Tourism
Renowned Travel Vlogger Wode Maya Shares “Stress-Free” Experience With Diplomatic Passport
Renowned Ghanaian travel vlogger Wode Maya has celebrated what he describes as a newfound ease in international travel after receiving a diplomatic passport from the Government of Ghana.
The acquisition of the privileged passport, according to him, has significantly reduced the logistical challenges he once faced abroad.
In a heartfelt social media post, Wode Maya thanked the government and expressed how the status has transformed his experiences at borders, saying:
“I never knew travelling could be this stress‑free,” and optimistically adding that he might visit “100 countries this year.”
His comment reflects the practical impact that diplomatic recognition can have on frequent travellers who promote a country’s image globally.
Wode Maya (real name Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon) received the diplomatic passport as one of five distinguished Ghanaians honoured for their contributions to showcasing Ghana and Africa to the world.
The accolade — conferred by Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in late 2025 — positions him as a cultural ambassador alongside figures such as Grammy‑nominated musician Rocky Dawuni and broadcaster Anita Erskine.
Beyond the personal convenience, the move signals a broader shift in Ghana’s approach to soft power diplomacy, recognising influencers whose global platforms help boost tourism, trade, and cultural understanding.
Wode Maya’s extensive travels and positive storytelling about African innovation and destinations have elevated Ghana’s profile worldwide, pairing digital influence with national branding.
Sights and Sounds
The Little Train Everyone Talks About: Inside Accra’s AnC Kiddie Ground
Sometimes the biggest adventure in Accra comes on a little train.
At AnC Kiddie Ground in East Legon, children aged two to eight can spend an hour swapping screens for slides, inflatables and a miniature train ride that has become the park’s standout attraction.
Tucked inside the grounds of AnC Mall, the outdoor play area offers families a simple way to give young children room to run, laugh and explore in a supervised setting.
Unlike many indoor play centres, Kiddie Ground combines open-air play with a covered space that keeps activities going even when the sun is high.

The rides are designed with younger children in mind, while on-site staff help ensure play remains safe, giving parents a little more peace of mind as little ones climb, bounce and race between attractions.
The train ride adds an extra layer of excitement, carrying children on a cheerful circuit around parts of the play area and often becoming the highlight of the visit.
It is the kind of experience that turns an ordinary afternoon into a memorable outing.
For families planning birthdays, the venue has also become a practical option for toddler and children’s parties, with enough space for group celebrations alongside the regular play activities.

Entry starts from GHS20 per hour, making it an accessible stop for parents looking for a short but energetic family outing without leaving the city.
For visitors discovering Accra, AnC Kiddie Ground offers a glimpse into the city’s growing family-friendly leisure scene—proof that sometimes the smallest attractions create the biggest smiles.
Travel
The Cheaper Side of Europe: Seven Cities Where Your Travel Budget Goes Further
For many Ghanaian travellers, Europe often feels like a dream with a hefty price tag. Images of London’s expensive hotels, Parisian cafés and Rome’s tourist-packed streets have created the impression that exploring the continent requires a fortune.
Yet a growing number of budget-conscious travellers are discovering that some of Europe’s most rewarding destinations cost less than half as much as its famous capitals.
The difference can be dramatic.
A day in London typically costs around €120 for accommodation, meals and activities. Paris averages €110, while Rome comes in at roughly €95.
Those figures can quickly stretch the budget of anyone planning a week-long holiday.
Where the Savings Begin
Eastern and Southeastern Europe tell a different story. In Budapest, Hungary, visitors can expect to spend around €35 a day, while Skopje, North Macedonia, averages just €25.
Belgrade, Serbia, sits at about €35, Warsaw, Poland, around €40, and both Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bucharest, Romania, average roughly €25–30 daily. Tirana, Albania, is another standout at around €30.
Those prices cover the essentials that matter most to travellers: a place to sleep, local meals and activities that make a trip memorable.
More Than Just Lower Prices
The appeal goes beyond saving money. Budapest is famous for its historic thermal baths and grand riverside architecture. Sarajevo blends Ottoman and European influences in a city shaped by resilience and history.
Tirana has become known for colourful streets, lively cafés and nearby mountain escapes, while Warsaw combines restored old-world charm with a modern cultural scene.
For travellers from Ghana and elsewhere, these destinations offer the chance to experience Europe without feeling pressured to rush through attractions or overspend on basic expenses.
Making European Travel More Accessible
With airfares often taking the biggest share of an international travel budget, choosing a more affordable destination can make the rest of the trip significantly easier to manage.
Money saved on accommodation and food can be redirected toward longer stays, local experiences or visits to multiple cities.
As more travellers look beyond Europe’s best-known capitals, the continent’s lesser-publicised destinations are gaining attention for offering rich culture, impressive history and better value.
The cheapest trip is not always about spending less—it is about getting more from every euro.
Sights and Sounds
Inside Splash Social Center: Accra’s Laid-Back Pool Escape Off Spintex Road
A great afternoon in Accra doesn’t always require a long drive or an expensive getaway.
Sometimes, it is hidden just off one of the city’s busiest roads, where the soundtrack shifts from traffic to music and the biggest decision is whether to dive into the pool or order a cold drink first.
Tucked off Nii Martey Tsufu Street, which runs parallel to Spintex Road, Splash Social Center has carved out a reputation as a relaxed meeting spot where families, friends and weekend visitors can cool off without leaving the city.
The centre’s biggest draw is its spacious, well-maintained swimming pool, large enough to comfortably accommodate around 30 swimmers.
Nearby, a dedicated children’s pool gives younger visitors a safer place to splash about while trained lifeguards keep watch, making it a practical choice for family outings.

The experience extends well beyond the water. An on-site restaurant and bar serve refreshments throughout the day, while a resident DJ keeps the atmosphere lively with music that encourages guests to linger a little longer.

As daylight fades, the venue takes on a different energy, hosting evening events that transform the space into a social hub for Accra’s nightlife crowd.
For visitors planning a trip, entry is refreshingly straightforward. A GHS 50 admission fee includes access to the swimming pools and changing room facilities, allowing guests to settle in for an afternoon of swimming, dining and unwinding.
In a city known for its energetic pace, Splash Social Center offers something refreshingly simple: a clean, welcoming place where cooling off and catching up with friends go hand in hand.
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