BLACK GIRL, BIG WORLD.
Travel, culture, lifestyle & figuring it all out along the way.
Hi! I’m Tiwa!
I’m Tiwa, a Nigerian-Canadian creator, storyteller, and lifelong explorer behind QueenTiwa.
I share what it’s like to navigate the world as a Black woman with a diaspora background—whether that means figuring out life in a new country, travelling solo, building a career, discovering new cultures, or simply trying to make sense of adulthood along the way.
My content sits at the intersection of travel, lifestyle, culture, identity, and honest storytelling. I’ve lived abroad in South Korea, travelled extensively across Europe and Asia, and experienced life in different corners of Canada, which has given me a pretty unique perspective on what it means to feel at home, feel out of place, and find pieces of yourself in both.
I’m less interested in giving you a perfectly curated version of a destination and more interested in telling you what it actually felt like to be there. The awkward moments, the unexpected joys, the cultural differences, the nerves, the good food, the beautiful places—and everything in between.
At the heart of it all, I’m interested in one question: What does it look like to build a life that feels genuinely yours, even when you’re navigating spaces that weren’t necessarily built with you in mind?
This blog is an extension of that. A place for travel guides, personal stories, cultural observations, lifestyle inspiration, and the things I’ve learned while figuring it all out.
Welcome to my corner of the internet. ♡
Press Play on Your Plans
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Press Play on Your Plans 〰️
My Travel Favourites
Your ultimate guide to exploring Amsterdam on your own. 🇳🇱
Planning a solo trip to Amsterdam but not sure where to start? I've got you.
This guide is designed to help you plan a fun, safe, and unforgettable Amsterdam getaway without spending hours researching where to stay, what to do, where to eat, or how to get around.
Inside, you'll find my recommendations, tips, and tried-and-tested advice for making the most of your time in Amsterdam—from iconic sights and cute cafés to shopping, transportation, and the little details that make your trip easier.
Whether it's your first solo trip or you're already a seasoned solo traveller, this guide will help you feel more confident exploring the city at your own pace.
Inside the guide:
🗺️ Things to know before you go
🏨 Where I stayed + what I'd pick again
🚲 Getting around Amsterdam
📍 Must-see attractions & experiences
☕ Cafés, restaurants & food recommendations
🛍️ Shopping & cute places to explore
📸 Photo-worthy spots
🗓️ A full 10-day itinerary to help you plan your days
💰 Budget & money-saving tips
🧳 Packing tips + travel essentials
✨ My personal Amsterdam tips, honest opinions, and what I noticed as a solo traveller
Less time scrolling through Google. More time actually enjoying Amsterdam.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore Amsterdam your way. 💌
A note before you buy: prices, hours, and booking info reflect my trip and may change over time — always double-check before you book. These are my genuine recommendations; I wasn't paid or comped by any business mentioned. This is a digital PDF guide — no physical item ships, and it's non-refundable once downloaded.
Your honest, do-it-your-way guide to 9 unforgettable days in Portugal.
Dreaming about Portugal but overwhelmed by where to go, what to book, and how to fit it all in? This guide gives you a thoughtfully planned 9-day itinerary through Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra, with plenty of room to slow down, wander, and make the trip your own.
Inside, you'll find my recommended route, must-see sights, practical travel tips, transportation guidance, things to know before you go, Portuguese phrases, food and allergy considerations, and a printable checklist to help you feel prepared before takeoff.
Whether you're travelling solo, with a friend, or with family, this guide is designed to take the stress out of planning while leaving room for the moments you can't plan.
9 days. 3 destinations. One beautiful Portuguese adventure. ✈️🇵🇹
Stop guessing where to shop—and start packing your haul.
If you’re heading to Japan and feeling overwhelmed by small sizing, crowded districts, or influencer guides that only recommend high-end luxury or overpriced thrift stores, The Japan Shopping Edit was made for you.
Curated by Tiwa (5'9" and shopping on a real-world budget), this guide cuts through the noise so you know exactly where to go, what to look for, and how to fit it into your suitcase.
Inside the Edit:
40+ Curated Shops: Organized clearly across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto—from fast fashion flagships to hidden accessory spots.
Tall-Girl Approved Sizing Tips: Practical advice on cm conversions, shoe sizing hacks for feet over 24.5cm, and finding clothes with long sleeves and pant legs.
Shopping by Category: Effortlessly navigate the best spots for Girly & Feminine style, Edgy/Streetwear, Vintage & Thrift, Shoes, and Accessories.
Neighborhood District Maps: Walkable shopping clusters so you can hit 10–20 stores without wasting hours on train transfers.
Realistic Pricing: Mostly budget-friendly and mid-range finds (under $100 / ¥15,000)—no $200 basic tees here.
Smart-Shopper Logistics: Crucial tips on tax-free discounts, coin lockers, IC cards, cash-only spots, and fitting room etiquette.
What You’ll Get:
1× High-Resolution PDF Digital Guide (instant download).
Optimized for mobile viewing so you can reference it on the go while shopping in Japan!
How to Use:
Purchase and instantly download the PDF to your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Save it to your Apple Books, Files, or favorite PDF reader.
Screenshot the quick-reference cheat sheets to drop straight into your group chat!
Note: This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped. All sales are final.
Stay up to date with my socials for more tips!
