7 Things You Should NOT Wear When Traveling Abroad (For Nigerians)

Almost every Nigerian gets super excited the minute they get their visa application approved. No matter the country they are travelling to: England, Pakistan, Dubai or even just Cameroun, they tend to make a big deal of it, especially when it is their first time travelling out of the country. After the excitement comes the rush of anxiety when getting ready for the trip, and the first question they usually ask is: “What should I wear?”

While this question might seem superficial, it is very vital as what you wear or do not wear goes a long way to determine how great or ‘not-great’ your trip would be. It might be tempting to dress fashionably for aesthetic reasons, but it also important to consider comfort and safety. To help answer the question on what to wear, Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking site has put together a list of what you should not wear when traveling abroad as a guide.

Tight clothing
While tight clothes might be fashionable, especially for women, since it emphasizes their curves, it is the not the best for travelling. Trips abroad usually take longer than an hour and within that time, tight clothes can restrict blood flow in the already-confining space of an airplane seat. Is the risk of deep vein thrombosis really worth it? It is best to ditch those skinny jeans or tight fitting top for natural, breathable fabrics .

High Heels
High heels have a way of adding class and style to an ensemble. Many celebrities and fashion icons are seen at the airport wearing heels, however, while they look picture perfect, they are mostly in pain. Heels are restrictive, uncomfortable and they have been said to cause a long list of conditions, from chronic foot pain to hammer toe. Aside from that, they have a lot of disadvantage as regards security. They do not exactly facilitate a clean exit in case of emergency and there is a huge chance you can slip and fall at the airport terminals.


Strong Perfume
A good smell gives a good impression, so, you might want to smell really nice on your trip as you would be meeting new people. You need to remember that smells (including seemingly nice ones) are intensified on a plane, where passengers are cramped in close quarters and stale air is recycled throughout the cabin. You may adore the scent Giorgio Armani Idole, but your seatmate could find it nauseous. A seatmate with allergies or asthma could have a reaction to strong perfumes. It is best to avoid smelling like anything.

Expensive jewelry/bags
While you might want to impress the people on your flight or the foreigner you would meet on arrival, dressing this way  might do your more harm than good in the first place. There is a huge chance you would attract the wrong kind of attention –  a pickpocket could  tackle you to steal your Rolex or Tourbillion on arrival. There is no safe place.  Leave your valuables at home.

Caps/hats
Most people tend to put on all sorts of caps when travelling abroad, either as a form of fashion or a way to protect their head & face from the harsh weather. While this might seem like a good idea, it really isn’t. Caps, especially baseball caps, scream tourist. You can opt for a stylish wide-brimmed hat (during the summer) or cloche/fedora (during the winter).

Bright Colors
Most Nigerians love bright colours. They like to stand out and be noticed, especially when they are in a new place. While travelling abroad however, it is best to stay away from bold colors and loud patterns, that way it is easier to blend in and not draw unwanted attention to yourself. Stick with conservative hues like navy, blue, tan and grey.

Revealing clothes
While revealing clothes are tolerated in most urban parts of Nigeria, not all countries abroad tolerate such. The last thing you want to deal with is being denied entry or people looking at your like you are a taboo when you have arrived a new country. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Men also should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops, especially in many Middle Eastern countries.