Travel Crush Tuesday: Shinta
Photo Source: Shinta and Instagram
Welcome to Travel Crush Tuesday!
Nothing brings us more joy than to see Black travelers living their best lives and Shinta takes the cake. The Luxury Travel Content Creator has been traveling globally since she was four years old and has been to over 20 countries since. This week Shinta shared with us the highlights of her travel journey, past, present and future. Keep reading to get to know our newest crush.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My name is Anastasia Aidoo, and I go by Shinta Brown for my brand and social media handles. I am a Ghanaian-American digital content creator and social media influencer with a diverse and growing community on Instagram (+10K followers) and YouTube (+1.3K subscribers). I primarily focus on lifestyle and luxury travel content with the aim of providing my audience with a unique, authentic, and interactive personalized experience. I also own an online hair, lash and accessories business called hairbyshintabrown.com. I hold an MBA in healthcare administration and am currently a PHD candidate in strategic communications.
Traveling and exploring known and unknown parts of the world is a natural escape for me. It sparks this innate sense of freedom and provides a natural therapeutic experience. I remember my very first travel experience like it was yesterday. I was 4 years old and my parents took me to England and Germany. The feeling it gave me as a young child that has stayed with me, was that of excitement and an indescribable sense of self-actualization. In many ways, I do owe my parents gratitude for the exposure and the privilege they afforded me. To be honest, it is not surprising that they introduced me to this lifestyle because they are immigrants, specifically from Ghana, and that is in the DNA of most migrants--we travel to pursue dreams. As a Ghanaian-American, I always cherished the times I visited Ghana. Like many of my travel expeditions, being back home in Accra, Ghana always feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. The local dishes that my mom made in the states even tasted better in Ghana. The people are nice and it just feels right to always visit and stay for a moment. When I am in Ghana, my sense of worry disappears. I say all of this to typify my travel ethos and overall sense of being. Travel represents more than getting on a plane to a destination; it is a medium for me to really embrace that wholesomeness.
How many countries have you been to? Which was your favorite and why?
So far I've been to 20+ countries and it's so hard for me to pick a favorite. Yes, I love Ghana and it is home but there is no destination that I continue to love and always want to go back to than Cape Town, South Africa. Honestly, words can't express what it feels like to be in this amazing African city. With so much history, including the making of an antiapartheid leader, Nelson Mandela; its beautiful coast lines; climate; people and affordability; Cape Town is hard to keep off that ultimate favorite of the favorites list.
My experience in Cape Town, South Africa was nothing short of amazing. I loved my stay at the Crystal Towers Hotel, a Marriott brand. Amazing customer service and an impeccable display of comfort, relaxation and treatment. All of that on a good budget; Trust me! I would definitely recommend everyone staying at least one night there. If you are coming from America or Western Europe, this place is definitely on the affordability list when it comes to luxury; the dollar, euro or pound go further. For example a half rack of ribs with fries and drink would literally cost you $10 there! (If you can't tell that I'm a foodie there's your clue lol).
The views in Cape Town are to die for; the mountains, beaches, safari and winery experiences are within close proximity. In fact, Cape Town and its vicinity are known globally for their wineries. The famous UN World Heritage site, the Table Mountain should definitely be on your list; it will cost you about $14--just don't buy it online but rather in person at the entrance. You can also visit the Cape of Good Hope, which is often labelled as the southernmost point of Africa--Wikipedia says is a common misconception by the way. Also check out Bo-Kaap, the colorful neighborhood that captures the achievements of muslim migrants. There is simply a lot to do, eat and experience; and trust me, I am already planning a trip there as I write this.
What is your most memorable travel experience? What made it so unforgettable?
Morocco was my most memorable trips. Although I only spent 24hrs there, it was the best 24hrs ever! Finding hidden night clubs through casino walls was mind blowing for me!
What is a travel tip you think everyone should know about, but not enough people do
Travel is possible on any budget; you have to simply plan if you are on a tight budget. My recommendation is always to try to pick off-peak seasons. It is often cheaper during the off-peak seasons. It is also good because you can avoid the rush of tourist crowds everywhere; unless you like that experience. Flights and Hotels also tend to be cheaper during the off-peak seasons.
If you had a plane ticket to go anywhere where would you go and why?
I would go to Fiji! The islands gorgeous beaches and clear, blue oceans makes Fiji one of the top places to go snorkeling.
Where else can folks find you?
To keep up with me you can follow me @shinta_brown and subscribe to my youtube channel shintabrown
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