We all have that imaginary wish list of destinations—some scribbled in the margins of our journals, others saved on Instagram collections we never revisit. But with the world opening up and travel becoming a form of self-expression (and soft life), maybe it’s time to dust off that list and give it a fresh, very Nigerian update. Yes, we’re still obsessed with Santorini sunsets and Moroccan riads, but these five destinations—some global, some proudly local—should be tugging at your wanderlust right now.
1. Yusufari Desert, Yobe
Nigeria’s Best-Kept Secret
You want something different? Here’s a plot twist: Nigeria has its own desert experience, and it’s called Yusufari. Far up in Yobe State, bordering the Niger Republic, the Yusufari sand dunes are like a mirage that turned out to be real. It’s raw, vast, and dramatic—an unfiltered slice of the Sahara. If you’ve been dreaming of riding camels in Morocco or dune bashing in Dubai, you might want to check your own backyard first.
Sure, it’s not yet commercialised, and you’ll need a good guide, maybe even a 4×4, but the adventure is the point. The quiet here is spiritual. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way possible. And let’s face it—being the friend who’s “done the Yobe desert” has bragging rights written all over it.
2. Florence, Italy
For the Romance and the Renaissance
If Lagos traffic and the daily hustle have dulled your sense of wonder, Florence is the perfect palette cleanser. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love again—whether with someone, yourself, or life in general. The food? Divine. The architecture? Ridiculously beautiful. The fashion? Timeless. And don’t get us started on the art—Michelangelo’s David is there, just standing around like it’s not a big deal.
Walk across the Ponte Vecchio at sunset or sip espresso in a centuries-old café. Florence makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting, and honestly, after one too many buka lunches in noisy joints, we all deserve a little bit of Tuscan magic.
3. Kano, Nigeria
A Cultural Powerhouse
Before you roll your eyes and say, “What’s in Kano?”—listen. Kano is not just one of Nigeria’s oldest cities; it’s a dazzling mosaic of history, craftsmanship, and colour. This is the city of the famed Kurmi Market, one of the oldest in West Africa, and the legendary dye pits of Kofar Mata, where indigo-dyed fabrics have been made for centuries.
However, beyond the history books, Kano is a modern and vibrant city. From the rhythm of Hausa music floating through its streets to the stunning embroidery worn by its residents, everything here tells a story. And the food? Suya, kilishi, masa, and miyan kuka—need we say more? If you’re the type of traveller who loves to see a place through its people and pulse, Kano deserves a firm spot on your wishlist.
4. Chefchaouen, Morocco
The City in Blue
This Moroccan gem isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but there’s a reason everyone who goes there comes back a little obsessed. Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is that one Instagram post that makes people pause and ask, “Where is this?” Everything—and we mean everything—is blue: houses, alleyways, door frames, even some of the cats look like they’ve adapted to the palette.
But Chefchaouen is more than its photogenic good looks. There’s a calmness in its air, a gentleness in its rhythm. You could spend the day browsing its souks, sipping mint tea with locals, or hiking to nearby waterfalls. It’s the kind of place that feels like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. And from Lagos, flights to Casablanca or Tangier make it relatively accessible.
5. Stellenbosch, South Africa
Wine, Vibes, and Vineyard Picnics
We love a destination that understands aesthetic, and Stellenbosch is that girl. Located just outside Cape Town, this town is the heart of South Africa’s wine country. Even if you don’t know your Cabernet from your Shiraz, you’ll appreciate what Stellenbosch offers: endless rolling vineyards, charming wine estates, and picnics that look like they were curated by Pinterest boards.
Book a wine tram that takes you from vineyard to vineyard, sipping and snacking your way through the day. Some estates even offer chocolate pairings, art galleries, and Instagram-worthy cheese boards. It’s chill, it’s elegant, and it’s surprisingly affordable—especially when you split a bottle with friends and toast to how far you’ve come.
