Toronto native Malaika Lue is a luxury travel designer for Jetset Squad and the owner of Hidden Gems Boutique. She has traveled to 39 countries and recently returned from a month-long trip to Africa, where she toured South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo, and Egypt.
Out of these countries, she says Kenya was her favorite.
“I loved Kenya the most, simply because of the breathtaking scenery, culture, and luxurious accommodations. My 6 a.m. game drive through Nairobi National Park was unforgettable. I got to witness all the animals in their natural habitat and the sunrise at the same time.”
“Another highlight of my trip to Kenya was visiting a magical beach town on the southern coast called Ukunda. It was perfect for my solo travels. I can’t wait to bring Jetset Squad with me next time.”
As a child, Malaika dreamed of traveling the world.
“Growing up in foster care was hard. I always imagined escaping. I saw different countries on TV and promised myself that when I grew up, I was going to visit them.”
“I didn’t have many opportunities to travel during my childhood, so when I saved up for my first trip to Jamaica at 17 years old, I knew this was the life I wanted to live. There is so much of the world I want to see and so many experiences I want to share. That’s what led me to create Jetset Squad.”
Malaika says her favorite region to travel to is the Caribbean.
“Whenever I travel to the Caribbean I feel the most at home. I am the most comfortable with the food and the locals there. I find that people are so free and welcoming in the Caribbean. The vibe is unmatched and full of so much love.”
On her most recent trip to Africa, however, Malaika had an issue with the law in Egypt.
“I was detained in Egypt for 24 hours for possessing my drone in my carry-on. It was the most insane situation I have ever been through while traveling solo.”
“I posted my experience via Instagram Live and was not expecting it to go viral. I was overwhelmed and very thankful with the amount of support from individuals on social media to help me get released from Egyptian authorities.”
Nevertheless, Malaika says her positive travel experiences far outweigh the bad, and that travel will remain an important part of her life.
“Traveling allows me to reset my mind and gain inspiration from different parts of the world. The pictures I post on Instagram don’t even show a fraction of what I truly see on my journeys.”
“That’s why I created a community for world travelers who wish to share these experiences with like-minded people. If you don’t have anyone to travel with, come with Jetset Squad and make forever friends while traveling the world.”
“We have an upcoming ski trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains called Jetset On Ice. It’s the perfect time to show everyone the hidden gems that Canada has to offer. I am also working on new group trips for those who want to live their best life in Africa, Guatemala, Vietnam, and so much more. We plan on taking over.”
“One thing that I am most proud of is my commitment to promoting Black women in luxury by offering one-of-a-kind pieces with Hidden Gems Boutique. I strongly believe that even in the most breathtaking places, you should stand out and be the center of attention during your travels.”
To catch more from Malaika, you can follow her at: @malaikalue.
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