Travel is not just about seeing a place. It is more than just the beautiful pictures we take for the gram. It is about the physical experience of being there, understanding what it’s like to live there or grow up there.
When we try to travel through a country or city like a local, we learn new things, broaden our horizons and open our minds to other ways of living. Whether you are travelling to another country or within Nigeria, here are four tips you may find useful.
Learn the language
Words like “Hello” and “Thank you” are always helpful. Try to learn what they mean in the local language of the place you are visiting. Maybe “toilet” too, in case you are from where you are staying and you need to take a dump. You can rely on apps like Duolingo.
Choose the right place to stay
Hotels are great until they are not. Don’t choose the cheapest; choose the one that offers the best value for money. However, the perfect option for some type of travel is local accommodation. From the architecture to the interior decor, you can start experiencing the city and meeting people, especially when you choose a home in the right neighbourhood. For people travelling to Nigeria or within Nigeria, the best bet for getting a perfect place to stay is Aura by Transcorp Hotels. The online platform has homes and hotels that have been verified for quality and safety, ensuring that guests are choosing from the right pool of options.
Use local guides
Local guides are better than bus tours when you want to experience a place like a local. Guides can show you how locals live, eat, and socialise. They offer immersive trips with insights and anecdotes that people on the bus can only dream of. They can also offer valuable advice on how to stay safe during your trip. A lot of local guides in Nigeria are listed on Aura by Transcorp Hotels, offering tours and great options of things to do when travelling within Nigeria.
Get Lost
Sometimes, it is okay to ditch the map or the guidebook and get lost in a place to see what you stumble upon. But if you are not that adventurous and you’re travelling within Nigeria, Aura by Transcorp Hotels will recommend places you can have a great meal close to you. Just make sure you turn on your location; it makes it easier for Aura to get you the best options around you.
Work trips, vacations, events, and every other good reason to travel are just fine. Being a tourist is just fine. But what if you want more? What if you want to shake off the limitations that come with work trips and vacations as we know them? How do you travel somewhere and see beyond your hotel room and those random spots you found online? How do you allow yourself to be absorbed into the culture and feel like one of your hosts? What would you like to do? Where would you like to stay? Which neighbourhoods do you visit? What’s the best place to eat?
There are easy answers to these questions and many more you may have. Drop us a message via Instagram @aurabytranscorp or WhatsApp +234 812 003 000