul smell fills the air

If you are welcomed by an unidentifiable smell in your room, you are definitely in a bad hotel. This can be frustrating especially if the hotel takes forever to fix or do something about the smell.

Lack of electricity

A hotel is expected to provide 24 hours electricity as this is one of the ways to attract customers. This is not the case in some hotels as it could take them hours to restore power after public electricity is interrupted.
Travel / Five Hacks To Choose The Perfect Airplane Seat by babaghost: 9:57am On Dec 10, 2017
The seat you choose to sit on a plane, especially if you are not flying first class, can go a long way in determining the outcome of your flight. This is because not all plane seats are created equally and on every flight, there are some seats that are better than others depending on the aeroplane. This makes selecting the appropriate plane seat essential. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares tips to help you avoid choosing a terrible and inconvenient aeroplane seat. It is noteworthy to add that the best place to sit on a plane is exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats close to the front of the plane.

Purchase your tickets early

The number of seats available for pre-assignment declines as the travel date approaches. If you can't buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, be sure to check in online as soon as possible before your flight to select a seat

Consider buying a better seat

Several airlines now offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. It is, therefore, essential for you to do a bit of research to know airlines that provide this extra-legroom service. JetBlue and United airlines are good examples.

Select your seat when you book

Most airline websites usually allow you to choose a seat when you purchase your ticket. In most cases this process is free. Also, do not forget to confirm the seat you have already selected because it is possible to check in online 24 hours before your flight leaves.

Get to the airport early

If you arrive too late at the airport, you may lose your seat and the one you will be assigned may be very uncomfortable.

Be specific

If you know exactly what seat you're interested in, it will be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for an exit row or a good seat, try asking for 12A and it will be more likely to get what you want or an acceptable substitute.
Food / 5 Holiday Eating Tips To Escape Weight Gain by babaghost: 9:50am On Dec 10, 2017
Holiday is coming...holiday is coming. We are all clearly excited because of the thrilling perks that come with it. One of such perks is food. There is always so much to eat and drink. Hence, it is no gainsaying that everybody gathers weight over the holidays. This said, there are certain things you can do to prevent or escape weight gain during the festive season. Jumia Food, Nigeria's No 1 online food ordering platform, shares some of these things.

Don’t show up hungry

Some people think that by starving themselves before a holiday meal, they will be able to treat themselves at the table to a spectacular meal and compensate for their lack of eating beforehand. This is wrong. If you show up starving, you will just end up eating more than you would have if you ate breakfast.

Use smaller plates

Studies have found that people serve themselves in proportion to their plate size. It, therefore, follows that the smaller your plates, the lesser the possibility that you are going to overeat.

Keep alcohol simple

Alcohol has a large amount of calorie depending on the brand you prefer. So, endeavour to keep your alcohol choices simple to prevent holiday weight gain.

Pick protein

Protein can help maintain a healthy weight because high-proteinous foods encourage and promote greater satisfaction. Proteinous foods include beans, eggs, chicken, milk and soya beans among others.

Allow yourself sleep

When you are sleep deprived, you feel sluggish and you will end up feeling extra hungry and craving foods. Thus, give your body enough sleep so that you feel good and enjoy eating healthy foods.
Travel / 5 Hacks For Saving Money On Airline Baggage Fees by babaghost: 9:46am On Oct 29, 2017
Getting the best flight deals is more difficult due to rising and surprising baggage fees. If you are not careful, you may be paying ridiculous fees for your baggage particularly if you do not pack light. These tips highlighted by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency will help you save money on baggage fees.

Know the fees

The first step to saving money on baggage fees is to know how much an airline charges for baggage. You should do this before you book your flight because different airlines impose various prices for different baggage. This will help you choose the airline that has the most affordable baggage fee.

Look into alternative shipping methods

If moving your luggage via an airline seems expensive, you may want to try other cost-efficient shipping methods.

Carry-on everything

The smartest way to avoid baggage fees is not to check-in any bags. Most airlines allow passengers one free carry-on and one free personal item You can take advantage of this by overstuffing your backpack–as long as it can fit under the seat in front of you.

Pack light

If you are really serious about saving money on airline baggage, imbibe the habit of packing light because airlines charge extra for bags that exceed 20kg.

Pay baggage fees in advance

Some airlines offer a discount on bags if you pay for them in advance. But if you wait until you arrive at the airport to check-in your baggage, you will probably pay more.
Travel / 6 Travel Expenses You Should Not Forget To Budget For by babaghost: 9:31am On Oct 29, 2017
Whether you are a luxury or budget traveller, you are likely to pay more attention to the big and important expenses such as transportation and accommodation when preparing your travel budget. However, what your budget doesn’t take into consideration are the hidden and unexpected expenses that come with your trip, domestic or international. Ignoring these costs can ruin your travel experience. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency takes a look at the travel expenses you should NOT forget to budget for.

Emergency expenses

Emergency expenses may include: missing your flight, having to pay out of your pocket for a stranger, having to book another accommodation because you were unhappy with your original booking, and more. These emergencies will be easier to deal with if you provide for them in your budget.

Foreign transaction fees

If you are travelling abroad, foreign transactions fees will be deducted from your credit or debit card especially if you are using your card a lot during your trip.

Additional Food and drink

Food and drink costs are an obvious part of your travel budget. However, if you eat out often, the cost may affect your budget. The ultimate way to cushion the effect is to budget for additional foods and drinks.

Items you forget to pack

This may include toiletries, proper clothing, footwear, an umbrella and more. If you forget any of these items, you have to purchase them particularly, if you cannot do without them. So, endeavour to have a packing list to get rid of these expenses.

Unplanned Adventures

Activities, events and adventures may appear out of nowhere at your destination and you will have no choice than to attend. Hence, make sure you budget for these spontaneous adventures, either in cash or with your card.

Mobile phone charges

Your smartphone helps you keep in contact with your family and share your adventures on social media. These services come at a cost. If you are not careful, you will find yourself charged huge fees.

1 Like

Travel / Four Fascinating Places To Kayak In Lagos by babaghost: 8:24am On Oct 29, 2017
Kayaking in Lagos might sound strange to some people but this activity which involves propelling oneself in a small narrow boat is increasingly becoming popular in the city. Kayaking is really fun and there are quite a number of places that offer kayaking services in Lagos. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares some of these spots to kayak.

Inagbe Resort

Inagbe resort sits on the tranquil banks of the Lagos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It is an exclusive waterfront resort in Inagbe Island Lagos. One of the thrilling services they offer is kayaking. So, if you visit Inagbe resort either individually or in a group, don't forget to include kayaking to your bucket list of activities.

Omu resort

Omu resort is set in a rainforest environment which allows guests experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. It is a type of resort you can simply wake up in the morning for adventure or kayaking purposes. The resort is located at 1 Omu Resort Drive off Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Way, Bogije, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

La Campagne Tropicana

La Campagne Tropicana Resort offers many top destinations throughout the Ikegun Lake for the skilled as well as for the beginner kayaker. Each destination is unique and breathtaking. La Campagne is located at Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki Local Govt. Area off Lekki / Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Kayak at the Lagos Lagoon with Nothing to do in Lagos

If you have nothing to do in Lagos, then you should go kayaking at the Lagos Lagoon with Nothing To Do In Lagos. They are your sure bet if you are really interested in Kayaking. The fee N6,000 per Kayak for 4 Hours; N2,500 per hour for 2-3 hours and N3,000 For 1 hour.
Food / Top 5 Spots To Get Great Tasting Burger In Lagos by babaghost: 8:03am On Oct 29, 2017
A burger is a flat round cake of minced beef or chicken that is fried or grilled and typically served in a bread roll. If you crave burger, Jumia Food, shares places where you can purchase the best burger in the centre of excellence.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant chain, offering delicious food from a menu of favourites including juicy burgers, classic sandwiches, and shakes and malts. It is situated at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island.

Barcelos Restaurant

Barcelos has branches in Ikeja and Surulere. It is also a nice place to get burger. Their burger menu list includes beef burger, mega chicken burger, breakfast Swiss burger and chicken burger.

Burgers 'n' Shakes

Burgers n Shakes located in Surulere. It offers a range of burgers from chicken to beef patty with side fries. You can wash it down with a non-alcoholic milkshake.

RoadChef

RoadChef is Nigeria's first 24-hour drive-thru restaurant. So, if you want the best burgers, wraps, salads, quesadillas, fried chicken, chicken tenders, meat pies, and fresh fruit smoothies, you can visit Jumia Food, to order them.

M.A Sho Burgers

M.A Sho Burgers is a hub for anything that is burger related. Their rich menu list includes cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, Hawaiian cheeseburger, California burger with avocado, Philadelphia burger with pepper and onions, BBQ Burger. It is situated at Bar beach Tower Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Travel / Explore Nigeria With These Top Four Tour Operators by babaghost: 10:05am On Oct 22, 2017
Nigeria is a beautiful country and one of the thrilling ways to explore this beauty is by going on group tours. Of course, you can visit these destinations on your own but to unearth the real excitement in travelling, it is advisable you go in a group. Presently, there are quite a number of tour operators that organise tours to different Nigerian destinations. So, it is not difficult to get a tour operator to get away with. However, if you want the best, tour operators in the country, Jumia Travel, identifies some of them.

Social Prefect Tour

Chiamaka Ngozi Obuekwe is the Chief Executive Officer of Social Prefect Tours, a travel brand which organises group tours, school excursions, corporate retreats, holiday packages and also offer tour guide services in Nigeria. Social Prefect Tour is one of the popular tour operators in Nigeria.

Unravelling Nigeria

Unravelling Nigeria is a company that uses an online platform to create awareness on the tourism potentials of every state in Nigeria. They are dedicated to finding every tourist attraction around the country and showcasing it to the world so that Nigeria can become a top tourism destination. It is owned by Lola Daniyan

TP Adventures

TVP Adventures makes travel easy and affordable. It is a one-stop shop for group tours within Nigeria and Africa. TVP Adventures specialises in cultural, historical and nature tours across Nigeria and Africa.

Tour2Nigeria

Tour2Nigeria offers a window to various cultural and tourism potentials available in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria. Tour2Nigeria promotes the country’s rich culture and offer information that is second-to-none to both local and international visitors.
Food / Top 5 Restaurants To Enjoy A Budget-friendly Chinese Meal In Lagos by babaghost: 2:29pm On Oct 15, 2017
Lagos is a cosmopolitan and commercial city where you find people from different parts of the world. A group of people that have made Lagos their home are the Chinese who came along with their cuisines. Today foreigners and Nigerians consume Chinese foods. As such, Chinese restaurants have sprung up all over Lagos. So, if you are in search of restaurants to enjoy a budget-friendly Chinese meal in Lagos, Jumia Food, highlights some of them.

Prime Chinese

The restaurant is located at Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island. It operates indoor and outdoor catering services 24 hours a day. Guests can enjoy Chinese dishes such as sweet-smelling chicken and chillies etc.

Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a takeout Chinese restaurant situated at Adelowo Adedeji Street off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1. You either order on Jumia Food for convenience or go to the location to check out the menu and place your order. The food is also very affordable.

Flaky's Chinese Kitchen

Flaky's Chinese Kitchen is a restaurant located in Ikoyi, Lagos and serves Chinese, Continental, and Nigerian dishes. Their popular products include Chicken Fried Rice, Fried Singapore Noodles, Flaky's Special Fried Rice, and Prawn mayonnaise spring roll among others. Why not give bae a special treat of any of these delicacies?

Imperial Chinese Cuisine

Imperial Chinese Cuisine is located at Plot 274, Ajose Adeogun Street Victoria Island, Lagos. It is the first Chinese restaurant in Lagos, serving up quality and fresh Chinese food. They have a unique selection of top-quality Chinese cuisine made from local produce, combined with a relaxed and sophisticated ambience that ensures an enjoyable dining experience.

Twilight Chinese Cuisine

Twilight Chinese Cuisine is a popular spot for various appetizing Chinese meals. Customers get to enjoy any rice meal of their choice balanced with their selection of their favourite sauce. It is located at 166, Akowonjo Road, beside Keystone Bank, Egbeda.

Zen Garden

Zen Garden has been satisfying the appetite of Lagosians who are hungry for exotic Chinese dishes. They have experienced chefs who are always looking for ways to improve their food recipes. They are located at 60, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Travel / 5 Tips For Splitting Bills With Your Roommate by babaghost: 2:19pm On Oct 15, 2017
The benefits of living with a roommate include the ability to rent a larger space, share house chores and easily find friends to watch movies and interact with. Conversely, sharing a space with a roommate (s) is not always easy and can bring on some challenges, especially when it comes to money. So, to prevent any conflict, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency highlight ways to split bills with your roommate.

Agree on ground rules

One of the easiest ways to split bills is to agree with your roommate from the very beginning that both of you are splitting the bills. This and other ground rules will help ensure peace when the issues of paying bills arise.

Make a cost spreadsheet

After creating and agreeing to the ground rules, make a spreadsheet outlining each expense you and your roommates will need to pay. Each expense should show details such as due dates, the amounts owed, and the person responsible for paying.

Use apps

Using apps are perfect if you have large expenses. It can help you with the math and the payments. The app will automatically send reminders that payment for a particular bill is due. With this, there will be no excuse for not paying. Some of such apps you can download include Billr, Divvy and Venmo.

Keep certain purchases separate

It is not everything you have to buy together. This is because it may be difficult or stressful deciding who gets to keep some of the durable items you contributed to buy.

Carefully choose your roommates

You won’t want to live with someone who will never pay their share of the bill. Doing so could end up in a conflict. Hence, be careful with who you invite to split bills.
Travel / 5 Best African Restaurants In Yaba by babaghost: 10:14am On Oct 08, 2017
5 Best African Restaurants In Yaba

Like every other part of Lagos, Yaba has so many restaurants that suit your lifestyle, taste and budget. From the bukka to mamaput and chic restaurant, they are all available to feed your hunger pangs. Thus, finding a restaurant to eat in Nigeria's tech hub is not a problem as Jumia Food showcase some of the best places in Yaba to eat African or local foods.

White House

This is like the Wizkid of restaurants in Yaba. It is very popular. They serve local delicacies like Eba, Fufu, Amala and pounded yam. It is quite affordable and it is located at No 9, Chapel Street Sabo, Yaba.

Iyan Aladuke

Iyan in the Yoruba language means pounded yam. So, if you are craving pounded yam and other indigenous foods, the best place to go is Iyan Aladuke. It is located at 366 Murtala Mohammed Way, Off Montgomery road. It is owned by Omotayo Maimunat, the wife of popular Nollywood and Yoruba actor, Femi Adebayo.

City Buka

City Buka is one of the most hygienic hubs where you can get any local food and soup of your choice. It located in Yaba. The foods are tastefully displayed that you salivate as you walk into the restaurant.

Niseyok

Niseyok is located at 28 Commercial Avenue, Sabo and it offers both African and continental dishes. You will get Amala, fufu, Ewa Agoyin as well as different local soups at the restaurant.

Mama's Soup Kitchen

This is where you get the best soups which you can eat with any swallow you so desire. Their list of local soups includes Egusi Soup, Nsala Soup, vegetable Okro, Bitter Leaf, Goat leg pepper soup, Efo Riro, Ewedu and stew. They are situated at 242, Herbert Macaulay way Alagomeji, Yaba.

1 Like

Travel / 5 Creative Ways To Save For Your Next Travel by babaghost: 12:38pm On Oct 02, 2017
So many people love to travel but a major excuse they give for abandoning their travel ambition is that they do not have enough money. The truth is money will always be a problem.

This said if you are one of those who loves to travel and money is a problem, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares creative ways you can save money for travelling without incurring debt.

Research your destination

Without research, you won't know the amount you require to travel. It's worthwhile to dig up everything about your destination so that nothing will catch you by surprise. Ask friends and family who have travelled to your destination about the cost of accommodation, airfare and activities.

Open a dedicated travel bank account

One easy way to save for a getaway is to open a dedicated vacation savings account. You can set up automatic payments into the account and, with a little restraint, leave that money there until it’s time for your trip.

Look for other sources of income

You may need to do a side job outside your regular or everyday job to earn more money. This will help boost your travel savings.

Save daily

If you spend money to eat every day, there is really no excuse for not saving daily. So, try as much as possible to save every day. To pull this off, you just have to be mindful about your everyday purchases.

Have a budget

Besides saving money for your dream getaway, there are other responsibilities that will definitely come up.To meet with both, you will need a budget. So, prepare a budget, determine how much you want to save for your travel and do not forget to set spending boundaries.
Travel / 5 Important Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Flight Voucher by babaghost: 11:57am On Oct 02, 2017
Sometimes when you fly, situations may arise where an airline owes you something. It may be because of a delay, lost baggage, cancellation or rescheduled flight. To appease or compensate you, the airline is likely to offer you a voucher (s). Although the airline is handing out the voucher as compensation, there are terms and conditions for using them. So, before you accept any airline voucher, you need to ask these questions highlighted by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency.

How long are the vouchers valid?
Unless you are a frequent flyer, a voucher may be useless if it is expiring in two or three months. You may probably want to demand another form of compensation.

Can someone else use it?
Is the voucher limited to you, or can someone else use it? Many airline vouchers may be used only by the person who initially received it for his or her own travel. So, do not hesitate to make this clarification.

Worth of the voucher?
The worth of a voucher is generally determined by the circumstances that prompted the issuance of vouchers. For example, the worth of a voucher for flight cancellation may be more than the one for the loss of luggage. Also, ensure that the voucher worth covers the loss you incurred before accepting it.

How many times can you use it?
Some vouchers are valid for only one transaction, even when the transaction is less than the face value of the voucher. For example, if you use a N10,000 airline voucher to buy a N5,000 ticket, you might not be able to use the remaining N5,000 to purchase a second ticket. Instead, you lose that value.

Can you get cash instead?
This question is important if you do not want vouchers. If the response is negative, it is advisable you accept the voucher. This will prevent you from losing on both sides.
Travel / Experience Independence With These 7 Budget-friendly Hotels by babaghost: 10:55am On Oct 02, 2017
In a few days, Nigeria will be celebrating another Independence Day. Expectedly, the federal government will declare a public holiday and interestingly, this year's celebration extends to Monday since October Ist falls on a Sunday. For this reason, many people will have ample time to party and have fun. At the same time, some of them would be in search of decent and affordable hotels to stay after a thrilling day. To help you with your search, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, has selected 7 budget-friendly hotels to lodge this independence weekend.

Kosmic Suites

This is a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of the capital city of Lagos. It is located off Salvation Road in Opebi, Ikeja. The hotel houses an onsite restaurant and bar where guests can order a variety of meals and drinks. Kosmic Suites is 10 minutes away from Murtala Muhammed Airport and 5 minutes away from Ikeja City Mall, the Lagos State Government Secretariat and Ojota Interstate Park.

Blueseasons Hotel & Suites

Surulere is one of the popular places to have real fun in Lagos. So, if you are in need of a place to lodge in Surulere, look no further than the Blueseasons Hotel & Suites. The hotel offers top-notch hospitality and offers free WiFi to guests. The hotel is a 5-minute drive to Lagos Central Business District and 7 minutes away from the National Stadium,

Paradise Hotel

Paradise Hotel is situated in a serene environment at Victoria Island. The hotel boasts of elegant rooms and offers free WiFi to all guests. You can book this hotel if you find yourself in any of these interesting places: Lagos bar beach, Kuramo Beach, Palms Shopping Mall, GET Arena, Silverbird Galleria, Ikoyi Golf Club, Nike Art Gallery, Terra Kulture, Muri Okunola Park and National Museum Lagos.

Cosmic Hotel And Suites

Cosmic Hotel And Suites is one of the best budget-friendly hotels to stay in Port Harcourt. For N3,000, you can book the standard room.

Alu Suites

Alu Suites is situated on Kala Road in Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt. Guests can order a selection of meals and drinks from the onsite restaurant and bar.

Power Mike Hotels

This a well-equipped hotel that offers amazing services on a budget. These include free Wi-Fi, a bar/ lounge, a restaurant, a guesthouse, round the clock security and free private parking space. It is located at Argungu Close, Off Benue Crescent, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Summit Villas Suites & Apartment

Located at Life Camp Junction in the heart of Abuja, you can book this hotel for tourist visits, leisure, business trips and family vacations. The hotel offers easy access to interesting destinations in the city. It is a 30-minute drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a 5-minute drive from the popular Jabi Lake.
Culture / Five Beautiful Things About The Fulanis by babaghost: 6:29pm On Aug 04, 2017
One of the most malign ethnic groups in Nigeria is the Fulanis of Northern Nigeria. The news that makes headlines about them are their clashes with farmers. Thus, many Nigerians have the wrong perception about them. As such, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 5 beautiful things about Fulani people.

They are the biggest nomadic people in the world

There is no argument that Fulanis are the biggest nomadic people in the world. According to research, around 13 million of the 20 million Fulani people are nomads They are born nomads as they walk for kilometres with their cattle in search of food and water.

They have a unique and colourful dress culture

If you see a Fulani man or woman, you can instantly identify them by the way they dress. For instance, in Nigeria, men sometimes wear a hat with three tips on it while the women adorn their hair with shells or use henna to decorate their hands and feet.

The Fulani language is spoken across Africa

The Fulani language is spoken in over 15 African countries. It is also one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria. Hence, it is essential to note that Fulanis are not present only in Nigeria.

They practice Islam

Most Fulanis are followers of Islam. This should not be a surprise to anyone as they are from a part of Nigeria where Islam is the dominant religion.

Their livelihood is weaved around cattle

Fulanis are very dependent on cattle. Every Fulani no matter their status in the society 'must' own cattle.
Business / 7 Reasons Your Website Should Have An Online Booking Feature by babaghost: 5:38pm On Aug 04, 2017
A handful of businesses have moved their activities online as they now own websites. Thanks to the internet. Unfortunately, one thing that is yet to be integrated on these websites is online booking. The importance of online booking cannot be overstated. So, whatever services you are offering, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency discusses reasons why your website should have an online booking system.

Open 24 hours to receive reservations
Many customers who search the Internet outside of business hours will be able to book your service if there is an online booking system. For example, you can book a hotel at any time of the day on Jumia Travel. This will not be the case if customers have to visit JT's headquarters to make reservations. It means they are losing customers.

It is good customer service

The presence of an online booking system on your website shows that you are well-aware of the needs of your customers. It will allow your customers to book directly, pay and get confirmed automatically. This knowledge will definitely make any customer happy.

Reduce your workload
If you are not using an online booking system today, then you may still be processing all your bookings manually. A good online booking system will handle all the aspects of the booking.

Customer data are readily available
If you use a reliable online booking system which also handles walk-ins, email, online and phone bookings, then you will have all your customers data in a structured system. It will be readily available for research and loyalty rewards.

Discount Codes
Discount codes are a great way to market your business. So, make sure your online booking system can support discount codes. This will keep customers coming back.

It is easy to use
Your online booking system should have at least one screen where you can see your availability very quickly and clearly. This removes the need for the old paper booking and allows your reception staff to easily see whether you have availability or not.

Online payments
For some businesses, you may want to add an automated payment system. With this in place, your customers will seamlessly book and pay for their bookings.
Travel / 6 Ways To Sleep Better On Overnight Flights by babaghost: 1:41pm On Jul 30, 2017
If you want to arrive in a destination rested and ready to go, you will have to ensure good sleep on overnight flights. While it may seem like an impossible task, there are ways to improve your sleep quality on long-haul flights. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 6 simple tips that will help you sleep better.

Make Time for Relaxation Before Boarding

Some airports offer ways to relax before you board. You can take advantage of this to lounge while waiting for your flight. This can help you get into the sleeping spirit even before you board.

Medicate appropriately

If you have to use drugs to sleep, you should be very careful with the kind you use. In fact, before popping anyone, see your doctor to make the prescription.

Turn off the Screen

Before you sleep on overnight flights, turn off the seatback screen if there is one. The blue light cast from screens will not allow you sleep well. Hence, turning it off is an easy way to create a sleeping atmosphere.

Create your sleep space

On overnight flights, create your space to sleep by using a sleep mask to block out light, and sleep headphones that keep out the noise. Combining this two with your preferred travel pillow, while reclining your seat a bit can help you get a restful a night.

Make sure your feet are warm

Except when they are too hot, plane cabins are very cold. If you’re planning on sleeping on an overnight flight, you should remove your shoes. And if you take your shoes off, you will need slippers that is if you are not wearing socks.

Bring an Extra Blanket

Some airlines include a clean blanket on each seat of an overnight flight. But those blankets won’t usually cover a whole person and it may not be used by only you. Therefore, it is better to bring an extra blanket or scarf to cover your whole body.

Wear sleep attire

Wearing tight clothes will never allow you sleep whether it is overnight or not. Hence, try as much as possible to wear loose attires. Be sure to layer so you can adjust your temperature easily by adding or shedding items of clothing.
Food / 6 Signs You Should Not Eat At A Restaurant by babaghost: 1:32pm On Jul 23, 2017
Eating out is now a common practice for most people. So, it’s essential to know how to select the right place to eat. These tips will help you decide if you should eat at a restaurant or not when next you are eating out.

The kitchen is about to close

Buying food at a restaurant could be a terrible idea because you may be buying stale food. This is because they would have packed up and it is the leftovers that would be sold to you if you decide to eat there.

The toilets are dirty

This is very straightforward. If the restaurants have a toilet and it is very dirty, there is every possibility that the eatery does not take hygiene serious.

The service is bad

The customer is king. Every service provider including restaurants should know this. Therefore, they must do their utmost best to make them happy by providing quality services. If this is not the case, there is no need to go there.

Dirty glasses all over

After eating, the table should be cleared immediately. If not, it should be done minutes later. But if it takes hours to remove these plates to the extent that you have to inform them, look for another place to eat.



It has terrible reviews

Reviews can make or mar any business. So, before you choose a restaurant, check out the reviews they have garnered over time and this will help you decide if you should eat there or not.

Hairs not covered, gloves not worn

A rule that a hygienic restaurant must not joke with is covering hair and using gloves. If they do not use any of these, there is every likelihood you will find strands of hair in the food. This can be very annoying.
Travel / 6 Things You Should Never Do In Your Hotel Room by babaghost: 4:30pm On Jul 21, 2017
A hotel stay should be a smooth and exciting experience. You do not want anyone harassing you. This said, there are some people who call for embarrassment by the things they do in their hotel rooms. So, whether you are a hotel room regular or save your stays for special occasions, there are few things you should never do in a hotel room, particularly, if you want to keep yourself safe or return to lodge at the hotel again. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares some of these things.

Smoke

In some hotels, the no smoke sign is clear. However, some persons feel that since they are in the comfort of their room, there is no need to observe the no-smoke rule. You are wrong. If smoking is not allowed, just do not smoke. Remember, you are not the only one that will use the room.

Give out your room number

A rule of thumb is to never reveal your hotel room number to a stranger or even someone you have just spoken with you for a few minutes or hours. Also, if you are meeting someone for the first time, do so outside your room or even outside your hotel. You do not want your room burgled.

Sneak in animals

You love your dog and chances are that you may bring him or her with you when you travel as a companion. Some hotels will not allow animals in the room. As a result, some lodgers will sneak these animals in. If you are discovered, you may be thrown out of the hotel or you may be fined.

Turn your room to a minibar

You may not have enough money to go to a minibar to down some bottles. As such, you have loaded your bag with bottles of alcoholic drinks that your room becomes a sort of minibar. You may do one of the following-go to the minibar, visit a nearby store if you feel the drinks at the hotel are expensive or just completely avoid alcohol.

Steal

You will be shocked that some hotel customers are just thieves. They take the opportunity to steal. Items like towels, drapes and even bed sheets. If you are caught, you will simply be arrested.

Keep your music low

You may want to entertain yourself in your hotel room. However, you should not do so at the detriment of others. If the music becomes too loud, you may just get a knock or call that you should lower the music. This can be shameful.

2 Likes

Business / 5 Smart Ways To Make Troubling Clients Happy by babaghost: 3:26pm On Jul 21, 2017
Handling stressful or difficult clients is not something many businesses look forward. Regardless, they have no choice than to deal with the client's complain because they are the oil that lubricates any business. Clearly, they exist in every business but you know that it is better to keep them if you can. This is why they say that the customer is never wrong. So, how may you keep your difficult clients? Jumia travel, the leading online travel agency, shares ways to keep your difficult customers happy.

Allow them to vent

Sometimes, you have to just keep quiet and allow your client to express everything on their minds. You should note that they become difficult because they feel they cannot say what they have experienced by using your service.

Reassure them

After allowing them to express themselves, do not let them feel that you do not have their best interests at heart. The simplest thing to do is to reassure them that every decision is to make them happy.

Apologise

Like earlier said customers are king. They are always right. No matter how infuriated you may be with them, you just have to see things from their perspective. Hence, always take the blame, even when you know that you are not at fault. Whatever the case may be, always take responsibility.

Come up with a solution

This is probably the most effective strategy you can use when handling a stressful client. When there’s a problem, a good business person comes up with a solution.

Learn from the situation

These difficult customers have a lot to teach businesses. So, evaluate who your difficult customers are, then evaluate why they are this way. You may want to deal with them differently because you know they are trouble. But at the same time, they are loyal.
Travel / 3 Ways To Stop Losing Your Belongings When You Travel by babaghost: 11:21am On Jul 16, 2017
Traveling is very exciting and interesting. There is so much to explore and see especially when you travel Nigeria. It is possible while traveling to lose your valuables like wallet, travel documents and mobile phones among others. A very good example is the talented filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan who forgot his bag containing his valuables in a Uber car in Paris France. Fortunately, he found it. You do not want to be in such situation because you may be unable to get it back. In line with this, Jumia Travel shares some hacks to ensure that you do not lose your valuables when you travel.

Always be aware of your surroundings

When traveling, you are likely to get carried away by the picturesque environment. As a result, you may just forget your valuables. So, ensure that you are aware of your environment so that you won't remember later that you do not have your belongings on you.

Keep your belongings in sight

Like they say, out of sight is out of mind. Hence, always keep your belongings in sight especially if it is a backpack. Always look out for it every minute to ensure that is still on you. This is not difficult to do.

Utilise luggage locks and safes

The space for locks and safes are not for jokes. So, make sure that you take advantage of it and lock your luggage. This will deter anyone who wants to attempt to steal.
Travel / Five Simple Tips For A Healthy Tour by babaghost: 7:09pm On Jul 14, 2017
The question of distance does not arise when it comes to touring or traveling. The fact is you can never be too prepared for healthy travel. This is because traveling can disrupt your routine as you don’t have access to everything you want. Hence, it is highly probable that you will be ill. But it should be this way. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares ways are some tips to stay healthy while you travel.

Take a reusable water bottle

Water is important for keeping you energised and removing waste from your body. The consequences of lack of water is that you will be dehydrated and traveling can be dehydrating. So, don’t forget to drink up even on long travel days and carry a reusable water bottle in which you can preserve water for drinking.

Wear durable walking shoes

You do not need to wear fancy shoes when you travel because you are exploring on foot. Your shoes must be durable and rugged that it will be able to withstand anything. Your legs may be infected by germs if you walk barefooted.

Buy or pack fruits

Fruit is your best travel snacks. Hence, rather than eating junk while on tour, you should consume more of fruits. Fruit contains nutrients that are good for the body to keep it healthy.

Don’t be afraid to try new food

Vacation is not a time to be restrictive when it comes to trying new foods. One of the best parts of traveling is visiting new restaurants. You should just make sure that the restaurant is neat and clean.
Travel / 7 Smart Ways To Spice Up Your Long Trip by babaghost: 5:54pm On Jul 14, 2017
Ordinarily, a trip should be fun and exciting. Yeah! However, there are some circumstances that it becomes very boring to the point that you crave for ways to pump up the adrenaline to a reasonable degree. It is noteworthy to add that travel boredom has no boundary. It affects you notwithstanding if you are traveling alone or in a group, by road, air or train. As such, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency hereby shares smart ways to deal with the resultant boredom of your long trip.

Car Karaoke

Thankfully, cars can now play songs from a USB flash drive or your phone. So, take advantage of this and play your favourite music genre including hip hop, reggae, Juju, soul, rock, country, and Afrobeat among others. Sing along to the song. If you like you can shout but just make sure your car windows put up.

Empty your mail inbox

This activity may not be the most fun you have ever had on a trip, but it will considerably reduce your mental load. If you have internet connection, emptying your inbox or deleting irrelevant messages can be one of the ways to pass time while traveling.

Write a travel journal

Your travel activities can result in some of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. If you can remember them, you should actually pen these tales. This is primarily for those who travel frequently. There are apps you can download to do this.

Read/Learn something new

Whether you grab a magazine at the airport, purchase a local newspaper, bring an e-reader or take along a novel, you will definitely learn something new on your trip. The truth is no knowledge is lost! Even if you’re not a regular reader, try as much as possible to learn something new.

Talk to your seat-mate

Your trip is an opportunity to meet new people and also network. Accordingly, do not hesitate to talk to your seat-mate regardless if they are male or female. This is why you must have conversation icebreakers or starters. You will be surprised both of you will flee from one topic to another until you arrive at your destination! By the way, ditch your serious facade if you want others to talk to you.

Go window shopping online

Your phone will always come handy. If you have internet network, you can go window shopping. At the same time, you can check your social media accounts, and read the latest news.

Play games

There are quite a number of games you can play while traveling including Monopoly, Ludo, and name, animal, place, thing game.
Travel / 7 Sure Ways To Attract Investors To Your Travel Startup by babaghost: 3:23pm On Jul 14, 2017
Finance has always been a problem for many businesses and startups. A large number of them have folded up due to lack of funding. However, we hear in the news almost on a daily basis that a Nigerian startup has won thousands of dollars from investors and Venture Capitalists. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, discloses ways to attract investors to your travel startup.

Show results first

It may be a bit difficult for a relatively new startup to secure funding because it cannot show any business results. So, before seeking investors, you should work on getting customers and results. Do not manipulate the results because the investor will always audit.

Enroll in a startup accelerator

Unlike in the past, there are now so many startup labs in Nigeria. The pioneer is CCHub. There are others. You can join these startup accelerators so that they can offer you everything you need to run a successful business. They can also expose your business to investors.

Have co-founder (s)

Your chances of attracting funding or investors are higher if you have co-founders. They are much more confident because all business decision is not invested in the hands of one person or individual! So no matter what, look for two serious, talented, committed and reliable business partners.

A clear path to making money

Investors love their money and they will never allow anyone to throw it away. Hence, one of the first question you will be asked is how to I get a return on investment? If you cannot define or state that clearly, sorry you will never get any investment.

Ask for advice

Seeking advice from a potential investor is one of the creative and strategic ways to attract them. Through this, you will build a relationship with them. As the relationship grows, you can begin to let them know what you really need. Never ambush or cold-call an investor. It usually comes off as desperate!

Get an investor that is also a partner, not just a check

Granted, you need the cash to boost your business. The is not everything. The investor should also be able to offer something beyond money. It is better. This is good because they can make corrections when you are going the wrong way.

Try to market your business at networking functions

Networking allows you to informally pitch your startup ideas to potential business partners and investors. If your idea is clear and unambiguous, you may find someone that is interested in working with you. So, when you have a networking opportunity, arm yourself with all the information you need to effectively sell you business.
Science/Technology / 5 Foods Nursing Mothers Must Avoid by babaghost: 5:33pm On Jun 16, 2017
You spent the last nine months streamlining what you eat and drink in order to ensure that what you put in your stomach does not affect your baby's development. Now that you are nursing your baby, you still have to be careful of what you eat. It is, therefore, essential that mothers maintain regular meals when breastfeeding to acquire important nutrients and also to increase their breast milk. Regardless, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares some foods women should avoid while breastfeeding.

Fish

You don’t need to abandon fish completely, but you need to be selective about what types of seafood you eat. Some fishes can be high in mercury, which can find its way into your milk supply. So, before you eat any fish especially the packaged ones, ensure it does not have mercury.

Alcohol

Alcohol can get into your breast milk and can negatively affect your child. It is advisable to avoid it but if you have to drink, it will take 1-2 hours for it to dissolve. That means you have to wait for that number of hours if you do not want to feed your baby with breast milk mixed with alcohol. Just don't drink alcohol.

Caffeine

For women who love coffee, they have to wait after breastfeeding before they resume drinking it. It’s important to know that caffeine also finds its way into your breast milk. If this is the case, your baby's body will be unable to process the caffeine as quickly as an adult’s body. You do not want to keep your baby awake.

Garlic and ginger

Garlic and ginger can smell in your breastmilk. If you find that your baby is reluctant to nurse, it may be because you have eaten garlic or ginger.

Dairy products

Normally, breastfeeding your baby with milk or other dairy products in the early stages of breastfeeding is not encouraged. It can affect the full development of your baby. So, you should avoid downing milk or any other dairy products.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (of 6 pages)

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 186
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.