I went on baecation for my first wedding anniversary — here’s everything I wore and experienced

It was my first international trip, and we chose Togo and the Republic of Benin for a well-deserved baecation. From serving fashion looks to soaking in culture, this trip was everything. 

I’ve always looked forward to going on a baecation. In fact, it was probably one of the first things I told my husband when we started dating — we must take a big baecation at least once every year! Smaller ones in between, of course. Maybe a cosy staycation at a cute hotel or a quick weekend getaway to recharge. The lover girl in me lives for those intimate moments where we can relax, unplug, and simply exist in our own little world. Luckily, he loves it too, so a match made in heaven!

Growing up, international travel always felt just out of reach. There was either never enough money or enough time. Even when I started earning, the dream of travelling still felt distant. One day, I realised that maybe the best thing I could do was start small. The important part was just starting — from wherever I could — and making the most of that opportunity.

So, I reached out to my friend Amaka, who runs a travel company, and told her I was finally ready to break the travel jinx. She planned the most exciting, budget-friendly trip for us through her company, Voyagers NG. FX rates, date changes, and tight schedules aside, she made it work. Amaka is the real MVP for making our anniversary baecation so seamless and special.

No matter where I’m going, my travel plans always have to be on point. I don’t like being caught off guard. From mapping out my travel capsule wardrobe to packing all the beauty essentials, I’m always ready and buzzing with excitement. And for this trip — my first “big” baecation — I went all out. Here’s everything I wore, the memories we made, and how this trip truly changed my life.

Read also: The ultimate guide to navigating your first vacation together

Baecation prep: What it really takes to jet off in style

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A post shared by Wumi Tuase-Fosudo (@wumituase)

When we decided to take this baecation, the first thing I did was renew my international passport. I was a little ashamed that my previous one expired without a single stamp. I used to joke that it was just my “ID card,” but deep down, it stung. So, I headed to the Ikeja passport office and started the process. It didn’t take long — about a week or two. The process is much smoother now, but Nigerians can complicate even the simplest things. That’s a conversation for another day though. 

Once I got my passport sorted, Amaka sent a proposed itinerary designed to get us three country stamps in one trip. Yes, three! We eventually decided to spend three days in Lomé, Togo, and two days in Cotonou, Benin. These three neighbouring countries are a few hours away from each other, so we could cut down travel time on our return leg.

We paid for accommodation and transportation months in advance, which further helped us plan properly and budget better. I, however, advise making an advance payment if you can, as it takes off a lot of pressure. 

Packed, prepped, and our passports in hand

After packing our two boxes like a pro, we set out at 7:20 AM on the day of the trip in a private vehicle. We were four travellers minus the driver, which helped us split costs and save some money on transportation.

The trip remained smooth until we got closer to the border. I couldn’t believe how many checkpoints we passed. We must have crossed at least 20, possibly more. While most officers just scanned our passports and waved us on, the sheer number of stops absolutely slowed us down. Nigeria, we owe it to ourselves to do better. 

We arrived at the Seme border around 9:30 AM and crossed into the Benin Republic in about 20 minutes. Then came the money exchange, and the rates were absolutely mind-blowing. I’m still recovering. The rate was 1000 naira to 360 CFA if you had cash, and 350 CFA if you were doing a bank transfer. I almost shed a tear when someone casually referred to the naira as “big for nothing.”

Thankfully, we had some dollars on hand — it gave our spending power a small boost. Still, it was a harsh reminder that our baecation experiences could be so much better if the exchange rate worked in our favour. We were determined to enjoy our trip, so we continued to Lomé.

Read also: These budget-friendly travel hacks are all you need to experience luxury, no matter the destination

Kicking off the baecation at Marcelo Beach Club, Lomé

The road trip to Lomé from the Benin Republic border took about three hours. We passed through Ouidah and other cities along the way, soaking in the scenery. The air felt different — lighter, maybe even calmer — but visually, the streets reminded me of Nigeria. Same hustle, same layouts, but one thing stood out: the people.

The bikes moved in sync. Everyone wore helmets, followed traffic rules, and respected the road. The behaviour shocked the Lagos girl in me. This is still West Africa, so why can’t we have this level of calm and coordination, too?

I couldn’t stop looking out the window, making videos of cool spots and taking mental notes of how different everything felt. I was so excited that I couldn’t even nap properly. Maybe it was the travel-newbie nerves, or maybe it was pure joy. Either way, I was in my zone.

We arrived at our first stop, Marcelo Beach Club, a little after 2 PM, and, our baecation officially began. As soon as we stepped out, I felt something shift. The air, the breeze, the sound of the waves. It felt like my soul finally took a deep breath. This was the break I didn’t know I needed until that moment.

We checked into our room, and I was instantly obsessed. The space was warm and inviting, filled with wood and earthy tones; no cold, minimalist white walls. It felt cosy, personal, and just perfect for a romantic getaway. The natural light hit all the right spots (content girlies, you get it), and before I could settle, my mind was already on the beach.

So we did what any self-respecting beach-loving couple would do: changed into our swimwear and ran straight to the water.

Style moments and itinerary highlights that made Lomé unforgettable

When I was putting my baecation outfits together, comfort was a priority for me as usual, but I also focused on bright colours. I wanted vibrant looks that would pop beautifully on my dark skin. I love neutrals, but I find them boring for holidays. It’s baecation, you’re meant to do “too much!”

Straight to the beach

The moment we settled in, I changed into a cobalt blue bikini with a black cover-up, brown statement earrings, and finished the look with my beach bag and wide-brimmed straw hat. The hat was just for aesthetics. It was the perfect first holiday outfit.

The water sparkled the most brilliant shade of blue, and the sunset unfolded like a dream.  We soaked in the view, took pictures until it was time for dinner, and that’s when the magic of the “Petite assiette carnivore” began.

Dinner at the seaside restaurant introduced us to our first food obsession of the trip. The petite assiette carnivore — a curated mix of meats (we picked chicken, lamb and pork) — was grilled to perfection. Crispy, juicy, and best enjoyed with the house green pepper sauce that had just the right amount of heat. Served with fries and reasonable portion sizes, it was honestly love at first bite.

I still dream about that meal, so if you ever visit Marcelo Beach Club, you already know what I expect you to bring back for me.

However, we ended day one with full bellies and wide smiles. Our baecation was off to a perfect start.

Anniversary day – a chapter worth celebrating

We woke up feeling relaxed, just how a proper baecation morning should be. After soaking in a nice bath with the cutest bath bombs (everything was pink and dreamy), I genuinely felt like a princess. What’s a baecation without a little romance and luxury?

I slipped into a gorgeous Afrocentric two-piece set from That Purple Dot Couture. The halter-neck top and wide-leg trousers had all the details I love in a co-ord: structure, ease, and space for a food baby. The vibrant colour felt right at home in Lome’s soft morning light. I paired the look with gold accessories and kept it playful with a mini raffia bag — my new holiday staple.

We made it to breakfast with ten minutes to spare and devoured the most satisfying buffet. Afterwards, we changed into swimwear and headed back to the beach. My husband and I  spent the afternoon basking in the sun, splashing in the water, and laughing like kids. I was very intentional about keeping this trip pressure-free, and creating time for rest was my love letter to that promise.

After a nap and a few quiet moments, it was time for our anniversary dinner, and Amaka pulled off a setup that moved me to tears. The candles, the decoration, the details! It felt like a scene from a movie. I was completely in awe.

For the dinner, I wore a silk corset dress from Style With D. It was elegant, flattering and fit for royalty. I styled it with statement accessories that complemented it perfectly. We later realised we had unknowingly recreated the same colour palette we wore at our traditional wedding a year before. I live for full-circle moments like that.

Final day at Marcelo

Our time at Marcelo Beach Club was winding down, but we were determined to enjoy every last minute. We spent the morning exploring the property and soaking up the beach one more time. My outfit was simple: a basic green crop top, black shorts, a bomber jacket and sneakers for stylish comfort. I accessorised with the same raffia bag from the day before.

The day started rainy and a little chilly, but we had a hearty breakfast, and by the time we were done, the sun had returned. We strolled along the beach, took a few final pictures, and rounded off the day with a lovely dinner and live band.

Marcelo was an absolute dream, with stunning views, warm, wood-toned rooms, consistently great food and the kindest staff. Breakfast was always something to look forward to, and the service made us feel truly welcomed. I left with a full belly and an even fuller heart, already thinking about when we’ll return.

Read also: Hey, travel buddy! Your skin needs care on vacation — here’s how to adapt your beauty routine for different climates

Baecation destination two — the stunning Lake House in Benin Republic 

One thing this trip taught me is that flexibility is key when you’re on vacation. Plans can shift at any moment, and sometimes, you make the best memories when you follow your instincts. Originally, we were meant to head back to a short-let apartment in Cotonou to round off our baecation. But after the magic of Marcelo Beach Club, we couldn’t bring ourselves to settle for anything ordinary.

That’s when Amaka found the lake cabin. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to go. The scenery was unreal, and the only way to get there was by boat. Although it was pricier than the short-let, what’s a baecation without a little indulgence?

The next afternoon, we checked out of Marcelo and headed out. The journey to the dock took just over three hours, followed by a peaceful 10-minute boat ride across calm waters. When we arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes; the lake house was even more stunning than the photos!

Style and standout moments from the Lake House 

After checking in and navigating an awkward moment where the host said he “almost didn’t want to rent to Nigerians anymore” (yikes!), we threw on our swimsuits and headed to the pool. It was right in the middle of the cabins, framed by trees and open skies, and oh, so perfect. I didn’t take any pictures at the poolside (a rare Wumi move!) because my focus was on learning how to swim. Shout-out to Buneta, my unexpected swim coach, for getting me to the beginner level. I’ll take my win!

Later, we warmed up our petite assiette carnivore from Marcelo (the obsession was real) and slept soundly to the chorus of crickets and lake waves.

The next morning, my husband and I enjoyed a slow breakfast by the water, and I attempted to record my first YouTube video. Don’t ask if it’s live yet; I’m just a girl on a baecation. We also took some pictures of the outfits I hadn’t styled yet. 

While the cabin gave everything “dreamy getaway,” it wasn’t all smooth. Electricity was rationed during the day, and the generator only came on at 6 pm — something that was definitely not listed on the booking site. When the Wi-Fi went off for over four hours the next day, we couldn’t reach the host. He eventually apologised with a bottle of wine, but the experience left us feeling slightly cheated. Still, despite the unpleasant surprises, the peaceful ambience made it worth it. 

My outfits at the Lake House

For the journey to the lake house, I opted for comfort-meets-style: linen trousers, a bralette, and an oversized silk shirt that doubled as a bikini cover-up later in the evening. I completed the look with tan slides and my trusty beach bag because how else would people know I’m on vacation?

Golden hour

The next day was for my “sunset dress” from Shop Bawsty. Its light, flowy, and colourful design made it perfect for twirls, soft breezes, and the golden hour. I accessorised with gold heels and a chocolate-coloured purse. I still can’t decide what stole the spotlight — the dress or the sky.

Street style 

For a bit of edge, I styled thrifted barrel jeans with a hot pink silk wrap crop top. This look was bold, playful and very me. I paired it with pink butterfly heels from Temu and a sculptural bag from Lola Adeoti. This look truly captured the spirit of spontaneous, stylish escapes.

Read also: Travelling soon? Don’t pack without this makeup guide!

A few things to note about the Lake House 

Once again, the wooden accents were everything — cosy, earthy, and warm. The space felt like a home away from home, but if you’re planning a trip here, here are a few important things:

Plan your meals

There’s no in-house dining or dedicated food service, so you’ll either have to prep your own meals or eat out. The host offered to share some restaurant contacts, but when the Wi-Fi went off the next day, we couldn’t reach him. That meant taking a 15-minute walk to the nearest restaurant, which had a pretty limited menu. We managed to get beer, chicken, chips and the only fish they had. So, plan or pack snacks!

Nature is beautiful and real

As picturesque as the lake house was, it’s still nestled in the wild. You’ll absolutely need mosquito repellent, especially in the evenings. We were also extra cautious about keeping doors shut at night after we woke up to find a plastic bowl shredded and some of our snacks mysteriously gone. For a moment, I thought a small monster had broken in — but it turned out to be a very bold rodent. After that, I was more than ready to check out.

Expect a rustic-luxe vibe

Despite the unexpected issues with power, Wi-Fi, and wildlife, the lake house offered a somewhat luxurious camping experience. It balances comfort, calm, and untouched nature. What really stood out to me was the people. This spot gave me my favourite local interactions in Benin Republic; warm, helpful and genuinely curious about us.

A reminder from this trip: Just start — no matter how small

On our way back home, a quiet sense of fulfilment washed over me — the kind that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.  Both destinations had left a mark on me, from the scenery to the food ( I could write a poem about that green pepper sauce at Marcelo), and also because of the people and the stories we shared.

There was the restaurant staff whose sister lives in Lagos. The waiter who never stopped smiling at my husband and I. The women who kept calling me très belle until I finally caught on — then we all burst into laughter. The man at the cabin who tried to rent me a speaker for an outrageous amount. And of course, the amazing people I travelled with — we deepened our bond on that final night in the most beautiful way.

This trip reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Whether it’s an international escape, a weekend getaway or solo trip, what matters is that you go. Feed your wanderlust in whatever way you can. Start small, but start still.

You can find the full cost breakdown of the trip here. Until the next adventure, happy travelling!