Let me share a funny story to explain.
During a trip to Dubai to visit my cousin, I was sharing the usual boujee moments on Instagram, Aura Skypool, Burj Khalifa views, dinners at Pier 7. A few days in, we booked a skydive over The Palm (easily one of the most surreal experiences of my life!).
After I posted the video, a mate back home messaged me, joking:
“You remind us you’re half white every time you travel.”
For context, my mum is of Nigerian heritage, and my dad is of Irish heritage. As someone of mixed heritage, I took it in good humour. He was making fun at cultural travel stereotypes.
Growing up surrounded by friends and family from different backgrounds shaped my perspective. It taught me to see life and travel from more than one angle. That’s why when I’m abroad, I don’t stick to just one style of exploring.
I like to chase the essence of a place over what I’m “supposed” to enjoy. That could mean checking into a 5-star hotel one day and eating from a questionable street-food cart the next.
Leaning into my mixed heritage and challenging stereotypes: For me, it’s about owning my mixed heritage and proving you don’t have to travel the way people expect you to — you can create your own version of adventure.
Being open to the unknown and new experiences: It’s about saying yes to things that scare you a bit, leaning into the unexpected, and realising the best moments are usually the ones you didn’t plan.
For me, travelling isn’t just about where you go. It’s about the perspectives you gain and the connections you make along the way.