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.