Where to go in SA for a family vacation

Destination 1: Teniqua Treetops – Sedgefield, Garden Route

The most awesome thing about this destination in my opinion is that you sleep in a tree house. Yes, you read that right! You and your family literally sleep in a tree house, surrounded by a magical forest with lovely woodland trails and even a fairy or two. The uniqueness of this experience and the safety of your surroundings allow your children to explore the forest, swimming pool and games rooms with outside braais on their own, while you bask in the beauty around you. You are also right on the Garden Route and Sedgefield offers local markets and beaches.

 

Destination 2: Cathedral Peak Hotel – Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

This is a no-brainer. Just take a look at pictures of this place and you will be phoning in your booking. This is not just one of the most beautiful places in SA, but also a World Heritage Site. The expansiveness of the majestic mountains will not be lost on you and there is plenty activities for your children – whether you participate or not. There are planned activities during peak holiday season, a separate children’s dining room as well as babysitters! Five course meals for the adults will have you begging for more and the frenzy of so many people (the hotel has 104 rooms) is absorbed by the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy walks, views, the amphitheatre and rest up!

 

Destination 3: Sparkling Waters Hotel – Rustenburg, North West Province

This 3 star hotel is highly recommended by the AA and is a graded Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Range – a mere 90 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg. With more than 16 on site sport, recreation and outdoor activities, this caters for the whole family. Your options include tennis, volleyball, mini golf, mountain bikes, hiking trails, outdoor action cricket, paintball war games, very well equipped games room, playpark, heated splash pool, cold pool, the spectacular Magaliesberg Canopy tours, Sparkling Health Spa and more. The Health Spa even includes treatment for kids in their own salon when numbers allow!

 

What other spots have become your family favourite? Share with us in the comments below!

Why you should choose Cape Town for your spring break

1.Robben Island

When you are in Caep Town, Robben Island is an absolute must! This half-day tour will take you to the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years behind bars, fighting for freedom. Many other members of political parties were jailed alsongside him and one of your guides will most likely be an ex-political prisoner, which gives you a beautifully coloured picture of what it was like. The tour includes the prison and the whole island, which is fascinating. Traveling to the island by ferry should also not be dismissed!

 

2.The penguins at Boulder Beach

Swimming with the penguins at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town is a real thrill, especially if you have kids traveling with you. A small portion of the beach has been allocated to the public and it’s separated from the mail penguin colony. However, the penguins pay no mind to this separation and you will often find a penguin sitting next to you on your towel or darting around your legs while you cool off in the ocean. Make sure you get there early in spring, as it can get quite crowded.

 

3.Table Mountain

Obviously this is a must. Table Mountain is one of the 7 wonders of the world and you simply cannot be in Cape Town and not visit this huge slab of stone that it 1086m high and 3km long. The mountain houses more than 1400 unique species of plants as well as several mountains. If you take food up with you, you will find that the dassie rats are quite eager to share your food! You can either climb the mountain (if you’re fit enough for this 3 hour climb) or go up via cable car. The view is astonishing and you can even see Robben Island from the top!

 

What else have you done in Cape Town that is a no-miss opportunity? Share with us in the comments below or on social media!

How to go on holiday without breaking the bank

 

Step 1: The destination

Make sure you choose your destination according to your budget. There is no need to always go to a pricey location and this will influence your budget hugely as expensive accommodation always mean expensive food. There are lots of lesser known spots with beautiful settings and activities. For example, maybe you shouldn’t go to Malibu or Miami to see a beautiful beach. Do yourself a favour and go to Mozambique first – the setting is just as beautiful, but at half the price!

 

Step 2: Accommodation

This is one of the biggest expenses when going on holiday. Please don’t try to book a five star hotel on a camping budget. There are many hotels that are affordable and still clean with proper and healthy food that don’t cost you an arm or a leg. There are also many services available online that allows you to compare various hotels with each other in order to easily find the best one with the best price. This could be the difference between a 3 day trip and a 2 week trip!

 

Step 3: Food

It is a known fact that you eat more when you are on vacation. To the dismay of many women worldwide, this cannot be avoided. So what you should avoid when on vacation is restaurants. Try to not eat out every day when you’re on vacation, but rather choose a hotel which has breakfast and dinner included in their daily rates or book at a self-catering lodge and bring some food from home (if you’re not travelling very far obviously). You also don’t need to have a big lunch every day – simple sandwich or two could also do the trick and this can save you between R200 and R300 per day if you’re four people traveling together.

 

What other tips have you come across that has helped you save money for traveling? Share with us in the comments section below!

Planning for Spring Break

Well,, the sun rises earlier, the birds are singing those beautiful songs of theirs and low and behold – you’ve packed your winter jackets and long johns away. Yes, it’s that time of the year – spring! For most students this means that the summer vacation is not too far away anymore. In the meantime though there’s another much-needed break – spring break! Let’s see how you can mmaximizethis week with a short vacation before the last shift of 2014 starts!





The first thing is to plan ahead. Most vacation spots are fully booked months before the actual holiday, so make sure that you have your plans ready at least 5 months before the holiday starts. This way you can even plan how to pay for accommodation so that you have one less thing to save for. When you've chosen a spot, remember to also plan how you will get there. If you don’t have a car, you could take the train or bus or even fly to your destination. Make sure your tickets are booked and paid for to avoid a last minute disappointment!





If you’re going somewhere that you haven’t been before, make sure to do some research on your location. Find out what the area has to offer in terms of entertainment and make sure to include this in your budget too. If you’re travelling to a different country, make sure your passport is valid and that all your documentation is up to date.





The budget is a really big part of planning for your holiday. Don’t forget that unfortunately having fun mostly costs money, so try to put a little money away every month so that you are prepared. Try to be very accurate in terms of what you will spend your money on, such as souvenirs or tattoos. Remember that you want to relax and have a good time! Remember that if you’re travelling to a different country that this might have a cost impact on your phone bill. Make sure you talk to your service provider about roaming fees for calls and data so that you don’t get a nasty surprise when you get back.





During the month of your visit, make sure you slowly but surely start getting everything together. Confirm accommodation and transportation bookings a week prior to leaving to check that all is still in order, pack your bags and then go and enjoy that holiday!


What other things do you take into account when planning a holiday?http://greyhoundsa.wordpress.com/Planning for Spring Break

Travel destinations for this summer

Travel destinations for this summer

Now that winter in the Southern Hemisphere is winding down, those among us who prefer the sunlight will be looking to quickly get away from our lives that have been cooped up in front of heaters for the last few months. While South Africa doesn't usually get as cold as much of the rest of the world, some of the more popular destinations, especially those that fill up during the summer months, will now slowly start to see people flocking in again. This is also the perfect time to get in your last trip abroad before every Northern Hemisphere country starts to slide into their well known winter chill.

Locally, Cape Town is one of the most obvious choices for a summer vacation destination. Even though it can get a little windy at times, the pristine beaches and world class nightlife will make it well worth your time if you decide to make the trip. Durban is also a great choice for anyone looking to get a bit of surfing in (since the Cape beaches tend to be a lot colder than those in the Indian Ocean), and the year round tropical weather in Durban means that you will be quite unlikely to face much cold weather even if you go a little before summer officially starts. 

A little further north, the Kruger National Park is a great destination for anyone looking to experience some wildlife, whether you’re a tourist or not, its ax experience not to be missed. Sun City is also one of the most popular destinations for summertime parties and relaxation, and being just a couple of hours away from Johannesburg, you can easily get there in good time and spend your weekend partying on the artificial beach.

Now that the FIFA World Cup has left Brazil, and summer is officially coming back to the country (though it is difficult to see how it ever left), a trip to Brazil, which is widely recognized as one of the best summer party destinations, may be a great choice, because you will be able to relax and experience the country as it truly is now that all the football fanatics have packed up and gone back home.

For anyone feeling a little more adventurous, a trip to the Far East countries like Taiwan, Thailand and Japan may be exactly what you need. However, you will want to make sure to plan your trip early, because if you find yourself there at the wrong time of the year, you may face some gigantic typhoons, and in Japan, snowy weather to rival even the very heart of the Russian empire.

Safety Tips When Traveling Alone

No travel companion nagging you! If you would like to take the day and sign up for an art class you are free to do so without someone sitting on the side line bored out of their minds. The ultimate self-indulgence; you can go see what you want; when you want and by any means you want! Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and with this your triumphs are all the more exciting! 

Sound like something you would love? Great, now let’s get to the safety part:

 

Be Alert! 

 

Before getting out of a vehicle, do a quick scan up and down the street to ensure no unsavoury characters are trailing you. Don’t make yourself a target by walking down the street talking on your mobile. The more alert you are the less chance you have of being the victim of a snatch and grab.

 

Keep others informed of your daily itinerary

 

Let people know where you are going and what time you are expected to be back on a regular basis; this includes friends and family at home as well as your innkeeper. 

 

Keep your credit cards and passport in separate places

 

When sightseeing, make sure to only carry a copy of your passport’s data page whilst 

keeping your passport locked in your hotel safe. Keep some of your money in your wallet and some in a money pouch, preferably leave the majority of your cash in the hotel safe and work on a daily budget. 

 

Plan ahead

 

Inquire about the open and close times of your destination to avoid sleeping in your car or worse! Nobody likes sleeping in the streets.

 

Trust your gut

 

You are your own best counsel, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it! Keep to open and public places, especially at night. Exude confidence and walk purposefully. Avoid appearing like a tourist. Don’t walk around with your face in a guidebook as you make yourself look like a target.

 

No jewellery

 

Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewellery. Keep it locked up safely at your hotel room.  

There you have it. Follow these tips and your chances of becoming a victim of crime will decrease dramatically. If you have any more travel safety tips let us know in the comment section. 

Things to consider when taking the bus

Things to consider: 

 

Comfort

 

Some bus rides take place during night time and temperatures tend to drop. It’s wise to wear warmer clothes just before boarding as to cut out the chill factor. Packing a small blanket will bring you much needed warmth when the temperature starts to drop. 

 

Keeping yourself busy

 

If you are going to spend several hours on a bus you will need something to keep you busy. Bring your favourite book along or charge your mp3 player to listen to some tunes. Smart phones come with thousands of app that are bound to keep you busy so make sure to charge your device before your trip. 

 

Safety first

 

Always keep a loved one or friend updated on your location. Don’t make yourself a target by wearing jewellery or flaunting your new iPhone. Keep your cash and credit cards in an inconspicuous location like a money pouch. 

 

Take your fellow travellers into consideration

 

Nobody likes the loud obnoxious guy in the front of the bus who complains about everything. Don’t be that person! If you have a complaint, kindly let the cabin crew know and they will most probably be able to sort out your problem. Remember to pack earphones as not everybody likes to hear every song on your playlist that consists of only 4 songs on a loop. 

 

Make new friends! 

 

Bus travel is one of the best places to meet and make new friends! Try speaking to some of the passengers and you are bound to find someone with the same likes and interests. Maybe they wouldn't mind your playlist with only 4 songs on it. 

 

Stretch your legs

 

Long bus trips almost always have bathroom breaks, use the opportunity to stretch your legs and use the restroom! Nothing makes a bus trip more unpleasant than a full bladder. Stretching your legs and taking in some fresh air also helps with the fatigue factor. 

Have anything to add? Let us know in the comment section. 

The history of tourism

The rise of tourism can be traced back to Ancient Greece, much like many of the most important aspects of our modern society. In those days, traveling was limited to the most affluent in society, since they were the only ones with the means to take time away from their work without the risk of putting their livelihoods in danger. During this time, most trips were taken by young men, and were used as educational, and those men usually returned and were afforded higher positions in society, since they were then seen as more educated.

 

A resurgence of tourism was seen after the Middle Ages in the Renaissance era, when affluence became a more stable status after the feudal era that had existed for hundreds of years before. During this time, many Europeans travelled around to the East, to other parts of Europe and to the ‘New World’ in order to spread the teachings of the Enlightenment, rationality and skepticism, and to learn the ways of the people they were to encounter. Much of what was learnt during this time was used to integrate new technologies and ideas into European societies, and this is why there are, to this day, many different cultural influences to be found in the writings and artworks of the Enlightenment.

 

The 19th century saw the rise of the railroads, and the forward thinking Thomas Cook, one of the pioneers of what has come to be known as the modern tourism industry. Wider access to railroads and long distance travel meant that more people were able to travel, and pioneers like Cook helped to set up systems and packages that people paid for in order to experience certain parts of the world.

 

While modern tourism takes on many faces, from leisure tourism, to educational, cultural, religious and even health related tourism, much of what we have come to know as tourism remains the same as it was before. Tourists aim to broaden their horizons and to experience the world in new ways. Perhaps the reasons for traveling will change in the future, but for now, we all remain quite transfixed on the idea of learning all there is to know about the world.

How to choose a good bus company to travel with

 

In the 21st century, we have been completely inundated with choice. Everything we do or own gives us some kind of choice, and as a result, we sometimes feel overwhelmed when it comes to making a decision. When choosing a bus company to take you from point A to point B all the way across the country, you don’t want to get stuck having made the wrong choice, so you should take your time before making the decision to weigh up the pros and cons of each company, and try to decide which one will be a good fit for your needs. Here are a few tips on how to evaluate each company, and what to look out for in the process:

 

1.  Find testimonials

 

A good or superb recommendation from a an ex-client having used a particular charter bus rental company in the past will provide information that is extremely valuable to the consumer.  There is nothing better than hearing from someone who has experienced the service offered by the company and seeing how their experience was. In the completely social world we live in, finding testimonials like this is as simple as visiting Facebook or Twitter and seeing if anyone mentions the company in question.

 

2. Visit the Company

 

A personal visit to a bus company for a short tour will provide first-hand knowledge of what the company's service will belike should you choose to make your trip with them. Viewing the busses in the depot would be a bonus, but even just being able to talk to the drivers, or watch the busses get prepped for a trip will surely give you an idea of how safe the drive will be. How clean the vehicles appear, how polite and personable the employees are, is a good indication of how the business is operated. Checking the safety credentials can be done on or off company property.

 

3.  Create a comparison chart of services offered

 

When comparing bus rental companies for service jobs, understanding the needs of the group compared to the services offered can sometimes be a daunting task.  Creating a simple chart with comparable services, prices and time frames foe when you are planning on taking your trip will give a clear understanding of the amenities and expectations offered by each company being considered. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to plan, you can always open the company websites next to each other and do a quick comparison that way.

 

4.  Prepare some questions for consultants

 

By preparing a list of questions and asking them to the service consultant you will speak to when calling in, the chance of a miscommunication will be small or even eliminated altogether.If you would like access to certain amenities or services on the bus, the best way to make sure you get that, or to find out if its even available is by phoning in and speaking to someone directly.

 

5.  Examine the Experience Level and History

 

A company in business with a lengthy record is bound to have plenty of historical data to examine.  The new kid on the block can certainly be reputable and sincere with the promise of expert, safe and reliable service, but nothing can replace the length of service and history of a well established company. Chances are, the more experienced the company is, the better they will be able to handle adverse situations, and the better equipped they will be to

Why do we travel?

 

Many of us have never traveled out of our home country, or even our own city, in our lives. Yet we still all (for the most part) have an undeniable urge to get out and see more of the world. All of the reasons people give for their wanting to travel all bio down to the same thing: learning, and the very human need to explore. Hundreds of years ago when Christopher Columbus set out to explore the world, this is the urge that drove him (yes, he was ordered by the Queen of England to find new land to colonize, but he would never have been successful if the explorer within him hadn't wanted to push through).

 

When we travel, there is no denying that the experiences we have will change us for the rest of our lives. Not many people can say that exploring an entirely new continent, meeting new people, eating new foods and learning about new ways of dealing with the things life throws at us, will leave them with exactly the same ideas and views of the world as they had before. Not only do we learn from the people we meet and the places we go, but those we encounter also take us to be a part of their lives, making the change a two way experience.

 

When we travel for all the different reasons we have, we somehow find ways to make our problems go away, and this, for some, is one of the most important reasons for why we do what we do. Because we live such busy lives, sooner or later we will all become overwhelmed. One of the easiest, and perhaps most rewarding ways to overcome this is to get out there, reset your clocks and see what life is like in a different part of the world. Not only does this usually give us a chance to relax, get our heads back on track and relieve ourselves of all the pent up stress we accumulate over time, but we will more often than not end up learning something about ourselves and recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, a huge step towards understanding who we are.

 

Along with all of these reasons, we, as humans, have an unmistakable child-like curiosity that persists throughout our lives. We want to know more about the world, and we have no problem asking questions. When encountering people in a new culture, it is only natural for us to ask where their traditions come from, how they fit into their daily lives, and how these cultural traditions affect other parts of their lives. We also hold nature to a very high regard when it comes to travel, and many of us are incredibly curious and willing to explore.

 

So why is it that we travel? Well, its quite simple really. We travel because it is the only way we are able to make sense of the world, ourselves, the relationships we hold, and the things we think are important.

Travelling in comfort with Greyhound

 

When going on long journeys, we would love to be as comfortable as possible, having everything that we’re used to having in our homes at our disposal, all the way to our destination. In a car, however, this is not possible, and most of the time, we barely even have enough leg room. While many people think that bus travel is more tedious, because the journey tends to be longer, and there are people around you that you don’t know - but bus travel has evolved over the last few years, and has taken on a life of its own, bringing luxury travel you’d expect from a first class flight, straight to the road.

 

Greyhound, one of the most widely recognized and popular luxury bus liner services in the world, offers world-class service all over South Africa on some of the most advanced luxury liners on the market. When traveling with Greyhound, you will be able to take advantage of services such as: DVD viewing, reclining seats, hostesses on selected services, free onboard coffee & tea serving on selected services, spacious restrooms, refreshment may be purchase from the hostess on selected services. specific seat bookings (allowing you to choose between the aisle or window seat), and complimentary earphones on selected routes.

 

Greyhound has set the standard of excellence for bus travel in South Africa, and over the years has won multiple awards, proving that it is able to step up each and every time it is put to the test. Some of the awards it has won over the years include 1st place Overall - City of Johannesburg Survey Leaders and Achievers Sliver Arrows Award, 1st place Overall - Pretoria municipal District Survey Leaders and Achievers Golden Arrows Award, and many more.

 

When it comes to quality service you can count on Greyhound sets the bar as high as it can, and meets those standards wherever it goes. Whether you’re making a short trip from Johannesburg to Pretoria, or going the distance from Pretoria to Cape Town, you can rest assured knowing that you will arrive in style, rested and entertained all the way.

Tips for traveling solo

If you’ve always wanted to see a specific country, or you just feel like getting away from your busy life, yet you can't find anyone who is willing or able to go with you, you can always choose to go it alone. Traveling solo isn’t the worst thing in the world, in fact, in most situations it will actually force you to be more outgoing and more willing to try new things - no more relying on your travel mate to make the decisions for you!

 

1. Be wary, but don’t be a recluse

One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It's okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you'll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

 

2. Take it slow

Since you’re in a new city alone, and all o four free time can be used up in any way you want to, you may find yourself wanting to do as much as possible in as short a time as you can. However, you should remember that all of those historical sites and majestic mountains will still be there tomorrow. Plan your days so that you get to visit all the places you wanted to, but leave some time to relax, meet the locals and maybe go down to the local bar to share stories with some people who are probably willing to engage with someone from a different country.

 

3. Be smart and self-reliant when possible

Be self-reliant and well prepared, so that you don't need to depend on someone unless you really feel safe — carry cash, a map, a guidebook, and a phrase book. Walk purposefully with your head up, look like you know where you're going. If you get lost in an unfriendly neighborhood, be savvy about whom you ask for help; go into a store or restaurant to ask for directions or to study your map. When you use cash machines, withdraw cash during the day on a busy street, not at night when it's dark with too few people around, or you might get caught out by someone looking to take advantage of a tourist - a common occurrence in many tourist destinations.

 

4. Get to know your concierge or doorman

 

More often than not, the doorman to your hotel will know more about the local area than anyone else. After all, he deals with requests for information every day. Ask him or anyone at the hotel which areas to stay away from, any popular spots they think you should visit, and get them to teach you how to navigate the neighborhood.

 

5. Prepare for inconvenience

 

Bring copies of your passport or ID card, credit cards and any other important documents. Also send yourself electronic copies of these documents because even if your bags are lost, your life line is only an internet cafe away. Be sure to also have a list of phone numbers, such as those of your emergency contacts at home, your bank and your credit card company, should an emergency arise or in case your credit card needs to be canceled or replaced.

3 Smart travel tips for your next family holiday

Planning a trip on your own can be stressful enough as it is without having to worry about planning for your entire family. When we do go on family vacations, however, we tend to create some of the greatest memories of our lives, most of which we are able to treasure for a long time, regardless of whether or not we’ve remembered to take the camera along. Here are some easy tips that will help you move along the planning phase as smoothly as possible so you can get to the enjoyment without any hesitation.

 

1. Pack light

 

This is probably one that you'll hear quite often, but its for a very good reason. When we pack for our vacations, we tend to get caught up in the excitement, packing everything we can get our hands on “in case we need it”. This leads to having to pay extra luggage fees on the flight, extra clothes and unused necessities strewn around the hotel room that we’ll end up leaving there, and less space to bring back souvenirs for our loved ones. Plan your luggage so that there’s enough space to fit some extra stuff in on your way back without having to buy extra bags. And remember that if you’re traveling with your family, those extra weight fees for your checked luggage will add up if you’re not careful!

 

2. Plan some alone time

 

Even though you’re looking to spend quality time with your family on your vacation, spending too much forced time together is bound to get you all frustrated and will bring down the enjoyment levels considerably. Make sure to leave some time open on your busy schedule so that the kids can go down to the beach while you and your husband or wife stay in and have dinner. Or send the kids out to the movies so you can have a relaxing night in with a book, taking in the sights from your hotel room balcony.

 

3. Don’t skimp out on the travel insurance

 

This one is quite a no-brainer. Even if you’re the kind of person who believes nothing bad could possibly happen to you while you’re on holiday, plan for it anyway, since you might find yourself in more trouble than you can handle if something happens and you haven’t planned for it. Most basic travel insurance packages include things like injuries, lost luggage, sickness, and even cover you if you have to cancel your trip before going. While you probably won’t get the entire amount back, you will at least be able to get a portion of your money back after paying your cancellation fines.

What medications to take along when traveling

When traveling, whether its in or out of your own country, it is important to keep yourself protected from anything that may happen to you. For anyone who suffers from even the mildest allergies, a trip to a foreign city without any medication will quickly turn into a chore, so it is important to remember a few things when traveling so that you don’t leave yourself stranded without your trusty medication. Here are a few of the essentials that you should carry with you at all times when traveling away from home.

 

First and foremost, you should avoid packing your medication into your checked luggage wherever you go. Not only does that prevent you from gaining access to it during your flight or bus ride, but you may also end up being stuck in an airport in Sydney with your luggage being sent to Toronto because of a miscommunication between baggage handlers. Keep it in your carry on luggage, or at least make sure you have enough of it on you that you will be able to survive without what you have in your luggage for a while. Better yet, having it on you means that there is less chance of it getting lost, and less of a chance that you’ll have to go through the hassle of getting ti replaced once you arrive at your destination.

 

Don’t forget to pack the aspirin, an antacid (for that unexpectedly spicy meal), antihistamine, and a small first aid kit so that you are always prepared for the unexpected. You may want to consider taking extra medication, just in case your trip is extended unexpectedly for a day or two. Generally you should keep any prescription medication in its original container and it should have your name on it.

 

If you have a history of medical issues, get your doctor to provide you with a letter that includes a brief medical history describing your medical condition and listing your prescriptions. Depending on the type of medication you are taking, if you are traveling overseas, you might want to check with that country’s embassy to make sure that your medication is not considered an illegal narcotic. A letter from a doctor along with your prescription will also go a long way towards helping you replace it should it get lost, and will provide some necessary information to medical professionals should anything serious happen to you on your trip.

Where to celebrate the birth of democracy in South Africa.

1. Johannesburg, Gauteng

 

The appalling conditions that non-white South Africans endured and fought against for most of the 20th century and earlier are laid bare at Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum. On entry you will be handed a card stating your race, thus decreeing which of the allotted gates you go through. A combination of media immerses visitors in the nightmare world of apartheid, including a tiny chamber hung with 131 nooses, representing the 131 government opponents who were executed under anti-terrorism laws.

 

2. Soweto, Gauteng

 

Some of the fiercest of the anti-apartheid movement’s battles were fought in the Jo’burg townships collectively known as Soweto. The former homes of both Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mandela – now the Mandela House Museum – are here, as well as the memorial and museum dedicated to Hector Pieterson,  who died in the tragic Soweto uprising of 1976. The Regina Mundi Church, the largest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa, was an important meeting point during the struggle against apartheid and was also used for hearings by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the mid-1990s. Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown commemorates where the Freedom Charter was officially adopted on 26 June 1955.

3. Pretoria, Gauteng

The Union Buildings in the country’s administrative capital are home to the presidential offices. Mandela’s inauguration took place here in 1994 and in December last year a nine metre-tall bronze statue of  the ‘Father’ of our nation with outstretched arms was unveiled here a day after his funeral. In Freedom Park, you can see a 700m long ‘Wall of Names’ inscribed with the names of thousands of people who died during eight distinct conflicts in South Africa’s history.

4. Cape Town, Western Cape

Perhaps the most famous landmark in South Africa, Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town is the former prison island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years before his release. Tours of the prison are given by ex-inmates, who give visitors a first hand account of what it was like to be imprisoned off the coast of the Mother City. A visit to the incredible District Six Museum allows tourists to experience the once multiracial area of Cape Town that was reclassified as a white-only zone, which resulted in the forcible removal of over 60 000 inhabitants whose homes and lives were destroyed in the process. The emotionally moving exhibitions here, which include reconstructions of house interiors furnished with mementos, evoke a community shattered by apartheid that nevertheless refused to be ground into the dust.

Greyhound introduces their Business class feature on the spectacular new Dreamliner.

In order to ensure our services are always of the highest standard, Greyhound has your expectations in mind. We want you to enjoy the entire Greyhound experience with us from the moment you are welcomed aboard. We provide ultra comfortable seating and a dedicated Business Class cabin on the Dreamliner for the ultimate Greyhound Business class experience. One of our strengths is our personalized on board service and professionally-trained crew.

• 12 Memory Foam Executive Sleeper Seats and comfortable seat pitch (1:2 Seat configuration)

• Mood lighting 

• Individual reading lights

• Air conditioned cabin and individual air conditioned power outlets located on the passenger service unit

• Full Audio Video facilities  (23 Inch LED Monitors)

• Personal earphones (Can be purchased from the Hostess)

• Seats equipped with in-seat power for laptops and mobile phones

• Complimentary Coffee & Tea Servings 

• WC facilities

• Wi-Fi Connection available at a minimal cost

• Dedicated Cabin Attendant

 

 

*Business class is only available on the Dreamliner Fleet on selected routes. For more information and reservations, please contact our Customer Care Team on 011 611 8000/ 083 915 9000.

 

Greyhound – Ultimately, we travel for you!

Making Travel a Priority.

Many of us have reservations about leaving our comfort zones. The excuses we give are numerous, and rarely ever make any sense to anyone but ourselves. When we do this, however, we end up closing so many doors for ourselves in the process, and the quicker we stop using excuses, the better.

When it comes to making travel a priority, stop thinking about doing it “one day” and think about doing it in the next few months.  Give a specific time frame for when you want to do it.  When you set a specific time in the future, it will make it more likely to happen.  When you think of doing something “one day”, you’ll just keep putting it off and it will never get done.

Take a look at the other reasons that are keeping you from traveling.  One of the most common reasons is how you have kids now so traveling has to stop. While this  seems entirely reasonable, especially with the growing costs of traveling with your family, priorities such as school, work, etc., but that doesn't mean that the option is entirely closed to you. In fact, if you travel around the world, you will most likely see one or two families on holiday in inexpensive places, making their time together count without having to spend a fortune.

In many cases, the best time to travel is as soon as possible.  Don’t wait until retirement or when the kids are out of the house.  That could be too late.  If you have the money and time to go than do it.  Just because the place you want to go will always be there doesn't mean you can take forever. Part of the fun that goes into traveling is the adventure it entails.  And adventure is about not knowing what will happen next. And remember, going on holiday does not have to put  a huge hole in your pocket. There are always cheap alternatives to hotels, business class flights, expensive meals and crazy spending sprees. If you truly love travelling, you won’t mind spending a few nights with a backpack on your shoulder looking for your next bed.

Common misconceptions about travel

Common misconceptions about travel

 

Many people avoid traveling their entire lives just because of what they the ink they know about it. However, much of what we know when it comes to travel (especially those of us who do not have first hand experience with it) all comes from hearing stories from other people, taking the bad bits and listening to advice we really shouldn’t. Here are some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to travel that tend to keep many people from experiencing the wonders of travel (adapted from HuffPost Blog):

 

"I don't have enough money to travel."

 

There are plenty of resources, grants, contests and scholarships available to students, post-grads and professionals throughout the world. There are also opportunities to volunteer or work abroad, which can both greatly reduce or completely cover the costs of travel and accommodation. Studying abroad is also an option for college students, and there are many scholarships and funding options available for these programs as well. Travel does not have to be costly!

 

"I have better things to spend my money on."

 

This may be true, depending on the person. But you do not necessarily have to attach any physical value to something in order for it to be worth the money! Travelling will undoubtedly make an impact on your life, and the people you meet, the experiences you have and the things you learn are surely worth more than anything you could buy in a store. If you want to make an investment in your personal well-being, your education and your future, travel is certainly one of the best things money can buy.

 

"I've seen the movie Taken; it's unsafe to travel abroad."

 

As long as you are alert, you will be fine. Many people who travel go through new hardships, because, well, you’re going to a new place, and bad things to happen. However, if you’re willing to learn from your mistakes, and take advice from people who know what they’re taking about, you should be safe enough in any new country. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have Liam nelson’s phone number on speed dial…just in case…

 

"Traveling alone is terrifying, or I don't have anyone to travel with."

 

Traveling alone is not as scary as people often think. There are plenty of people in every place who are happy to help and get to know travelers. You'll make friends and you'll probably learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Just make sure to keep an open mind and be friendly, show your support and let people know that you’re interested in learning about their culture. Also, many travel destinations are filled with people who, just like yourself, think that they don't have anyone to travel with, so meet few of them and band together!

 

"I've never been abroad."

 

All the better that you consider going! It may seem intimidating to travel internationally (or even locally!) for the first time, but it's actually a lot easier than you think. There are many misconceptions about going abroad that are often untrue, but thinking that you shouldn’t go on a trip simply because you’ve never been before is incredibly easy to solve…just go! Your experience and your willingness to do new things will prove very useful to you in future, and you might even find that you’ll be trying to convince others to join you on your next one.

 

"I don't have the time to travel."

 

Traveling does not need to last for months or even weeks. It does not need to consist of a trip across the ocean or to another continent. A trip to another city for a weekend may be just as valuable as a trip across the country. Learning about a new place doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of time and money doing so! There are even ways to be a traveler in your own city by exploring the areas you're unfamiliar with or going to cultural events. There are many ways to be a traveler that don't have to take up a lot of time. You just need to find them.

 

"I need to be doing something that will show up on my resume."

 

First of all, if you keep a blog during your travels, it looks very impressive when you talk about starting your own travel blog on a resume. It shows initiative and passion. Also, it can open up many opportunities, including volunteer service, international programs, etc. that look fantastic on resumes and add a unique touch. Basically, you can put traveling on your resume, you just have to explain how your travels gave you relevant experience for the working world.

 

"I don't know where to begin."

 

Not knowing where to start is probably the easiest problem to overcome. Talk with someone you know who has been abroad before and have them walk you through the process. There are plenty of resources, web sites and people out there who are more than happy to help you plan your first trip. After that, the rest is easy!

5 useful holiday tips

Going on holiday can be a stressful time for anyone, not just because they are becoming more and more expensive to pull off well, but because there is usually so much planning involved that it is easy to get caught up on one part of it and forget about the rest. Here are a few easy tips that will help you get through this stressful time.

 

1. Pack light

 

The goal is to pack with one bag. As much as possible, pre-plan your itinerary, figure out the specific items you'll need for your trip and stick to that list — if you start contemplating what to bring the night before you take off, you're doomed. But packing light doesn't have to mean going without. Just be strategic about what you bring so that you don’t have to struggle with transporting all your luggage once you get to your destination, and even worse, end up losing stuff because you can’t keep track of it all.

 

2. Cut out the middleman as much as possible

 

It's a basic rule of economics: if you want a deal, eliminate the middleman. Major booking engines like Expedia have been dropping their transaction fees, but even so, when you book directly with an airline or a hotel, you get same or better prices 99% of the time and better service 100% of the time. This doesn't necessarily only extend to hotels and airlines, however. Any booking or planning you might do, you will probably be better off doing yourself. It might take a little while longer, but you’ll save money, and perhaps even get to know more about the procedure, so next time will be much easier!

 

3. Get travel insurance

 

This one is quite a no-brainer. Even if you;re the kind of person who believes nothing bad could possibly happen to you while you’re on holiday, plan for it anyway, since you might find yourself in more trouble than you can handle if something happens and you haven’t planned for it. Most basic travel insurance packages include things like injuries, lost luggage, sickness, and even cover you if you have to cancel your trip before going. While you probably won’t get the entire amount back, you will at least be able to get a portion of your money back after paying your cancellation fines.

 

4. Get your schedule in order

 

We all know that time management is something that can quickly get the best of us. When you’re planning a holiday, make sure to leave enough time for the simple things that no one ever thinks of, so that you don’t end up doing things last minute. Fill up your car the night before you leave, pack at your bags at least 24 hours in advance, and keep all your tickets and boarding passes together in a place where you will see them, so that you don’t forget to grab them on your way out.

 

5. Don’t forget to have fun and relax

 

Whatever stress you go through, you should try to remember the point of your holiday. You’re taking your vacation to get away from your stress, so try take everything as it comes, and remember that its not the end of the world. Any plans you have on your trip, whether its a booking at a hotel that doesn't work out, or a rainy day that ruins your plans, just let it go and let your plans change. You never know, you may even end up having a better time!

The history of bus travel

The busses that are around in the 21st century are completely different to those that were first built in the early 19th century. The development of bus transportation, as well as its purpose, effectiveness and ease of use however, has seen a relatively linear progression over the last 200 years.

 

In the middle of the 17th century, Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, inventor and philosopher established the first ever public bus line which ran in Paris using a horse and buggy, a method that was kept throughout its short 15 year run. After the decline of this service, the bus service was not seen again until the year 1824. The first modern public bus line (which was not limited to the aristocracy) was set up between Manchester and Liverpool in 1824 by the toll keeper between the towns, John Greenwood. This service differed from that of a stagecoach (which had already been in use in many areas) in that it allowed passengers to board and get off at any point during the ride, meaning that there were a number of fares per trip, instead of one booked client.

 

Greenwood later added more routes and as a result he sparked up a new trend and found himself up against competitors until 1865, when most of them amalgamated into one company. The same kind of service arose in France around 1826, where the owner pioneered the first ever school bus.

 

The next pioneering in the bus travel industry came in the 1830s in the form of steam-powered busses, which were not only faster but also safer to travel on roads that were hazardous for horse drawn carriages. However, heavy taxes caused them to limit their services somewhat, and in England, the first Locomotive Act limited the speed of automotive vehicles to 5mph in cities and 10mph in the countryside.

 

At around the same time, trolley pulled bus services started emerging in England, creating a huge network of electrically powered road travel for the first time. The first ever passenger-carrying trolley bus in Dresden, Germany in 1901, which ran for three short years until 1904.

 

Motor propelled busses 9the obvious precursor to the types of busses we see today emerged around the end of the 19th century, and the first busses carried a maximum of 6 passengers and was not very cost effective, so there was no profitability. In 1898, the first double decker bus emerged for use in London, carrying up to 16 passengers at the same time, and became the market standard for the next century in England.

What will the future of bus travel be like?

Road transport as we know it today has only been around for the last 100 years, ever since the advent of the mass production vehicles that have become almost a necessity for our everyday lives. It is strange to think that we have come so far in terms of transportation in the last 100 years. After all, rail transport has been around for over a thousand years (some of the earliest railroads were built by Chinese Emperors during the early Ming Dynasty), and the model used by rail transport companies remains relatively unchanged (though it has become increasingly more sophisticated and high-tech). Could the future of bus transit have the same fate as that? Will it remain much like it is now, and only get more technologically sophisticated?

 

In 2013, South African born Canadian entrepreneur Elon Musk unveiled his plans to develop what he dubbed the ‘Hyperloop’, a transit system he plan sot install in California that will travel at speeds of up to 1200km/h using its streamlined design and air pressure to keep the transporter in a semi-levitated state (much like an air-hockey table). While this technology is still a good few years away from being put into development (and even more time before it will be perfected and implemented worldwide), there is definitely a growing trend in innovation in the mass transportation industry. In 2010, a California based company developed the first ever solar powered bus which is now part of a working fleet of vehicles that provide luxury private transportation in California.

 

For the last 5 years, Japanese companies have been experimenting with train-bus hybrid vehicles that have both steel wheels for use on rails and rubber tyres suitable for the road. This project aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by reducing the amount of time the bus needs to use fossil fuels to run by spending a significant amount of time on the electrically powered rail system.

 

For now, these advancements are still relatively young and will take a lot of time to be developed into fully functional business models, but they already indicate the way of the future of bus travel (and mass transportation in general). Perhaps in the next 100 years we will have completely self-sufficient high-speed transporters that don’t even need wheels to move around (such as the model proposed by Elon Musk), or perhaps the line between types of transport will be blurred, with the creation of bus-train hybrids, and even possibly train-boat hybrids able to traverse oceans. One thing is almost certain, however, and that is the fact that things are already starting to look a lot different to what they did just a decade ago.

Playing games and staying entertained on long journeys.

Keeping yourself entertained on a long journey is difficult. Most of the time, especially if you’re in a car, on a bus or on a train, you will have nothing but time to look out the window at the endless hills you’re likely to encounter. The following is a short list of suggestions for ways to keep yourself (and your family) entertained and make sure that you are able to enjoy the trip.

 

 

Technology:

 

One of the easiest ways to keep a child entertained nowadays is by giving them access to technology. It will allow them to keep themselves entertained without having to bug you too much, so you are free to enjoy the scenery on your trip, or take a nap to pass the time.

 

Various technological options are available for your children, ranging from portable media players that can hold their favorite movies and TV shows, or handheld game consoles that will keep them entertained for a large portion of your trip.

 

Books:

 

While technology is the obvious choice children in this day and age, taking books and fun reading or puzzle solving material along for the ride might help entertain them when the batteries run dead, or they eventually get bored of playing the same game over and over.

 

Depending on your child’s reading level, take along some books that will entertain them, teach them, or allow them to develop skills such as puzzle solving and math skills (Sudoku and crosswords are always fun alternatives to books, as they are easily turned into games by children).

 

Traditional Fun:

 

If neither of the above options seem viable to you, you could always opt for more traditional methods of fun and time wasting. Since children love playing games, no matter where they are, use the scenery around you to amuse them. Play Eye Spy, word games or use sing-a longs (if you’re sure you’ll be able to live through all the noise). Travel Bingo is another fun game that you can play and pretty much make up as you go along. Use a sheet of paper for each person and divide it up into five rows and five columns, leaving the middle block open as a ‘free slot’. In each of the other blocks, write something that you think you might encounter on your trip. The first person to see, hear, or experience a complete row or column of these wins.

 

Video games:

 

Portable video game consoles have been getting handier over the last decade, and with that has come increased battery life. You can now take your portable console or handheld game along with you (or even play on your smartphone or tablet) to keep you company. Many newer coaches have plug points, and a wide variety of handheld gaming devices support third party portable chargers that plug into your cigarette lighter or the USB port on your radio.

Why travelling by bus is a safer option.

 

Safety on the roads is one of the biggest issues facing South Africa at the moment, and results in countless deaths each year. The problems on the road are caused by a number of factors, from drunk or tired drivers, general fatigue and mechanical failure, to negligent driving and hazardous road conditions.

 

Travelling in a bus may, for some obvious reasons seem safer than being in a car, For one, its bigger, so you wouldn’t expect the same dangers as you would in a smaller vehicle. However that doesn’t mean that there aren’t hazards. This is why it is imperative to wear a seatbelt and perform all of the necessary checks when stepping into any sort of vehicle, no matter the size, or the distance you will be travelling. It should also be noted that the number of accidents that take place on the roads that involve busses is minute compared to those involving cars and smaller vehicles.

 

Larger bus coach companies like Greyhound have professional drivers on all of their routes, which means that you will be in the best possible hands throughout your trip. However, there are a lot of things that may happen along the way, not all of them related to the safety of the vehicle itself that you can safeguard yourself against, and it is always recommended that you take these precautions in order to make your trip as pleasant as possible.

 

For instance, if you’re travelling in a bus that has luggage storage in an undercarriage, make sure your bags are well marked with your contact details, and that they are securely locked in case of theft. If the luggage compartments are overhead, make sure to keep your luggage close by, and keep an eye on it at all times, if possible.

 

These factors make it obvious that choosing bus travel is both safer and more convenient for anyone wanting to travel long distances. Having more space available to you to roam, as well as not being put under pressure to drive (having a professional driver doing all of the hard work for you) are only some of the reasons why many people prefer bus travel to other methods.

Preparing for your first long-distance bus ride.

 

Most of us aren't used to spending a lot of time on the road. Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town by car only takes around 14-15 hours, compared to the 6 hours it takes to get from Johannesburg to Durban. Travelling on a bus, however, is a whole new ball game. Although you won’t be the one driving, the drive may seem even more daunting, since it takes much longer than travelling by car or plane. Your first time especially could be a bit difficult to navigate, since the long hours, cramped space and general tediousness of the trip will end up taking its toll.

 

The problem with being stuck on a bus for extended periods of time is usually not that the bus is ill fitted to take passengers on long journeys in comfort, but rather that people tend to get bored extremely quickly when not in control of what it is they’re doing.  This is why it is important to know what to do in order to prepare yourself for such a long, winding journey. There are countless options that will work well enough to keep you occupied for just long enough to perhaps survive the trip.

 

First, you may want to get yourself settled in as quickly as possible. Make sure you are comfortable in your seating position. Bring a small neck pillow or some sort of device that you can rest on if you plan on getting some sleep. Just make sure that its soft enough to allow you to sleep. Don’t try sleeping on your laptop bag!

 

Something that is very important, and should probably be stressed most of all, given our tendency to get bored as people, is entertainment. Bring something with you that you enjoy. Movies on a laptop, smartphone or tablet, music on a portable player, iPod or smartphone, games, books or crossword or Sudoku puzzles will all help keep you distracted when you get too fed up with staring out of the window.

 

Remember to take snacks and food with you onto the bus, especially if it is a long one. Staying hydrated and fed will help you relax and also stop you from losing concentration if you are doing something fun. Also, try to keep yourself in a good mood, and remember that there are other people on the bus too. Don’t make everything uncomfortable by being difficult or rude to the people sitting around you.