Today, "Japa" seems to be in the air everywhere I turn, both young and old wants to "Japa". The word "Japa" is the new trendy slang for "emigration" in Nigeria. This simply means relocating to another country for greener pastures. There is an increased sensitisation to "Japa" in Nigeria today as the socioeconomic situation of the country is making a lot of people find greener pastures in other countries. As you're reading this, I won't be surprised if you are currently considering relocating out of Nigeria or you're on your way out already or even traveling tomorrow, this has become the new wave in town. 

However, you should know that it's not just by leaving the country, there are somethings you have to put in place and in order before leaving. Here are some tips i thought to share that you might not have considered before and i won't want you learning it the hard way ?.

1. You need a visa: To travel abroad, you need to apply for a visa. Getting a visa can be quite strenuous and difficult, depending on the country. For instance, in Nigeria, getting a visa is quite difficult because there are a lot of people trying to travel abroad. However, if you're persistent and smart enough, it's achievable. You should also know that when it doesn't yield the results you want, it's one of the sacrifices you have to bear even after spending money.

2. Be emotionally and mentally ready: You need to ensure that you wrap your head and mind around the fact that where you're going might not be all rosy and fun as the social media portrays these days. Relocating to another man's country can be challenging, so preparing your mind and heart towards what is ahead is necessary. You should also know that there are times you will feel lonely especially if you traveled alone, so you need to mentally prepare yourself for that emotional aspect.  

3. Be financially prepared: Please don't travel abroad without a financial budget. You need to know how to manage your finances, know the basic things about finance in the country you're relocating to so you won't run out of money due to mismanagement of funds. 

4. Know people: This can't be overemphasized, you need to know someone in the country you're relocating to before you relocate. It doesn't have to be someone you're close to, it can be a friend's friend or a colleague's family member, or a trusted pal you met on social media. This is just to ensure that there's someone to guide you through all you need to know before you get used to the environment. 

5. Set your goals: You should have a goal if you're relocating to another country. Do you want to go there to study or work? Plan it well, have a guide on what you want to achieve while you're there. Don't just travel without a goal because there's a big possibilty that when you get there, you might be distracted with other things that can overwhelm you and make you forget your mission and vision. Set your goals right! 

6. Accommodation: This is another crucial thing to consider when relocating. Do you want to rent or buy a house? You need to find an accomodation style that suits your budget. Finding the right place to live can take a lot of time and energy, that's why I would advice you start the plans on accomodation early! 

7. Health: You need to know your health status before you travel. You should know if you're fit to travel. You can do this by checking in with your doctor before leaving the country. Get records of all that might be asked from you in the country you're relocating to concerning your health. If you are the type who takes regular medications, you might have to stock up before leaving the country, as you might not be able to get prescriptions early in a new country. Note that health care is different in every country. Do the needful before leaving! 

​​​​​Conclusion
If you know you're already at the beginning, midpoint or concluding part of your "Japa" plans or you're already considering it as an option, you shouldn't joke with these highlighted tips. Save yourself the stress of ignorance and make your relocation a great and memorable one! 

Hey dear reader ?, Thank you for reading through ❤️. Do you find this post insightful? If yes, let me know in the comment section. Don't forget to like and share, Merci beaucoup ❤️.