Travel is one of Stephanie Yeboah’s big loves. As a journalist, content creator, body positive advocate and author, she has traversed the world extensively, from Europe’s prettiest towns to Caribbean islands and bustling African cities.
In the past seven years, she’s become a big fan of solo travel after deciding there really is nothing like discovering a destination in your own time and in exactly the way you want. Her unapologetically joyful Instagram account has amassed a huge 230,000 followers.
As she releases her second book, Chaotic Energy, she tells us about her most memorable adventures and shares her tips for creating the trip of a lifetime.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
The first trip I remember taking was going back home to Kumasi in Ghana to stay with my relatives. I must have been around five years old, and I have such a strong memory of the scent of the air in Accra; it smelled like charred corn on the cob (a Ghanaian street food delicacy), and sugar cane. I have fond memories of constantly playing in the sugar cane fields all day with my cousins and sucking on tiger nuts before dinnertime. It was a wonderful, wholesome time.
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What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
My most memorable trip was my trip to Matsushima, located within the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan in 2019. It was where I fell in love with hiking, and ultimately ended up breaking my ankle on the way down from an all-day mountain hike. I didn’t speak Japanese and my Google Translate wasn’t working, yet somehow I managed to get an X-ray and a cast fitted from a local hospital and then take the bullet train from Matsushima 230 miles south to Tokyo in order to get home. It was a very chaotic trip and it taught me so much! I love the merging of technology and ancient culture that Japan manages to balance so well, and I can’t wait to go back one day.
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Where or what is your escape?
My escape is definitely Saint Lucia. It’s paradise on earth.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
I would love to go to the Seychelles, specifically the Four Seasons Resort there. It’s been on my dream wish-list for a while.
What makes a perfect holiday destination for you?
I’m a traveller that is all about action and exploring. Ideally, my perfect destination would have a healthy mix of historical landmarks and national parks to explore, various activities I could get into and, also, aesthetically pleasing architecture.
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How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
My ideal afternoon would honestly be spent reading in the beautiful Reading Room at the Wellcome Collection museum in Euston, London. I’d then go for a bite to eat at the Monocle Café in Marylebone, and then hop on the number 2 bus for a scenic route home.
Best restaurant in the world?
U Cerveneho Pava in Prague Old Town, Czech Republic. Their Svíčková (beef tenderloin with cranberries and whipped cream) is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Utterly unreal.
Best place to go out-out?
I’m a fan of Port Olimpic in Barcelona. It’s a marina filled with loads of bars and restaurants, and I have fond memories of nights spent going from club to club, dancing the night away with strangers. Good times.
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
My fashion and lifestyle icon, Tracee Ellis Ross. I just love everything about her.
How do you recover from jet lag?
Admittedly not the best way, but through tons of coffee and melatonin.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
I love using my Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist spray – it’s wonderful for refreshing and hydrating my skin. I use the Naturium Peptide lip balm on top, and the Rituals Karma hand lotion.
Favourite hotel?
Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia. I also love the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland.
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Where to next?
I’m hoping to go to New York again at some point this year. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world.
What are your must-have travel picks?
I am in love with the Oversized Patrizia bag by Reformation; it’s a wonderful all-purpose bag which fits my laptop and even a spare outfit. A multi-country travel adapter plug is always a must, a portable steamer is super handy, and I always carry a mobile first-aid kit with me.
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FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND…
Hand luggage essential?
I use my hand luggage to store my camera equipment, as I shoot content when travelling. It contains my camera, my camera lenses, spare memory cards, and two tripods.
Packing: roll or fold?
Rolled up and placed in packing cubes.
Inflight book or film?
A cheeky plug here but my book, Chaotic Energy. I’ve had to read it several times over the last year when writing and editing, and I would tend to do this when travelling on flights.
Music or podcasts?
Podcasts. Historical and true crime, to be specific.
Time killer on a flight?
Playing Zelda on my Nintendo Switch.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Mango juice.
Bucket list top destinations?
Photographed by Agustin Diaz Gargiulo
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Anytime I visit the States I stock up on loads of Trader Joe’s products! They have the best snacks.
Beach or city?
I’m definitely a city babe.
Ultimate holiday treat?
A cruise, or a spa day.
Best post-holiday mood-booster tip?
Honestly? I sleep for a good two to three business days to reset my body.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?