Hi, I am Trevor.
I am interested in culture, history, food, people, and places. Originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I am currently travelling to learn, examine, and document how COVID-19 has affected the African tourism and hospitality industry.
Photo: On the way to catch a bus to Lilongwe, Malawi. Taken Dudu Dube on Sam Hancock St, Johannesburg, South Africa around the Constitutional Hill Human Rights Precinct.
What is Rooots & Routes about?
My target is to visit 25 countries – exploring all the places you’ve heard of and even better the places you have not to show the diversity and beauty of Africa.
Learning about, examining, and documenting anything about Africa requires one to travel and immerse oneself through it. The regional differences cannot be undersold. To give a truthful, objective, and meaningful portrait of the state of travelling in Africa now; it was necessary for me to actually travel.
Why Am I Doing This?
When I started thinking and planning this trip COVID-19 struck, and life as we know it changed forever. At a crossroads of uncertainty, and with no plan, itinerary, or money I decided to take a leap of faith and travel across Africa with the aim to:
- Witness the impact of COVID-19 on micro, small, and medium enterprises in the tourism and hospitality sector.
- Uncover investment opportunities and showcase the pathways for careers, and learnerships within the fields of tourism and hospitality.
- Capture the experience of remote work across visa-free African destinations, offering insights into diverse work environments and cultures.
- Comprehend the demographics of current travelers in the destination I visit and their preferences, shedding light on their travel experiences.
- Explore how content is aiding tourism businesses and hospitality stakeholders in engaging consumers throughout the travel purchasing process.
Where Am I Going?
One of the things I have loved about my travels so far is that each place has been completely unique, with its own traditions, vibes, and typography. So naturally it is difficult to decide which place I will be visiting next. But like I said there is no plan.
My decision-making process of where to go over time has come down to a couple of things; COVID-19, Entry and visa requirements, the logistics of getting around, how much cash I have, the opportunity for collaborations, work, and of course, food.
How Can I Follow The Journey?
I am using the journey to document the experiences and people I encounter along the way and collaborate; try out new concepts; and ideas that make it easier to find information and book African travel.
African Travel Now
a daily podcast featuring travellers and businesses propelling African travel as the world is slowly reopening up.
There Is Always One More Paper
photos and stories of the people, buildings, traffic, and all the things in between that make up the daily lives of the places I visit.
Travel Directory
a growing resource that connects travellers to local tourism and hospitality businesses that I have encountered on this journey.
Visa Index
Whether seeking visa-free travel options or specific visa information, the Index ensures you're always prepared for your next adventure with the latest regulations and access to embassy/consulate contact details.
Tool of the week
Whether you're a business looking for efficient solutions or a traveler seeking tools to plan your next adventure, our reviews of the latest tech tools are aimed at enhancing your travel experience.
Where I Am Now
As I travel take pictures and document stories of people, buildings, traffic, and all the things in between that make up the daily lives of the destinations I visit.
How Am I Funding This Journey
I have funded this journey through bartering, remote work, sponsorships, donations, friends and family contributions, and my trip planning services.
The Travel Fund
With your support, I'll be able to complete this journey! All adventures are a personal affair and I want you to feel part of this journey.
Sponsor African Travel Now
Elevate your brand by partnering with me to reach engaged readers passionate about post-COVID-19 exploration.
Travel Planning Service
A trip planning service created to help travellers explore Africa with spontaneity and ease.
(c) The Travelling Studio 2024