Globetrotter with a Nigerian Passport – A review of Otobong Tom’s Girls Don’t Just Travel for Flowers

Title: Girls Don’t Just Travel for Flowers

Author: Otobong Tom

Year of Publication: 2025

Number of Pages: 258

Category: Travel

Ever been stuck in one of those WhatsApp travel groups where the excitement is high, plans go back and forth endlessly, but no one ever books a ticket? Otobong Tom’s Girls Don’t Just Travel for Flowers might just be the push you need to hit “leave group,” grab your suitcase, and set off on a solo adventure.

The cover and title might make you think it’s a lighthearted read about soft life and pretty sights, and yes, there’s a fair share of that. But don’t be fooled. Behind those dazzling Instagrammable moments lie tales of grit, growth, and the guts it takes to step into the unknown.

The book takes you on a fast-paced journey through countries like Costa Rica, Turkey, China, Luxembourg, Austria, and more. With every turn of the page, you’re uncovering new destinations and fascinating details, feeling like a seasoned traveler even from the comfort of your couch. The author’s vivid storytelling places you right beside the protagonist as you laugh, get lost, learn, and rise again. Though the journey is exciting, you might find yourself wishing each chapter came labeled with the country being visited, just to help you keep track or map out your own travel dreams.

Otobong’s writing style is conversational, like chatting with a friend who’s been everywhere and wants you to join her on the next flight. But then comes the reality check. The thrill of travel is met with exhausting realities like visa stress, airport drama, and the complicated passport power of being Nigerian. Suddenly, you’re not just reading about her journey; you’re questioning if you could survive the same.

The book doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous sides of travel, those moments of loneliness, confusion, and unexpected delays. And just when you begin to wonder what’s driving the protagonist to keep going, you’re reminded with powerful reflections and touching memories that stir something deeper. It’s in those moments of emotional pause that the real heart of the story shines through. There’s a reason behind the wandering, a story beneath the journey, and it hits home.

One thing readers might quietly wonder is whether the author actually visited all the places she describes. The details are vivid so vivid that you sometimes pause and think, “Did she really go there, or is this just masterful research?” But whether each stop was lived or imagined, the magic of the journey remains. It still leaves a mark.

Financial realities are another cloud that lingers. While Otobong hints at how the protagonist manages to fund her trips, it’s never fully clear. Is she from a wealthy background? Does she have a secret sponsor? You might not find the answers here, but the underlying message remains: with courage and planning, you too can make it happen.

In a refreshing twist, the author doesn’t forget her roots. African countries also get a spotlight. However, it would have been nice to see more emphasis on local travel within Nigeria, especially since it is the author’s home country, to better connect with Nigerian readers who may not have the means or desire to travel across continents.

For readers not naturally inclined to travel, the countless flights in the book can feel overwhelming. You’ll lose count of the number of destinations unless you’re really good with calculations. But as you move from chapter to chapter, what stays with you isn’t just the places, it’s the reflection. The reminders to live fully. The quiet invitation to stop waiting and start moving.

Girls Don’t Just Travel for Flowers is more than a travel memoir. It’s a personal manifesto, a call to action for women (and men too) to pursue life on their own terms, even if it means going solo. Whether you’re looking for destination inspiration or just need a nudge to step out of your comfort zone, this book is a worthy companion. A light read with deep meaning, it might just inspire you to pack your bags and maybe, finally, leave that WhatsApp group behind.

About the reviewer

Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial