Denye Ayah – Unlike Drake, our nomad of the week isn’t afraid to say YES to new friends.  The lack of a travel buddy is never a hindrance to his exploits. His open mindedness and big heart has fostered long lasting friendships during his solo travels. Instagram: @den_ye

When planning a vacation, what determines your destination of choice?

You mean “destinations” right? lol. Well I’ve never visited just one city when I’m on holiday; it’s always at least 3 cities. The first thing is the urge to see some place new and different; I have a long list of places so that’s never a problem. The nightlife, beaches, tourist attractions, fun activities, (not to forget- the different food choices) is usually a major determinant for my interest in wanting to visit a new place. It’s always hard to fit all this in one city, that’s why I visit at least three. I try to avoid shopping too much and when get tired of trying foreign cuisine, there’s always a Chinese restaurant to remind me of Jollof rice 🙂.

What is the one thing you cannot do without when you travel?

Definitely my phone. This really isn’t because of my need to take pictures (although pictures are really important to remind you of captured moments/memories), but because I need Google Maps for directions! Because I’m a solo traveler, i love to make new friends as soon as I get in to a city. Fellow travelers are super friendly, so it’s easy to start a conversation- and these new friendships come in handy when I get lost and need to find my way again. Lol.

Most memorable thing you have done during a holiday.

SKYDIVING!!!!!

And I’d describe how it felt in four simple words- Adrenaline rush of a lifetime….make that five words 🙂. To leap through the sky is the most liberating thing you can ever do. It feels like you’re completely free… and nothing compares to that exhilarating feeling of sitting on the edge of… the unknown, then charging from 13,000 feet through the air feeling the air all over your body while trying to ascertain “How do I feel???… I feel bloody great!!” and taking in your visual surroundings. Suddenly, it’s quiet and calm and you’re floating so peacefully down, where you really take in the scenery and absorb what you’re actually doing and feel really blessed to be alive and able to do something so special, and then finally to descend so elegantly on earth with so much calm and grace. It’s a fun and incomparable activity from start to finish and despite my description, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.

Every avid traveler has a travel bucket list. What’s on yours?

Skydiving, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Flyboarding, Para-sailing and food tasting (lol)

Where is that one place you HAVE to see in your lifetime?

My dream destination is the Maldives and with more than 1000 islands to choose from, there’s plenty of territory to explore. From staying in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island which has the first all glass under –the–sea restaurant and on special occasions, the underwater dining room is transformed into a private bedroom suite for two, then partying at the SUBSIX which is an underwater club where you can dance, chill out, and have cocktails while looking into the depths of the Indian Ocean. It’s an experience I would love to share with my future partner and I think this would be a perfect honeymoon destination.

Alright enough of the dreaming- lets snap back to reality. Lol
 

Favorite travel quote.

‘We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us’ -Anonymous

Travel tips you would like to share.

Do not be afraid to travel solo! I travel solo because it can be hard finding a travel buddy in Nigeria. I make friends when I travel, you’ll be shocked by what a single hello can lead to.