One Trick to Travelling Smarter in 2020

‘Where do you find the time to travel?’

This is one of the questions people ask me about travel. In the past, I’ve written a post that talks about this. However, this time, I want to highlight one of the points in that post. I mentioned that I try to get my vacation days close to a public holiday. This is perhaps the biggest hack to travelling smarter, especially if you have a full-time job.

2020 calendar with public holidays in Nigeria

Public Holidays in Nigeria (2020)

There are approximately 14 federal public holidays in Nigeria this year. This means that, if you play your cards right, you can get up to 50 days of travel time – including weekends and assuming that you have an average of 20 paid annual vacation or leave days.

As a travel writer with a full-time day job, this is music to my ears! Currently, I get about 30 vacation days annually. So, I have up to 70 days to travel in a year!

2020 Calendar with Public Holidays in NigeriaI typically tend to travel further during the 2-day holidays. We have a number of those this year in the months of April, May, July, October and December. And when it’s a single-day holiday or one that falls within the week, I either take shorter trips or plan a staycation.

You don’t necessarily have to travel during every public holiday – I don’t. However, you can choose one and work your vacation or leave days around it to get more time off. April is one of such months that would be best for travel.

Abuja Kaduna Rail
Abuja-Kaduna Train

Best months to travel in Nigeria (2020)

If you take as little as 2 days off work, you get 6 days of travel (including weekends), 5 days off gives you 11 vacation days, 10 gives you 18 and the maximum of 13 days gives you 24 days including the May 1st holiday.

Similarly, you can apply the same logic to the public holidays in Nigeria that fall within the months of May, July and October. But be aware that these days can vary slightly. So, plan your vacation to accommodate these changes.

2020-Calendar-Public-Holidays-Nigeria
*Legend
Red - Public holidays in Nigeria (2020)
Blue - Weekends
Green - Possible days to request for a vacation
Orange - Holidays that fall on a weekend and are taken on a weekday

As for single-day holidays like the Worker’s day on May 1st, June 12th and October 1st, you can plan to take a shorter trip.

Taking a day off work gives you about 4 days of travel. If you live Lagos, this may be a good time to take a quick trip to places like the Benin Republic or across the country. By the way, isn’t it lucky how most of these days fall on a Friday?

Lagos to Cotonou Road Trip 2019 (8)
So, if you are looking for a smarter way to travel more in 2020, you should work towards optimising your public holidays and vacation time this year and beyond.

public holidays in nigeria 2020

What other hacks to travelling smarter in 2020 do you have? Share them with me in the comment section below.

4 comments

    1. Thanks Andy! Yeah, it’s kinda hard to take really long trips when one has a full time job with limited vacation days. One month long vacations are probably the best deal we can get 🙂

  1. Apart from planning short or long hauls for the holiday seasons, it’s quite important to keep an eye on discounts for flights, parks, monuments etc. A lot of them come up during holidays and festivities.

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

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One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕

Funny how life works out sometimes!
One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕 Funny how life works out sometimes!
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I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out!

It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed. I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out! It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
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In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi.

Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city!

In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation.

I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely!

Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi. Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city! In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation. I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely! Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
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Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in! It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂 In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end). If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂 And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀 #OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
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This country truly has it all! 😍

Lovely weather ✅️
Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️
Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️
Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ 
Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️

From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?"

Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
This country truly has it all! 😍 Lovely weather ✅️ Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️ Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️ Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️ From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?" Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
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If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out!

📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out! 📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
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The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
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Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂

If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year...

🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪
- Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha
- Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬
- Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid
- Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day
- Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day
- Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day
- Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day
- Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day

You're welcome! 😊
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂 If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year... 🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪 - Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha - Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬 - Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid - Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day - Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day - Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day - Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day - Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day You're welcome! 😊
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