When our 1-year-old son sees a motor vehicle he joyously shouts out "vroom-vroom", hence the name of our new car hire section which you can see just to the right of the "Cruise news" section.

Weekly accommodation specials

(Note that these specials are now over. The page is retained for historic reference purposes only)

Here are some offers from our buddies at Ubuntudeal for this week. Please note, there are restrictions on the bookings. Please check all the relevant up to date details and availability by clicking on the links provided below. Deals could end and prices can change, at any point, perhaps even by the time you have read this (but will definitely end at the end of Friday).

Absolute Sea Pearl, Thailand

52% discount, 7 nights for R3,199. Experience true bliss at this exotic beach and spa resort. Pamper yourself by making full use of the 50% discount available at the spa! A delicious breakfast buffet is also included.

Everglades Country Hotel, KZN

53% discount, 1 weeknight for 2, R450. Lose yourself in the beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains, you might even see some snow! You will also receive a R200 voucher towards your next visit, what a great reason to go again.

Sacred Mountain Lodge, Cape Town

50% discount, 1 night for 2, R625. Enjoy a romantic, candlelit soak in a private jacuzzi, with a glass of wine to go with it. Cuddle up in front of the fire place afterwards, whilst admiring the incredible views of Table Mountain.

Goodings Grove, Franschhoek

45% discount, 1 night for 2, R800. Explore the historic town of Franschhoek, famed for its incredible wine, chocolate and other decadent pleasures. As a reminder of your stay, you will receive a complimentary bottle of Goodings Grove olives.

Topanga or Tahiti Sands, KZN

From R200 for a voucher valued at R800. Frolic in the warm water of the balmy East Coast and enjoy lazy evenings around the fire. This is the ideal location for a family escape from winter.

Zizi Lodge, KZN

50% discount, 2 nights for 4, R1600. Escape to the bush with the Indian Ocean only a stone's through away. Play a game of golf on one of the 8 courses nearby, or go snorkelling amongst the age old fossil beds.

Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria

40% discount, 9 nights for R21150. Dash across the bright white snow and leave the ordinary world behind you. This is the perfect place for an adrenaline rush, leisurely walks upon a frozen lake and exceptional cuisine.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn

50% discount, R594 ppn sharing. Spend an evening in one of the luxury tents, have a shower under the stars and listen to the sounds of the night. Meet and feed an elephant or go for a horseback safari.

Trekking adventure, Nepal

52% discount, 10 days, R6499 per person. Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime as you trek across the roof top of the world, the Himalayas. Immerse yourself in the colourful culture of the Nepalese and be left breathless by the views

South Africa vs. Argentina, Mendoza

40% discount, 5 nights for R28798. Watch the Pumas take on the Springboks, live and in Argentina! Included are tours of Mendoza and Buenos Aires, as well as Tigre and Delta. Remember to tuck into their famous steak.

Surin Park Apartments, Thailand

76% discount, 7 nights for 2, R3340. You will be delighted by the levels of service, comfort and luxury available to you at this price. The sun kissed beaches and swaying palm trees are the stuff made of dreams.

The Windsor Hotel, Hermanus

50% discount, 1 night for 2, R680. This is the perfect time of year to escape to Hermanus. The gentle giants of the ocean, the Southern Right whales, come here to breed, making for some spectacular views.

Wolfkop Caravan Village, Citrusdal

50% discount, 1 night for 4, R497. Brave the wintery cold and spend a night in one of the quirky caravans, complete with Bedouin style tent! Get adventurous in one of the canoes and dry off around a blazing bonfire.

Other accommodation specials

Van Riebeeck Apartments in Gordon's Bay currently have a Winter Special running at R500 per night during the winter months, please contact them on 021-556 1745. Prices could change.

Areena Riverside Resort also has a great special running, 25% discount on all camping and self catering accommodation with a minimum stay of 2 nights for the month of July 2012. Please contact them on 043 734 3055. Prices could change.

SAA weekly specials

There was limited availability on these SAA flight specials when I checked, and there'll be less by the time you read this (i.e. prices may well have changed)! Book now at SAA or through the SAA Call Centre on 0861 606 606

When booking through the Reservations Call Centre, quote booking code: ws19Jul12

Terms and conditions

* Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to availability and change due to currency fluctuations. South African Airways can at any time change/discontinue these special fares and conditions without prior notice.

Departures/Travel Restriction to Abidjan and Brazzaville : Sales permitted until 31 December 2012. Travel for Abidjan permitted from 17 August to 31 December 2012. Travel for Brazzaville permitted from 13 September to 31 December 2012. Changes are permitted at any time at a charge of ZAR 400 per change subject to same seat availability.Cancellation: any time tickets are non-refundable.

Departures/Travel Restrictions to Maputo, Luanda and Lusaka: Sales and Travel permitted until 30 September 2012. Changes are permitted at any time at a charge of ZAR 400 per change subject to same seat availability. Cancellation: any time tickets are non-refundable.

Departures/Travel Restrictions to Beijing: Sales  and Travel permitted until 31 October  2012. Changes are permitted any time at a charge of ZAR 1500 per change subject to same seat availability. 25% Cancellation fee before departure . After departure no refund.

Departures/Travel Restrictions to Franfurt and Munich: Sales permitted until 31 August 2012 and Travel permitted until 31 December 2012. Changes at any time permitted at a charge of ZAR1 700 per change subject to same seat availability. Cancellation: Any time tickets are non-refundable.

50% discount at The Rex Hotel, Knysna , R1000 for a double room. At the heart of the Garden Route, you will find this elegant and sophisticated 4 star hotel. This is the perfect place to explore Knysna as free bicycle hire is included.

The Australian Government has given the go-ahead for Etihad to increase its stake in Virgin Australia from 4.99% to a maximum of 10%.

Flying while pregnant:

With 1time, if you are between 28 and 35 weeks pregnant you need a medical certificate stating that the passenger is fit to fly, and passengers further pregnant than 35 weeks may not be accepted for travel.

With Kulula, if you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant, you need a Doctor's consent form, and after 36 weeks you cannot fly.

On Mango Airlines pregnant guests do not require the standard airline medical form provided they are less than 35 weeks pregnant, and they don't have any complications. Mango does not accept passengers over 35 weeks pregnant.

With SAA, domestic travel is allowed up to 36 weeks & 35 weeks for international flights for routine pregnancies. All pregnant women must provide a letter from their gynaecologists, stating the term of pregnancy, fitness for travel, whether it's a single, multiple or high risk pregnancy, and any possible complications.

With BA you can fly up to the 32nd week for multiple births & the 36th week for single pregnancies. After 28 weeks you need to provide a certificate from your midwife or Doctor confirming the estimated date of delivery & that there are no complications.