25th Bday in Ghana

As previously stated in my bio I decided to start a journey of exploring 30 countries by the time I turn 30. I turned 25 and decided to celebrate my birthday in Ghana, which is Country number 10. I wanted to go out with a bang for my 25th. What better way to do that than booking a ticket to Africa, specifically Ghana?

Prior to this trip, I had never been to the continent of Africa. While in college, my friends always talked about going to Africa or returning home to their native country. For my 25th birthday, since I entered a new era in my life, I wanted to celebrate it in Africa. This trip took me a whole year to plan. I’ve been talking about it prior to the pandemic, so I decided why not do it now before we go into another worldwide lockdown.

I started planning this Trip on January 1st, 2022, since my birthday is in December, which gave me and my friends plenty of time to save up, buy our tickets, and create an itinerary. This trip ended with a total of 6 wonderful women whom I truly cherish with my whole heart. My friends/ sisters took almost a month off of work, school, and personal life to celebrate my birthday and travel the world with me if that’s not love.

Ghana Visa:

The first step was applying for our visas; I sent out my trip invites to my friends in January of 2022 so that by July, I would know who was really going to Ghana in December 2022. Next, I sent out a to-do list. That included getting your passport if you did not have one already, getting your yellow fever vaccine, purchasing your ticket, and applying for your visa. We applied for our Visa on the official embassy website. This is where you'll find the most up-to-date information and visa application forms.

Specific requirements: Tourism Visa https://ghanaembassydc.org/visa/

Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Ghana.
Completed visa application form.
Passport-sized photographs.
Visa fee payment.
Flight itinerary.
Proof of accommodation in Ghana.
Financial statements or proof of sufficient funds.

Flights:

Tickets to anywhere in Africa were already expensive, and post-pandemic, they became even more expensive. The rule I always give myself is to buy your internal tickets at least six months in advance. I created a checklist and sent it to my friends of things we needed for our trips. I bought my ticket in May, which was fairly inexpensive. I bought a one-way from Boston – to London for $530 and then a oneway from London – to Accra, Ghana, with EgyptAir for $669. lastly, a one-way from Accra, Ghana, to Boston with Qatar Airways for $718, giving me a total of $1,917.

Accommodations/Lodging :

We booked a 4-bedroom Airbnb; some individuals may have doubts about Airbnb. As for me, I enjoy them, especially with a big group. I feel more like I am at home and less of a tourist. Since we were staying here for a while, we might as well settle in. One thing I would advise is to book your Airbnb quickly. I booked our Airbnb in July, and the ones that were closer to the city were all booked. A few of my Ghanaian friends warned me that everyone would be returning home for Detty December, and they indeed were right because all of the Airbnb we already booked. So, next time, I will be booking my Airbnb in January. I personally will not be attaching the Airbnb because we did not have such a positive experience with it, and the location cost us so much when it came to booking transportation.

Ghana Currency:

We landed in Ghana on the first day, our driver picked us up, and then we went to the Forex bureau to exchange money. We also changed our sim card; if I am in another country for longer than a week, I always change my sim card so that I can have internet and service when I am on the road. The currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)."₵". Most places use cards besides when I go to the market or buy items on the road.

Embracing Ghana:

Ghana was more than just a destination; it was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. I felt a sense of peace and safety while in Ghana, which was bittersweet, as it highlighted the yearning for the same sense of peace in my home country. This trip taught me so much and opened my eyes to what I value in Life. This was a well-deserved trip, and I am so grateful to experience this with the women in my life.

Ghana taught me to value the simple joys of life. The genuine warmth I encountered was eye-opening. Whether it was sharing stories with locals or immersing myself in the rich culture, every moment felt like a treasure. Ghana urged me to reevaluate my priorities, reminding me of the importance of human connection and genuine kindness. One of the most remarkable aspects of Ghana is its inclusivity. Whether you embark on this adventure solo or in a group, the experience remains equally amazing. Ghanaians are extremely caring and protective, making you feel like you've found a second home. Every interaction was infused with genuine hospitality, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

Activities in Ghana:

In the span of two weeks, we explored so much of what Ghana has to offer. From vibrant markets to serene beaches, every corner of Ghana had something unique to offer. We danced to the rhythm of local music and savored delectable cuisine and historical landmarks that shared the nation's rich heritage. I will do my best to list each excursion. Be sure to check out my TikTok @voyageswithrash for more details on the places we visited in Ghana.

List of activities

Farewell:

As I bid farewell to Ghana, I know that this won't be the end of our story. I know someday our paths will cross again. Ghana was more than a destination; it was a voyage of self-discovery, connection, and enlightenment. This journey has left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of the values I hold dear and the importance of genuine human connection.

25th Bday in Ghana

Recent Posts

Comments