The TravFessionals: Kachi and Tola

The TravFessionals is back with a bang (cue moonwalk)! The TravFessionals series is about finding relatable and inspiring stories to encourage you to consider travel, regardless of your life stage and frequency of travel but also without quitting your job. If you’re new here, the first two features here and here.

Kachi wasn’t so sure when I initially reached out to her for a travel feature, but I think you’ll see why as you read along. I met Kachi through the blog in 2017 when she reached out regarding a feature she was doing on nine Nigerian female travellers and the rest is history!

Let’s get right to it!

tell us about the different hats you wear

I’m a corporate lawyer advising on a wide range of corporate transactions. I’m a holistic lifestyle content creator and blogger. I recently extended the blog to include an offline community called ‘The KacheeTee Circle.’ I also created BlogYard to help bloggers create excellent content and monetize their value. I’m married to my University sweetheart, we live in London and we have a 20 month old son who keeps us on our toes.

what kicked off your wanderlust?

So I just googled “wanderlust” to be sure and it means “a strong desire to travel”. While I do have a desire to travel I don’t know if it’s that strong. I think the actual process of getting set for the trips and flying weakens that desire for me. That said, I am curious to explore more cultures, people, food and marvel in God’s creations and the existence of the world, as we know it.

how many trips do you take yearly?

We aim for 3 international trips a year

people would be surprised to find out that:

My first local and international flights were FREE. The local flight was a trip from Abuja to Lagos (Nigeria), sponsored by Cadbury’s Bournvita as they selected the top 3 academic students in primary schools around Lagos for a fun day trip. My first international trip was from lagos to the UK for my Masters program sponsored by the Commonwealth. So yeah, the geek in me got some free flights! I’m ready for some free trips please. Where can I apply?

travfessional tip: HOW HAS TRAVELLING MADE YOU A BETTER PROFESSIONAL?

First, there’s a deeper appreciation of people’s backgrounds and culture and a tolerance towards it. I’m super keen to know their side of the story, to pronounce their names right, to appreciate their food. Travel brings the realisation that although we’re all different, in some ways we’re all just the same.

Seeing how large the world is, I don’t think it’s a gaffe when people don’t know Lagos or Jollof Rice (as long as they’re open to learning), because to be honest, how many cultures, countries can I claim to really know?

Travelling has also made me engage better with my colleagues especially when I’ve got first hand experience. So whether a colleague is sharing about a recent holiday and the Oistins fish festival in Barbados, their Ghanaian heritage and love for Waakye or why NYC is the best place to live and work, I’m able to connect. And being able to connect in a global workplace is key to opportunities, team building and growth.

YOU’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL ALONG WHEN YOUR SPOUSE WAS TRAVELLING FOR WORK. HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO MAKE IT happen WITH YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT WORK? ANY TIPS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO DO THE SAME?

 I think the best way to make it work is to sync dates. I requested time off so I could make the trip. The other times I’ve tagged along on a work trip, I was on maternity leave so that was perfect. If you’re looking to tag along on work trips (and you should because many times that takes accommodation out of the way!), I definitely suggest booking the time as a full holiday if the dates are known in advance. For a short trip, consider the possibility to work remotely.

If you tag along on a spouse/partner/or friend’s work trip though, be prepared to explore on your own. Don’t forget that their primary reason for the trip is to work and if you’re banking on spending every moment with them, you’d be disappointed.

window seat or aisle

It always used to be Aisle – I can easily ask the cabin crew for extra bread and one time I even asked for extra food (don’t judge!). I didn’t like to look outside and I don’t care much for taking photos of the clouds (And if I had the shutter down, people think that’s a waste of window seat!). But that seems to be changing. I’m getting over my fear of looking outside and wondering why we’re so high up. But I’m also getting tired of getting out of the way for my husband to go to the bathroom . So these days I’d very much prefer a window seat!

who plans the travel in your household?

We both discuss ideas and options, but when it comes right down to booking the flights, hotels, itinerary – my husband does. Which means that more than half of time we spend it relaxing, and sampling restaurants. That’s his idea of travel – a vacation from real life hassles. I love a good mix so now I’m prepared to take up the mantle of planning our itinerary. Or am I really?  

how do you decide on destinations each year?

We consider a couple of things: Work trips, Family or social engagements, financial responsibilities, and very importantly visa! Trust me after all of these considerations, we’re pretty happy to go anywhere that ticks all the boxes. We’ve barely scratched the surface of places to explore so we’re not very picky!

how do you plan financially for your travels?

Oh we just dip into our trust fund left by our grand-parents. Ok, I kid. We save. We budget. And sometimes we just say “you know what, let’s go!”. Actually my husband says that more. I’m the money-savvy, excel-type-budgeter count-the-pennies type of person. But I need his YOLO nature to even things out.

YOU’VE GONE FROM TRAVELLING AS A COUPLE TO TRAVELLING AS A FAMILY. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT?

Phew. From the sheer number of items we’ve had to travel with (from strollers, to car seats to breast pumps and baby bottles), to not being able to indulge or engage in many activities because you have a baby with you. It’s not so easy to just plan out an itinerary that’s baby friendly, but we find a semblance of balance.

MY BEST TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH A BABY ARE..​

1. Get a backpack diaper bag and a stroller that fits into the cabin.
2. Also don’t worry about upsetting other travellers. They’d understand. And even if they don’t – it’s not like anyone was born an adult.
3. Don’t pack too many toys – babies are easy to please.
4. Take more clothes than you think you’ll need. It’s amazing how they run out of those things.
5. If possible, make sure you check for a nearby hospital or clinic in the event of an emergency.
6. Order nappies (diapers) and wipes at your destination if you can, so you don’t fill up your luggage with this.
7. Take a nanny or help with you if you can afford it!

I planned to travel with our son when he was five weeks so I did a ton of research, here’s a link to a post I wrote with tips for travelling with a new born! 

MY TRAVEL STYLE IS:

My real travel style is  – luxury please. But until I can really afford that, mid range will do. I guess. I don’t think you’d catch me backpacking.

The one trip i’m looking forward to in 2019 is:

A baecation anywhere warm and preferably with a beach! In 2018, all I wanted as a new mum was a family holiday. Well, after three family trips that didn’t feel much like a holiday, I’m ready for just one of my husband and I, thank you. I’m curious about a solo trip even though I think I will stay in bed all day, but everyone thinks it’s a must-do so I’ll like to try that. Finally, I really want a girls’ trip. My friends and I have been hoping for a trip to Malta for more than 10 years. Is 2019 the year it happens? Who knows.

HOW DO YOU KEEP BOSSING IT AT YOUR CAREER, BLOGGING, BEING NEW-ISH PARENTS, AND OTHER VENTURES WHILE MAKING TRAVEL A PART OF YOUR LIFE AS A FAMILY?

Juggle. Support. Husband. I don’t always feel like I’m bossing it everywhere, but I’m thankful for the support I have – that makes a huge difference to me.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you to our Travfessional, Kachi for sharing their take on travel especially as non-travel bloggers or vloggers! I love how Kachi quickly dished out 7 tips on travelling with a baby (plus a link to a blog post) and also talked about travelling along on some of Tee’s international business trips. These are the three main reasons I wanted to get and share their perspective. 

Keep up with Kachi on the instagram @kacheetee here and binge read her lifestyle blog here. The content is amazing and varied, I promise. I’m so impressed at how she does it!

Do you agree that Kachi and Tola definitely fit the bill for this Travfessional series? I hope you do! 

Thank you for reading, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below. 

Till next week,

Dee (Ms. Heels)