Guide Archives - Simply By Joy https://www.simplybyjoy.com Escape the ordinary Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:46:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Keta, a colorful fishing city with history https://www.simplybyjoy.com/keta-a-colorful-fishing-city-with-history/ Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:14:30 +0000 https://www.simplybyjoy.com/?p=1403 Keta: where a fresh breeze and welcoming people will make you feel ready for holidays. During my stay in Ghana, I had the chance to travel here in order to prepare for the tourism program of Emo Foundation. This city is an amazing place to get some beach time and to charge your batteries on […]

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Keta: where a fresh breeze and welcoming people will make you feel ready for holidays. During my stay in Ghana, I had the chance to travel here in order to prepare for the tourism program of Emo Foundation. This city is an amazing place to get some beach time and to charge your batteries on a small getaway. I must be honest, it’s a great destination but I wouldn’t recommend traveling there for more than two nights.

What to do?

Fort Prinzenstein

Besides being a holiday destination, it’s important to point out that Keta is also home to a dark period of history. Fort Prinzenstein was originally built by Danish traders as a defense during the Sagbadre War but later became a place of slave-trade. It’s one of the many forts in Ghana where slaves were taken away from their families and were brought abroad without ever returning. Today, Fort Prinzenstein is a World Heritage Site that is partially destroyed by the sea – just like many other parts of the city that were destroyed by sea erosion 🌊 -.

Ps: big shout out to the guide of this historical place

Cape St. Paul Light House

Before coming to Keta, I’ve been recommended to visit Cape St. Paul Light House. It’s located in Woe, which is a bit out of Keta, so bear in mind that you’ll be spending some time and money on getting there (approximately 6 GHS one-way). This particular lighthouse was built by the Dutch in 1901 and is now still in use. To be completely honest, I’m not sure if I put it on my “recommended things to do in Keta” list – but just letting you know it’s out there. For a small fee, you’ll be allowed to go to the top.

The beach

Of course, the ultimate activity to do at Keta is to relax and enjoy the beach. Sunrise, day time or sunset, they are all good moments to be out and about on the beach. You’ll encounter local tourists, foreign tourists, fishermen, etc. At sunset, you’ll get the chance to enjoy a short while of horseback riding.

Keta Lagoon

Since we’re still on the topic of water… Did you know that the Keta Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Ghana? Unfortunately, due to climate change and human activity (fishing and salt mining), the lagoon has started to dry up. It’s possible to visit the salt mines, or just walk along the lagoon at some parts. Usually, your transportation will drive past the lagoon when getting into the city.

Where to accommodate?

In Keta, there is something for everyone. Whether you like luxury or sleeping in a hut: everything is possible. My personal favorite goes out to A&Y Wild Camp. It’s the perfect hideout spot located on the beach. This space offers several comfortable huts where you can escape the busy street life of Ghana.

The complete opposite of A&Y Wild Camp is the Aborigines Beach Resort, which I do not recommend because it’s far from sustainable and quite expensive. But hey, to each his own taste. I explored a more affordable hotel next to this resort, named the Keta Beach Hotel (-+ 70 GHS for a twin room).

Foodwise, you could either choose to dine at the hotel or go for street food. My travel partner and I discovered one restaurant which is very recommendable: the Cocobay Beach Bar and Grill.

Convinced to visit? You could consider to continue the journey to Ada Foah and Big Ada. Contact Emo Foundation to fulfill all your needs ✌🇬🇭

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10 IG-accounts to inspire your next staycation https://www.simplybyjoy.com/ig-accounts-to-inspire-your-staycation/ Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:26:45 +0000 https://www.simplybyjoy.com/?p=1263 Will we or will we not be able to (leisure)travel again in 2021? That’s the question! But what we can say with certainty is the growing popularity of staycations. And I’m guilty too! With this guide, I’m introducing my personal favorite Belgian accounts to inspire you for your next staycation 🇧🇪 (there is no order […]

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Will we or will we not be able to (leisure)travel again in 2021? That’s the question! But what we can say with certainty is the growing popularity of staycations. And I’m guilty too! With this guide, I’m introducing my personal favorite Belgian accounts to inspire you for your next staycation 🇧🇪 (there is no order of preference in this post)

@routen.be

For the outdoor‑freaks! @routen.be provides you with all the needed hike and bike inspiration in Belgium 🐑 Content in Dutch

@boeiendbelgie

This account has introduced me to many new places in Belgium and I’m very grateful for that! Check it out because you might be surprised about what this country has to offer 🧐 Content in Dutch

@erop.uit

When planning my next hiking trip I consult the @erop.uit page as it gives a clear overview of possible routes, along with the connecting points (wandelknooppunten). As lazy as I am, I love it when people share an all‑ready‑prepared‑hiking route online ☀ Content in Dutch

@fly_along

Her pictures, along with local tips and hidden gems, invite you to leave the door right away. This #belgianblogger is not afraid of an outdoor adventure! Content in English

@discoveringbelgium

Nature, castles, hotels, … every bit of information is summarized on their account and their website. I vouch for them! ✌ Content in English

@staycation.belgium

Since we are in lockdown, people start to find their way back to nature. This account has already given me lots of hiking‑ inspiration. Through posts and stories, @staycation.belgium gives a clear overview of outdoors trips 🌲 Content in Dutch

@katlovesostend

It’s only recently that my appreciation for the Belgian seaside grew. This profile is one of the reasons for that 🏖 Content in English

@belgianhiker

It’s thanks to the @belgianhiker that I’ve caught the hiking virus. He loves the GR‑routes, camping, and (of course) sharing it with you through his account. 🙌 Content in English

@hotspotsbenelux

Cynthia and Lars share their appreciation for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg through their account. Not only do they post aesthetic pictures, but also some background information about the place to be 🏰 Content in Dutch & English

@malinials

It’s no secret that I love Mechelen. And so does @malinials! Epiphani created this platform for millennials from or heading to Mechelen (with success!). Content in Dutch #2800love

I hope this may help you plan a fun trip to Belgium! Much to see and much to learn in this tiny country. Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path. 

Peace and love!

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