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Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, 21 March 2019

March 21, 2019

Flying for the first time? Tips and what you should expect


Flying for the first time; tips and what to expect


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.

Tuesday, 1 January 2019

January 01, 2019

BabsTours(2): A Trip To Zoological Gardens, University of Ibadan

#271218

Zoological Gardens, University of Ibadan
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

History of the Zoological Gardens, University of Ibadan

Actually the initial intention for the establishment of the Zoological Gardens in 1948 at the University of Ibadan was to cater for the teaching and research needs of the Zoological department of the University.



It however became a full-fledged zoo in 1974. The array of various wild animals in the zoo made it a center of attraction, which made it receive regular visitors.  Over time the zoo has gone through different phases.

There was a time the zoo was mismanaged and the animals began to die, thanks to the enigmatic leadership of Dr Aina Adeogun; a lecture of the zoological department who rose to the dauting task and drew the attention of concerned agencies and was able to ganer support to rescue the zoo. Reports have it Pas. E.A Adeboye donated millions in naira to the zoo.

With time the zoo picked up and has become what it is today-A Popular Tourist Site in Ibadan.

Animals of the Zoo

Birds: 

The zoo is filled with a plethora of different species of birds-from Owls, Hawks, Parrots, Geese, Vultures, Stork and many more exotic birds such as Peacocks!

However, the bird that caught our attention was the African Grey Parrot who mimicked a human voice. On our way out of the Zoo we heard calls of "hello" without anyone in sight, it then dawned on us that it was the Parrot saying the hello.

Parrot:
Geese:


Stork:


Ostrich:


Monkeys:

One the first things you would observe at the Zoo is that they have a wide range of monkeys of different species.






Reptiles:

Crocrodile:

Oh yeah! Crocodiles in their natural habitat




Snakes:



Carnivores:

The University of Ibadan zoological Gardens holds a wide range of carnivores.

Lions:



Scenes:








Other fun activities:

There's a swing section at the Zoo, but as you'd expect it's dominated by kids seeking to have fun. However, we still got to swing on one of them. lol

Also, you might be wondering when do we get to the food part? yes there are lots of places to get stuff to munch within and just at the entrance of the zoo.



Conclusion:

It was getting quite dark. We couldn't take pictures of the Sit-out's and Pergolas where you could have a hangout, meeting or a eat out.
Zoological gardens, University of Ibadan was worth the while. When next #BabsToursNG comes to Ibadan we should be here. Hopefully it's much better than this.

Long ass post right? lol Let me know your thought in the comment section.


Monday, 31 December 2018

December 31, 2018

BabsTours(1): A Trip to Mapo Hall, Ibadan

#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?

  • Attend a social event such as a wedding.
  • Attend a political meeting
  • Go sightseeing and take awesome pictures; which is exactly what I and Sinmi went to do.
The hill on which the hall is located gives yoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Our trip to the hall gives one an insight into the soul of the city. Ibadan is a lovely city.




What I love about Mapo hall

  • The colonial classical style Architecture of the hall; as a graduate of Architecture and history myself, I'm dazed by the beauty of this edifice. 





  • The building is well maintained. I actually loved the fact that the classical elements of the building such as the stucco used as wall finish is still been maintained. It was last renovated under the leadership of Alao-Akala(Former Governor of Oyo state).



  • The hall is air-conditioned! that's just great!