If you have never seen the Hennessy-shaped Africa photo in my phone, don't worry—I will post it because THAT PHOTO WILL FOREVER BE LEGENDARY.
For years, my best friend and I had discussed wanting to visit Nigeria because we love Afrobeats and all things Diasporic. When I say, "outside of my Line Sisters and best friend, my friends are from the continent," I mean this wholeheartedly. So, getting to Africa was on our list, especially the West. With June being Black Music Month, I wanted to close out the month with a blog YEARS in the making. A trip that really sparked the Travel Bree that everyone loves now. The trip of all trips. Spending NY 2019 in Lagos, drinking Hennessy out of a Champagne Flute. And this would not be possible if it weren't for the Turnt Duo that is Chidi and Ugo at Discover Gidi.
The Prelude: Why Nigeria?
Prior to Lagos, I had been on group trips but not of this magnitude. Shockingly, it was because I had previously traveled with Chidi and Ugo on another group trip—shoutout to LCN and Cancun Jumpoff—that Lagos was even on my radar. For years, my best friend and I had wanted to get to Nigeria because, as Afrobeat lovers, we knew the best producers at that time were in Abuja and the artists were in Lagos. So, when the one-stop shop that is Discover Gidi presented us with the chance to go to Lagos to bring in 2019, a beast was born. Due to having many African friends from MANY countries on the continent, we knew that going to Lagos alone was just not wise. Even our Nigerian friends questioned why we were going. I must reiterate we went PRIOR to the Afrobeat phase of 2022, so going to Nigeria was still done primarily by those with direct ties to the country. The idea was still uncommon; people went for business and family, NOT primarily for leisure.
The Discover Gidi Experience
But with Discover Gidi, it was a simple 4(and a half)-step process:
Pick A Destination: In this case, Nigeria, but NOW they offer multiple trips annually. This process is the same for all trips.
Reserve A Spot: They offer fast and secure bookings with flexible payment options to reserve your spot. Monthly payment plans are available.
Purchase Your Flight: You have to get there! For Lagos, this needs to be done before you do anything else. 3.5 Visa Application (If needed): Not all Discover Gidi trips require a visa, hence the half-step. If your destination doesn't require this, then ignore it. (It takes about 2-3 months, unless you know somebody who can pull some strings, so plan accordingly.)
Enjoyment: Relax and enjoy the great experience with Discover Gidi as your host. Once you get there, it's time for fun.
Key Inclusions of the Trip
The trip isn't all-inclusive BUT is primarily inclusive. The following things are included:
Lodging at Host Hotel
Admission to Discover Gidi Events
Airport Transfer
Liquor at Select Events
On-Ground Transportation to and from Events
On-Site Support
Two Meals Per Day
Official DG Approved Off-Site Recommendations
VIP Sections and Entry at Select Events
Photography and Videography
Discover Gidi even got all attendees custom skirts for the women and pants for the men, which we wore to Nike Art Gallery one of the days, so we had to send our measurements in advance. However, outside activities and flights aren't included.
The Triple Cs of Traveling: Culture, Cuisine, and Community
Those are the markers for whether or not I liked a trip or a destination, and honestly, this trip is where they came from.
Dates: December 27th, 2018 - Jan 3rd, 2019
I still can't forget:
Moet had a collaborative event called PVO (Positive Vibes Only). Just imagine hopping off a 25+ hour flight after Christmas (because I had to leave my family Christmas night to fly to Chicago to meet my best friend for our flight on the 26th) and being thrust into a sea of bottles. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE. While I won't go into too many details, I will say the LINE-UP WAS IMMACULATE. Day parties, private dinners (Naturi Naughton and Bresha Webb somehow ended up at our dinner at the compound we stayed at—IDK how but they were), pool parties—it was crazy. I vividly remember one day when we thought we didn't have anything planned, and somebody somewhere got in contact with Chidi and Ugo, and next thing you know, I am in the club holding somebody's mixtape.
Cultural Immersion:
The Black American in me was moved the most when we took a tour to Badagry. The plantation served as a corridor for Europeans to carry slaves to new destinations in the early eighteenth century. Walking through the "Point of No Return," getting in that small rinky-dink hot boat on that choppy water, and then past the well they said used to be the stopping point where they would make the slaves drink "water" to make them forget their fate. It was emotionally overwhelming, but in a positive way.
To know me is to know I love a good museum or gallery on vacation. For one, it's usually free or cheap, air-conditioned, and beautiful. While in Lagos, we had the pleasure of visiting West Africa's largest art gallery, Nike Art Gallery, and we also got to meet Ms. Nike Okundaye herself. The gallery is her baby, so it was an honor to have her bless us with her presence.
Hearing "Ye" by Burna Boy in Lagos just hits different. Bringing in the NY, drinking Hennessy out of a champagne flute at the stroke of midnight, I can't explain it. As a person who loves all Diasporic cultures, my little traveler heart was happy. Would I go back? Yes, but not anytime soon as I want to visit other countries. However, if the opportunity presents itself and it financially makes sense, I sure will.
Practical Details
Flights: I flew from DC (where I was at the time) to Chicago and with my best friend from Chicago to Lagos. We flew on Ethiopian Airlines, and the flight was 2k.
Overall Cost: All in all, I want to say this trip was altogether 4/5k (and where this money came from IDK, but it came), but it was worth it, especially for a New Year trip.
Conclusion
Lagos, Nigeria, with Discover Gidi was a transformative experience, and it set the stage for all my future adventures. This trip was the birth of the Travel Bree everyone loves today. It was a journey filled with culture, cuisine, and community—the Triple C's that I now seek in every destination.
Whether you're an Afrobeat lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for an unforgettable travel experience, exploring Africa (and their other destinations) with Discover Gidi should be on your list. Especially if you are looking for a good group experience on the continent and to have fun. They have a fair share of partying, beach days, and activities exploring cultural and historic points of interest during your trip. So if you are thinking of ?
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