Pelumi Is The Solo Traveling Nigerian Woman Doing World Travel Her Way

My name is Pelumi Nubi, and I am a travel enthusiast with a mission to show that traveling can be easy, safe, and most importantly, doable, especially as a Black, solo female traveler. I migrated from Nigeria to the UK at the age of 10, which ignited my love and curiosity for travel. I have visited over 70 countries and my goal is to visit every single country in the world because I truly believe we live on a fascinating planet that deserves to be explored.

I can’t pinpoint when exactly I decided that solo travel was something I was going to make a major part of my life; it just sort of happened. I realized that I could do it. I did not need permission.  I could simply go to a new place, navigate new spaces, and meet new people. I wanted to do more of that without being restricted by other people waiting to be ready or finding the “perfect” time. I could just pick up my bag and go. I would describe solo traveling as a massive exhale. You are exploring on your own terms, and you choose what you want to do. It allows you to realize your full potential and helps you understand all the things you can accomplish. You become self-resilient and self-reliant. Solo travel is a gift that continuously gives. If you’ve been thinking of that solo trip that you’ve been putting off forever, this is a sign that you should go and not let your fears stop you.

I recently took a solo journey across 10 countries on the continent of Africa for 3 months at the beginning of the year. I was able to explore the eastern and western regions of the continent. I fell in love with almost every single country that I was able to visit.

However, I will say, one of the most memorable trips I’ve been on was my solo drive across Namibia. I rented a 4×4 and explored the country, driving more than 4,000 km. I cannot recollect the number of times I just said “wow!” It was exhilarating. The constant change in landscapes from desolate deserts to lush green regions. Wild camping under the stars to seeing the Fish Canyon, the second largest in the world. Such a joyful experience and I can’t wait to do it again.

I believe that our minds are our greatest asset, and the things that we tell ourselves and the things that we affirm in ourselves are incredibly important. When talking to other people, I always get asked “how do you travel so much?” I believe many people disqualify themselves before they allow themselves to experience new things and new adventures. I recently launched a brand called Comfy Trav, which offers a set of travel affirmations that affirms you during your travels. It allows you to positively reassure yourself that everything will be fine and that you are worthy and deserving of travel. We recently sold out but launch two is coming soon and I am so excited.

The feedback has been incredible with so many people saying it has helped to combat travel anxiety. When I travel to new places I positively affirm that new situation, hence I can address the situation, not from a place of fear but instead from my sense of belonging. Saying phrases such as, “I am wanted, I’m accepted, and I am truly deserving of being in this new space” have made a huge impact on my travel experiences, especially when exploring solo. I am currently in Jamacia hoping to cross into Mexico in a few days.

At the beginning of my content creation journey, I certainly made the mistake of focusing too much on getting the perfect image or video rather than enjoying my travel experiences. I was prioritizing content creation because my mission is to show people new destinations and inspire them to visit these destinations. However, at the same time, I did not want it to be detrimental to my own travel experiences. I came up with some strategies to help. For example, when I’m trying a dish or a new restaurant, I tend to use the first couple of minutes just to capture content, then spend the rest of my time being there and truly enjoy the experience. Alternatively, I just keep the camera running while I am having conversations with locals or during a particular activity, that way I’m able to simultaneously capture content whilst engaging.  

Mostly I try not to post in real time because of safety issues but also it allows me to enjoy the moment and later create the content in a more curated manner.  Honestly, it can be tricky constantly juggling the two but implementing these strategies has certainly helped me achieve my goals. I also encourage creators to take time off, just the same way you would do in a 9-5 job. You can also create these healthy habits of simply stepping away from social media apps. I personally enjoy “unplug vacations” or “posting free” holidays and by building an amazing following (or tribe members, as I call them) I am confident they will be there when you come back.

You can keep up with my latest adventures on Instagram as well as get your daily dose of positive travel affirmations here to enable you to truly lean into your travel dreams. You can also read my work on the blog for more detailed travel guides.

Related: Airbnb Integrates Safety Product For Solo Travelers