Kola Adesina, a popular travel blogger, grew up in Belgium and is currently based in New York City. She grew up in Brussels, Belgium as the daughter of diplomat parents, so she has been traveling widely since she was a small child. A graduate of the prestigious Belgian university KU Leuven, Kola Adesina speaks several languages to communicate better with the locals in any city she visits.
Kola is particularly interested in the food and culture of each new city. She enjoys exploring new types of cuisine and is always open-minded about finding new favorites. When Kola visits a new city for the first time, she takes the time to visit markets and street festivals. She likes to understand the daily life of each city she visits, and she tries to spend as much time as she can get to know the local people.
Kola collects art and memorabilia from around the world. Her apartment could be considered a mini museum with mementos from her travels. She is particularly interested in textiles and uses them frequently in her home decorating.
She attends many cultural and arts events in the cities she visits. She is especially interested in museums, galleries, and concerts. Whenever she is in a new city, Kola makes sure to experience life as the locals do. She frequently stays in small bed and breakfasts. Her joy in exploring the world shows through in her beautiful photos and inspiring stories on her blog.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I love to find out what people’s daily lives are like in all the new places I visit. I do visit the touristy sites and famous places, but I spend a lot of time in markets and at street fairs as well. I like to get into the neighborhoods where tourists don’t usually go. I like to stay in small bed and breakfasts to get more of an idea of how the locals live.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Traveling is a lifestyle for me. Being a travel blogger is the ideal job for me. I grew up with diplomat parents, so we traveled widely starting when I was too young to remember. Growing up in Belgium, international travel was easy. All we needed to do was to get on a train, and we could be in another country in just a few hours. I have always been fascinated by the changes in culture from one country to the next. My parents fostered my love of culture and community. My first big international trip was visiting my grandparents in Nigeria.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I am going to New Zealand for the first time this year. I’ve always wanted to go there, and I’m excited to have the opportunity. I do most of my traveling around Europe, North America, and Africa, so entering a new part of the world will be fascinating for me. I hope to be able to experience some of the local Maori culture and traditions.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Be patient and be open-minded in new situations. You may be frustrated by a travel delay or a change in plans, but don’t let it make you angry. Use it as an opportunity to discover something you might not have seen without the change in plans. I once had a layover in Barcelona that turned into a multi-day affair, and while I was upset not to make it to my next destination, I decided that I would thoroughly explore the city. The food there is truly excellent.
Where would you like to go?
I would love to go to China. I am hoping to get to Beijing or Shanghai sometime in the next few years. Unfortunately, Mandarin is one of the languages I’m not familiar with, but I am going to try to pick up enough to get by. The deep sense of history and culture fascinates me.
Where would you like to revisit?
I would love to get back to Switzerland. We spent vacations there when I was a child, and I have so many fond memories of the country. The mountains are spectacular. The food can be heavy, but it’s delicious, especially if you love cheese the way I do. It’s a good thing I stay active whenever I can because I do love to eat.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I do travel alone. Occasionally, I bring a friend, but when I’m researching for my travel blog, I am almost always traveling solo. To immerse myself in the culture of another place, I feel that it works better to travel alone.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
London, Rome, and of course, New York City.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I travel light, in part because I need to leave room in my suitcase for souvenirs. I’ve gotten to be an expert at choosing travel-friendly outfits. The most important thing is comfortable walking shoes.
