Welcome To BabsToursNG

I guess it is not too late to say a happy new year!

Welcome to 2020, the start of a new decade!

It has been 365 days round the sun and I am so glad. I am thankful for the lessons the process, blessings this year.

This was a pivotal year for me, I have grown in numerous ways, I have learned and unlearned. I am proud of how far I have come. I am thankful for family, friends and loved ones. I am grateful for life.

Cheers to a new phase! Cheers to increase! Cheers to greater feats!

Cheers to life!

Trust me doing anything for the first time could pose sort of a challenge, whether it’s driving a vehicle, trying out a new recipe or having to hold a baby. Doing anything new particularly outside your regular ‘culture’ could make you feel nervous and unsure.
Aviophobia: the fear of flying is something a lot of first time flyers experience, and it’s absolutely normal for you to feel a bit of anxiety.

“Throughout 2016, a total of 15,232,597 travelers passed through Nigerian Airports. 72% of these were domestic travelers, travelling within Nigeria and the 28% left were international, arriving or departing Nigeria. The number of air travelers increased by 6.3% between 2015 & 2016 as recorded by the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria(FAAN)” ~proshareng.com

The increase in first time air travelers has proven air transport to be the safest, your first time flying doesn’t have to be so stressful or scary. This is why I have put together this post to help you prepare for your first flight from my personal experience and that of others I researched.

SEE: My first time on board an airplane

    HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST FLIGHT

An average of 8 million people fly daily and at one point or another they have all been a first-time flyer, who really didn’t know what to expect. Flying could be fun as long as you are prepared.

Purchase a Ticket

First things first, you have to buy a flight ticket. A lot of people find it easier and cheaper to purchase tickets on an online travel site. Alternatives are to use a travel agent or call the airline directly.

You need a valid ID

A valid and current photo ID will be required when checking in and when moving through security, to be sure what form of ID is acceptable visit the airline’s website. In my own experience of domestic travels across Nigeria; a valid international passport, or national identity card or a voter’s card is acceptable.
Except it’s an international flight, an international passport is mandatory. Also be sure to find out if there are other travel documents that would be needed such as a Visa.

Pack your bags well

In my own experience of domestic flights, 50kg is the load space allocated to each passenger and if your luggage weighs more you would be charged more. In the US for instance most airlines charge you every bag you need to check starting at $25 and as much as $100 for additional bags.
It is also important that you check the airline’s website for luggage restrictions. This is also the part you want to double and triple check to make sure you don’t leave any  necessary item.

 Airport 2-3 hours ahead of your flight time

Most airlines regulations require that you have checked in by 30 minutes before your flight departure time. A faster way to check in when you have just a hand luggage is to check in online with your smartphone, this will help you skip the check-in process sending you straight to security.

Helpful stuff to carry along for a long flight:

Headphones
Hold some snacks along with you
Hand sanitizer
Fluid preferably water, stay away from alcohol
A travel pillow
Vitamin C
Comfy flip flops
Moisturizer
Sleep mask

HOW DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO FLY ON A PLANE FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Flying for the first time can be daunting or even exhausting, however knowing what to do expect would help you make your trip much more comfortable and easy.

Check in

Follow the signs and directions they would lead you to the check-in area of your airline. Here your boarding pass and luggage tag is printed.

Pass through security

Depending on the country and how their process is, basically you would be made to show the TSA agent your boarding pass and photo ID, then you would have your belongings scanned.

Approach your flight gate

To be sure of your flight gate, check the electronic displays it has all the updated information.

Board and Locate your seat

As soon as you board your flight quickly locate your seat, so others can board also. Place your hand luggage, carry-on or personal belonging in the compartment over you or preferably under the seat in front of you.

Safety Demonstration

Right after everyone is seated the flight attendants would start a safety demonstration-where the life jackets and emergency exits are located, also how to correctly put on an oxygen mask. Don’t be scared! It is likely you would not be needing them. The law just requires airlines to give air travelers this information.

Relish the rest of the flight

As soon as the plane gets airborne and reaches a cruising altitude, the flight attendants would serve food and drinks of which content varies depending on the length of your flight and always remember to be strapped in.

Landing

Near the end of your flight the flight crew will make announcements to get you ready for landing, keep your seats belts on even after the plane has landed. Wait for the seatbelt sign to be off before getting out of your seat. Grab your stuff and head for the exit.
If it is an international flight you would have to get your passport stamped by Immigration, then proceed to get your baggage and head for Customs.

Conclusion

Flying for the first time can make you nervous, however I hope this guide has prepared you to an extent of what to expect. Flying is fun! Trust me!
I should also add that all the information shared here is subject to change, it is important you stay abreast of current air travel policies.

I vividly remember my first trip on an airplane, well that's because it was June, 2018. I flew from Jos to Lagos on an Arik flight. To be honest, when I slept the last night I had no intention of travelling the next day but then it's me so........expect the unexpected...lol

I woke up the next day and was quite determined to be in Lagos that same day. With no previous flight experience because really I've not been so far away from home before.

See: First time flying? All the tips you need

All my life had been in the west till this point where I had to answer the clarion  call to serve the fatherland.

Yeah! so I needed to be in Lagos that day. Why? you'd ask, an emergency? Nothing really....lmao. I was just tired of staying in Jos for over 5 months without being home.

Well, so finally I booked online, I think my flight was slated for 2/3pm, well I read all the instructions on the e-ticket because really I had no idea what I was getting into. So yeah, they said checking in starts 2hrs to the flight time and you could miss your flight once checking is over. Me! miss my flight??!!!! lai lai.

Checking in for my flight

I was there by 12 noon. Did the whole security check thing with FAAN personnel-metal detector. I was suprised tho when I asked to pull of my shoes. In my mind i was like seriously! you guys, is this that serious??!! hahahahaha


Still reading? Don't give up on me yet

Well, I checked in, no problems, all smooth. Sat down at the waiting area of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos, Plateau State. Finally our plane arrived and I could feel that adrenalin rush.

Boarding a plane for the first time

Then the boarding process started and it all felt surreal. So I finally boarded the plane, initially I didn't know how the whole sitting arrangement thing works(Your sit no is already on your ticket). Lol! I must have looked really nervous. I guess it's not so hard figuring out first-time fliers, I could pick out one or two first-time fliers on my consequent trips. hehehehe!

The take off experience

This for me is arguably the best part of any first-timer's flying experience. We were told repeatedly by the captain to fasten our seat belt in preparation to take off. He introduced himself and the flight crew; informed us of the weather conditions and our landing time at Lagos. The air host and hostesses were all polite, corteous and neatly dressed.

Now, the airplane began to taxi on the runway, made some turns before it began to go very fast in readiness to take off. At a very fast speed the plane began to taxi and less than 2 mins we were off the ground!

So yeah! now I could relate with how them witches and wizards feel anytime they 'fly' lmaooo..

Felt like rapture! we kept ascending till we reached a point we were stable. Your guess is probably as good as mine. I was awake all through. The man beside me slept off already at take off. Lmaoo! that's how you know old time flyers-calmness.

We were served refreshment during the flight and in less than 1hr 15 mins we were ready to land, I should say via road it's 19hrs to Lagos from Jos. I guess that would help you appreciate the flight duration.

Landing was not as thrilling as taking off for me. We touched down safely ans really I was not at any point scared all through. It all seemed adventurous for me.

What was your first flight experience like? share in the comment section below.

#271218

Zoological Gardens, University of Ibadan
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

History of the Zoological Gardens, University of Ibadan

Birds: 

Stork:

Monkeys:

Carnivores:

Scenes:

Conclusion:

#271218


Mapo Hall
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

Okay, as part of our trip to Ibadan; I and Sinmiloluwa visited this iconic structure in the heart of Ibadan, and to be honest it beat my expectations.


Here is a review of this icon of Classical Architecture:

Located on the top of Mapo hills, and comissioned in 1929 by Captain Ross during  the colonial rule of the British in Nigeria.

Built on 5969 acres of land and surrounded by different roads, and its major entrance is facing Ogunmola street.

The cost of construction was estimated to be €24,000 and spanned a period of 4 years from 1925-1929.

Mapo Hall is famous for its seven columns symbolic of the seven hills upon which Ibadan was built. Over the years, Mapo hall had hosted major social and political events in Ibadan. (Wikipedia-Mapo hall)

What to do at Mapo Hall?

#221218

Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

This is where I called home for the last 8 months thanks to Nigeria's National Youth Service Scheme and before I could say Jack Robinson service year was over.

I heard lots about the city when I was coming, it lived up to some expectations and some it dashed. But in it all I had a wonderful stay in Jos.

See: My trip to Shere Hills

Met lots of wonderful people, grew! developed! challenging but was worth.

My #josexperience is one I'll definitely not forget in a hurry.

I'm leaving as a resident but definitely coming back as a tourist and investor.



Jos will always be home. <3

Special Mention:
Pas Mike Alagbe
Mrs Idah
Mrs Ogar
RCCG Royal Priesthood Assembly, Jos