The JJC’s Guide to Booking Cheap Flight Tickets Online with Travelstart

This month (August 2017), I got to explore Abuja with Travelstart Nigeria! I visited the city (for the third time) with my travel buddies, Fola of Folaswaka, Lola of Unravelling Nigeria and Mofe of Naija Nomads. It was our first girl’s trip of its kind and it was all shades of fun!

travelstart_crew
Shades of fun! Get it? Lol – I’m so hilarious! PS: Our shades were from Dapmod eyewear

Even though this was my third visit to Abuja, it was the first time I got to explore the city. But before I go into the details of what we got up to, I will talk a bit on our flight booking process.

Like I mentioned in this article where I talked about apps I use for my trips, I book my flights online whenever I travel and I love using the Travelstart website, not only because of the simplicity and ease of booking tickets but also because the tickets I find there are usually cheaper than what I see elsewhere, such as their cheap flights to Abuja.

For this trip, we booked our return flights to Abuja through the website and I’m going to show you how to book your own tickets in 5 easy steps.

Booking tickets on Travelstart

Step 1: Visit www.travelstart.com.ng. Select your departure and arrival city, your departure and arrival dates, number of travellers and click on ‘Search’

travelstart abuja

Step 2: Select the flights that best suits you and click on ‘Continue’

travelstart_abuja_flights

Step 3: Fill in the details of passengers travelling then click on ‘Continue’…

travelstart abuja details

Step 4: You have the option to customise your trip to include some of the products/services offered by Travelstart

customise

Step 5: Select payment method and fill in all the required information

travelstart abuja payment

If you have a voucher code, enter it in the text box provided and click on ‘Apply code’. You can only see the voucher block after your payment information has been entered. If you have entered a valid code, you should see a message saying ‘Voucher applied successfully‘.

PS: You can also check out this article on the Travelstart blog to learn more about booking with a voucher code.

travelstart abuja voucher code

And that’s it! You’re all set to fly! You get an email as soon as your booking is complete and your tickets come shortly after.

A seamless flight booking is the first step to creating truly enjoyable adventures. Because we booked our tickets quickly and easily on Travelstart, we spent less time worrying about our flight details and more time exploring Abuja. I’ll be writing about our activities within the city in the next post.

Do you ever book your flight tickets online when you travel? If yes, what are some of the things you enjoy and if no, why not?

34 comments

  1. Hi, lovely guide. I do have a question. Is booking with these agencies cheaper than booking direct with the airline?
    Was on a trip recently and booking with the airline was 15k cheaper than travel start fare.
    What other advantages do travel agencies have over booking without the airline directly.

    You inspired my recent trip and couchsurfing experience. Would write about it soon.

    1. Hey Tamie,
      15K is a lot! Lol, I guess it’s best to compare both prices and go with whichever suits your budget. As for benefits, Travelstart offers additional services like Visa Denied Policy, Cancellation and Refund Policy, Ticket Guarantee Protection, etc.. and I also like that I can compare (or even mix and match) several airlines in one place.

      I can’t wait to read about your trip! Following your blog so I don’t miss it 🙂

  2. Thanks for sharing and congrats on the opportunity! Can’t wait to read about everything else you got up to (Castle especially!!)

  3. Nice on Amarachi! It’s a good way to tour local destinations. Keep it up.

    1. Thanks Tseyi.. Travelstart also offers services for international trips, so you can use the website to book your flights.

  4. Keep it going girl. A good way to explore the hidden beauty of Nigeria. I should give it a go.

    1. Thanks Chima. You should definitely check them out. PS: you can also use the website to book international flights as well…

  5. This is so detailed, welldone!

    I’m a road tripper but I know now what to do when it’s time to fly😊…would definitely try them soon.

    And no, you are not hilarious 😒😂

    By the way, continue touring without me oh…I’m still counting it for you.

    1. Thank you Kay. You know I am hilarious – you know! Let’s plan a trip together sometime. I don’t mind road trips too

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️

In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️

🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️

🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option.

From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot.  You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜.

🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge

⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. 

A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link.

#explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️ In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️ 🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️ 🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option. From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot. You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜. 🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge ⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link. #explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
10 hours ago
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1/9
A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
24 hours ago
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2/9
If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰

When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. 

After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website.

However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️

While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰 When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website. However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️ While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
2 days ago
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3/9
Because, how do you do it? 🤔

I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲

✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension.

One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." 

In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this.

I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
Because, how do you do it? 🤔 I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲 ✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension. One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this. I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi!

🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro!

🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river

🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 

🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts...

#weekendtrip #nairobi
Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi! 🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! 🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river 🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts... #weekendtrip #nairobi
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃

#nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃 #nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you?

My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now!

🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer..

I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰

💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 

🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you? My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now! 🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer.. I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰 💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
He's the best! 😅🥰
He's the best! 😅🥰
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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