Cape Town is a wonderful vacation destination! There is a vast selection of activities to delight any sort of traveller between the seaside and the mountains, but your accommodation is also an important component of a vacation. 

While hotels are the most convenient sort of accommodation, we believe that Airbnbs are a terrific way to live like a local and really experience a place. We also love being able to try different restaurants for breakfast! In this blog post, we share 7 beautiful Airbnbs you should consider staying at while in Cape Town!

Travelling SOLO or with a Partner?

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Wifi & Netflix | Modern City Living | Parking | Pool & Bar

Discover a nine-story classic building with apartments, stores, and a boutique hotel that has received international recognition. The hotel features an outdoor pool, gin bars, and craft brews, high-speed fibre and hot, fresh, industrial-chic décor, a garden, fitness centre, laundromat, and free parking on site. This centrally located Woodstock apartment has city, harbour, and mountain views, making it the ideal spot to unwind after a day of touring! The Old Biscuit Mill market and the colourful shopping and dining district in Woodstock. WEX1 is located about 3 kilometres from the city centre and 18 kilometres from Cape Town International Airport.

2 guests · 1 bedroom ·1 bath | Rated 3.80 stars from 5 reviews

Check it out here!

Tranquil Azure Retreat For Luxury & Views

High in the mountains, surrounded by nature, quiet, and peace, you will find this stunning luxury apartment with great views. This is an upper-class neighbourhood where you’ll discover the exquisite Simonstown mansions with views of the yacht Bason.

2 guests · 1 bedroom· 1 bath | Rated 5.0 from 28 reviews

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Modern Artsy apartment perfect for couples

One-bedroom apartment with modern décor, cosy interior, and quiet position in the middle of the colourful city. De Waterkant is a distinctive area in Cape Town, located between the CBD and Green Point. A popular, stylish neighbourhood in the heart of the city, with plenty of great bars, restaurants, and unusual coffee shops! Everything is at arm’s reach: a 5-minute drive to the popular V&A Waterfront and a 3-minute walk to the supermarket.

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath | Rated 5.0 stars from 5 reviews

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Waterfront apartment with balcony and views

Located on the edge of the V and A waterfront and the trendy De Waterkant means you are in the middle of a Cape Town melting pot. Everything you need is within walking distance to have an amazing Cape Town experience. The apartment is a brand new development and has been decorated to a top standard. Enjoy the city views from your balcony.

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath | Rated 4.60 stars from 48 reviews

Check it out here!

Traveling with friends, family, or looking for the ultimate Airbnb?

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Seacliffe on Two – 10 Seacliffe Road – Bantry Bay

Seacliffe on Two is tucked away on a quiet road between Seapoint and Camps Bay, with breathtaking views of the bay. The magnificent Bantry Bay is known for being wind-free, and houses in the region are treasured for having the most spectacular ocean views.

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths | Rated 4.94 stars from 140 reviews

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Mod Interior with Stunning Table Mountain Views And A Garden.

Slide open floor-to-ceiling doors to soak in the breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Hadeda House was recently featured on the cover of INSIDE OUT MAGAZINE in Australia, with a terrific piece highlighting the house’s many gorgeous décor pleasures.

The house is located in leafy Tamboeskloof, one of Cape Town’s oldest and quietest neighbourhoods. It’s 10 minutes from Long Street, 5 minutes from Kloof Street’s exciting bars and restaurants, 5 minutes from Table Mountain, and 10 minutes from Camps Bay.

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths | Rated 4.91 stars from 135 reviews

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Mountainside, Boho-Chic Retreat with Natural Pool

At the foot of Table Mountain, relax in an Eco pool. Soak in a tub with views of the ocean from an endless terrace. The home’s natural material palette is enhanced by exquisite vintage touches. Multi-slide doors provide a smooth transition to the outdoors and views of the cliff-face of Table Mountain. The house sits in a cul-de-sac on the Table Mountain National Park’s border, in a lush suburb on the slopes of Table Mountain. The views of the mountain and the city bowl of Cape Town are unmatched!

8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4.5 baths | Rated 4.90 stars from 72 reviews

Check it out here!

Cape Town, South Africa, more lovingly known as the mother city, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. Surrounded by sea, mountains, and everything in between, you are definitely spoilt for choice when visiting this picturesque city!

South Africa has its winter during the months of May to August, and temperatures can drop to the single digits, but fear- not, there is still plenty to do in Cape Town during winter!

Two Oceans Aquarium

First on our list is Two Oceans Aquarium, located at the V & A Waterfront. The aquarium was first opened in 1995 and is home to over 8000 sea animals. The aquarium allows both adults and children the opportunity to view sea animals like fish, seahorses, jellyfish, penguins, sharks, and more, up close. The two oceans aquarium is named after its location, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Get tickets here.

V & A Waterfront

Next up we have V & A Waterfront. The V & A Waterfront is one of the most visited attractions in Cape Town and attracts over 23 million visitors a year! From the iconic Cape Wheel, shopping, eating, movies, and of course the majestic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town harbor, it’s no doubt that you will always have something to do at the V & A Waterfront.

(Picture Source: Canva)

Table Mountain

If you’re up for the challenge, Table Mountain, probably the most famous landmark in Cape Town, is accessible via cable car. Marvel at the views of Cape Town from 3,558 ft high! Going on top of one of the oldest mountains in the world is sure to be a treat but ensure that you are dressed for the occasion as it can get really cold up there! The cable car only goes up when it’s safe to do so and weather permitting, so if you’re planning a trip up the mountain check out the Table Mountain website which displays the weather conditions at the top of the page, to find out the weather before you can go. Visit the website here.

Cape Town Hopper Helicopter Tour

Not ready to brace the cold from 3,558 ft high? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy all the beautiful views that Cape Town has to offer by taking a Cape Town Hopper Helicopter Tour. The tour will give you a birds-eye view of Cape Town as well as its beautiful landmarks! 

Another favourite is the Hop On Hop Off bus! The famous “red bus” allows passengers to hop on and hop off as they wish. The bus has different routes and passengers get to see the beautiful landmarks and iconic sites of Cape Town, without even leaving their seats! The bus is a double-decker with the bottom deck being enclosed, for those that feel a little extra cold! Get Tickets here.

Wine Tasting

While the list is truly endless with things to do in Cape Town in winter, the last one on our list is for all the wine drinkers! With over 550 wineries in Western Cape, it’s no doubt that a wine tasting is a must-do when visiting Cape Town! There are many options available which include cheese tasting, wine tasting, and cellars tours together or you can settle for one that is solely just a wine tasting experience. Regardless of which option you choose, going on a wine tasting is sure to warm you up!

All that’s left to say is happy packing and see you in Cape Town!

After what felt like the longest 2 years of our lives, there is definitely some light at the end of the tunnel! We have undoubtedly passed the peak of the COVID pandemic, which means that many restrictions have been lifted and, even better, we can now finally TRAVEL!

While this is possibly the best news for tourism not only in South Africa but worldwide, there are still some precautions that are in place when travelling internationally. In this blog, we will share some items that you should add to your packing list when travelling both locally and internationally.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of your suitcase wheels on airport floors, but being a transitional* place for so many travellers from different parts of the world, the airport in our opinion at least, is still one of the riskiest places to be when it comes to Covid-19.

We probably know this all too well by now but sanitising, masking, and social distancing are proven ways to minimise your chances of catching the virus and so to start off this list a good sanitiser and disposable masks take priority.

Picture Source: Canva

Sanitiser

Now we’ve all come across those gluey sticky sanitisers which leave your hands feeling heavy, or those that you can smell a mile away, or better still those that make your hands feel like sandpaper, but when you’re travelling you will definitely need a good quality, hand-friendly (yes we just made that term up) sanitiser, that will last the duration of your trip (remember it needs to be less than 100mls to be carried in hand luggage). You will probably be sanitising your hands more often than you think which is why a good sanitiser when travelling is a great investment.

Disposable masks

We all have a face mask or 5 which we swear by and have been termed the favourite but when travelling, you don’t want to spend time washing face masks of all things. Disposable face masks are ideal for flights (yes you still have to wear a face mask throughout your flight), exploring, and are generally more convenient than the cloth ones.

Meds/Vitamins

Medication and vitamins, especially Vitamin C to boost your immune system should also be packed just in case you get a slight tickle in your throat or worse, you catch the virus. Carrying these meds with you will allow you to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and especially if you’re travelling alone and have to isolate yourself, you will have access to some medication should you fall ill.

Gloves/ Disinfectant wipes

For those a little more concerned, disposable gloves and disinfectant wipes are also a great addition to your packing list – this way you can ensure that all surfaces you come into contact with can be wiped down for the least amount of chance for transmission of the virus. Most airlines do offer these to passengers on board now.

Vaccination card/ negative PCR test

While most countries have now fully opened up travelling to and from their country, many of them require either a vaccination card, a negative PCR test (which most likely should not be older than 72 hours), or in some cases, both. With so many things to think about like sanitising keeping your mask on and what you’re going to eat on the plane, we advise having a 1 or 2 printed copies of your vaccination card/certificate as well as a digital version, just in case they get lost or you lose your phone.

Travel insurance

This is probably the most important item we could suggest when travelling during a pandemic. While travelling is becoming more and more normal, let’s be honest – there are so many things that can go wrong when travelling during a pandemic, like the unthinkable of catching Covid-19 in a foreign city. It’s bad enough that you will be sick, but not being able to jump on a flight or get back home while being ill is probably the worst feeling. This is why travel insurance is so important! Most travel insurance policies will cover your medical needs if you are hospitalised due to Covid-19 while travelling as well as pay for some if not all of the accommodation costs if you have to isolate and miss your flight. If you are looking for travel insurance for an upcoming trip, look no further because we offer this service right here at b4i.travel https://b4i.travel/travel-insurance/.

Being able to travel again feels like it is bringing back some normality and some reminiscence of life before the pandemic, but it’s so important to go fully prepared and minimise the chances of catching the virus while travelling. We hope that this article helps you pack accordingly for your upcoming trip during the pandemic, now all that’s left to say is Bon Voyage!

Picture Source: Canva

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of planning for a holiday. While the current health situation has put a damper on everyone’s travel plans, for the time being, there’s nothing wrong with planning your dream holiday and prepping for it once travel restrictions finally ease up. And when it comes to planning for a holiday, there’s one part that you either love or hate: packing.

Packing for a holiday is an entire beast on its own. You either love it or you hate it, and chances are the people reading this article you fall into the latter camp. Well, fret not! Packing for a trip can be a bit tricky, but below are some top tips you can incorporate into your own routine.

Rely on a small and sturdy bag
If you have a tendency to over-pack, you might want to consider downsizing your luggage. Starting off with a huge suitcase can make you feel like you need to fill it to the brim, so opting for a smaller bag can help minimise that temptation. Travel writer Brandon Schultz has made a list of the best road trip backpacks that are godsends for minimalist packing. Day Owl’s The Backpack takes the cake for its sleek design full of hidden pockets, while the Adventurist Classic is — you guessed it — a classic pick that works with anyone’s style.

Plan out a capsule wardrobe
The term “capsule wardrobe” is all the rage nowadays with people wanting to downsize their closets, but this mindset works for travelling too. The key to mastering a capsule wardrobe is picking a few pieces that can easily be mixed and matched together so that you’re relying on an all-star rotation of three to four tops instead of bringing 10 tops for 10 separate outfits. Going for high-quality items is also your best bet, as this ensures you can re-wear a certain piece without a fuss.

Don’t forget at least one evening outfit
Going for a night out is always a must during any trip! Once you have your capsule wardrobe in place, make sure you have at least one evening outfit in tow. Thankfully, you don’t have to bring an evening gown or anything too fancy. Pretty Me’s guide to best dress styles recommends a sleek sheath dress or a figure-hugging wrap dress to flatter your body while still making a statement. This tip needs to be highlighted, as one great evening outfit can help you really make the most of a destination’s best restaurants and bars.

Opt for multi-purpose products as much as possible
Whether it’s a shawl that doubles up as a scarf or a reversible top, opting for multi-purpose products helps you pack smart. And this tip doesn’t just apply to clothes, as you can even find multi-purpose skincare and beauty items to keep you glowing even while travelling. As the name suggests, Lano’s Everywhere multi-cream works as a moisturiser, hand cream, and eye cream all in one convenient tube! You can also find beauty sticks that work as eye shadow, blush, and lipstick.

Go through your electronics list
Electronic devices can be extremely bulky, and that’s without considering all the charging cables and adaptors you need to bring! It’s worth going through each electronic item that you’re planning to bring, and ask yourself if it’s really worth it. If your goal is to disconnect from your responsibilities, it might be best to leave your laptop at home. If you really want to bring a camera to shoot photos, consider bringing just one other lens at the very most.

A packing list
When the moment finally comes to pack for your trip, you will want to make sure you include everything that you are going to need. It wouldn’t be a fun experience to get to the airport, all excited for your trip, just to realize you left something as simple and as important as your ID at home. That’s why we have created an all-inclusive packing list to help you out on your travels.

While our post on How to Have a Holiday Without Leaving Home highlights how you can have fun right now, planning for your dream holiday can make you feel a little more optimistic about the future. Practising minimalist packing helps reduce the fuss that comes with travel and ensures you get to focus on what matters most: making memories.

Article was written by Camilla Hope

Exclusively for b4i.travel

The South African Government has officially opened up international travel to and from South Africa under its level 1 restrictions. There are however restrictions on leisure travel from a number of countries that still pose a higher risk. For all approved countries, if you are looking to skip a mandatory 14-day quarantine, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 certificate, not older than 72 hours (before departure) and that has been certified by a registered medical practitioner.

Any person from a country listed as having a high COVID-19 infection and transmission rate, who wish to undertake business travel into South Africa, may with effect from 01 October 2020, in writing, apply to the Minister of Home Affairs and demonstrate reasons for their request to enter the Republic for business purposes during the period of the national state of disaster.

Such applications must be directed to email Covid19BusinessTravel@dha.gov.za 

*updated 30 September 2020

Airbnb has announced that under the guidance of the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), hosts have the option to follow a new cleaning protocol. Those who elect to take part will be required to put in place a 24 hour minimum intermission period between bookings at each property in a bid to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Labeled an “enhanced cleaning initiative,” hosts will gain access to detailed guidelines for improved hygiene practices during the pandemic, as well as preventative measure recommendations, such as the use of approved disinfectant products and personal protective gear like masks and gloves.

An Airbnb spokesperson explained that the initiative caters to the concerns of both guests and hosts. Guests can be assured that every measure has been taken to ensure that their stay is safe, and hosts are able to gain access to the resources needed to implement further precautions.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Airbnb has unsurprisingly taken a massive hit to sales, and recently had to take a reported 1$ billion from investors in order to stay afloat. That hasn’t stopped CEO Brian Chesky from looking ahead, stating confidently that he believes there will be a large upswing in the travel industry once global pandemic regulations have lifted.

Last month saw hosts criticising the company’s cancellation policies, stating that the guidelines were unclear, which lead to Airbnb establishing a $250 million fund to refund hosts who found themselves out of pocket after refunding guests who cancelled their bookings. There has been speculation that the announcement of the improved cleaning protocol and host support is a direct reaction to the criticism received at the start of the pandemic, but the effectiveness of the initiative remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/airbnb-24-hours-between-rentals-limit-covid-spread-2020-4?r=US&IR=T

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to picture what airports around the globe currently look like; desolate ghost towns, the shadow of their formerly bustling selves a mere memory in the face of a global pandemic. But as with all things, no matter how seemingly insurmountable, this too shall pass, and that means that a gradual return to international travel can and will occur in the coming months as social distancing protocols and regulations ease. So what will a resumption of travel activities look like post COVID-19? Let’s have a look.

Cheap Flights… At First

Expect airlines to offer outrageous price cuts and ticket deals once regular travel is deemed safe in order to encourage passengers to put their health fears aside. That said, airlines will also be forced to retain certain social distancing measures, which may entail leaving certain seats empty to reduce capacity, and this will ultimately lead to a gradual increase in airfare costs after the initial price cuts.

Reduced Convenience

Route options and all day flights will almost certainly be reduced in favour of peak time travel and increased layovers. There will also be health screening at airports which may cause delays and longer queues when checking in and boarding. Such screening is already being instituted by Emirates at certain airports, and we’ll soon see other airlines following suit in order to promote passenger and staff safety.

More Automation

Decreased interaction has been a major change in curbing the spread of the virus, and this trend will likely continue for the foreseeable future. While physical barriers have been a speedy fix to the problem of face to face interaction, expect further automation of check in processes, eliminating human contact and the risk of transmission. This will include biometric identification measures and digital baggage scanning.

The End of Budget Airlines

All airlines will be competing for seats which may see a closing of the price gap between luxury and economy airlines. The potentially reduced sales for cheaper airlines may result in their demise, after which the remaining highend tickets will likely see a revert to their usual prices with the budget competition effectively eliminated.

No More #Wanderlust

Younger travellers will likely not have the budget for luxury travel once the pandemic subsides. Heading into the age of social distancing, Millennials and Gen-Z were already facing high debt and low savings, so expect to see older generations dominating flight ticket sales.

Inflight Experience

Aside from the expected improvements to cabin hygiene and disinfection procedures, there will also be major reductions to the variety of inflight refreshments. Food will be fully packaged to avoid contact as well as reduce the costs associated with increased menu options. It will likely be a long time before we see a return to the range of options and luxuries we’re used to.

COVID-19 has certainly impacted all areas of our daily lives, and the effects of the virus will continue to be felt long after its general eradication. While I’m sure many of us are looking forward to being able to travel freely and safely, it’s important to remember that our actions as individuals are paramount to containing the spread of the virus. As always, stay safe and be kind to one another.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremybogaisky/2020/04/23/coronavirus-airlines-air-fares/#a673b511193b

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

You were dreaming of lying on the golden sands of a tropical paradise. Maybe you were counting down the days until you boarded a plane for a tour of Europe’s cultural hubs. Perhaps you’d even started packing your bags for your cross country roadtrip… And then coronavirus happened, dashing all hopes of travelling for the foreseeable future and forcing us all into a staycation of the not-so-typical variety. But we’re here to tell you that there’s no need to avoid all the fun and relaxation of a holiday altogether! Here are some holiday activities that you can recreate right from home.

Pick a Destination and Get Creative

Decorate your living room with posters, cutout and decor reminiscent of your dream holiday destination. You can get really creative with this and the internet is a hive of crafts and ideas to turn your home into a country or destination of your choice. You can also dress as you would if you were on vocation – sandals, beach hair, pyjamas; anything goes! It’s your holiday.

Relax With a Spa Day

 No vacation is complete without a little self-care, so give yourself the at-home spa experience. Get your robe and slippers on, set the mood with some calming music, and give yourself a facial complete with clay mask and cucumber slices. If you have someone who’s willing to massage your back and shoulders at the cost of a small bribe, capitalise on the offer! It’s all part of the relaxing experience and will leave you feeling calm and invigorated for the rest of your at-home holiday.

Take an Online Class

Travelling always involves trying something new, so take advantage of the online classes currently available. Learn a new language or learn a traditional dance style. You can even watch some recipe videos and present an authentic foreign dish for the whole family to try.

Enjoy Some Time Alone

You’ll never again have so much free time in your schedule, so make the most of it. Read a book, listen to a new podcast, pull out your old arts and crafts box, knit a sweater, play an instrument, build a puzzle, colour a picture, meditate or simply catch up on sleep. The opportunities are endless!

Take Pictures

We all know that if it’s not on Instagram, it didn’t happen, so be sure to document your stay-home holiday with plenty of pictures for social media. ‘Expectation vs Reality’ shots are a great way to make light of the social distancing regulation impacting everyone’s holiday travel plans. Be sure to tag us in your ‘staycation’ pictures so we can see what you’re getting up to!

There are lots of typical holiday activities that can be replicated from the comfort and safety of home during this unprecedented time. Take advantage of the free time to bond with your family members, spend some time having fun and relaxing, and get into holiday mode. Most importantly, remember to be kind and stay safe.

Sources: https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/vacation-at-home-quarantine, https://www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-tips/how-to-plan-a-holiday-at-home-45646961

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.

In a press release published earlier this week, Emirates announced that they would be working with the Dubai Health Authority to introduce additional COVID-19 precautions, including rapid on-site COVID-19 testing for passengers. The innovative move had already had its first trial run earlier that day, with passengers set to depart for Tunisia being the first group to undergo the new testing procedure.

The testing station was conveniently set up at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 in the Group Check-in area, and results of the quick blood test were available to passengers within 10 minutes. Emirates Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, confirmed that the tests were conducted by DHA officials, and thanked the Authority for their involvement in and support of the project. He went on to express plans to increase the testing capabilities so as to aid passengers entering countries where COVID-19 test certificates are required upon arrival. He reiterated that the health and safety of staff and passengers remains a top priority for the airline.

“We are glad to work with Emirates on the successful implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing at the airport for departing travellers,” said HE Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the DHA. He said that the DHA were proactively working with various bodies, including various government organisations and the private health sector to tackle COVID-19. “We believe strongly that the most effective solutions require close partnerships with other public and private sector organisations.”

Emirates has instituted a number of protective measures since the pandemic was announced by the WHO. All employees are required to wear gloves and masks and use sanitiser frequently. Barriers have been placed at all check-in desks to ensure both passenger and staff safety during any interactions. Passengers are also required to wear their own masks, both while onboard a flight, as well as in the airport.

The inflight experience has also been modified to allow for social distancing protocol. Magazines and reading materials are no longer available, while cabin baggage is limited to a laptop, briefcase or handbag only. Food continues to be served during flights, however packaging has been modified to reduce contact. All aircraft are subject to thorough cleaning and disinfection after each journey.

While many other airlines have suspended services during the pandemic, we hope that the same strict procedures will be implemented as flights gradually resume and things return to normal. For now, stay safe and be kind to one another.

Source: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-becomes-first-airline-to-conduct-on-site-rapid-covid-19-tests-for-passengers/

b4i.travel simplifies your communication needs when travelling and takes the risk out of high international roaming costs. We offer a range of pre-loaded, pre-activated and pre-registered world travel SIM cards so you’ll be connected when you arrive in the country you are visiting. Tourists, students and businessmen have been talking like a local in South Africa, USA, Europe with b4i.travel since 2010. It’s time to ‘Explore your world’.