A Disney vacation is on almost every family’s wishlist. But Walt Disney World can be quite overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Here are 10 Tips to get the most out of your Disney Vacation Shop around for your Walt Disney tickets. You can save a bit by buying from the right place at the right time. I …
It is said that construction on Kwa Maritane began centuries ago…The lodge is built on the slopes of an ancient volcano in the area now known as Pilanesberg Game Reserve and is overlooked by huge granite boulders. I had been to the reserve for day visits before but had never stayed there. According to recent polls …
For updates on the How to apply for a passport online process, be sure to enter your email address here. Don’t forget to click on the confirmation link in the email you receive. When travelling abroad the general rule is that your passport needs to be valid for 6 months. Most countries require this. My …
This post is about you – Tell me about your travels Three years ago , I decided to combine my passion for travel with my passion for writing – and started a travel blog to share my travel experiences with the rest of the world. Now I want to share your travels with my readers …
Given a choice of vacation destinations and activities, my children would choose to go to the beach, my husband would rather play golf and I would prefer to spend my time in a nature reserve or a spa. Fortunately for us, Selborne Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate, offered all of these. The location Based in …
I’ve been using Travelstart South Africa for years to find cheap flights for my travels and I’ve been recommending it to others too. So now I’m quite chuffed that you can compare and book flights on Travelstart South Africa directly from my blog. They always have great specials available. To view them and/or book , go …
Tracing Olympic history in Olympia – Birthplace of the Ancient Olympics Did you know that… …the Olympic Games were named after the ancient Greek city of Olympia? …the only event initially was a race of about 190m …the very first documented Olympic champion was a baker. …Olympic winners received olive wreaths and branches as prizes…as …
Dusk was descending as we entered the Tala Collection Private Game Reserve gates. We had driven a short way when a lanky giraffe strode up to welcome us. He stood and watched us for a while and then ducked his head and disappeared into the trees, once he had ascertained that we were safe. Situated …
This is a shortlist of things to do in Istanbul for a first-time visitor To read more go to Incredible Istanbul Things to do in Istanbul What to see Topikapi Palace and Museum – a large palace that was one of the main residences of the Ottoman rulers for almost 400 years. It contains some of …
As we ascended the steep rocky cliff, our game ranger Simon advised us to hold on tight to our vehicle. I must admit – it was a bit nerve-racking at first, but the adrenalin rush, the breath-taking scenery surrounding us and Simon’s entertaining anecdotes conquered any traces of anxiety soon enough and we ended up …
I recently visited the Nelson Mandela Capture site just outside Howick for the first time on the way back to Johannesburg after spending a week in KwaZulu Natal. It was where he (Madiba) was finally captured by apartheid police on 5 August 1962 after being on the run for 16-17 months. He was pretending to …
I must be one of the only women in the world who doesn’t like to wear jewelry. You won’t find me wearing chains, bracelets and rings except on very special occasions. However, what you will find me wearing when I go out is a watch. Because one always needs to know the time especially when …
I was tagged by the lovely Loren from www.minkys.co.za in the wanderlust tag. Being a travel addict, I couldn’t resist completing it of course. So here goes, Your most treasured passport stamp? That’s a tough one but I’d have to go with my Schengen Visa because it opened up the way for me to visit so …
Retail therapy and five-star luxury – what more could a girl ask for? I was recently invited to spend a night at Sandton Sun with my husband. I had been to the hotel before and always enjoyed my stay there but it had been a few years since my last visit, so of course I …
South Africa is a beautiful country with so much to see and so many places to explore. Here are 30 Photos of South Africa that will fuel your wanderlust. Here are 30 Photos of South Africa that will fuel your wanderlust Get lost in nature… Go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains… 2. Or cool off on …
London is a family-friendly city with loads of things to do with kids. My kids are aged 10 and 11 and this is what they enjoyed on their first visit to London – in random order. London Eye The Coca-Cola London Eye was the first attraction we chose to visit in London because the kids …
Are you going on a South African holiday? South Africa has many great hotels but you want one that’s child-friendly – one that has activities and facilities to keep your little ones entertained. Give the old tried and tested destinations a miss on your next holiday and go somewhere different. Discover more of our beautiful …
This competition is now closed. The winner is Enricoh Alfonzo Naidu ! Congratulations Enricoh! I am giving away 2 VIP tickets to the National Achievers Congress 2016 with Robert Kiyosaki on 9 and 10 July. Scroll below to enter. About Robert Kiyosaki Robert Kiyosaki is best known as the author of ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’, one …
“Here you leave today- and visit the worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” – Walt Disney A visit to Walt Disney World is almost every child’s dream – and I must admit it was on my bucket list too – the part of me that wanted to feel like a carefree child again. Often incorrectly referred …
Caution: This post is about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It contains a lot of Harry Potter jargon. Muggles (non-magical people) may not understand. If you are a muggle and have not read the books or watched the movies, read this version. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter When the Harry Potter books took …
Once upon a time, high up within the Mpumalanga mountains, highwaymen would steal gold from passing coaches leaving the mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. This is how the road earned its title of Robbers Pass. Today, at the top of Robbers Pass, you will find a treasure of a different sort – a blissful mountain …
There are few experiences more exhilarating than driving through the African bushveld, on an open Landrover at full throttle, under the gaze of the orange sun – as you spot wild animals in their natural habitat. You are galaxies away from the concrete jungle and you are at one with nature. And when this experience …
Beggars are an unfortunate reality of many third world countries, and some first-world countries too. They can be discreet, demanding, precise or persistent, depending on where in the world you are. There are those with disabilities, often purposely inflicted for the very purpose of begging, (cunning) little children with puppy dog eyes (and wily ways), …
“Mpumalanga” meaning “the place where the sun rises” , is one of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces. It is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife – which attracts tourists from around the world. It is also home to South Africa’s largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park which covers almost two million hectares and …
If you ever doubted that Johannesburg was an urban forest, then you should look at it from the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff (aka The Westcliff Hotel). You will see a canopy of verdant treetops with sprinklings of purple jacaranda blossoms and the occasional red-tiled rooftop, stretching far into the horizons. The hotel overlooks the Johannesburg Zoo. …
When the city starts becoming claustrophobic, then you know it’s time to make your way to nature for a few days. Which is exactly what we did this holiday. We headed for the natural splendour and scenic surroundings of Sabi River Sun in the Mpumalanga Lowveld. It had been many years since we had last …
This competition is now closed. Click here for the winner announcement. There are few experiences more magical than floating in a hot air balloon over a scenic valley as the sun rises. As you drift lazily with the wind, enjoying the panoramic views, the early morning serenity and tranquility is punctuated only by the occasional …
Last week, headlines were made when a gorilla was shot after a 3-year old boy slipped into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, USA. Attacks by zoo animals happen regularly and are sometimes fatal, leading onlookers to fear for the safety of the child. If you haven’t seen the video, here it is: …
Thank you to all my loyal subscribers and followers for your support during 2015. As the year draws to a close, it is time to recap the events that filled it. 2015 was a busy year, even though we were limited to traveling during school holidays and weekends – for local getaways. This is a …
The US visas were relatively easy to obtain. Then it was time to apply for the UK visas for the whole family. The number of visa types available were reduced from 15 to 4 earlier this year. We qualified for the Standard Visitor Visa. I spent hours completing the most comprehensive online visa application forms …
It took me a full year to recover from the Schengen visa application, before I could muster up the courage to apply for a complex visa again. And this time I was aiming for a double whammy – US and UK visas, although the US visa was only for my children. Why on earth would …
This article was first published in SAA’s in-flight magazine – Sawubona (November 2015) This is the best of the North-West. From food and accommodation to entertainment and activities, it’s all covered. Do Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris There are few more magical experiences than a hot air balloon ride as the sun appears over the …
Sub-title : Stepping back in time in Florence Florence is often called the best city in the world. It came out top of the list in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards for the second year in a row. I took some photos of Florence that will give you an idea of what Florence …
Whenever I travel to a foreign country, something I always enjoy doing is taking a hop-on hop-off bus. I’ve taken the bus in New York, Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong amongst others. It’s a convenient way to see the city’s main attractions at your own pace while listening to the insightful commentary on your surroundings. …
I stood at the top of the cliff on the edge of the island and inhaled the salty air of the Aegean Sea. In front of me, the blackened volcano stood forebodingly in the midnight-blue waters of the caldera, daring anyone to assume that it had become docile. Behind me stood the iconic whitewashed buildings …
Like the colorful houses that line its streets, the Bo-Kaap has a colourful history. Lying on the lower slopes of Signal Hill, in the shadow of Lion’s Head, this historic, multi-cultural suburb in Cape Town, is a sight for sore eyes. Brightly painted houses, characteristic of Dutch and British architecture, line narrow cobble-stoned streets. Many …
It is difficult to choose just 10 things to do in Venice. From my last whirlwind visit to Venice about 18 years ago, I just remember being serenaded with “Sole Mio” on a gondola ride through the canals and posing for old-fashioned non-digital photos in St Mark’s Square. This time, I spent 3 nights there – …
A pair of crocodiles chased each other as a fish eagle looked on. Ducks quacked around the waterhole and a couple of herons stood haughtily amid them. A dazzle of zebras and a herd of wildebeest arrived to quench their thirst. A bit later, a parade of what seemed like over a hundred elephants came …
As a frequent air traveler, I often get asked for travel tips and hacks. Here are some of my favourite ones that I’ve learnt over the years. Before travelling, scan all your important documents like passports, visas, drivers’ licences as well as air tickets and itineraries (if you do not already have electronic copies). Then …
Take a malaria-free Big Five game reserve in the Waterberg region, and add on a signature golf course where each hole is designed by a different world golf champion. Include luxury accommodation amidst the bushes and the wildlife. Then, accessorize it with a unique 19th hole and botanical gardens planted by Miss World contestants. What …
It is not often that I am impressed by a hotel’s green initiatives. A sign encouraging one to re-use ones towels is usually the extent of the initiative. Hotel Verde is unique in that it is the first hotel in Africa to be built with the environment in mind and offer guests carbon-neutral accommodation and conferencing. …
The panoramic route to the hotel was just a prelude to the luxurious haven awaiting us. It was quite befitting, I mused, as we ascended Chapman’s Peak drive to the 12 Apostles Hotel. In one of the world’s most beautiful cities, on one of the world’s most spectacular routes, stands one of the world’s best …
Having heard much in praise of Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, my curiosity had been piqued. How does one please a group of people with diverse interests at one destination? Amongst our family alone, we have a golfer, spa and wildlife enthusiasts. When I finally got there and heard the exclamations of excitement emanating from …
I stood on the top deck of my floating “hotel”, the Splendour of the Seas, and savoured the breath-taking views from my lofty vantage point as we sailed out of Venice’s Giudecca Canal. We passed pointed church steeples and ancient palaces, sidewalk restaurants and bridges traversing narrow canals. The little black and gold gondolas and …
I had been avoiding Europe for a while. But when Italy and a Mediterranean cruise beckoned, I couldn’t resist any longer. This, of course, meant that I had to apply for a Schengen visa. Not for the first time, I bemoaned the fact that I was a South African passport holder. It seemed that the …
“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson I sat at the window of my ultra-luxurious suite and watched Africa go by. As the landscape transformed from congested city stations to open rivers and velds, the …
If you are a golfer, or married to one as I am, then you may know that Fancourt is a golfer’s paradise. With three championship Gary Player golf courses consistently rated in the Top 20 Golf Courses in South Africa, it is easy to see why. What you may not know is that Fancourt is …
“Vitality and beauty are gifts of nature for those who live according to its laws.” Leonardo Da Vinci This quote at the entrance welcomes you to Aurelies Health & Lifestyle Cafe. I finally got down to visiting after hearing so much about it and seeing so many mouth-watering photos on Instagram over the past few months. …
I created the “Travellers’ Tales” series earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Kathy, a travel blogger based in England. Visit her blog at Walkabout Wanderer. I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill …
I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Thalia and John, a Vlogging couple based in Kleinmond, near Cape Town. They are the first vloggers on my series. Visit their vlog at …
I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Joanna Roua, a travel blogger traveller from Romania, but currently living in the United Kingdom. Visit her blog at The World In My Pocket I would love to hear about …
I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Karen, a travel blogger based in Amsterdam. Visit her blog at www.wanderlustingk.com I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in …
Last month, American Tourister took over as my main brand of luggage carrier when they gifted me with a set of two Bon Air suitcases – big enough for my family travels – and I’ve been using them on my travels since then. In case you didn’t know, American Tourister is owned by Samsonite and is …
Tapas are not something I do often – mainly because the restaurants I tend to frequent don’t offer them. So when Zomato gave me a Cilantros voucher for being on their Blogger Leaderboard, I looked at the menu and decided that I definitely wanted to try the tapas out. The tantalising descriptions certainly helped with …
I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Roxanne Reid, a travel writer and blogger based in Cape Town, South Africa. Visit her blog at www.roxannereid.co.za . I would love to hear about your travels too. …