Travellers’ Tales – Meet Nicola from Peanut Gallery 247

Meet Nicola from Peanut Gallery 247

I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Nicola Subben, a blogger based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She blogs at Peanut Gallery 247.

I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.

Read about Nicola’s travels here,

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Nicola, proud to call myself a happy wife and mommy. My family means more to me than anything else in this world. I have a full-time job as a Learning & Development Practitioner and in the evenings, once my child is asleep, I release my thoughts through blogging. It’s been a few months since I’ve started my blog and I am absolutely loving blogging and the learning along the way.

2. What is your earliest travel memory?

I think it would be the time that I visited Germany and Austria. I had experienced a white Christmas and snow for the very first time in my life. This was when I was 13 years old and even at that age, I recall enjoying the sense of safety and the freedom to walk around sight-seeing in these foreign countries, with peace of mind. The highlight of this holiday was visiting Castle Neuschwanstein. It was also the very first time I had tasted McDonalds – the Big Mac Burger. I recall walking up and down Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna a few times, thoroughly enjoying the shopping (yes, even at that age, I already loved shopping).

3. Where was your last holiday?

International was to Phuket and Bangkok.

4. What was the best thing you did there?

Without any doubt, it was the island tours. I heard many people complain about these tours and say that they are too crowded. We must have been lucky as we experienced great weather and I totally fell in love with Maya Beach. As I write this, I am visualising the picture-perfect water and white sand and wish I was there right now.

Peanut Gallery

View from Lebua Hotel

5. What was your best holiday ever? Why?

It was my holiday to Thailand. When we booked our holiday, it was just for the two of us, my hubby and myself. Two weeks or so before our holiday, we found out that I was pregnant, so for me, this was the most special holiday because it was with my family. Even though my child was unborn at the time, in my heart and mind, I knew it was just us three. We stayed at the award-winning Lebua At State Tower Hotel in Bangkok and it was remarkable to have been able to experience such unsurpassable Thai hospitality. In Phuket, we stayed at the Cape Sienna Hotel (Main Image) and loved the attention to detail. It is highly recommended.

6. What is your favourite travel destination?

The Mother City. I love Cape Town. Between the picturesque mountain and the ocean, there’s just something about this beautiful city that I NEVER get tired of. I’ve been to Cape Town a few times, both for business and leisure but I have yet to experience it with my child, and as a family. I anticipate this very much!

7. What must one do there?

There’s just so much to do in Cape Town, for the young and old and the young at heart. I loved Boulders Beach because I still can’t get over how cute the penguins there are. The night life on Long Street is an experience of note, with the trendiest restaurants and bars.  The infamous Table Mountain is a must see.  The drive to Chapman’s Peak is absolutely breath-taking, with many photographic opportunities en route. You will be spoilt for choice with romantic picnics overlooking scenic views that create the perfect ambience. Outside of Cape Town is another hidden gem and probably one of my favourite beaches in South Africa – Arniston Beach situated in the small town of Arniston.Peanut Gallery Table Mountain

8. Who is your favourite travel companion/s?

My husband and my child.

9. Name one item you must have when travelling.

My flat iron for my hair.

10. Your best travel advice?

Do not allow yourself to be distracted – leave work or any other stress behind and be totally present. Whilst it’s great to take photos – make sure that you don’t get so overly focused on the photos that you miss the magical moments that have to be experienced…not through the camera lens.

Always plan – you don’t have to go to all the tourist attractions, do some research and go to the places that resonate with you.

11. The one place you want to visit before you die?

I’ve always wanted to visit Niagara Falls and I did…if I visit anything else before I die, it would just be a bonus.

Peanut Gallery Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

12. How can people connect with you?

Blog: Peanut Gallery

Facebook: www.facebook.com/peanutgallery247

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolasubben

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicolasubben

Thank you, Nicola , for sharing your fascinating travels with us!

I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales, fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.

Who will I feature next? I’ve got an exciting line-up ahead. Make sure you subscribe to the free newsletter so you don’t miss out on some exciting travel tales.

One comment on “Travellers’ Tales – Meet Nicola from Peanut Gallery 247”

  1. So Agree..LIVE IN THE MOMENT!!! I believe a holiday must be lived & experienced at absolute leisure & we must draw the line with work & personal life balance.

    Love the fact the hair iron cant be left behind 🙂 With the curls/beach waves you have & a gorgeous smile that you wear best you will look fab with even dancing in the rain.

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