Author: Gift Ogar

In today’s fast-paced world, savvy travellers seize every moment, even during airport layovers. With a touch of creativity and an adventurous spirit, those idle hours can transform into opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Here’s how to make the most of your next layover:

1. Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Turn airport downtime into productivity by setting up your office in a cosy corner with a scenic view. Catch up on work tasks, attend virtual meetings, or answer emails while sipping on coffee.

2. Feed Your Curiosity: Transform the terminal into a classroom and use your layover as an opportunity to learn something new. Dive into audiobooks, podcasts, or language lessons to enrich your mind while waiting for your next flight.

3. Relax and recharge: Travelling can be exhausting, but layovers offer the perfect chance to unwind. Seek out a quiet spot or an airport lounge to catch up on sleep, read a book, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet before your next adventure.

4. Explore the Airport: Airports are like miniature cities, each with its own unique layout, shops, and amenities. Take a leisurely stroll through the terminal to familiarize yourself with what’s available. You might stumble upon hidden gems like a lush garden, art installations, or even mini museums.

5. Connect with Fellow Travellers: Airports are hubs of diversity, offering endless opportunities for meeting new people. Strike up a conversation with a stranger, and you might uncover valuable travel tips, forge new friendships, or even make business contacts. Next time you’re surfing www.247travels.com for your next voyage and you see flight options with a layover, remember that your adventure doesn’t pause during a layover – it evolves. By following these strategies, you’ll enrich your travel experience and make the most of every moment between take-off and landing.

Travelling with kids can be one of life’s richest experiences, but anyone who has embarked on a long journey with young companions certainly knows that it is not for the weak. Yet, with a bit of preparation and creativity, you can transform travel time into an enjoyable part of the adventure.

Here are five fascinating ways to keep your little ones delighted and happy on the go.

1. Travel-themed Activity Packs

Before you set off, put together activity packs with a twist- colouring books, stickers, and travel-themed worksheets. For a more special touch, add a map where they can track the journey, puzzles and games.

Real-Life Magic: On a flight to Kenya, a parent cleverly included Swahili language and culture worksheets in her children’s activity packs. By the time they landed, the kids were excited to say hello in Hwahili to everyone they met, counting 1 to 10 all the way to their hotel room.

2. Craft corner

Pack a small craft kit with items like pipe cleaners, beads, and other DIY craft resources. Crafting can also be a calming activity for kids who might feel anxious about travelling. You do not need to worry about the space to pack them in as these materials take much less space and can keep little hands busy.

Craft creations: On a transatlantic flight, a parent challenged their kids to create the best aeroplane model out of pipe cleaners. The flight attendants were so impressed, they awarded the winners extra snacks.

3. Digital Safari

In the era of smartphones and tablets, screen time can be educational and engaging if used wisely. Load devices with documentaries about African wildlife, interactive maps of your destination, and apps that teach about the continent’s rich history and diverse cultures (especially if travelling to a region for the first time).

Tech Explorer: For a family heading to an African destination, parents downloaded a virtual safari app. The children were excited to identify animals they might see, turning screen time into an interactive learning experience.

4. Storytime sessions

Bringing along a selection of books, both new reads and old favourites, is a sure tip for turning a long flight into a fun time. For added fun, you can create a travel-themed story where your child is the main character exploring your destination. You can even take turns crafting the next chapter of the story.

Storytime: A mother on a trip to Canada with her two children read Let’s Explore Canada with them, describing from the tall mountains to the major cities and resources. And voila! Their mini book club began on that flight.

5. Listening to Melodies and Rhythm

Music can be a window into the soul of a place and a joyful way to introduce children to the world’s rhythms. Create a family travel playlist with everyone’s favourite songs. For a more educational twist, download child-friendly podcasts or audiobooks. Not only are they entertaining, but they can also be a great learning tool.

Musical heights: On a family trip, the kids heard their parents’ favourite jazz playlist which put them to sleep and it became therapeutic on subsequent flights.

Travelling with kids presents a unique opportunity to explore the world through their eyes. With these creative ideas, you can turn the dreaded long journey into an integral and enjoyable part of your family adventure. Happy travels!

Hey, fellow travel enthusiasts! As we gear up for an exciting year of exploration, it’s time to unveil some of the hottest travel trends that will redefine our adventures in 2024. From serene escapes to adrenaline-pumping journeys, there’s something for every kind of traveller. So, grab your passport (or a cup of coffee for now) and let’s dive into the latest trends that are set to shape your travel experience.

1. REDISCOVERING HOME: With the ongoing global uncertainties such as fluctuating travel restrictions, health concerns, and economic challenges affecting cost of travel, many individuals are opting to explore destinations that are closer to home. By choosing to explore their own backyard, travellers can minimise their carbon footprint associated with long-haul flights and reduce the strain on overcrowded tourist hotspots. This does not necessarily mean that long flights are completely out of the picture or spending is drastically reduced, but a reminder that “The thing wey you dey find for Sokoto dey for your shokoto”. This African proverb simply means what you may be searching for far away is right within your reach.

2. SOLO ESCAPADES: There’s something undeniably liberating about embarking on a solo trip, isn’t there? In 2024, solo travel takes centre stage as more and more adventurers set out to chart their own course. It’s the perfect opportunity to break free from the routine, discover new passions, and create unforgettable memories on your own terms.

 

3. BLEISURE TRAVELLING: The blend of business and leisure which found its way to the travel dictionary as ‘bleisure’, is taking the tourism world by storm. The younger professionals are constantly on the lookout for inspiring places to meet and work. In 2024, bleisure travellers are on the rise, blending work commitments with leisure adventures in the most exciting destinations around the globe. So why settle for boring boardrooms when you can turn your business trips into unforgettable experiences?

4. DIGITAL DETOX: In a world that’s constantly connected, the ability to disconnect from the “global village” is luxury. From yoga retreats to wellness resorts, there are plenty of destinations where you can press pause, unwind, and rediscover the beauty of living in the moment and reconnecting with yourself.

 

 

5. FLIGHT-FREE ALTERNATIVES: Environmental consciousness is steering travellers towards flight-free alternatives, and train travel is making a grand comeback. Europe’s extensive rail network, for example, offers an eco-friendly way to explore the continent and other destinations around the globe are taking a major cue from that. Picture boarding a train in Paris and waking up in the Swiss Alps, or cruising through the rolling hills of Tuscany. Train travel brings back the romance of the journey, allowing you to savour the changing landscapes and slow down.

This is where you may want to drop your cup of coffee and let us know which of these trends resonates with you more. Oh! And don’t stop there, make plans to ensure that nothing holds you back from charting your travel escapades in 2024.

Africa is a continent that is yet to be discovered by non-Africans and Africans alike for its wonderful landscapes, magnificent scenery, and vast cultural legacy. This will no longer be true in 2024 as more people visit Africa in search of its amazing sights and wonders. Whether you reside in Africa or not, here are just a few stunning destinations to consider for your next trip in 2024:

1. MAURITIUS: Mauritius is undoubtedly the destination for everyone, mainly because of its rich culture, beaches, tropical temperature, and natural and man-made attractions. Whether you’re a sun-seeking beachgoer, an adventurous explorer, or a culture enthusiast, Mauritius has something special to offer. With its immaculate white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, this island paradise is ideal for relaxation and renewal.

 

2. KENYA: This nation in east Africa is highly regarded for its beautiful scenery and effective wildlife management. Kenya remains one of the best African countries for an unforgettable journey that combines natural beauties with urban grandeur, thanks to its fascinating cultural relics that are scattered across its cities and promises a comfortable stay in any of the country’s numerous towns and islands.

 

3. TANZANIA: Aside from Tanzania being home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, a glimpse of Tanzania’s captivating treasures can be found in birdwatching and safari tours with wildebeests, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. Zanzibar has the extra benefit of being ideally located, offering breathtaking white sand beaches and an amazing journey.

 

4. RWANDA: With the recent declaration of visa-free entrance for Africans, Rwanda should be your next worthwhile holiday destination. The “Land of a Thousand Hills,” as it is affectionately known, is endowed with breathtaking scenery that is ideal for hiking, gorilla trekking safaris, and animal viewing.

 

5. MOROCCO: Nestled at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Morocco is a vibrant tapestry of ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural diversity waiting to be explored. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses. Warm hospitality and a blend of modern and ancient treasures make Morocco a must-visit location that offers travelers an incredible experience deep within the heart of Africa.

 

6. EGYPT: Welcome to Egypt, the jewel of Africa, the land of pyramids and pharaohs, where modern wonders combine with historical splendor. Take a trip along the ageless Nile River, explore the enigmatic deserts that whisper tales of pharaohs and emperors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant pandemonium of Cairo’s bustling markets. Unveil the magic of Egypt, the ultimate destination for travelers craving an immersive and enchanting adventure within the soul of the African continent.