The 39-year-old has toured CocoCay Island in Bahamas, Lake Como, the rich man’s playground in Italy and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.
She started travelling six years ago to tick exotic destinations off her bucket list.
She says there is a huge misconception that travelling the world is very costly or exclusive to the wealthy.
Which exotic destination is on your bucket list? Croatia, Montenegro, Bahamas, perhaps?
Many people yearn to explore under-the-radar destinations but some would be hesitant to check into little-known Velaa Private Island in Maldives, for instance, or travel to Lima (Peru) on a budget.
Sally Gachunji, a Kenyan based in the US who has toured 31 countries and counting, says with GPS/travel apps, it is very easy to navigate new destinations.
‘‘People are inherently good around the world than expected. They will be willing to direct you where you need to go despite the language barrier,’’ she says.
Sally travels solo. The 39-year-old has toured CocoCay Island in Bahamas, Lake Como, the rich man’s playground in Italy, Ocho Rios in Jamaica, she has seen the Smoky Mountains and been to Lake Lanier Islands, both in the US, and she the plans to add more destinations each year.
She started travelling six years ago to tick exotic destinations off her bucket list. Then she stopped ticking and started scouring the earth, exploring breathtaking destinations with great deals.
‘‘I travelled to Barcelona for a weekend because I found an incredibly cheap ticket that I couldn’t pass up. I travel to unpopular destinations to forge my own unique experiences,’’ says Sally who went to Croatia for a short vacation, fell in love with the country and decided to stay for three months.
It is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts who love outdoor games like surfing, jungle-hiking, waterfall hunting and canopy zip-lining aboard the Windstar Cruises that travel through the Costa Rica and Panama Canal.
‘‘Initially, I had low expectations of Croatia. I was supposed to be there for a few weeks before moving on to another European city. This was after I quit my job, sold all my belongings to travel the world indefinitely. I loved Croatia so much that I ended up staying for three months, the longest I have spent in a place outside of Kenya and the US,’’ she says.
Maldives
‘‘The Plitvice Lakes National Park scenery brought tears to my eyes. Nature is a big reason why I travel. It gives you a new appreciation of God, the world and a responsibility to take care of natural resources for generations to come,’’ she says.
She adds that Croatians are also nice and their laid-back lifestyle can appeal to many travellers. Over 17 million tourists travelled to Croatia last year, but not many Kenyan have toured the city.
Simon Kabu, the founder of Bonfire Adventures, a tours and travel company that organises local and international trips, says most Kenyans are yet to embrace experimental travelling.
‘‘They are not risk-takers,’’ he says.
However, a growing number of Kenyans, especially honeymooners, have found a new haven— Maldives.
Mr Kabu says that about 100 Kenyans travel to Maldives every year through his company and pay from Sh150,000 to Sh350,000.
Maldives’ cuisine is heavily drawn from Indian, Arabic and Sri Lanka influence. Visitors enjoy Mas huni, shredded smoked fish with coconuts and onions, the island’s most popular breakfast.
Sally in in Venice, Italy (left) and in Milan, Italy (right). PHOTOS | COURTESY
Sally says in US, where she has lived and worked for the past 17 years, she gets two weeks of holiday per year. But isn’t travelling as frequently as she does expensive?
She says there is a huge misconception that travelling the world is very costly or exclusive to the wealthy.
‘‘I have been proving this notion wrong for the last six years. I have written a free eBook on how I am able to travel frequently and affordably. For instance, travelling to Croatia is relatively cheap and to make travel affordable, first, go during the low season, transport and accommodation will cost less due to low demand. Second, visit unpopular destinations which tend to be cheaper. Third, seek out alternative accommodation, such as Airbnb as opposed to traditional hotels,’’ she says.
Travelling cheap
Working in the hotel industry with Marriott International also gives Sally an opportunity to get discounts.
‘‘We are offered employee discounts at the brand hotels across the world,’’ she says.
As Sally plans to discover more destinations, she will continue travelling solo.
‘‘Solo travel is my preferred travel style. It is very liberating and rewarding when I overcome challenges like language barriers or getting lost and finding my way. I get to make my own schedule which leaves a lot of room for spontaneity. Travelling solo allows me to be more observant and a better opportunity to meet people,’’ she says.
She adds: ‘‘I am generally friendly. People like to show off their cities and I end up having free tour guides.’’
But really one is never alone even when travelling solo.
‘‘There will always be people round during excursions , while dining out. I never get bored. I plan out activities that fill my day. When tired I simply retreat to my room, watch Netflix or visit a local spa,’’ says the globetrotter who has visited Montenegro, which she loves for its Lovcen National Park that sits on a mountain and has been to Paris and London three times.
She says taking the train (Eurostar) from Paris to London and vice versa is the best way to the see both the French and English countryside.
‘‘St. Pancras International Station in London is a sight to behold and for any Harry Potter fan, it’s quite fascinating,’’ she says.
