Finding KTN News Anchor Zubeidah Koome's special

1. Favourite destination in Kenya, and why?

I make sure I have fun everywhere I go, I believe in making your own happiness and finding ‘your own special’ everywhere you go. However, I enjoy being out in nature with the animals in the parks most.

2. Any advice on how one should prepare before travelling abroad? 

You must be sure that you know what you are going to do and with who. If it’s a business trip or holiday – with family, friends or solo – the dynamics are very different. Either way, try to learn a few things about where you are going before you travel, it will give you an idea of what to expect, what to look out for and how to carry yourself given the different cultures. 

Doing your homework could also help you save money or spend better and have a richer experience because you will have planned what you are doing and get a rough idea of how much each activity would cost. 

3. How do you get around while holidaying abroad, public transport or taxi?

It depends on where I’m going and the activities for the day. For example, if you’re going for a night out, use a taxi. If it’s a city tour you can use the ‘big bus’. Moving from one country to another would be best by flight or train.  Public transport depends on the place you have travelled to, in Europe for instance, the metro service is amazing. 

4. Do you keep going back to the places you love or do you take a chance on somewhere new?

No. The only place I’ve gone more than once is Dubai and South Africa. But I don’t like going to the same place more than once, I love new experiences; and the world is so big, there are so many places to explore. 

5. Anywhere you're desperate to get back to?

I wouldn’t mind going back to Cape Town and Venice. 

6. One new place you really want to visit? 

Israel and Australia – I can’t pick just one. 

7. Some of your rituals to get comfortable in a new place?

I have to do a proper room tour. If I like the room and the bed, then I’m home. 

8. Thoughts on travelling solo?

I am a social person, I like travelling with people. And if I must go alone, I’ll make friends quickly, I find it boring to be alone in a new place. 

9. Are there instances in your travels where you have worried about your safety? 

Not really a safety issue, but I was very uncomfortable – I’d rather not name the places, I would like for others to go and have their own experiences. 

10. Fill in the blank, I will not miss …in my travel bag

Sunglasses and lipstick.

11. What do you consider in selecting a hotel? 

Location – It must be a safe place and have good proximity to the areas I’m touring. It should also be a place where I can walk freely around the hotel without too much hustle or commotion, and just get around easily. 

Rooms – Comfort is key. 

Swimming pool – This is mostly for my children though, it helps keep them busy and that’s how they love spending time. 

12. Strangest food you’ve eaten?

None I can think of. I’d love to experiment with food but I’m careful. I always find myself eating something that is very close to what I am familiar with. 

13. The most surprising thing you’ve seen or did? (While travelling)

I am a risk-taker when it comes to adventure. I like to do things that people wouldn’t normally do or shy away from. The only thing I haven’t done and look forward to doing is sky diving. 

14. Do you schedule most of your trips or let it be more spontaneous?

Most of them are scheduled. It’s always good to have a plan, especially for long trips. But local holidays are usually spontaneous, that’s the fun part of it. Sometimes unatoka kununua mkate unajipata Naivasha.  

15. Any tips on how to travel light?

It depends on where and why you are travelling. Sometimes it’s good to just pack enough for two or three days then go shopping and come back with loaded suitcases. Any woman would tell you no holiday is complete without shopping – that’s the fun part! 

16. Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met in your travel?

I have met and had one on ones with different presidents when travelling for work. I have also enjoyed meeting different characters in Disneyland during personal voyages. 

17. Biggest sacrifice you’ve made to travel? 

Well, I haven’t had to sell a kidney yet – but leaving my kids behind because they were too young to travel on long and tedious trips we were taking at the time.  

18. Most treasured Souvenir? 

Memories – spending time with my family is the most treasured gift and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Time with them can’t be bought and to be able to share these experiences with them is such a blessing. 

19. What advice do you have for people who want to travel, but feel financially constrained?

a). Start local.

b). Book early for better discounts.

c). Use travel companies for discounted rates.

d). Save and travel at your own time, there is no hurry – the world is not going anywhere, there will always be something to see and explore. 

20. How would you say your travels have changed you – personally? 

I have become more well-rounded as a person. I am more knowledgeable about other cultures, places, histories and experiences. I enjoy the learning experience as well, and I have a better understanding of the parts of the world that I’ve visited.

21. Parting shot?

Make each travel experience personal and unique to you. Don’t try to experience it the way other people did or go with expectations because you will be disappointed. Don’t travel JUST for social media either, it should be about memories and experiences, not showing off – of course documenting and sharing it will not hurt but that shouldn’t be the sole purpose.  

Zubeidah Koome is an anchor and political editor at KTN NEWS