5 Questions with Rokhaya Daba: How this Globe-trotting Expat is Sharing her Travel Stories with the World
Q. What inspired you to start your travel blog?
Rokhaya:
The idea of traveling, meeting new people and interacting with different cultures was second nature to me. I was raised in France, to Senegalese parents- from an early age, I felt like this double culture helped me appreciate how beautiful and unique our customs and traditions are. I pursued my career and studies in an International Business School in France, and during my time there I became an exchange student, and traveled to Spain. This encouraged me to pursue my dream of traveling the world- I started slowly, collecting money for trips and finding gaps in my busy schedule when I could travel. And I never looked back after that. I’ve been to more than 70 cities and 20 countries around the world since the age of 16.
Q. Could you tell us more about your hobbies and interests?
Rokhaya:
Sure! I’m currently 30 years old, and like I said I was born and raised in France. I got a Masters degree in international business and worked mainly in France but my true passions were always traveling, dance, music, fashion and beauty. Lucky for me, traveling as much as I do means that I get to experience all of these. I started taking pictures on my travels to have a catalog of memories for myself, and started posting on my Instagram expecting no one would ever see them, let alone becoming a travel influencer.
Q. Could you share a few places that made an impact on you?
Rokhaya:
That’s a great question! I would say New York for sure- the entire vibe, it really is the city that never sleeps, and I fell in love with it the minute I landed at JFK in 2013. Growing up, NYC was such an integral part of the music and pop culture I interacted with, so being young and in New York was surreal. More recently, I would say the Maldives. I went 2 years ago and I think it was a turning point for both me and my instagram page, which grew globally
Q. What are some of your favorite places you have visited and why?
Rokhaya:
Hmmm, I mean apart from the ones I’ve already mentioned I really loved Miami. It was an unforgettable trip and I just loved everything about it- the vibe, the people, the beaches. I also loved visiting Cape Town, it’s such a beautiful combination of scenery from these stunning mountains to beaches that I absolutely loved. And Greece! I visited a lot of islands, I absolutely loved Greece. I know this list is getting a bit long but I have to end with Rome, Italy- it was the place I got engaged to my husband!
Q. What do you think your audience can learn from your blog and experiences?
Rokhaya:
I go deep into research and planning before every trip. I have my itinerary organized with all my ideas ready, so I don’t waste time looking for the best parts of the places I’ve visited. I like giving my audience a glimpse of every place I’ve visited, the restaurants, rooftops, and cultural sites so they know exactly where to visit. I plan my content so that my followers have an insight into what I do in a day in that respective place, including all my top travel tips and thoughts.
