Often times people collect souvenirs when they travel. Others collect stories.
For lifestyle vlogger and travel content creator Takitsi Mdluli every trip is another chapter in a life lived with curiosity, creativity and a suitcase full of carefully planned outfits.
Whether she's chasing sunsets, touching the sea or creating content that doubles as a personal time capsule, she believes the world is meant to be experienced firsthand.
We caught up with the globetrotter to talk about travel, creativity and the moments that keep inspiring her to book the next adventure.
For someone who's never come across your content before, who are you beyond the camera?
I'm an adventurous, sociable and fun-loving girlie. I'm a music fiend, and I've been told I'm funny... probably. I believe in living your best life in the present and making the most of what you have.
What made you fall in love with travelling, and at what point did you decide to start documenting your adventures?
I was always a shy, indoors kind of kid. I experienced the world through television and was fascinated by it.
As I grew older and came out of my shell, I wanted to see the world through my own eyes because I felt there was so much more to discover than what TV and social media showed me. Turns out I was right.
I started documenting my adventures on my very first 'big girl' trip to Johannesburg. That trip became the reference point for where it all began.
What's one destination that completely surprised you, and why?
Zanzibar. Oh my goodness, it's paradise. The water is unbelievably blue, the sand is crisp and white, and social media didn't exaggerate one bit.
What stood out even more was how seriously the locals take the tourist experience. You never feel rushed.
You're simply allowed to be present and enjoy the moment. Unlike some of my travels in Kenting, Taiwan, Zanzibar felt like what many people describe when they talk about Bali.
But the biggest highlight was the people. They are so kind, warm and trustworthy. There's a real sense of community there, just like in Eswatini.
There's nothing more exciting than finding a home away from home while travelling. Big shout-out to Zanzibar.
Be honest... are you the type to plan every detail of a trip or just book a ticket and figure it out as you go?
I love a well-curated trip, but I'm also spontaneous. If I discover an interesting activity, especially one recommended by locals, I'll happily squeeze it into my itinerary, even if it means getting very little sleep. (Laughs.)
Every content creator has that one video or photo that took way more effort than people realise. Which piece of content almost made you say, "Never again"?
Honestly, none. Content is my art. It's where my self-expression thrives.
I genuinely enjoy every part of the creative process, from choosing the wardrobe and matching the perfect music to finding the right angles. It never feels like wasted time because it's therapeutic for me.
I once took an evening bus to another district just to do a self-directed nighttime photoshoot by the sea.
That's how much I love creating. My social media isn't just a showcase, it's my collage. I look back at it and see how creative and capable I am. It reminds me to keep pushing my potential.
The fact that people appreciate my work and constantly tell me they enjoy it is what keeps that fire burning.
What's something travelling has taught you about yourself that you don't think you would've learnt if you'd stayed in one place?
Travelling taught me that I'm much bolder and more spontaneous than I ever thought. My solo trips are proof of that.
It also showed me that enthusiasm has never been my problem. I don't really procrastinate... I just push things sometimes. (Laughs.)
If you could pack your bags right now and disappear for a week, where would you go and what's the first thing you'd do when you got there?
The Maldives. Without a doubt. The very first thing I'd do is take a deep dive into those beautiful blue waters.
Social media often shows the highlight reel. What's one thing people don't see about being a travel content creator?
The pressure to perfect everything when you could simply share the trip as it is and actually live in the moment. People are going to love it regardless.
Finish this sentence: A trip isn't complete until I..
...touch the sea.
Finally, if your life were a travel documentary, what would the title be and why?
Big Bubu, Small World. Because travelling isn't nearly as big and scary as it once seemed.
It's really just me, my passport, my itinerary, a suitcase full of fits and a you-go-girl attitude.
