For many, the dream of travelling abroad is often met with financial roadblocks. The cost of flights, visas, and accommodation can seem insurmountable, leaving many to abandon their aspirations of studying, working, or simply exploring the world. In extreme cases, families resort to selling their properties or exhausting their life savings just to send a loved one abroad, hoping for a better future. But what if there was a smarter, more sustainable way to finance travel?
Solomon Sanusi, a media director and travel consultant, believes financial constraints should not stand in the way of opportunity. His solution? TIELLE, a travel app designed to help people save and finance their journeys in a structured and accessible way.
Solomon ’s journey into the travel industry was not a straightforward one. Like many, he always wanted to travel, long before the term japa (a Nigerian slang for emigrating in search of better opportunities) became mainstream. Despite acquiring multiple passports over the years, circumstances prevented him from using them, but his determination never wavered. By 2018, his desire to travel intensified, leading him to explore different avenues, meet agencies, and research his options. What started as a personal struggle evolved into a business idea, one that could provide practical solutions for others facing similar challenges.
TIELLE, the app, is built around two core pillars: travel financing and travel savings. The financing option provides loans to individuals who need immediate funds to travel, while the savings plan allows users to set money aside gradually, ensuring they can afford flights without last-minute financial stress. Unlike other travel platforms that primarily focus on ticket bookings and hotel reservations, TIELLE directly addresses the financial hurdles that prevent people from travelling in the first place.
One of the standout features of the app is its partnership with airlines, which allows users to lock in ticket prices while saving towards their flights. This eliminates the stress of price fluctuations, a common issue for travellers who struggle to pay in one lump sum. For example, if someone plans to travel in August and starts saving today, TIELLE secures the ticket at the current price, ensuring that the rising cost of flights does not derail their plans.
Solomon emphasises that TIELLE is not just for tourists, it is a platform for Gen Z, millennials, digital nomads, business professionals, and even families looking to travel for study, work, or religious purposes. He points out that many Nigerians hoping to travel for Hajj or study abroad often face significant financial burdens, sometimes resorting to selling properties to afford the cost. TIELLE aims to be a bridge between these aspirations and reality, offering structured financial solutions that reduce the need for drastic measures.
The app also serves as a tool for intentional travel planning. With features like savings calculators and daily savings targets, users can systematically work towards their trips without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, those interested in learning more or joining the waitlist can visit the website, where a countdown to the app’s launch is already underway.
For those who have put their travel dreams on hold due to financial constraints, TIELLE presents a new possibility, one where money is no longer the defining barrier between ambition and reality. Solomon envisions a future where everyone move beyond their limitations, accessing the opportunities that travel brings without financial anxiety. Whether it is studying in Canada, relocating for work, or simply experiencing a new culture, TIELLE is positioning itself as a game-changer in the travel industry, offering hope and a practical path forward.
