From Dreams to Memories in South Africa: Daecia-jamè Borgia on the Power of Travel
“Grammy, time is of the essence.”
Daecia-jamè Borgia, Destination Engagement Stakeholder Manager at Visit Philadelphia, managed to convince her 80-year old grandmother to build up the courage and travel to South Africa in 2024, marking the first time the two women traveled to Africa, along with a group of Daecia’s grandmother’s girlfriends. While her original pitch was a nudge to her grandmother, the message remains relevant to potential travelers of all ages, especially young professionals eager to acquire a global and culturally aware perspective. The trip also gave Daecia the opportunity to explore her ancestry beyond America’s borders and critically reflect on her home country’s global presence, challenging the notion of dominance and urging a more open, immersive engagement with the broader, complex world.
In a conversation with Daecia, she shared the details of her journey and what travel means to her as she continues to develop and diversify her career. For her, travel goes further than a simple personal passion—it is a lens through which she connects her profession, heritage, and broader global consciousness.
South Africa: A Life-Changing Experience
Daecia’s trip to South Africa was inspired by a heartfelt desire to connect with the African continent, which neither she nor her grandmother had visited. Accompanied by a group of women aged 60 to 80 where Daecia was the youngest member, the experience went far beyond tourism—it was about immersing herself in history, culture, and the legacy of a nation that holds profound global significance and intense historical ties to the United States.
“I’ve always admired Nelson Mandela and his mission,” Daecia shared. Touring Robben Island and standing in Mandela’s six-by-seven-foot cell was a powerful moment. From the confines of the prison that had no white prisoners, Johannesburg—symbolizing both the promise of freedom and the stark contrast to his captivity—remained a constant yet distant reminder of the struggle for liberation throughout the nearly three decades Mandela endured behind bars. The tour, led by a former prisoner who knew Mandela, Kgotso, offered firsthand insights into the struggles of apartheid. Following a request that he lead guided tours on their former prison site, the guide responded, ‘You don’t say no to Nelson Mandela.’ Daecia added, “That sense of duty to preserve history is so inspiring.”
Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is an enduring symbol of the fight for freedom and human dignity. Situated off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, the island served as a maximum-security prison during the apartheid era, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held for years under harsh and oppressive conditions. Recognized for its profound universal significance, the site preserves the history of South Africa’s struggle against oppression, white supremacy, and its journey toward democracy. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the values of justice, reconciliation, and human rights.
Other highlights during the ten day trip included the Apartheid Museum, tasting local cuisine such as antelope and crocodile, and exploring her own lineage through a 23andMe test, which revealed connections across the continent. “I'm an African American, but I have lineage in Africa. I did my 23andMe and I am from Ghana and Nigeria, but I do have some South African in me as well. And I will tell you one of the most surprising experiences that I had was when we were in the Apartheid Museum and the tour guide looked at me. I could tell he was going to say something. I asked him, ‘Were you going to say something?’ He responded, ‘I was going to speak to you in my language because you look like us. You don’t look American.’”
Advice for Young Professionals
When asked what advice she’d give to young professionals seeking to incorporate travel into their lives, Daecia emphasized action over hesitation.
“Sometimes, we want to plan everything out—dot every ‘i,’ cross every ‘t’—but time is of the essence, and we can't wait for our friends to commit to a trip, as I first said in my original pitch,” she said. “We can make so many excuses not to travel: friends, finances, other commitments. I’m not saying don’t be responsible but don’t let excuses hold you back—you would be surprised by how cheap some flights can be on Black Friday. Valuing your instinct and researching your travel can be more promising than we think! Trust that first instinct and just go.”
For Daecia, the rewards of travel are immeasurable. “Travel opens your mind. The United States of America doesn’t have all the answers, and there’s so much to learn from other cultures,” she explained. Networking, even while on vacation, is another benefit. “Keep your business cards (virtual or print) with you. Even on vacation, you’re always ‘on.’ It’s a chance to grow in ways you can’t predict.”
Drawing a parallel to Philadelphia’s global moment with the 2026 World Cup, she noted, “Visitors are coming because they see something worth traveling for. That same mindset applies to us as professionals. Don’t just watch the world from afar—experience it firsthand.”
Planning a unique destination or experience champions the idea of exploring countries and cities that extend beyond the typical tourist spots and isolated resorts that often saturate social media. For her upcoming trip to Italy with her Italian-American husband, she plans to visit Montenero di Bisaccia, a small town in Molise. “We’re going beyond Rome to Molise, a less touristy area with olive tree farms and rich history,” she shared.
Future Adventures
With 23 countries already under her belt, Daecia is far from done exploring. Her future plans include Singapore and Bali, as well as Nigeria and Ghana. “Ghana is heavy with history—like South Africa—so I want to dedicate a trip to take it all in,” she explained.
These trips also hold personal significance as she and her husband, who shares her passion for travel, celebrate their 30th birthday together. “It’s wonderful to have a partner who loves to explore, too. Together, we’re forever learners,” she said.
Travel’s Lasting Impact
For Daecia, travel is an investment in memories and growth. “You’ll remember your trips more than a pair of shoes or a TV show. Don't get me wrong, I love shopping and binging my favorite shows, but travel allows us priceless experiences that will last a lifetime,” she said. “Travel shapes you, broadens your perspective, and creates lasting memories. There is an abundance of knowledge to be consumed.”
Her journey to South Africa underscored the transformative power of being present in a place’s history and culture. “To travel is to learn, connect, and grow,” she said.
Daecia-jamè Borgia’s message to young professionals is clear: “Don’t wait for people or the perfect moment to travel. Just go. Research your options and wait for no one. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined, and those experiences and memories will last a lifetime as you make connections with people who will shift your perspective of the world for the better.”
Through her stories, Daecia reminds us that travel is not just about seeing the world—it’s about understanding it and finding our place within it all while soaking up new historical facts, sites, and experiences “like a sponge.” Whether visiting historic sites, uncovering hidden gems, or networking across borders, travel is a door that has the potential to offer new possibilities and lifelong learning. And often, it begins with the simplest of sparks that requires a leap of faith—perhaps a call to a family member who shares a dormant dream, waiting to be brought to life.
This article is part of GPA's Young Professional Travel Series.
