a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights & car rentals
in, to and from South Africa
a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights & car rentals
in, to and from South Africa
Collection of essays about travel in South Africa, written by candidates applying for a job with us in August 2010 (we obviously couldn't hire everybody, so if you're interested in hiring someone on this list drop us an email).
I waved goodbye to Zimbabwe as l headed for South Africa, l was going to e-mail my family the bueaty that lay ahead of me. As l booked myself in the Mopane lodge at the Limpopo province, a beautiful chocolate skinned lady came to me ''ashee'' she said that was their form of greeting she belonged to the Venda tribe as l later learnt. l soon made a friend her name was Tendani she toured with me showing me all around Venda,the way she greeted her parents was very distintictive,she knelt on her knees and as if twisting her waist sideways she went onto the ground putting her hands together she would say ''ashee'' it was adorable.The manners of the Venda were amicable.Limpopo and the surrounding areas had a number of langauges l later discoverd Venda which sounded like Shona of the Mashonaland in Zimbabwe,Tshangane like that of Mozambique,spede to name a few,the diffrence in cultures is amazing.
It took almost sixteen hours on my trip from Gauteng to Cape town and l met Tebogo at the bus terminus who was tendani's friend she was studying English and Communication's.Tebogo lived in Simonstown it was amazing l for a fact had never seen a seal or even better been to a ocean before. Sea point,was even better but l hadn't seen enough as we headed for a buetifull mountain namely the Table mountain l think its name derives from the fact that its shaped liked a table this was indeed a tourist attraction travelling was a splendid dream but South Africa l never knew could be so breath taking. On my last day we went to a place were two oceans meet namely the Indian and Souith Atlantic Oceans l had no words,Gods works are amazing.My mind was empty l thought of nothing but to meditate as l knelt on the soft sand l wanted to breathe this clean fresh air,the soul of my journey was at liberty.
At the Beitbridge border on my way home l looked back and l knew this was a place to visit at any time l stamped my passport,my tour was short but our affections must settle at home.
I know-it's been over a month since the closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup extravaganza and you can't figure out why in the world your gym buddy is still raving about his stay in Cape Town.
Let me put it this way--If South Africa has been called,"The World in One Country", Cape Town (with poetic license) may be called, "The Country in One City".
Cape Town...Sheltered beneath the iconic presence of Table Mountain, nearly five million people enjoy the most beautiful scenery, temperate weather and friendliest people on the continent. The famed Mother City opened her arms wide to be part of the country's gracious welcoming for the 1.6 million guests who attended the thrilling soccer games during FIFA's 2010 World Cup this past June and July. Accommodation in Cape Town varies from inexpensive back-packer lodging to 5 star hotels. A smorgasbord of activities was available for guests to choose from when not sitting on the edge of their seats or blowing their vuvuzelas at Green Point Stadium. A sample of options ranged from: shopping at a myriad of well-known national and international retail stores at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Canal Walk or any of the other area malls, to riding the hovercraft to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, to playing the roulette tables,ice skating or watching a performance by the world-renowned Cirque de Soleil at Grand West Casino, to observing the wonders of nature at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden- the first botanical garden in the world designed to preserve the unique flora native to one's own country, to riding the cable car or hiking up to the top of Table Mountain, to luxuriating at one of several first class spas,to reveling in the vibrant nightlife up and down the legendary Long Street, to driving to Thunder City to see the largest civilian owned collection of ex-military jets in the world (The more adventuresome/ thrill-seeking/ adrenalin-fueled would have had the opportunity to sit in the co-pilot's seat of an English Electric Lightning and fly at Mach 2 attaining 50,000 ft. in a one minute vertical climb).
Chances are that hundreds of soccer fans took advantage of one or more of the day trips that are available: to Gansbaai to meet "Jaws" in the flesh while shark cage diving; to Hermanus to watch Southern Right whales either from the safety of the sea wall in the Old Harbour or get even more "up close and personal" by standing on the deck of a boat in the middle of Walker Bay; to join a tour of world famous wine farms-in Constantia Valley, Stellenbosch or Worcester; drive down to Knysna for the annual Oyster Festival; or get your adrenalin pumping by jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge- at 216 meters the highest commercially operated bungee jump in the world (located on the Garden Route just 40 km east of Port Elizabeth); or to Aquila Game Reserve where you can see the "Big Five"; or to Spier Estate where you can hold a baby cheetah in your arms; or to Oudtshoorn where you can ride a wild ostrich or risk being eaten by crocodiles; take a leisurely drive across to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the continent of Africa, or up the west coast to see the carpet of wild flowers unfold in Namaqualand.
Whatever your particular interest or passion Cape Town and surrounds will keep you captivated and enthralled during your stay. No wonder that Cape Town is Africa's most sought-after destination for business and pleasure. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall the Mother City has it all and is always ready to receive you with open arms of friendliness and hospitality. Make Cape Town your next port of call for business or pleasure and you too will have something to rave about!
From barefooted nomads to Louis Vuitton clad globetrotters; man has always been taken with the desire to adventure into uncharted territories. Not much has changed from the days of free roaming, apart from exchange controls and visas. We all travel to satisfy some deep seated desires within our souls, some travel to forget, some to remember a heritage buried in the sands of time. Some travel to learn, to find answers to questions only to find more questions that in a sadistic way, soothes our curiosity. Some travel to lose themselves, to leave their problems behind, to divulge totally into a mystical new world and live out fantasies that we otherwise stifle in our stiff collared lives back in the real world. Still some travel to find themselves, to give those ideas within a voice, a platform to be birthed.
I see the world as an oyster; the various locations are merely the exoskeleton of something more beautiful, more precious than our minds can conceive that lies within. The inhabitants of such locations are the true treasures. Being able to travel allows the traveller the privilege of being ambassadors of the country they belong to. We go forth as pillars of hope, examples of freedom, and whispers of the great unknown. The hosts also have the opportunity to represent their idealistic view of their homeland, a land of dreams and mystical adventure, ripe for the exploration of these enthusiastic souls.
In the words of Oliver Culmberg “a man is not more lost than a man that knows not where he is going”. The voice of the heart navigates more accurately than any GPRS or compass that money can buy. So grab the luggage, mount the chariot, bring the freed spirit and head for the rolling shores, and beyond.
Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes some beating. It befits its position at the southern end of the world’s most epic continent, with more types of terrain than photographers can shake their zoom lens at. There is the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Kruger National Park’s wildlife-stalked savannah (scene of the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile battle watched more than 40 million times on YouTube) and, running through the east of the country and into Lesotho, the Drakensberg. KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins.
If you’re interested in another kind of wildlife, hit the nightclubs on Cape Town’s jumping Long St or sample African homebrew in a township shebeen (unlicensed bar). When it’s time to reflect on it all, do it over seafood on the Garden Route, curry in Durban’s Indian Area, a sizzling Cape Malay dish, or a braai (barbecue) in the wilderness – accompanied by a bottle of pinotage produced by the oldest wine industry outside Europe.
Of course, it's impossible for travellers to South Africa to remain oblivious to the fact that, despite the rise of ‘black diamonds’ (middle-class black folk), racial inequality persists here. Black and coloured townships face problems such as a horrific HIV/AIDS rate and xenophobic tensions caused by economic refugees from nearby countries.
Nonetheless, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa). Another point of unity in the diverse country is that, in malls and minibus taxis, bush pubs and shebeens, two popular topics of conversation are the 2010 FIFA World Cup and recent political upheavals. Most people believe that hosting football's mightiest tournament will be as great a moment for South Africa as its Rugby World Cup triumphs in 1995 and 2007.
My interest in travelling came at a very early age having parents who were very adventurous and creative. I was intrigued by the amount of preparation that was needed for a trip whether local or overseas, on land or by air.
My passion grew more intense when my mother embarked on overseas visits to distant lands like Iceland, Thailand, Scotland and New Zealand amongst others. Watching the video on her trips were so real, in touch and down to earth. It almost felt like I myself had been there too. Having said that there were also the more serious aspects of travelling and getting to know the difficulties that could arise from being negligent, ignorant and not tapping into the tips available online to make the journey more pleasant, and hassle free. That took me on another journey which was the key to connecting people and assisting them in reaching their destination safely and stress free.
Some of the most important things I summed up that one needs to do are:
Keep a check list of all the things that need to be done e.g. visas, foreign exchange, ticket
Find out more about the country you’re visiting
Should you be doing stop-over’s, keep on the lookout for thieves, vagabonds and fraudsters
Keep all important contact numbers handy
Make certified copies of all your important documents
Travel lightly and smartly, too much baggage is costly and a lot more added stress
Make notes, keep a good relationship with your travel consultant
Learn the few basics of the native tongue of a particular country just to help you get by and to break the ice
Well, there is a lot more to travelling then we think and big families, executives all need to be taken care of in order that they can focus on their core business.
Even though it’s quite a challenge – from the planning to the travelling, it’s still great to explore this beautiful earth.
Travel is much like food, you have usual tasty recipes, your mothers’ secret recipes and then you have your exotic dishes.
Flying for some people is usual of way of life, in fact the assumption shared in the work industry is that if you’re an executive your most probably fly around the country at least three to four times a year, which is much similar to your tasty recipes. That is your curry and rice or perhaps for others your lasagna and of course lets not forget one of South Africa’s pride breyanie, however it can become tiresome and often time consuming as my boss would say. The funny part of that point is when you are an intern flying is like your exotic dish.
Consider the experience of boarding a plane for the first time, its memorable bringing up surges of nerves and butterflies. Much like when your mother prepares your favourite all time dishes or grandmothers secret recipes to a delicious chocolate cake. The sudden voice of a pilot welcoming you is assuring, yet surprising. Then the take off is like the burst of flavour from the sushi dish or the spicy taste from the East. Travel is the ultimate chance to see the world through some else’s eyes. It is the chance to jump on the bandwagon taking on trip through the clouds and landing in place unfamiliar to you.
Although it may become usual or for some us an “experience it once in your life”. The chances of seeing the world don’t happen often. “We have reached landing,” Touch down, your feet are back on the ground, where one can use all four senses purposefully in their journey. Capturing the beauty of the Victorian Falls, Tasting the sensational spices of India, Viewing the awesomeness of the Great Wall of China, pacing through the jungle of New York, Tanning along the sinful strip of Brazilian beach and finally landing in the place you call home.
The need to travel is like a deep seated urge waiting explore the world, just as bud of plant seeking the sun.
As I stepped onto the virgin lands of the Mauritian island, I knew without doubt that conquering my dreams meant conquering the vast world of travel.
As a little girl I took immense pleasure in the abundant life literature had to offer. I’d be consumed with the events and cultures, allured by the uniqueness of different ethnic groups and societies.
I often imagined myself as the queen of the extravagant Taj Mahal, or Jane in the deep jungles of Canada. A jolt back into reality & here I am now employed as the International reservationists to an awesome tour company. The knowledge & privilege that this door opened up for me is mind blowing. Everyday I drench myself in the joys of serving. I have had the honor to deal & work with different nationalities. The aura of the uniqueness of each & every one of us leaves me feeling refreshed & tranquil in a way I cannot fully comprehend. The private game, of the African lands, to the high life of London’s theatre’s, & buzzing streets. The abandoned lush forests of Canadian Alps to the romance that blossom in Venice. My very being is consumed in the wonderful gift & opportunity that travel & tourism offers.
In the restrains of my own kitchen I embark on the distinct varieties & flavors that buds from various dishes, around the world. I explore & indulge in the world of taste & glamour. Glamour a different entity of style & extravagance, a title that can be shared but never disembarked from its roots or origin .The world of Fashion –each & every denomination has a statement in its attire & style. It distinguishes the one from the other-need I say more.
I therefore continue to bask in the world of Travel …
Travelling means moving from one point to another and this depends on the type of means of transport one prefers. There are various types of transportation such as a bicycle, motorbike, private transport (such as a car, bakkie or mini bus), public transport (such as trains, busses or taxis), airplane, cruise ship and last but not least, by means of one walking to their destination, using their own feet. In the Cape Town townships we call this CA10. CA is the abbreviation used on the car registration and 10 represents the number of one’s toes.
The main aim to travel exist as a result that one need to reach a certain destination. Therefore travelling is a journey from one area to another. This is measured by the amount of kilometers travelled regardless of the type of transportation used. There are various reasons why people travel and to mention a few it can be Tourism, Business related, Personal, Sport event etc.
Should a need arise for one to travel, it means that, that individual needs to prepare themselves to meet with different people and therefore will get the opportunity to experience the way of life of that destination. This includes and is not limited to Religion, Language, Culture, Norms, Laws, Food and Clothes. By continuously travelling, it allows one to gain personal experience on the information, knowledge and the living conditions in different countries and therefore the whole wild world at large. Through travelling, it creates a way of globalization such as sharing of wealth, investment opportunities thus creating business opportunities, employment, multicultural practices, currency exchange etc.
Using different methods of traveling is a way of exploring how the different transportation systems operate or functions, the different duration of the trip taken and the pros and cons of utilizing such transportation. Traveling is fun, exciting and revitalizing however it can also be tiring, dangerous and unpleasant in situations where there are delays, bad weather conditions and or unforeseen interruptions. The frequently one travels enables one to learn how to deal with these situations. A person’s source of income or financial position, can also determine the means of transport that one would prefer to use.
It is imperative for one to do their homework or preparation before embarking on travelling. For example, when traveling to counties outside the Republic of South Africa, it is a prerequisite for the traveler to be in a possession of a passport (or temporal passport). Travelling locally it is necessary to always have your identification document with and is also recommended to have your medical aid card (if any) on hand. Last but not least, one should always travel with enough money on them to spend on their journey and should they be faced with unforeseen needs.
Conclusively traveling is the most exciting, enjoyable and adventurous phenomena or venture.
In South Africa we can travel from the wild hot roaring African bush to the soft salty breeze of the peppermint blue waters.
South Africa is one of the most entertaining travel destinations that one can be a part of. South Africa has some of the most interesting and colourful culture groups that you will find in any country. Along your travel you will be amazed by the mind blowing beauty of nature. South Africa host some of the finest wine refineries that the world can offer, we are also the host of the phenomenal big 5.
Every province has its own unique beauty and culture. Gauteng is known for its many mine shafts, these shaft are home to many mine workers. There are special tours where the public can take part in. Mpumalanga is known for it’s most beautiful waterfalls and caves that tourist can visit. On the South Coast you will find that we have long white peaceful beaches with plenty of anglers fishing for the big one, during the months of June and July we have an amazing occurrence we call the sardine run. Many tourist rushes to the coastal line to admire this absolute mystery of nature. Cape Town is the gateway to Robin Island where the former legendary President Nelson Mandela was held in captivity. We are also the host to the endangered Knysna elephant.
When travelling local or abroad one like to take part in activities that aren’t a daily occurrence. We want to travel to a safe destination with plenty of activities. South Africa offers this for me. Along with the most astonishing beauty of nature there are eager qualified tour guides to make a trip an adventure. South Africa is the place to be, where the motto is local is lekker.
Traveling to me is a window to experience and where better to start than in my back yard. I’ve traveled to many countries but there’s no place like home.
Wherever I have traveled there is a uniqueness to South Africa as each province differs in climate and beauty. From the beautiful green and lush KZN with the warm Indian Ocean to the brown open fields of the inland. Icy cold winters in the Free State with its exceptionally beautiful winter skies and a million stars to get lost in. The rich wildlife in the Kruger Park, Okavango and the friendliness of the Eastern Cape to the old charm of the Northern Cape. The party life in Cape Town or the shoppers paradise that is vibrant Johannesburg. Each is unique as it is beautifully diversified in scenery as well as culturally.
Truly the most liberally free and exciting country in the world South Africa where everyone is welcomed veiled or unveiled. This is the perfect opportunity to increase our tourism with European countries like France etc and soon other countries like Australia opposing integration and freedom with laws that will marginalize and alienate people from Middle Eastern or Islamic world. We on the other hand are a truly inclusive vibrant and very accepting society that welcomes differences and embraces change. We absolutely have something for everyone whether you love to do it indoors or outdoors Halaal or Kosher you will love South Africa.
To quote Alan Paton “I envision someday a great, peaceful South Africa in which the world will take pride, a nation in which each of many different groups will be making its own creative contribution.”
South Africa where else! What more?
An inspired idea grew into an intriguing adventure in the Kingdom of the Zulu for the famous Durban July. Touching down at the newly built King Shaka International Airport we were mesmerised by the architectural splendour. We prompted a dazzling week as we toasted Durban with a round of Caprinhas, at the one of the many restaurants at the airport,
Meandering down the freeway edged by rolling hills jacketed with tall stalks of sugarcane, we headed to the North Coast. The small, rural village of Gingindlovu was our base camp for the week. It is an idyllic setting, central to the main north beaches of Ballito and Zinkwazi.
Allured by the hustle and bustle of the city centre, in the days that followed, we perused the Indian bargain shops and like a hungry tribe hunted for the renowned Bunny Chow. Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of the crown jewels of the 2010 Fifa world cup in South Africa was always in sight. It possessed such an allure, from stadium tours, retail shops and restaurants to Skywalks, Skycar rides and a Big Swing off the iconic arch. So with an almost tangible excitement we journeyed to the races at the Greyville Race Track. The Durban July lived up to its reputation with fan fare, outrageous fashions and of course the handsome thoroughbreds. I bet on Bold Silvano who edged passed Irish Flame to win the main race. The Miller Marque provided an exceptional setting for celebration in collaboration with 5fm they ensured we danced the night away.
Too tired to do anything else the day after we headed for Zinkwazi Beach. Proud’s Pizza and a chilled bottle of wine as we unwound on the quiet beach, was what the doctor ordered. Durban was certainly worth the trip!
Travel (verb) - To go from one place to another.
We all travel throughout our lives, some travel on foot, some in cars, planes and ships, whatever the mode or reason for travel; all humans find delight and survive in it. We cannot be confined to a certain space forever, the basic human needs for food, shelter, clothing and recreation can only be met when we move from where we are to another place. From the depths of Africa, where a woman walks for more than 20km to collect water from a river, to Europe and America where a business magnate is making his way to the airport for a weekend away. Travel is necessary for survival.
You might have to consider certain factors prior to your journey: Accommodation, duration of travel, the mode of travel, travelling documents, safety, and cost of the journey, payment methods and many other factors which would make the experince delightful. Different places have different cultures and you will always find something to learn and enjoy, like a new language, a dance, the food that the locals eat and so on.
It is imperative to plan ahead of travelling. You will need to know what the weather in the area you are visiting is like, every place in the world has a tourist attraction, something you have never seen before, it may be manmade or from a natural source, all destinations have something exciting and unique to offer.
Some people travel for business purposes, others for pleasure, while some travel to discover and explore. Others travel to find shelter after a hurricane, to find a cure for a body that is weakening with the passing of every second, whatever the mode, whatever the reason, all humans everywhere would perish without the capability to travel.
I have always wanted to travel ever since I was a little girl. Sitting on a plane and looking out into the clouds was something that intrigued me. The movies I watched played a huge rule in my belief off the world on the other side. I would imagine myself to be whisked off into a magical far away land where the possibilities were infinite. When I was eight years old my chance to take on the skies for the very first time finally arrived. Although it was a short trip from Durban to Johannesburg, my heart was filled with excitement and some fear. However once we took off it was all smiles all the way through.
I managed to go on many short journeys much like my first but my longing for a trip overseas was still very much alive. Well life has its ways of surprising you and when I was nineteen years old I was blessed to go on my first international flight to the East. It was the year 2006 and I embraced a two week holiday with my family to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Thailand. The flight itself was wonderful but very tiring; however what those foreign lands had in store for me was life changing. To see different cultures and ways of life just lit up my eyes and uplifted my spirits. I enjoyed every moment of it, the markets, the food, the entertainment and the peoples friendliness. I was touched to see in some parts of Thailand the generosity and humbleness of the people, while in Hong Kong I came to appreciate the knowledge of the city dwellers and the beauty of the harbour at night. As for Singapore, nothing could compare to the clean well manicured streets, the magnificent beautiful islands and the vast diversity of people that lived in unity. There was alot of luxury surrounding the simple life on the streets. Every morning we were greeted with buffets that were layed before us. It was definitely eye candy, for the tummy should I add. The day would then offer us a tour of the city where you could see everything from temples to restaurants and malls to ancient art. They say the grass is always greener on the other side; well in this case it literally was as Singapore boasted its large colourful parks and gardens.
The were some ups and downs at time and at many points we seemed to be lost in translation. However what I discovered was that you don't need to speak the same language to communicate with each other, all you needed was ordinary skills to understand each other. A smile, a friendly wave or a handshake spoke much more than words. I thought it was much better to be in a country where I never understood what the others said because it gave me an opportunity to express myself in ways I had almost forgotten how to. I could now laugh or sing, I could jump for joy or just breathe and take in the moment. In these lands I could be me or whoever I wanted to be. if I felt like dressing up and being outrageous I would or maybe I could just tie my hair up and be plain, it didn’t matter cause all that matter was the awesomeness around me. A place that could make you feel like you are living in a dream, every step, and everyday was a new episode with new characters being introduced each time. It was simply unbelievable. Well there is so much more that I could say about my trip; however I would have to leave it for another time.
Your mind is a far off land of its own; it can take to you to places and situations that you have never been to before. Impossible is nothing, It all starts in the imagination station - well it did for me.
Though I have had many trips that come to mind as some of my favourite, the one I took to the garden route with two French girls stands out. Having been in Stellenbosch for three years, I had always wanted to go on the garden route during the university breaks but could not because I always had to work during those holidays as opposed to working during December and some winter breaks.
The two girls and I had become very close friends as they had been in South Africa since mid winter; and I was briefly dating one of them. They had come on a one year exchange program to Stellenbosch University and as a student there who arrived as an international student shared some of my experience about Stellenbosch.
Originally there were supposed to be four of us on the trip but another friend could no longer come but went home to Namibia instead. I was the sole driver on the trip therefore we planned it in such a way that we would sleep in Mossel Bay the first night, then Knysna , Tsitsikama and on our way back Plett and Mossel bay. The highlight of the trip was meant to be bungee jumping in Bloukrans as none of us had done it before and had decided to take that route specifically for it.
We left Stellenbosch around eight on a Sunday and headed to the Mossel bay. We stopped several times on the way for photographs and smoke breaks as my companions smoked. We finally reached our first item on the list which was game drive on a farm a few kilometers from Mossel Bay. Though I was tired and had seen most of the animals that were promised on the drive, I received a complimentary ride as we were the only three that had shown up for the scheduled 15.00hrs drive. Our guide and driver said it would be more pleasant if I could relay some of their questions as they still have very strong French accent. Except for the beautiful pictures of the four of us on the safari truck, there was nothing that interesting about the drive and we made our way to Mossel bay.
We reached Mossel bay just when the sun set and immediately after checking into the backpackers, we headed to the beach just in time to capture a few kodak moments of the sunset on the beach. One of my friends was from Mossel bay and had offered to show us around if I let her know when were there. Since we didn’t want to look too touristy I called her and she suggested a cool place to eat and joined us for dinner. With some reasonably priced wine, the night quickly turned into a pleasant one and we called it a night with a walk to the backpackers. Though nothing to write home about, it was a well priced and cozy backpackers.
The following morning we saw a bit more of the town and the sea side and headed to Knysna. On the way there, we stopped on a natural reserve in Wilderness. It had a hike that promised a beautiful waterfall but since we were playing on the enroute the hike, we just barely made it to the waterfall for a brief skinny deep when we had to make our way back before it got too dark. Unfortunately that didn’t help because it was got dark very quickly while we still in the jungle and had to use mobile phone’s front light to shine where we stepped. That not being very far from Knysna, we made it just in time for dinner and since our backpackers was just at the entry of Knysna it was very easy to find. After dinner I had to reinstate my claim on the double bed that one of the girls had sequestered after we showered for bed. With no monkey business I shared the bed with her and we spent most of the night talking about her ex-boyfriend back in France etc . Though a cold day, a very close friend of mine from the wine society to which we were members was from Knysna. When she found out that we were around, was more than happy to join us for breakfast and drive us around to see the “heads”. We were in a Citi Golf so she understood why I had complained about the gear lever being too heavy.
I was exhausted when we arrived in Bloukrans and but the anxiety of the idea of bungee jumping masked the exhaustion. I’d have to say the experience could be likened to having sex for the first time. Though we enjoyed it immensely the girls were glad it was over and done with, and I felt I didn’t know what to expect and it was over too quickly. The adrenaline rush from the jump carried us the whole day to Tsitsikama though we had to stop for a caffeine fix on the way in the rainy weather. The backpackers was a bit more populated and structured than the others we had been to. The girls had to sleep upstairs in the only girls section and guys were downstairs. After a few games of pool and foosball, we made a friend in one of the young managers of the backpacker who was playing barman for the night. He immediately took fancy in one of the girls and she seemingly felt the same. After playing a few drinking games in the tents at the back, we thought we were giving them some privacy and disappeared to the room but as it turns out while we were locked in the room, she wanted to ditch the barman and go back to the room but apparently the noises coming from the room when he walked her back were enough to make them blush away to his quarters for the night.
Oh, losers from the game of pool and foosball had to run naked around the backpackers and the barman and the girl I was locked in the room with had paired up and lost. While they streaked, she hurt her toe and we only saw how bad it was the following morning when she couldn’t walk properly and we had to find a doctor to attend to it. Though heavy, I carried her on my back some time to and from breakfast while she took pressure of the foot. We then headed to Plett where we finally got some time on the beach the sunny beach.
This is taking longer than I thought therefore I’m going to forward to the last day where there was more action. It starts after our last stop where we met the other international students who had also gone on the garden route but on organized tour. They, in their minibuses and us in a maroon rental Citi Golf sport. It starts when sun sets as we approached the Sir Lowry’s pass heading to Stellenbosch. Being bored from an empty road, suddenly there were cars ahead and immediate a BMW 330i went passed us and right behind it was an Audi S3. For somebody who loves cars, I followed. I couldn’t be stuck behind the slow traffic of cars that hit breaks driving into curves going up hill instead of dropping a gear for more power and grip. With the BMW in the front renowned for its rear wheel drive that makes it take corners like driving a warm knife through butter, and the sporty Audi, suddenly it felt like all the exhaustion from trip faded away and I was properly awake and alert. It felt like playing a computer except I was actually experiencing it in real life. Each curve these cars took, I took with them. They did not have to change gears as much as I did but that was when the rental Golf came alive. That was the first time I actually enjoyed driving a Citi Golf especially a rental one. I had always had a theory that rental companies got some of the worst versions of cars there are but this was not the case. I normally enjoyed the humming sound of properly set up engines but through the curves the double exhaust pipes in the Golf made quite a hum. When I looked to my side the girl next to me was asleep and the one behind me from the rear view mirror had such a wonderful smile on her face that she confessed that she actually had a driver’s license and she would like to get another car like that to practice driving in South Africa. She conceded that she always felt safe with me driving but because I had always complained about how terrible certain Citi Golfs were, she had never wanted to drive small cars in South Africa. The other car that we had rented in the same class was a Chevrolet Spark- the old ones and that was the worst car I had ever driven in my life. It had air-conditioning and power steering but I would take a Citi Golf without power steering and AC any day.
I had to return the car next to where I stayed and being after hours and being a guest house, the manager’s husband owned the car rental and she asked me to hang on to the car until the following day as they had run out of parking with guests. I could have gone for another drive but I was so exhausted from the trip that I only went to get some food at the nearby Spar and went back home to for an early night on a Saturday.
Travel is no longer the tedious and expensive undertaking that it once was in days gone by. In our modern era anyone with a desire to do so can travel to any exotic destination of their choice. Travel options abound and the adventurous traveller can reach his destination via aeroplane, train, bus, car or by luxury shipping liner.
A qualified travel agent can assist you with all your travel arrangements, advising on the best accommodations, transportation options and giving you guidelines to enjoy all the local sights. They can help you to make the most out of your trip, whether you are travelling for business or for pleasure.
A travel budget is tailored to suit each individuals needs. You may want to backpack through Europe as a single student or you may want to plan a romantic honeymoon for you and your loved one in romantic Paris. Have you ever dreamt of watching the sun set over Kilamanjaro whilst sipping sake? Perhaps you have always wanted to see the historical temple of Borobodur on Java Island?
All things are possible with the travel options available today. Travel expands your horizons, both literally and figuratively and a memorable holiday abroad can leave you with a wealth of happy memories. Make new connections as you meet people from different cultures or simply strengthen business ties with International business contacts across the globe.
A travel adventure can take you to places of indescribable beauty, exposing you to different cultures and climates. These enriching experiences can make a vast difference to your perspective on life in general. Imagine a trip to Rio de Janeiro during the Rio carnival or what it would be like to visit Hermanus, close to Cape Town in South Africa during the whale season.
An exhilarating trip could entail shark cage diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing or jet skiing for the adventurous, or simply relaxing on the golden sands of a beach in beautiful Bali. The seven natural wonders of the world would make a wonderful travelling tour, as would the seven man-made wonders of the world. When it comes to travel, you are only limited by your imagination!
I left my beautiful country Zimbabwe with all its fantastic tourist attractions in 1983, with my husband and 4 young children, to relocate to South Africa. We found out that South Africa also had gread tourist attractions.
My family believe to have zest for life and to live life to the full you have to explore. In 1999 two of our children went to live in London, then later that year one went to Singapore.. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to explore other lands, and some where to stay when we got there.
Our travel escapades started about 10 years ago when we visited London, from Buckingham Palance, Houses of Parliment, Trafalga Square, to name only a few tourist attractions in London. Also to add that my mother also left Zimbabwe and stays in the North of England in the Lake district, what a beautiful place.
Next on our tour a couple of years later was Singapore to visit our Son, daughter in law and new baby. The country is so organised, It is extremely clean, with no bags or papers to be seen anywhere. There are a lot of modern high-rise buildings, with the famous merlion watching over the busy city. We found Singapore very cheap to eat their local dishes at food courts in the city.
France was next, we had difficulty communicating with the local people, we got horribly lost on the underground, we asked for directions, but did not pronounce our words right at all, I do think it is a good idea to know a bit of French or to take a book to translate with. We did go up the Eifel tower , the view was breath taking. Also went to the art gallery. History is all over the city of Paris, which is so educating.
We have been to Portugal twice, toured around the Algarve, the weather similar to South Africa in summer, making our holiday there great, the sea is brilliant blue and the sand is so white it sparkles. We took a boat ride along the coast to experience all the cliffs and caves, this was truly an adventure.
Visited Qatar in January this year, our youngest daughter lives there. It was winter in Qatar, making the weather very pleasant. We visited the Pearl which is a newly built area with modern shops and offices, It is built on re-claimed land from the sea, Out of Doha we took on the sand dunes, it seems to be a great sport of many arabs to race up and down the sand dunes.
We have visited Mozambique 3 times in the past 4 years. Camped at Ponta Molangane, a basic camp site under a jungle of trees and vines, which we were thankful for because it kept out the sweltering heat. At Xai Xai we stayed in a wooden lodge not far from the beach. just off the coast there is a reef , this is great for snorkling, and swiming in the tranqual water from the reef to the shore.
Last month we visited Victoria Falls, it really is a wonder of the world, David Livingstone must have been blown off his feet, when he saw the falls for the first time.
In South Africa we camp frequentley, also have stayed in chalets. We have been to the Kruger national park, Pilanesberg ,South and North Natal coast, Pongola, Bela Bela, Los kop Dam, near Johannesberg and near Pretoria, to name just a few of the places. Our number 1 place for camping is Mabalingwe, ablutions are spotless, camping site shady , very clean and well maintained. Not to forget the tin can pub in the middle of the game park.
We have recently bought a 2 man canoe, reason being we canoed on the Zambezi river, the feeling of adrenaline is still there. We have to do research on places where we can use our canoe, with no cros or hippos though.
Imagine your dream holiday had finally turned into a reality. You have spent years saving and months doing research. And before you realize it, the day arrives for you to ‘get away’ to that mystical white-sand island or that breath-taking adventure in the wild. But what is it that truly makes your holiday memorable? Is it the company of your family and friends or is it the way you travel from one place to the next?
Perhaps it’s a combination of both, but nevertheless taking a game drive or enjoying a view from the top of a hot-air balloon surely makes a holiday more enjoyable. And the way you travel can also certainly create some wonderful memories.
From ancient bull-carts to modern-day cruise ships, the travel industry has evolved over the centuries to our advantage. From easily affordable plane rides to live entertainment and built-in casinos on luxury liners, people are beginning to see how travelling makes life more worthwhile.
If travelling to work every day seems dreary to you, another person might feel completely the opposite and actually take pleasure in seeing the flowers on the side of the road every single day. But although we might not all feel the same way or even see things in the same light let’s face it, travelling to work by car certainly saves you more time if you had to travel by foot. Travelling by train allows you to meet new people and strangely enough travelling by plane can help you get rid of your fear of heights.
Travel brings people of different cultures and communities together which makes riding a camel in the middle of a Saudi-Arabian desert possible. So whether you want to fly in a helicopter or surf the waves of the Indian Ocean, travel creates that spark in your holiday which ultimately leads to those everlasting memories.
But with all that in mind, just don’t forget your camera at home.
Most people want to travel to overseas countries. I can understand that, in a way…however, the question arises: Have they seen our beautiful South Africa yet?
Speaking to various much-travelled people, (travelled overseas and South Africa) quite a few of them have mentioned that there is a little bit of each country of the world in our continent. Well, after some research and according to their comments, I have compiled a short, but hopefully interesting travelogue running from the Kalahari to the South Coast. In this instance we will be travelling by car.
The Kalahari reminds one a little, of Arizona, with it’s red dunes and plains. This region is well-known for it’s cattle farming, the largest salt deposits in South Africa, and it’s diamonds. Diamond mining started in Berkely West in 1869 and in 1880, in Kimberley, 3 tons of diamonds were mined. The hole made by the mining is one of the largest of it’s kind and people from all over the country come to Kimberley to see it. Being of an arid landscape, “The Eye” which is a freshwater fountain in Kuruman, is a virtual oasis and attraction to tourists.
The Kalahari National Park is a very popular tourist attraction and has fully equipped Lodges. There is just NOTHING like a Kalahari night, with the stars almost seeming to hang just above your head and windmills dotting the landscape, bringing a wistfulness and peace within oneself . Gemsbok and Springbuck are two of the main buck species in the National Park, with many other species to be seen. For those who are more historically-minded, Kimberley has more than it’s share of museums, and if You’re lucky, you can bum a ride on one of the many donkey-drawn carts that are everywhere to be seen.
Leaving the red, sandy landscape of the Kalahari behind us, we enter into a more lush, green environment. Tobacco farming is the main source of income, being of a sunny and humid climate. Water is no problem here. The main attraction to the Rustenburg area, is the exotic pleasure world of The Lost City at Sun City. Sporting a really amazing Golf Course and the Valley of the Waves, (a manmade “inland sea”) this “pleasure palace” draws thousands of people from all over the world on a daily basis. Two huge life-sized elephant sculptures form a guard of honour.
Next on our route is the Bushveld with it’s wide variety of vegetation. Amarula, Baobab trees and Aloe plants are to be seen all over the Bushveld region. The Baobab is one of the most versatile trees on this earth, and the largest. Not only does it supply the locals with a fruit that they call “monkey bread” but the spice that we know as Cream of Tartar comes from this tree. It’s leaves are cooked as vegetables and coffee is made from it’s flower seeds. The Aloe plants’ medicinal value is widely known and sold in many pharmacies and supermarkets across the world. And I think we have all tasted the tangy, creamy taste of the Marula Liqueur.
There are attractions for pleasure seekers as well as Nature lovers. Here we will find the Sun City Hotels and it’s Casinos. Fabulously luxurious accommodation and plenty of nightlife for even the latest night owl.
The “bush” part of the Bushveld is an absolute Eden to those who love the outdoors. Game hunters congregate here to shoot and proudly take home their trophies, whilst enjoying the company of fellow hunters around campfires with beer and “braaivleis”.
The surrounding towns of Messina and Warmbaths each have their own “country” charm. Messina is known as the “gateway to Africa”, with most of the Venda people living there. Colourfully painted designs on the walls and fences of the Venda villages, with artwork and beadwork for sale, draw tourists like magnets.
Warmbaths is known for it’s hot water springs, and many come to luxuriate in it’s warmth as well as receiving relief from aches and pains in their joints. Luxury accommodation as well as a variety of entertainment is available at the baths.
Water sports enthusiasts will really enjoy the Hartebeespoort Dam with it’s holiday resorts, water sports and ballooning. This huge dam is also a valuable source of irrigation to the farmers of the area.
As the Bushveld recedes from our rear view, we begin to experience nature at it’s best! Green forests all around, stretching as far as the eye can see, and beyond. Macadamia nuts and avocado pear farms are the main source of income, with various fruits like bananas, paw paws and mangos following closely. Phosphate and copper mines near Phalaborwa, supply labour to the local residents.
The Lowveld is the proud “owner” of the Kruger National Park, and more than 4500 people visit it daily. Not only does the Park have 146 mammal and 114 reptile species, but it also contains the Big Five: Buffalo, lion, elephant, rhino and leopard. Winter months, when the vegetation is sparse, is the best time to visit the
Park to see the Big Five. The experience of hearing the laugh of the hyena and the “grunting” of the lion (to name a few) just outside the camps’ fence, whilst lying in your chalet bed, is not to be missed. Either you’ll be scared to death or totally exhilarated.
The main resting camp, Skukuza, has luxury chalets with braai facilities, restaurants, swimming pools etc. as well as banking and vehicle repair facilities.
Leaving the Lowveld behind, with tummy ache (from all the avo’s and mangos) but also with wonderful memories and photos, we enter into a region that seems to have a timelessness about it. Lush green forests (mostly pine) and panoramic views as one climbs and then descends on winding roads around high mountains, is breathtakingly beautiful. A mountain range with three mountains looking like three rondawels, catches the eye and one has to marvel at the wonder of creation, being surrounded by it as you travel on. There are many beautiful waterfalls in this region, a few of them being Waterval Boven falls, the Berlin Falls, Sabie Falls and Mac Mac Falls near Sabie. Tsonga kraals that are kept in good condition, are open to the public and serve as
open air museums.
A quaint, small town called Pilgrims Rest, nestles amongst the mountains and has remained as it was, being the very first gold diggers settlement. Wooden houses with carved balustrades and a general store that sells everything from a sewing needle to “drop” (an old fashioned candy), as well as having a graveyard with more than 20 small graves that mark the year that many children died of a terrible disease.
The Blyderiver Canyon is one of the deepest of it’s kind and has well trodden hiking trails for the enthusiastic and fit individual. Bourkes Luck Potholes leave you amazed at the various shapes, sizes and colours of the rocks.
Travelling toward the North Coast region, the rolling green hills with the majestic Drakensberg mountains in the background (sometimes with snow capped peaks) and Zulu locals with their war dances and handmade curios, become part of the Kwazulu experience. An annual tourist attraction is the Tugela River canoe race with it’s colourful and inter-continental participants. Nature lovers and eco tourists will also love the wetlands and lagoons of St. Lucia.
The South Coast is the gateway to the parks and reserves of the Drakensberg. The beauty and majesty of the Drakensberg is breathtaking to behold, and from a good vantage point one can see the Valley of a thousand hills. Hills that weave into each other. This can only be seen in our land! Mountain sheep are dotted all over the landscape, and waterfalls cascading down the mountains, complete the picture of beauty and tranquillity. One of the peaks of the Drakensberg is named Champagne Castle and is the highest at 3376 meters. Luxurious accommodation at the Cathedral Peak hotel ensures one of a magnificent view of the snow capped mountains, and for those wanting a peaceful hideaway, Kenmo Lake near Himeville is the ideal place. There’s nothing like water to calm the senses!
The hub of activity of the South Coast is Durban with all it’s mixed cultures, sounds and SMELLS! O those smells! And by this I mean GOOD smells. Smells of exotic spices wafting in from the Indian market, leading one by the nose, causing a sense of inquisitiveness and excitement. Haggling over the prices of the beautiful saris, scarves and hundreds of other wonderful Indian wares. Transport is no problem. Here we have the rickshaws. Colourfully decorated two-wheeled “carts” with roofs that are drawn by a man who jumps up and down while running you to your destination. The ride is hilarious and much fun!.
Durban is a holiday city. Sun seekers and fun seekers congregate here all the year round, as the climate is tropical and the nightlife is never ending. It is a cosmopolitan paradise for pleasure, surfers, and holidaymakers. Some of the finest hotels in South Africa are situated here. The children especially, will enjoy the Amusement Park and the Sea World Aquarium with it’s adorable dolphins. And don’t forget Mom! An old railway station was turned into a very unique shopping mall by the name of The Workshop.
Margate and San Lameer which is near Margate, are loved for their lagoons and swimming pools and people with small children flock to these places. We even have a waterfall further on, the Howick Falls.
And so ends our journey, and we return home with fond memories of strange tasting food, sunbleached beaches, majestic mountains and sunburnt skin.
IS THAT "HAPPY PLACE" IN YOUR HEAD NOT "DOING IT" FOR YOU ANY LONGER? Well, the places we have to offer are far, far better and, what is more, not only can you go there in your head, you get to take your body along as well!
South Africa is filled with "happy places" and your wish is our command! Should you, for example, desire to be on a yacht sailing into a harbour of sparkling blue sea, glittering white sands, warm sunshine, a glass of cool white wine in your hand and beautiful people all around you, well that's easy ... Cape Town, the mother city of South Africa offers all that and more. Scenery that is to die for. Warm hospitality and THE wines ... well, let's just say their taste is not only out of this world, but very much in it too!
Should your wish be for an exciting Safari experience - gorgeous grasslands, magnificent lions, mighty rhinoceroses, awesome elephant ... in fact the whole of the big five plus every kind of African deer right there where you are. In the daytime exciting Land Rover drives with your own personal guide, exploring all there is to see in your own private Game Park. Evening brings chilled carafes of red or white wine, mouth-watering snacks and the smell of sizzling steaks will entice you to the thatched Boma to partake of a feast fit for a king! The King size bed, the crisp white sheets under a billowing, romantic netted canopy in your own personal palatial tent beckoning you to slumber with the call of tomorrow on the horizon.
Sound good, sound great, sound like your kind of thing? Well, there is more! ...
Whale-watching in an incredibly beautiful town, quaint little shops and bistro's? Shark diving your scene? We can take you there! Exhilarating mountain rock climbing experiences? Mind-blowing bungy-jumping? Incredible hot air ballooning - No problem! Skiing in a bikini on snow-covered slopes and drinking warm spicy gluwein? Riding anything from a horse to an ostrich? Easy peasy! Snorkeling in clear blue waters, sun-tanning topless or leisurely being pampered at a stupendous spa? Gripping casino gambling? Only our pleasure!
How does a trip across THE most incredible scenery in a luxurious train that caters for your every whim, or bus-ing it in an air-conditioned luxury bus or even flagging down a helicopter, private plane, limo? Even an sumptious liner shipping you from one exotic place to another can be yours. Your wish is our command!
Join us for your own tailored "happy place" experience, we'll make the world, the worries and the stress all go away and create that "happy place" to end all others!
The best time for an African safari is when the animals are easy to find and in dense numbers. Deciding when to go on safari depends on what country you would like to visit and when you are able to plan your trip. Seasons differ in Southern Africa so you can really plan a great safari for almost every month of the year, if you are flexible about where you want to go to. Below you'll find a country specific guide for the absolute best time
to plan a safari.
The best time to enjoy Zambia's wildlife is from September through mid-November which is the end of the dry season. Elephants abound and large herds of buffalo, impala, zebra and others congregate in the Lower Zambezi Valley. April to September is also a good time to go, but beyond these months many parks in Zambia all but shut down due to impassable roads. In November, there's a smaller version of the Great Migration where 30,000 wildebeest gather in Zambia's Liuwa Plain National Park, that's not witnessed by many, but worth trying to plan a trip around. The Victoria Falls are at their most impressive in March and April after the rainy season. You will get totally soaked to the bone with the thunderous spray coming off the falls at this time of year.
July to October is the best time to go to Zimbabwe's excellent wildlife parks, especially Hwange, the largest game reserve in the country. White water rafting on the Zambezi is best from August to December when the water is low and the rapids are fast. The Victoria Falls are at their most impressive in March and April after the rainy season. You may have difficulty seeing all of the falls due to massive amounts of spray it can be quite torrential.
June through September is the best time to go on safari in Botswana. There is little chance of rain and the weather is still nice and warm during the day. Huge herds congregate around the Okavango Delta during this time, making a trip in a mokoro (traditional canoe) extremely rewarding. Botswana is one of Africa's most expensive safari destinations because many of the parks are inaccessible by road and you have to charter a
small plane to get there. If you have your heart set on Botswana's excellent parks, but can't quite afford them, check out some of the shoulder season deals in April, May and October.
Etosha National Park is Namibia's prime safari destination and the best time to visit is from May to September. This is Namibia's dry season (despite being mostly desert, there are still seasons in Namibia!) and animals congregate around the water holes making viewing easier. Many birders come to Namibia, and the best time to visit is during the summer months from December to March, but be prepared for some very hot and humid weather.
The prime safari areas in South Africa around Kruger National Park are best visited from June through September when the weather is cooler and dry. But South Africa's wildlife parks have better infrastructure
than most parks in Africa, so rains don't necessarily mean the roads will be washed out. There are also many excellent game parks in South Africa's Eastern Cape region which experiences less rain during the winter months than in the north of the country.
I’ve travelled a lot in my life. As a baby in a pram I travelled up mountains in Taiwan, carried by my uncles, as though I was a sacred shrine. My first time to South Africa, from the little I can recall, I was fascinated by the toilet paper: it was in rolls! The birds, there were so many birds everywhere, especially big ones by Zoo Lake that crapped all over the grass and my mom would say: watch out for the gold!” Then after varsity, I hauled my requisite backpack across Europe, running after trains and got hypnotised by Gaudi’s cathedral.
I love travelling. I love how being away makes me appreciate home more. It’s about having your breath taken away so suddenly you don’t even have time to fumble for your camera. It’s learning about a new place, whether across the globe or just an hour away from home, and having your eyes opened. Many people think travelling involves expensive air tickets and visas; for me, a road trip to the next town is exciting.
Everything about travelling is an adventure. Starting with the research before a trip, you explode upon a new world of maps, names, histories; then the trip itself, getting there, finding your bearings, restless days absorbing new flavours and sounds. There’s something about waking up in an unfamiliar place, it switches on your senses to the max. Buzzing with new memories and photos, you can’t wait to share your new experience with your friends and family, or Facebook. It makes the world so much more appealing, and bigger than your little office cubicle.
And yet, there are those moments during a trip when it has all just lost appeal. Your feet ache and your wallet is tired. The new food starts to taste the same. One museum is as boring as the next. And then you know: it’s time to come home. You gladly pack up your bags and start the journey back… where you just can’t wait to go on your next trip.
I have always had a great passion for traveling. My biggest dream is to travel to Brazil one day, if I am fortunate enough. The fact that I am a big soccer fanatic is one of my biggest reasons why, but not only that, they have the most beautiful women too.
Then from there I would like to explore the rest of the world. I always see on television what a wonderful time tourists have and I actually become jealous, but then I change my mind set and tell myself that one day that would be me too.
There are also lots of tourist attraction places I would like to see and experience for myself, the statue of Liberty in New York City, the Eifel Tower in Paris and etc.
There are also the different languages of all the countries in the world that are very interesting and it would be very interesting to learn some of them.
The most important to me would also be England after all it has one of the most popular soccer leagues. Since I am a big Arsenal supporter, I would like to visit North London at the Emirates Stadium. It would be a dream come true to experience it.
South Africa would always be near to my heart and I do not think I would be able to stay away from home for too long. After all there is no other better city then the Mother City (Cape Town).
So no matter how far or how long I would be gone, I would always return home to South Africa. But to experience the rest of the world would be a great honour.
A quote that keeps me motivated “Progress has a little to do with the speed…but much to do with the direction. So always concentrate on your direction, not on the speed.”
Like the saying goes, there is no other place like home.
Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant locations for any purpose and for any duration with or without any means of transport. It may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries non local, internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a visa or a passport. You may be travelling for Recreational purpose, as a tourist, visiting people, for business, or just commuting and maybe for many other numerous reasons or occasions. Some of the reasons may be to obtain health care, migration, fleeing etc.
Travel may occur by human powered transport, such as walking, running or bicycling or with vehicles, such as airplanes, private cars, private jets, public transport, trains and various automobiles. Remember when traveling always use a travel guide to introduce you to a fascinating country, culture and style. Also enquire with the travel agencies the prices and the distances or time of traveling involved. Travelling is a journey that will indeed inspire and surprise you.
Not forgetting to apply for a visa or passport four to five weeks prior to traveling aboard. You also need to take a close look at the components that are related to travel such as leisure, recreation, accommodation, and hospitality. There are travel-organizing sectors this is made up of travel companies that are involved in making travel arrangements, they help you plan and book your holiday to various destinations whether business or pleasure, and they can also advice you on transport and accommodation, and attractions at that part of your destination. e.g., when traveling to South Africa, it is a rich and diverse country teaming with natural beauty unique and fascinating cultures and an amazing historical heritage, with different foods
And wine as to the introduced culture.
It is good to travel, in fact to others it is a need, one has to see other countries and continents, the historical places and to enjoy the picturesque places. It is always pleasing to venture new things, to meet different people with diverse cultures and beliefs, to try different food, to watch different and strange dance moves. Those who dwell in the cities like to visit quiet destinations along the ocean or they will prefer to go to nature reserves and mountains. Country dwellers will prefer to go to big cities and will do a lot of shopping and spend time in romantic places. Museums and art galleries are good places to go to when one is on holiday. A camera must be one’s friend because there will be a lot of things that will catch ones eye that has to be kept for remembrance. The interesting views are old historical churches and castles, views of mountains, lakes, valleys, plains, waterfalls, forests; different kinds of trees, flowers and plants; animals and birds. One can use a car, ship, aeroplane and train to go to the place of destination or to move from one destination to the other. Many people like to travel to places where climate conditions are favourable, it depends, and some people will prefer snowy places whereas some cool or hot places. It is important to take with clothes that will suit the weather condition of that place. It costs to travel, that is why other people save money right from the beginning of the year for the yearend holidays. A good holiday needs enough preparations and investigation about that desired destination. Safety is very important, it is good to travel to places that are free from wars and natural disasters but the latter can never be predicted.
We have heard people say “Oh I love to travel” but what do they really mean? Well to deduce that we have to look at the reasons why people travel.
The most basic of travelers is the corporate traveler – the business man, yep like George Clooney in that movie (Up in the Air). He has to get from A to B, have a place to stay, a place to have meetings, maybe get a hired car and as soon as his job is done, he is eager to get back home. The purpose of this trip has created a feeling of satisfaction in a job well done.
Then we move onto the visitors. As our global village gets bigger, the motivation to travel has arisen as people want to go to visit friends and family who live in another area, city, country or even continent. Nowadays, it’s quite common to have a family spread around the world with the parents living on UK, one child working in Spain, another in Australia and the third studying in the USA. Travellers spend a week or two visiting the family member and return home. Although in the case of the visiting mother-in-law, those two weeks can feel like 2 lifetimes. The purpose of this trip has been achieved – creates a feeling of satisfaction that your friends and family are doing well and you have seen a bit of the world.
Let’s journey onto the third type – the adventurer or explorer. This traveler is the kind of guy who will travel over the hill, just to see what is on the other side. Curiosity rules the heart. He wants to see new places, meet new people and experience new things. The adventurer is not always the whip cracking gun carrying Indiana Jones, he can also be more easy going like The Beach perhaps. The purpose: that feeling of achievement, or maybe an epiphany or a greater understanding perhaps.
Travel gives us this – a sense of doing something bigger than yourself. A feeling of fulfillment, maybe even fulfilling a need you didn’t know you had. An intangible feeling that satisfies you on a deeper level than all the chocolate in the world. A feeling that creates a self awareness that makes you want to do more, feel more, experience more. Travel truly does open your mind and expand horizons. So yes, travel does make us happy and leaves us wanting more. We love it.
A beautiful desire to travel – I keep on dreaming it and visualising myself inside a plane and experiencing the flight, I’m always imagining myself flying, I have never been inside a plane - I once went to the airport on a school trip, I was hoping that they would take us in but to no avail. I heard about booking through the internet - it seemed difficult until I tried myself, one day - I started googling and taught myself how to book over the internet, and am now ’m planning to go to Eastern Cape by a plane this time not bus.
I’m residing in Polokwane, it would be a great thing honour for me to fly and spend only one and a half hours travelling rather than spending more than ten hours on the road.
After I was browsing I registered so that I may be able to receive some updates and more information and now it is happening everyday, I’m receiving updates and information on special prices and it makes me feel more interesting because the updates include pictures of nature, my favorite. Flight has change a lot of peoples lives, and made travelling very easy.
Everybody travels at a certain point in their lives, it is only a matter of where and how one travels. People prefer different means of traveling depending on a particular destination and of cause the price they pay for that particular journey. Others find it easy to travel by airplane, others by bus, taxi or train. The prices to which a person pays going to a certain place might be different, mainly because other means of transportation are much less, uncomfortable and slower than others. For example, traveling by airplane is much more expensive than other sources of transportation, but comfortable and faster.
I personally travel a long distance trip every year between East London and Gauteng and I use different kinds of transportation I see fit at that particular time.
I travel when I go on holiday, when attending a certain function be it far or near by I also travel when I visit some long distance families. All of this boils down to one point, everybody travels at some point. Others travel everyday, going to and from work.
I traveled since I was very young with my parents. My late Grandmother stayed in the rural areas in the Eastern Cape in Transkei and my father, mother and sister would visit her every year, especially for winter and Christmas holidays. At that point the pleasure of traveling was introduced to me. Since then, I loved and enjoyed traveling. Now I have a child of my own and we travel to the Eastern Cape three or four times a year.
In conclusion, I believe that the more one travels the more they learn about different people and
different cultures in different places which are different to that which they are normally used to.
Traveling is fun and interesting.
If one looks carefully an interesting fact to be found is that the price of an airline ticket in the 60’s is roughly the same as it is today. The main difference now and then is that for the average consumer to be able to afford that ticket in the 60’s was an impossibility.
When air travel first became popular the upper class elite of the world began to expand their horizons as to where they would like to go for a holiday. As a result they forged massive growth of the great holiday destinations in the world today - Hawaii, Cape Town, St. Bart’s, Thailand, all these places and more suddenly found the rich and famous knocking on their doors and doing so without having to spend massive amounts of money and time sailing there on a ship.
These original jet-setters created the current stereotype of what everyone thinks a holiday should be all about. Getting onto a plane and quickly flying a vast distance to a completely different climate to be enjoyed in the lap of luxury with friends and family, though all of this was just a dream to our grandparents who would much sooner have dreamt of a family trip to Plettenberg Bay than to Singapore.
But today we live in an entirely different world, the price of a long distance flight is affordable to most people and thus every year thousands of South Africans can fly all over the world to holiday and see family and now that they do we can also enjoy the grand hotels or perhaps their smaller variants in the exotic locations all over the world, and can do so without having to sell the children, house and the dogs. In fact now is the time of year that most people are thinking about what fantastical getaway destination they plan to spend the end of the year at and even though a airline ticket still costs relatively the same as it did in the 60’s it’s always sweet to think how much easier it is to just call your travel agent in 2010 and let them put you on a plane to see the world.
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