What Does "Two Sides Abroad" Mean?

Let me share a funny story to explain. During a trip to Dubai to visit my cousin, I was sharing my trip on Instagram - typical boujee moments like Aura Skypool, the Burj Khalifa, and Pier 7. A few days in, we booked a skydiving experience over the Palm (an absolutely surreal experience!). After posting the dive video, a friend back home messaged me, jokingly saying, “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, this was all in good humour, poking fun at cultural travel stereotypes. Growing up around diverse friends and family has shaped my perspective, allowing me to appreciate life from many angles. This openness shines through when I travel - I don’t stick to any one style of experiencing the world.

I like to prioritised the essence of a place over preconceived ideas of what I “should” enjoy. That might mean staying in a 5-star hotel and eating street food with questionable hygiene standards.

So, what does “two sides abroad” mean?

-  Blending Heritages and Challenging Stereotypes: It’s about embracing my mixed-race identity and challenging assumptions about how different cultures approach travel.

-  Openness to Experience: It’s about being fully present while travelling - stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging your biases, and finding joy in unexpected places.

For me, travelling isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the perspectives you gain and the connections you make along the way.