See The World With Bisola Tijani

The world often feels impossibly vast, shaped by what we see in the media, what we read in books, and what we imagine. Yet nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand.

For many, travel is more than just moving from one place to another; it’s about stepping into new adventures, one stamped passport at a time. It’s tasting the food, hearing the music, learning the culture, and seeing how people live in corners of the world you’ve only dreamed of.

In the pilot episode of our See The World With series, we see the world with Bisola Tijani — a Nigerian travel and finance content creator based in Toronto, Canada. Bisola is passionate about helping people maximize their income and travel smarter, proving that the world is closer than we think.

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Hi Bisola, please tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Bisola WhizQueen, and I’m a finance and travel content creator based in Toronto. My mission is to empower more people to master their finances, enabling them to live their best life, whatever that may look like to them.

For me, “living my best life” means seeing the world: going from place to place, meeting new people, exploring new cultures. For someone else, it might mean buying their dream home, owning their dream car, or going on a family vacation. My goal is to empower people to reach that point of choice and freedom.

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Your eyes lit up when you mentioned travel. What does travelling mean to you?

As much as I love talking about finances, travel is my greatest passion. When I was younger, I used to watch endless travel vlogs on YouTube and dream of visiting those places. Now I get to do it, and it feels incredible.

I grew up in a family where vacations weren’t an option. My parents prioritised education and making sure we had food on the table. My first trip was to Dubai in 2019, and I realised then that money was the key to creating the life I wanted. Work hard, make money, and go after those experiences I had admired from afar.

Why Dubai? What made you decide on that destination for your first international trip?

Well, technically, Dubai wasn’t my first trip abroad. When I was in university, I travelled to Ghana and also went on a road trip from Lagos to Porto-Novo. But Dubai was the first trip I really count, because it was the one that gave me that life-changing realisation.

It was a group trip, and a fun fact — it was just two weeks before I relocated to Canada. I didn’t know what life in a new country would be like, so I wanted to do something memorable before starting fresh. That trip was my gift to myself.

Did travelling with a group change the experience?

Definitely, going with a group helped me see more, do more, and meet amazing people. That experience actually inspired me later to start my travel lifestyle brand, Sabi Enjoy.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and the world shut down, that Dubai trip stood out to me even more. I was so glad I took it, and it made me realise I wanted to create opportunities for others to see and experience the world, too.

Sabi Enjoy is such a cool name for a travel brand.

Thank you! For me, it’s all about enjoying life now, not later. As much as I prioritise enjoyment just as much as I prioritise my work, because at the end of the day, “all work and no play makes Bisola a dull girl” 🤣

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Anyway, if I had to describe travel in three words, I’d say: unique, fascinating, and inspiring. That’s also how I’d describe the world itself.

Every destination feels different, like stepping into a whole new universe. Each has something unique that makes me want to return, and there’s always an interesting story behind why people are drawn there.

What I love most is that every trip leaves me with at least one unforgettable memory. That’s why I believe people should travel as early and as often as possible. Don’t wait until retirement. These experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.

‍Do you have a favourite place you’ve been to?

That’s such a tough one, because I’ve been to so many incredible places. But Dubai holds the most sentimental value. It was my first real international trip, and it was also the first place I took my family on vacation. We had never travelled together before, so that memory is priceless to me.

Thailand is also one of my favorite places to visit, as is Cape Town. Cape Town is an underrated destination.  The first time I visited, I was literally taken aback by the beauty. It has everything: mountains, beaches, fantastic food, and great nightlife. You can find whatever kind of experience you’re looking for there.

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When you travel, do you live like a local or lean into tourist experiences?

It depends on the length of the trip. If it’s just a few days, I live like a traveller, sightseeing, checking things off, and soaking in as much as I can. But when I’m staying for two weeks or more, I settle into the city and live more like a local.

In Thailand, for example, I rode bikes everywhere and mainly ate street food. It felt authentic, and I loved it. I’ve realised that slow travel is more fulfilling and I come back refreshed rather than drained. With short trips, it’s the opposite. They’re fun, but they leave me feeling like I need another holiday right after!

What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a holiday?

I can’t count my upcoming trip yet because that’s going to be ridiculously expensive. But looking back, my trip to Cape Town really stands out. The travel company package alone cost me around $5,000 CAD, and altogether I spent about $ 13,000 CAD.

I’m going to Singapore soon, and I didn’t want to travel economy for such a long journey — 19 hours on one of the world’s longest flights, from New York to Singapore. I tried to upgrade my flight, but eventually couldn’t; if I could, it would have brought the cost of my next trip down to approximately $15,000 CAD.

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Nineteen hours? Is that really one of the longest flights in the world?

Yes, it is! It’s a direct flight, New York to Singapore, and it’s famously one of the longest in the world.

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So after spending that much, how do you decide what’s “too much” or “too little” for a holiday?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a universal cap. It depends on your personality and travel style. I personally value comfort and convenience, which makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Sure, I could have saved money by flying economy, but I knew I’d be miserable for 19 hours. I worked harder, earned extra, and paid for comfort because it mattered to me. For someone else, staying in hostels or using public transport might be just fine, and that’s valid too.

Ultimately, your budget should align with your values and preferences.

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What destinations do you recommend for affordable travel?

Thailand and Ghana are excellent choices. In Thailand, you can live really well on a modest budget. In Ghana, the exchange rate works in your favour if you’re coming from abroad. It’s about picking destinations where your money stretches further without sacrificing the experience.

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What tools do you use to manage money while travelling?

I rely on multi-currency accounts. They’re a lifesaver because they help you avoid bad exchange rates and make it easy to spend in different currencies. Honestly, I wish Pesa had a card; that would be amazing for travellers.

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What’s the most challenging part of planning a trip?

I’d say visas, especially if you don’t have a “strong” passport. That can be a big hurdle for many travellers. Beyond that, it’s the logistics,  coordinating flights, accommodation, and activities. But I’ve learned proper planning and good research make all the difference.

On the bright side, you don't have to do it all by yourself. One of the services we offer at Sabi Enjoy is Custom Itinerary Planning, so we can curate your travel experience and let you focus on your enjoyment.

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Have you picked up any cultural lessons from your travels?

Definitely, Thailand, for example, taught me so much about detachment and peace of mind through its Buddhist culture. It shifted how I see life. Now I’ve learned you don’t always have to hold on so tightly. That perspective helps not just while travelling, but also in daily life.

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What advice would you give to first-time travellers?

Do your research, but don’t overdo it. People will sometimes tell you a place is unsafe or not worth visiting because of their own experiences, but that doesn’t mean it will be the same for you.

Go with an open mind, budget wisely, and just go. The world is waiting for you.

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