5 Booking Mistakes Nigerian Families Make When Planning Their Vacation Abroad
…And How to Avoid Them Without Stressing the Entire Holiday
Travel should be a joy and not a jigsaw puzzle of errors, awkwardness, and avoidable losses. Yet, time and again, Nigerian families abroad fall into the same travel traps. And while we’ve all been there (yes, us too), here’s how to avoid them the next time you plan your family trip.
1. Prioritising Price Over Peace of Mind
“₦600,000 for a 7-night stay?! This one says ₦240,000. Let’s take it.”
We get it. Travel can be expensive. But the cheapest option isn’t always the best, especially if it means staying in a dodgy neighbourhood, arguing with rude staff, or discovering extra fees hidden in fine print. This also applies to flight deals.
Quiet Fix:
Choose bookings that offer flexibility, clear refund policies, and direct communication. Peace of mind is priceless when you’re travelling, especially with kids.
2. Not Verifying Check-In/Check-Out Times
You’ve landed in Paris at 6AM with tired kids. But check-in? 3PM. No early check-in. No warm welcome. Just eight hours to wander—jet-lagged and irritable.
Quiet Fix:
Always do a double take on your check-in times before you confirm. And better yet, confirm with the host/hotel a few days before you arrive. That message might save your sanity.
3. Ignoring the Location (Until It’s Too Late)
That lovely third-party booking with the “mountain view” is actually 45 minutes from the city. And there’s no public transport nearby.
Quiet Fix:
Use Google Maps before you book. Check walking distances to grocery stores, pharmacies, city centres, or embassies (especially important for visa purposes).
If you’re travelling with kids, aim for somewhere central—or at least connected.
4. Not Reading Cancellation & Refund Policies
Life happens, and so do visa denials, family emergencies, and changes of plan. But many Nigerian travellers book nonrefundable stays “to save money.”
Quiet Fix:
Pay a little extra for flexible cancellation. That freedom is worth more than the risk of losing your entire deposit if plans change.
5. Booking Through Third-Party Platforms Without Confirmation
We’ve heard stories of families stranded because the hotel didn’t receive the booking. Or worse—the apartment didn’t exist.
Quiet Fix:
After booking through third-party platforms, always message the property directly. Get confirmation. Ask a few basic questions to see how responsive and real they are.
Have a Travel Partner Who Takes You By The Hand
Booking platforms are great, but they can’t hold your hand. If you’ve ever tried calling customer service from another time zone, you know what we mean.
This is where some of our members say Hemingway’s makes a difference:
When Mr. Akinnubi arrived at his booked apartment in Canada, he wasn’t allowed to check in—he didn’t have his credit card on him (not for booking but as a security check), and the hotel wouldn’t accept third-party cards. Stuck, nearly out of cash, and alone in Toronto, Canada, he contacted MaryJane, a member of our travel team. We coordinated Uber rides, negotiated with the hotel, secured a refund (non-refundable booking), and rebooked him into a new hotel—all within the hour.
Mistakes happen. But they don’t have to ruin the experience. The more we learn, the better we travel.
Planning your next trip abroad? Start with confidence, not confusion.
