Amina Vetum is a world traveler originally from Greenville, SC who now resides in the nation’s Capitol, works a full-time job and still manages to make time for her passion. I’m really excited to share the details from our most recent interview – so here goes:

When did you start traveling?

I traveled while I was younger, but didn’t really start to travel until I was 24.

What’s your favorite travel childhood memory?

It’s not a favorite travel memory, but the first time I flew on a plane, my ears popped so bad I couldn’t hear for about 3 hours after the flight. I was crying, my parents were scared and we were about to head to the emergency room until BOOM! They popped lol.

When did you develop a passion for traveling?

When I visited Guadeloupe in 2016 (my first solo trip), I realized that all I wanted to do was see the world. I dream about learning new customs and hearing different languages. Trying new foods and seeing new fashions are all things that make my heart race, yet slow down, both at the same time.

How many places have you traveled to (please list)?

Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Aruba, South Korea, China, Japan, Canada, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nigeria, Belize, Spain, Italy, Malta, and France

What’s your favorite place so far?

Nigeria, because it’s home, so it actually doesn’t count. Spain! I loved the fashions, the food, the people just everything. I feel like if I ever lived there, I would be my truest and best self there, lol.

What’s the most interesting/best food you’ve tried?

Most interesting food was shark in Iceland (It’s fermented and the most disgusting thing I’ve tried, BUT it was an experience!), and live squid in China. The best food was in Nigeria (Suya with agege bread), Korea (EVERYTHING), Montreal (Poutine) and Malta(fish and potatoes). And what makes it even better is all of these were insanely cheap & ridiculously fresh food!

Which country has the friendliest people?

Belize, by far! I felt the safest here, people spoke and were all around helpful. What’s your fav foreign word or phrase you’ve learned so far? Eonni (pronounced on-nee). It’s a title similar to “aunty” for Nigerians. It means big sister in Korean, and is a sign of respect. My friends Daisy, Minji and Suelgi (who I met when they moved to SC to study abroad) all call me this because I am older than them.

Hotel, Hostel, or AirBnB?

Hostel. As much as I love the luxury of hotels, I ALWAYS make lifelong friends by staying in hostels.

What’s the worst/best piece of travel advice you received?

If you can’t travel together, the relationship won’t work. I have yet to have a BAEcation, but I truly believe in this. I need to know you aren’t going to be that annoying person freaking out over every bug, over people’s living conditions and scared to go to the REAL part of whatever city we are visiting. Traveling is a huge part of my life and I plan on doing it until I die, so if you can’t be a part of traveling, you can’t be my husband.

What’s your top travel tip?

Don’t wait on friends. If no one can go with you, GO. You’ll wait for every waiting on others.

What place is top of your bucket list?

Dakaar, Senegal

What is your dream travel experience?

My dream travel experience would be based out of Spain, and to jet set every weekend to a new country (flights are super inexpensive from Spain), while making new friends along the way, drinking good sangria while getting a tan on a beach off of the Indian Ocean laughing with friends.

Would you ever consider being a travel consultant?

Becoming a travel consultant is my current focus. I feel as though I find a new part of me each time I travel, and I want to help others travel and find pieces of themselves as well!

What’s next for this Nigerian beaut? If you’re Interested in following Amina’s adventures check out her instagram page @aminawithoutborders. You can also visit her website www.aminawithoutborders.com to catch up on all of her exciting adventures  – hope you enjoyed!

XOXO