Bethia Idoko: From Childhood Dreamer To Award-Winning Globetrotter

Bethia Idoko, an award-winning lone traveller who recently reached her 70th country milestone, sat down with Lucky George, publisher of African Travel Times, to discuss her adventurous journey and the challenges she faced along the way.

Q: Congratulations on visiting your 70th country! What inspired you to embark on such an extensive travel journey?

A: Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to travel the world. I spent a lot of time poring over encyclopedias just to read about different countries. So, when I finished university, I started to travel, and I have not stopped.

Q: Can you share with us some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had while travelling to these 70 countries?

A: One of my best travel memories was when I travelled with my siblings to Cancun, Mexico. Snorkelling in the very clear waters and feeding fishes of all colours was so amazing. Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert was also very epic.

Q: What motivated you to continue exploring new destinations even after visiting so many countries already?

A: The plan is to visit every country in the world, so my constant motivation is seeing how many more countries I’m yet to visit.

Q: How do you typically plan your trips to ensure you get the most out of each destination?

A: I always plan my trip ahead and everything I’m doing in a particular country before I visit. However, sometimes, when I arrive, there could be slight modifications, so I leave a little room for that. I Google the destination and basically plan off what I see. Travel is very visual for me.

Q: Have you noticed any common themes or similarities among the countries you’ve visited, or do you find each one to be uniquely different?

A: A lot of the countries in Europe are a bit similar even though with their own uniqueness. But visiting different regions of the world, I see the difference and diversity in culture, food, and behaviour.

Q: With such a diverse range of cultures and landscapes encountered, how do you approach immersing yourself in each new place you visit?

A: Each new country carries its own diversity and uniqueness. I usually can’t wait to experience it all. This, for me, is one of the most exciting things.

Q: What challenges have you faced during your travels, and how have you overcome them?

A: Recently I had a very bad experience with Turkish Airlines. I fell victim to deceptive marketing by the airline and was promised a hotel stay for my 21-hour layover flight, only to be denied accommodation upon arrival. It was a very bad experience for me, the worst ever in all my travels.

Q: Do you have a favourite country or destination that holds a special place in your heart, if so, what makes it stand out to you?

A: Zanzibar in Tanzania will always have my heart. It has some of the most beautiful waters, and the vibe of the country is so chilled, no rush at all. The Seychelles is also very beautiful; I’d love to visit again.

Q: Have you noticed any personal growth or changes in perspective because of your travels to so many different countries?

A: I embrace other people’s culture more with a lot of respect, and I see that we are all unique and different in our disposition to life. Your country is just a piece of the world, not the whole world.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering embarking on their own journey to explore the world?

A: I’d say go for it; traveling is such a beautiful thing, and it is very liberating. You learn so much, and your mind opens up in a way that a classroom can never show it. It’s one of the best forms of education that can only be experienced and not taught.

Q: Can you share with us the experience that led to Turkish Airlines denying you accommodation despite having visited your 70th country?

A: Recently I had a very bad experience with Turkish Airlines. I fell victim to deceptive marketing by the airline and was promised a hotel stay for my 21-hour layover flight, only to be denied accommodation upon arrival. It was a very bad experience for me, the worst ever in all my travels.

Q: Were you aware of any specific International Air Transport Association [IATA] rules or aviation regulations that Turkish Airlines may have violated in denying you accommodation?

A: Yes, according to IATA laws, no passenger should be left at the airport for longer than 9 hours without accommodation. They left me without accommodation for 21 hours.

Q: How did you handle the situation when Turkish Airlines refused to accommodate you?

A: I made a video and posted it, and it went viral. It was picked up by numerous blogs and social media platforms. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] reached out to me and summoned the airline, but nothing has been concluded yet.

Q: Did you receive any explanation from Turkish Airlines regarding their decision?

A: No, I did not receive any explanation from them, just a dismissive comment on my Instagram page when the post went viral.

Q: Have you encountered similar issues with other airlines in the past, or was this an isolated incident?

A: This is an isolated incident! In the 70 countries I have visited so far, I have always been treated with warmth and kindness.

Q: What steps do you plan to take in response to this situation with Turkish Airlines?

A: I’m reaching out to the necessary agencies and government bodies to demand accountability from Turkish Airlines. We should not be discriminated against as paying clients.

Q: How do you think airlines should handle cases like yours to ensure compliance with regulations and fair treatment of passengers?

A: Airlines should not sell layovers longer than 8 hours to passengers from countries where a transit visa is required. If they do, they should provide visa assistance and accommodation.

Q: Can you provide any insights into the criteria or processes airlines use to determine passenger accommodation in situations like yours?

A: I should have been given accommodation at the airport. Ethiopian Airlines provides a great example of how layovers should be handled, with complimentary hotel stays and transportation.

Q: Have you contacted any regulatory authorities or consumer protection agencies regarding this incident?

A: Yes, the NCAA reached out to me, but nothing has been resolved yet.

Q: What advice would you give to other travellers who might find themselves in a similar situation with an airline?

A: Speak up against discrimination and unfair treatment. Do not let airlines take advantage of you.

Q: Aside from traveling, what other interests do you have?

A: I’m a real estate consultant and head of business development for Giditraffic.

Q: What are your local travel experiences like, if any?

A: I have travelled to 22 states in Nigeria, and Nigeria is a beautiful country with amazing destinations.

Q: Since when did you start travelling?

A: I have been traveling for about 10 years now.

Q: When you are not on the road, air, or sea, what else do you do?

A: I keep planning my next trip, going to the beach, dancing, and researching countries and destinations.

 Q: How do you finance your trips?

A: All my trips have been self-funded from my jobs and businesses.

Q: Awards or recognitions?

A: I have had live TV interviews, received an award from African Travel Times Magazine, and was recently recognized as one of the top 100 tourism personalities in Nigeria