Elsie UdohIt’s one thing to want to ‘oblee’ this season, but it’s another for Nigeria to rise as the weapon fashioned against your enjoyment, because why in heaven’s name will a trip of only a few hours cost ₦38,000? If that is not next-level witchcraft, then we’re not sure what else it is.
But hey, this December must be dirty, whether Nigeria likes it or not. So how do you attend events, go out with friends, and still have something left to spend for the long ‘365 days of January’?
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWell, not to worry, we have some tested and trusted tips to help you end your December ‘outside’ even with those outrageous transport fares.
Why Ride-Hailing Services Are High This Season
It’s no news that during the festive period in Nigeria, the prices of things, including transportation, tend to be higher than usual but then the cumulative effect of this year’s inflation seems to make the case worse this year.
For starters, there’s the problem with fuel being too pricey and despite the ‘holiday bonanza’ reduction, the prices are still flying over the roof.
That’s not even all.
There’s also the hike in airfares and road travel fares, which has prevented most people from travelling like they usually would during this festive period.
How To Prevent Outrageous Uber Fares From Stealing Your Shine This December
Regardless of how expensive Uber fares are now, they cannot be the vibe killer to stop you from having the time of your life this season. We won’t allow that on our watch.
So here’s how you can pass the vibe check this December and avoid spending ₦38,000 on Uber fares:
1. Plan Your Movements Before Stepping Out
If you were not a good student of home economics in primary school, then now is the time to get your learning hat back on. Your planning process starts with making your calendar tighter than that of your snatched Ankara corset dress.
Let your ‘oblee’ this year have direction so that you can easily plan how you will transport yourself.
Start by deciding whether you’ll be visiting just one or multiple locations in a day. But here’s a piece of expert advice that you didn’t know you needed: Remember that you are trying to cut costs, so as much as possible, limit your outing to one location per day.
If you have to visit different venues on the same day, then they have to be within the same vicinity before you can attend both and spend the ₦38,000 once.
But wait, what if you did not even have to spend the ₦38k at all? Well, we’re way ahead of you in that thought and that’s why the next tips will show you how to do just that.
2. Fall In Love With Group Outings
If you were previously the type that valued your solo moments and liked to go out alone, then unless you’re related to the owner of Uber or Dangote, it’s time for a personality revamp.
You can start by calling your old friends randomly; don’t make the mistake of asking them to hang out with you if you haven’t contacted them in a long time.
Place the first call to ask about them and their well-being. Or you can even just send a Merry Christmas text message to let the person know that you’re thinking about them. Then you can now call to talk about attending an event or hanging out together.
READ ALSO: 100 Christmas Card Wishes, Text Messages, Greetings For Loved One
If you’re confused about why we’re asking you to rekindle old friendships, then the answer is not far-fetched.
Remember that the overall aim of this post is to help you have a detty December despite the high Uber prices, right? Now, paying ₦38,000 for an Uber ride may be overwhelming for you alone but if you go out with friends, then you can easily share this fare amongst yourselves.
For example, if you get three friends who are willing to hang out with you, then that means you all will be paying ₦9,500 each and saving ₦28,500. Wait, are you still even contemplating this mega deal?
3. Take Public Transportation
See, there comes a time in our lives when we just have to be very honest with ourselves even without anybody telling us.
It’s fine that you want to spend your December outside this year; in fact, we are solidly behind you but then don’t even think about ordering a private ride when your account balance is screaming ‘public transportation’.
Just stroll to the nearest bus stop and hop on an Okada or a Yellow commercial bus; they cost way cheaper than an Uber or Bolt ride. Although you might have to lose your sanity for like a few minutes to survive the rush to get into a bus.
Or deal with the oozing body odour of some people who fail to realise the use of even cheap deodourants, but then think of the long-term benefit this will have on your account balance. That’s more than enough motivation for you.
4. Party Near Home
You don’t have to journey from the Mainland to the Island before you can have a Detty December.
Forget the idea that the big events only happen on the Island, you can still ball right here on the Mainland without having to spend too much on transport.
You can attend a street carnival, visit a park at Ikeja, the mall, or just go for a walk with your friends. The idea is to be outside this December so find ways to do that even from the Mainland.
5. Bring The Party Home
Instead of going far to party, you can bring the entire vibe home by having a few friends over, playing loud music, and gathering yours and their ₦38,000 together to order food and drinks.
This kind of party is even more lively when you have that one friend over who is the life of the party or you could even be that person.
Just include a lot of games on the menu and party till Mama calls.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let expensive Uber fares stop you from having a Detty December this December and most importantly, don’t allow the plans for Detty December to leave you stranded financially in January.
Plan your moves, take public transportation, go out in groups for shared rides, party near home, or bring the entire party to your home. Whatever you’ll be doing, party smartly and have the perfect Detty December this year.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
