“When you don’t make funds like you used to before…“tum dum dum” *inserts Ed Sheeran’s voice” Maybe sapa has gotten you down on both knees and crushed all your hopes and aspirations for relocation and now the japa hustle seems like a distant dream without hope of coming true. All hope is not lost, here are a few places you can japa to without breaking the bank.
The Border Nations
Let’s tell ourselves the truth, we all know that this Japa hustle is no longer for the broke. With the fluctuating exchange rate, soaring cost of flight tickets, and all the protocols involved, deep sigh. I definitely won’t blame anyone who gives up on the dream of relocation. My dear, it’s not until you take a flight before you Japa. Take a bus to Cotonou in Benin and enjoy your international trip. You are abroad!
There are few countries like that; Chad, Cameroon, Mali, (Erm … .It’s advisable not to go to Niger Republic yet). Learn their language and all their cultural practices. Life’s too short to be sad about things you can’t control at the moment. Live, love and laugh.
Badagry
From its specialty museums to historic sites and walking areas/islands, Badagry is dotted with historical landmarks that serve as a grim reminder of our slave-trading past, in addition to being a border town. Visiting Badagry is a great way to (re)acquaint yourself with our Nation’s history and re-evaluate your reason for wanting to Japa. Have fun and enjoy the sights and sounds!
Japa In Your Mind
I’m yet to see anyone get arrested or billed for taking a trip in their minds. Bro, feel that winter in your mind! Good thing is, it can’t kill you. Enjoy the summer too, in your mind.
You know how they say what you give your attention is what you give life to. Not having enough funds in the bank shouldn’t stop you from dreaming about that desired destination. Read books about the place, download pictures of the place and make it your phone’s wallpaper/screensaver.
Think up ingenious solutions to the problems people face in that place. Just intentionally see yourself in that place and dream on (you know it’s free, right?). You never know, the universe might just gravitate that reality in your direction.
Village
Home sweet home! There’s no place like home and come to think of it, what’s not to love about a “vacay in the villa.” The fresh air, the reduced cost of living, the absence of noise pollution, the solitude, the nostalgia, life in the village definitely hits different. You might even happen on a fresh idea that would be a game changer. Ditch the troubles of abroad travels and japa to your hometown.
Go to a Friend’s
See that your friend that lives in a different state, now’s a good time to pay them a visit! The goal is to enjoy a change of environment without having to think about the numerous effects of Sapa.
Make a list of 10 friends that live in different parts of the country aside Lagos or the state you reside in. Then make a plan to visit and spend some time with each of them, if your job affords you the flexibility. If not, well you know what to do….
Declare a Country Wide Tour
Can you confidently say that you know something about every state or that you’ve visited every state in Nigeria? What’s your excuse? The diversity of the Nigerian people is very fascinating to see and you would begin to see people better when you realize the true essence of their culture. I’m not anti-Japa but given the economy of your pocket, just take a tour of your motherland! If finding your LOML isn’t enough motivation, let’s just say that you might find out that what you’re looking for in Sokoto is actually in the pocket of your “Sokoto.” So, happy travelling fam!
Virtual World Travel
I bet you didn’t know that we have so many multiverses in the virtual world. In fact, you can build your own world depending on what your fantasy is. A trip to the metaverse will surely give a different feel, probably better than what you get from visiting a safari.
Star Gazing
Take a trip into the galaxy, from the comfort of your compound. All you need is a blanket and your mobile phone(make sure to install any telescope app of your choice). With that, you are good to go. You could get a travel experience into the heavenly bodies. This is fun when you use your imagination and this might just saprk your interest and create a genuine curiosity about the constellation.
If you’ve exhausted all these options, and you still want to japa, then I recommend joining our “Japa Community” on Fusion where you can meet other japa aspirants like yourself and get updates on recent opportunities across various countries. All the best in your japa endeavours!
