Elsie UdohAre you planning a trip back home? That’s great news! It’s amazing to finally be able to reunite with your loved ones, hug them, enjoy the taste of home-cooked meals, and catch up with familiar sights and sounds. Nothing beats that feeling.
But then, whether it’s your first visit in a while or just another trip, planning a trip back to Nigeria can be overwhelming, and sometimes, no matter how careful you are, some very important things might end up being overlooked or you might get stuck making last-minute decisions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWe know something that can help and ensure that you do not leave anything out, especially not that gift for that special someone. The efficient help you need is a travel checklist. Having a well-thought-out travel checklist will make all the difference, helping you to plan right and we have everything you need to build one provided for you here in this post.
Why You Need a Travel Checklist
Travelling home requires thorough preparation. If not, a lot of things could go wrong. Imagine being overly stressed and thinking you’re finally done only to realise at the airport that you didn’t take something along. That can be very stressful. But the case is different with a checklist; having a checklist ensures:
- You don’t forget essential items.
- You’re prepared for all situations, including emergencies.
- You avoid overpacking or underpacking.
- Your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.
So, do you need a checklist? Of course you do and we’ll show you how to build one to make your trip less of a hassle.
How to Build a Travel Checklist
Now, let’s get started building that travel checklist you need to plan your trip to Nigeria. This list has been specially tailored for you in the diaspora to ensure that you tick every box in your planning process and have a successful trip. Ready? Let’s go:
1. Verify Your Documents
The first thing you need to do is to confirm that your travel documents are up to date. There’s no trip without your complete papers so here’s what you should look out for:
- Check your passport’s expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months from your return date. If there’s a need for a renewal, then follow this easy guide provided here to get started on that.
- If you’re a dual citizen and hold a non-Nigerian passport, ensure your visa is valid. Nigeria has visa-on-arrival options, but it’s better to secure your visa beforehand to avoid complications at the airport. Again, see how you can do that here.
- Vaccination Certificate: Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. So ensure your vaccination card is up-to-date.
Here are some other key documents to include:
- Passport and visa (or both passports if you hold dual nationality)
- Vaccination certificate
- Return ticket
- Copies of travel insurance
- Driver’s licence (if you plan on driving)
Write this down on your list, and you can tag it as “important” so you get to it urgently.
2. Flight Booking and Itinerary
Next on the checklist is your flight booking. Book early to get the best deals and ensure you get an itinerary from your airline that includes layovers, baggage allowance, and any additional costs you might incur, such as seat selection or extra luggage. Remember to confirm your flight tickets and boarding passes, as well as hotel reservations, and driver’s license, if you’ll be driving.
Note: If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or children, go for direct or short flights. Some airlines offer special discounts or upgrades for Nigerians in the diaspora during festive seasons.
3. Health and Vaccinations
Health should be a top priority when planning your trip. Ensure you have the following on your checklist:
- Yellow Fever Vaccination
- Malaria Medication
- Travel Insurance
Pro Tip: Pack a small first aid kit with basic medication such as painkillers, antidiarrheals, and allergy medication.
4. Pack Essentials and Clothing
Remember that you’ll be going to a different climate and one that over time, you’re not so used to anymore so ensure to pack accordingly. Don’t forget essentials such as toiletries.
Use these tips to guide your clothing selection:
- Pack light and breathable fabrics, preferably cotton or linen for the heat. If you’re travelling during the harmattan season, then pack warmer clothes
- Pack your traditional outfits for special occasions like weddings or church services.
- Include casual wear like jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes for everyday wear.
- Pack sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sun which you might not be used to again.
Other essentials to include are:
- Prescription medication (if applicable)
- Travel-size toiletries
- Power bank for your electronics
- Mosquito repellent (especially if travelling during the rainy season)
4. Finances
You’ll need to have cash stashed to make transactions when you get home so make sure you’re prepared to handle money matters at home
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Have enough cash on hand for small purchases and tips, as Nigeria can be largely cash-based.
- Deposit money in your Nigerian bank account or open a diaspora account if you don’t already have one. This will make it easier to manage money, pay bills, and withdraw naira from ATMs during your stay. See how you can open a diaspora account here.
Pro tip: Change some money into Naira before you leave or at the airport. Alternatively, use a currency exchange service once you arrive.
5. Prepare Gifts for Family and Friends
One of the most cherished traditions when travelling back home is bringing gifts for family and friends. Your relatives will be expecting lots of goodies from abroad from you, so it’s good to plan ahead. Some gift ideas to keep in mind are:
- Clothing, perfumes, gadgets, or chocolates.
- You can give cash to older family members.
Pro tip: Leave room in your suitcase for gifts, as well as any items you’ll bring back from Nigeria.
7. Plan for Transportation and Accommodation
Make plans for local transportation while back home. This could include plans for pickup from the airport as well as for easy navigation. You can arrange to have a family member pick you up at the airport and when you get to Nigeria, use Uber or Bolt to get around if you do not have a ride. Also, arrange for accommodation, whether you’ll be staying in a hotel or in your house back at home. Have somebody confirm that the location is convenient and ready for you.
8. Local SIM cards and Communication
To stay connected with loved ones and access internet services, you’ll need to have a local SIM card, so consider getting a Nigerian SIM card from providers like MTN, Airtel, or Glo when you arrive.
9. Prepare for Cultural Adjustments
You might wonder if this is necessary after all, you’re Nigerian and not new to the culture, but then, you’ve been away for a long time, and although you’ve tried to maintain your “Nigerianness” abroad, certain things are bound to change, and you might need to relearn what you’re used to already.
Here are some tips to help you out:
- Attend festivals if they coincide with your trip to be reminded about some important parts of our culture and spend time with family and friends.
- Have a list of Nigerian delicacies you’ll like to eat before returning back abroad.
- Don’t miss out on attending a Nigerian wedding if there’s one coming up during your visit.
- Visit local markets and enjoy the fun of bargaining.
10. Review your Checklist
If you have other personal items and activities you’d like to include in your checklist, then feel free to. Make sure to review your travel checklist to ensure that everything is in place for your trip to Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
Planning your trip to Nigeria can be easier with your travel checklist in place. Remember what should be on your checklist? Let’s have a quick recap:
- Verify that your documents are up to date.
- Book your flight and confirm other travel itineraries.
- Have health and vaccination plans.
- Pack essential clothing.
- Plan your finances.
- Prepare gifts for your family and friends.
- Make plans for transportation and accommodation.
- Make plans to get a local SIM card for easy communication.
- Prepare for cultural adjustments.
- Review your checklist.
If you have all of these boxes checked, then you’re ready for your trip, and you can be sure that your trip back home will be a smooth, joyful, and memorable experience, allowing you to reconnect with loved ones and the country you fondly call home.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lags State University.
