I haven’t blogged in a while and I haven’t had done one of these features in an even longer while. Anyway I came across this young lady’s vlogs and found her highly entertaining. So I decided to share as you know I believe in sharing, because you know sharing is caring. Ladies and gentlemen let me to introduce the entertaining Bonolo Ntlatleng.

Introduce yourself

I am Bonolo Ntlatleng, a corporate girly who works to live and fund her travels. 

Where around the world have you been? And where are you based?

I am based in Johannesburg and so far I have been to: Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Côte-d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Kenya, Reunion, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, Portugal, China and South Korea.

When did the travel bug bite?

It hit me in high school. I got the privilege of getting a scholarship to an international school, the American international school of Johannesburg, and there I was surrounded by teachers and students from 81+ countries. I could travel the world through mere conversations with them and that’s where I discovered that I want to fully immerse myself in it. I was also heavily involved in model United Nations debating which often meant engaging with global issues and representing countries impacted by those issues. Going to that school, coupled with these kinds of extra curricular activities, gave me a broader understanding for the world and a need to explore it as much as I can. 

When planning travel do you prefer apps or travel agents?

I don’t mind travel apps or agents. In all honesty I’ve only used one two agents since traveling and the rest I’ve planned myself through accommodation apps and such. I prefer an agent for convenience and good rates but it really depends on the destination.

What are your favourite travel apps?

Booking.com is the one I use the most and air ralo for esims. 

Do you have a preference between solo travel or group travel?

I’m a big fan of solo travel lol. I don’t mind group travel with folks I know ie friends. But solo for the win. 

What was your favourite travel destination?

Tough question.. I’d say Turkey, South Korea and Tanzania. Turkey because I got to experience a hamam for the first time and I loved exploring its history food and culture. South Korea because it felt very futuristic and Tanzania because I love the beaches, food and the people. East Africa has the best beaches in the world and it’s a stance I stand ten toes deep in.

Do you have any funny travel experiences or any travel horror experiences?

Definitely being washed like a baby by a man in turkey. The most bizarre but wonderful experience that birthed my travel show, To Go is To See. 

Any travel hints and tips for beginner travellers?

Do it scared and don’t wait for anyone. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you can lean on and trust yourself. To start off, go to a tourist friendly destination and perhaps use a trusted agency because that way things will be curated for you and you don’t have to plan the nitty gritty logistics. Then as soon as you’re comfortable with that, start planning your own trips, preferably in a destination that speaks your language. Once you’ve mastered that, add a destination with a language barrier etc etc. Before you know it, you’ll be comfortable and different corners of the world may feel like home. 

What is your dream destination?

Japan for sure! 

Your travel vlogs on tiktok are so entertaining, would you consider longform content on Youtube?

I really would. My issue is the technicalities around how to shoot them for YouTube you know? I think that’s a skill I still need to build. YouTube makes me feel like I need a whole team lol.