By Frank Meke @ Mekefrank@gmail.com
Getting about globe trotting either for business, leisure, or adventure surely presents some hard economic considerations.
Globally, there are emerging economic hiccups, and most countries either shore up their trade , some on
massaged on tight belts and others like us in Nigeria, have to make do with economic pills particularly borrowing from international monetary funds ( IMF).
However, despite the economic downturn and challenges, people still must travel, and sometimes I wonder. My Ethiopian airline flight from lagos to Addis Ababa and on board to London was full to capacity, that if you know the carrying capacity of the airline’s airbus dreamliner 350 series.
Now, excluding the cost visa procurement process, if your flight get routed outside Heathrow, then you need to consider lots of options, and indeed, non of the options are cheap by any standard if you dare compare the exchange rates.
So much has been written about Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, two major entry posts into London, and I truly wonder if all the variables are up to the ladder considering the pockets of the Nigerian travelling public.
London city Airport in east London is not usually on the radar of Nigerians or possibly not on the route plan of most airlines out of Nigeria.
These are desperate economic times, so hard facts on the economics of travel, including hotels or short or long stay apartments, must be carefully considered.
So what’s the key look outs for today’s traveller from Nigeria? Connectivity, security, border post processing, and cost of accommodation and location.
In the UK, Heathrow presents huge challenge at peak hours and one can spend some time, just trying to gain access, particularly with the eagle eyes immigration team who sometimes frets when they sight the green passport.
Ethiopian airline flew us into Gatwick, same issue I tried to avoid getting to fly with some airlines, so how I got here is a story for any day.
However, I was surprised at the fact that I tracked through border post formalities here at Gatwick airport in less than five minutes. I was tired after a long flight to Addis from Nigeria and to Gatwick.
I didn’t particularly like the Ethiopian airline food on the Addis leg of the flight, but the service from Lagos made a little sense, huge sense.
Out of Gatwick in a few minutes, it got me thinking, but to pick my luggage took a longer time, though. I was heading towards London, East Ham, and need to avoid buses ( couches) and train.
Why do I choose airport taxis above other means of transportation? Cities change practically all the time and since I must take good pictures, I do take taxi just to enable me hunt for exclusive pictures without being seen but the cost airport taxis are getting outrageous out of hand and that’s if compared to our struggling naira.
Incidentally and unfortunately, our economy is being “Dollarised” and “Pounded,” which is in itself a huge source of concern and worry for us in the international marketplace
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5th, the World Travel Market ( WTM) kicks off here in the beautiful Excel near Customs House, Canary wharf.
Who’s here for Nigeria? NANTA is here , and so is Lagos and Nigeria. The bigger picture of Nigeria participation in nearly a decade out of the industry offerings showpiece will be seen, soon.
When next you plan to travel, please consult a NANTA registered travel trade professional. Why? Out there, when things unfortunately go wrong, these travel trade professionals will help treat your travel malaria.
Watch this page for updates on WTM, 2024.
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