Tag: travel

Posted on by

Top 10 Reasons to Visit South Africa

There’s almost no reason not to visit South Africa; from the beautiful beaches to the rich cultural diversity to the Big 5 and much more, South Africa is unquestionably the ideal vacation location. If you’re still not convinced keep reading as we present the Top 10 Reasons to Visit South Africa, which is sure to seal the deal. 

1. The Big 5

Africa, and particularly South Africa, is recognized for its diverse animal and wild animal sightings. Taking a safari or game drive to see the gorgeous animals in their natural habitats is undoubtedly one of the top reasons to visit South Africa. The Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest game reserve, is one such popular destination for “bush holidays”.

(Picture Source: Adobe Stock)

2. Cape Town

Recently voted and known as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city in the shade of the majestic and one of the new 7 wonders of the nature, Table Mountain. Great beaches, historical harbors, spectacular views of nature, and excellent cuisine await visitors in Cape Town.

3. Whale Watching 

Admire the whales in Hermanus, Western Cape, which has been named one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. The season runs from July through December, with the months of August and November almost guaranteed for sightings.

4. Culture and Food

South Africans are as diverse as the languages they speak, including English, Afrikaans, Tswana, Zulu, and Xhosa to name a few, and they are fondly known as the rainbow nation! You can be sure that the cuisine is as diverse as the language, and you can immerse yourself in a wide variety of cultures and cuisines like Indian bunny chows to pap and vleis when visiting South Africa.

5. World-renowned Wine Regions and The Garden Route

The Western Cape of South Africa is known for its extensive wine industry, which includes over 500 wineries in Cape Town alone. Between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route stretches for almost 300 kilometers, providing travelers with unrivaled scenic vistas of the magnificent country! If you like wine and want to see some beautiful scenery while in South Africa, the Western Cape should definitely be on your itinerary!

(Picture Source: Adobe Stock)

6. The Weather

South Africa is known for its sunny and warm weather for almost 300 days a year, making it a great destination to travel to especially in the spring and summer months between September and March.

7. Beautiful Beaches

South Africa is located at the southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. While the warm Indian Ocean on South Africa’s east coast, particularly in Durban, is ideal for a swim, the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Cape is slightly cooler but still offers beautiful vistas.

8. Sun City

Sun City, dubbed “Africa’s Las Vegas,” provides casinos, golf courses, entertainment, and shopping. It’s also home to the world-famous Valley of Waves waterpark and many more activities to keep everyone entertained!

9. Affordability

Due to the South African rand being weaker to many other currencies, a trip to South Africa can be affordable while still being a wonderful and memorable experience without breaking the bank!

10. Visa free policy of South Africa

Another wonderful reason to visit South Africa is that many countries, like the United Kingdom, the United States, Schengen countries, South America, Japan, and others, do not require visas.

South Africa is certainly a favourite tourist destination and we can understand exactly why! Whether you are looking to enjoy the warm Indian ocean, take a cable car up the majestic Table Mountain, travel through beautiful roads, or take a safari and see the Big 5 up close in person, South Africa is sure to exceed all your travel and bucket list dreams!

Posted on by — 11,820 Comments

Take a Mental Holiday With These 10 Travel Books

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us holed up to prevent further spread of the virus. While the idea of lounging at home with nothing to do may have sounded like a dream mere months ago, it can rather quickly lead to boredom, frustration and a general case of cabin fever. While we can’t encourage you to escape to the outside world just yet, there’s nothing stopping you from disappearing on an excursion of a different sort. Lose yourself in an adventure and take a mental holiday with these 10 travel books.

Into The Wild

Christopher Johnson McCandless’ wanderings through the Alaskan wilderness are told by Jon Krakauer in this biographical account. McCandless faces the very human emotions of loneliness, persistence and, ultimately, peace as he goes on a journey of self-exploration amid one of the cruellest and most desolate landscapes in the world, and by the closing page, you’ll be planning your own post-COVID19 backpacking trip.

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir-style account will have you in stitches one second, and bawling the next. Wanting to escape her life as a modern American woman is all too relatable, and she promptly whisks you along on her escapades, first eating her way through Italy, then learning how to pray in an Indian ashram, and finally coming to terms with self-love in Bali. The autobiography functions as both entertainment and inspiration for every reader.

bali - flower arrangement

The Alchemist

This classic tale follows the forays of a shepherd boy as he travels from Spain to Egypt, chasing his dreams and adventure! Author Paulo Coelho puts a philosophical spin on a simple story, and the pages are littered with quotes sure to inspire wanderlust in even the least intrepid reader.

The Great Railway Bazaar

Paul Theroux depicts his sojourns while following the famous and now obsolete Hippie Trail from London to Asia for over 4 months. His narrative takes place during the 1970s and it’s interesting for the modern reader to reflect how different the world was almost half a century ago.

The City of Djinns

This historical account of India’s capital outlines Delhi’s rich history, complex culture and key characters. While non-fiction may not be your first choice when it comes to escapism, William Dalrymple’s story-telling flare is unmatched and will transport you right to the bustling streets of Delhi.

India farmers market - show casing fruits, vegetables and spices

Down Under

I say the name Bill Bryson and you’re already reaching for the phone to call your local library. In Down Under, Bryson gives an all-inclusive account of life in Australia, told in his usual jocular tone, and touches on everything from geography and climate to the pioneers who first dared to navigate the notoriously desolate landscape.

Vagabonding

Rolf Potts’ tale of bravery and acceptance is loved by many. While on the surface a story of escaping the drudgery of daily life to go to new places, learn new languages and meet new people, the deeper meaning is to escape the comfort zone, accepting and loving each new experience, good or bad, with the goal of growth. A must-read for those feeling the effects of isolation!

Lost on Planet China

In a country as vast and populated as China, it’s easy to get lost! J. Maarten Troost seamlessly entwines travelogue with humour, while still depicting China’s ancient cultural heritage and social idiosyncrasies that often leave tourists baffled, yet somehow remain endearing.

China - ancient Chinese building on the waters edge

Blue Highways

William Least Heat-Moon takes his reader on a tour of the various aspects of the rural American countryside. Featuring memorable encounters with locals and vivid descriptions of the highways that weave between America’s small towns, you’ll feel as though you’re in the passenger seat alongside Heat-Moon until the closing page.

Into Thin Air

Jon Krakauer (sound familiar?) now steps into his own exploring shoes in his personal account of the Mount Everest expedition in the mid-1990s. The trip turned into a disaster when a severe snowstorm combined with heightened competitiveness and resultant overlooking of safety procedures, finally culminating in the deaths of eight climbers. The story takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster and will have you itching to turn the page until the very end.

We hope these reads will help you pass the time in this climate of isolation and social distancing, and keep your travel bug alive and well for when the global situation reaches stability and resolution. For now, stay safe and be kind to one another!

Source: https://www.holidayme.com/explore/these-10-travel-books-would-be-your-perfect-companion-this-holiday/

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’.

Posted on by — 10,677 Comments

Coronavirus: How to Stay Protected When Travelling During the Outbreak

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging international travellers to remain cautious and prioritise their health during the recent outbreaks of coronavirus in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and more recently Iran and Italy. While many are on edge about the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, a few simple hygiene reminders and awareness of one’s risks can go a long way in reducing further cases. Here’s what you can do if you plan on travelling to or from an affected area, or simply want to reduce the risk of contraction while in international public spaces, as well as what procedures are to be expected while in transit.

Keep Clean

The WHO has promoted sufficient hygiene as the most important way to prevent further spread of the illness. This includes frequent washing of hands, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with one’s own mouth and nose, or those of others. Since this is a virus, anti-bacterial hand gels are not a sufficient substitute for warm water and soap. Surgical Masks have not yet been determined to be effective barriers in avoiding the transmission of the virus, although if you suspect you have caught the virus, it may assist in preventing you from passing it on.

What To Do If You Become Ill

Should you become unwell while abroad, self-isolate, stay indoors and seek medical treatment either through your health insurance broker, or local public health guidelines. It is important you inform any doctor, clinic or hospital in advance of your visit. Only resume travel once you have completely recovered. Should you return home from an affected area, you should monitor your condition closely for at least 14 days post-travel. If you begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms, including; a fever, cough and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

Screening

Some countries have employed temperature and symptom screening procedures at customs controls. Should you be entering a foreign country with screen procedures, ensure that you have permission to do so. Keep up to date with any potential travel restrictions before and during your travels. For example, foreign nationals entering the United States will be denied access if they have visited China or Iran in the preceding 14 days.

Cruise Lines

Many cruise lines with scheduled stops in Asia have had their routes cancelled or modified to prevent contact with affected areas. One may also be denied re-entry to the country of origin if one has travelled in an affected area. These precautions follow the quarantine of the Diamond Princess ship in Japan after 700 passengers were found to have the virus, resulting in at least 5 fatalities.

Flight Cancellations

Many international airlines have halted travel to China, and these cancellations may begin to be extended to other affected areas. Some airlines are offering waived fees in lieu of the cancellations, but it is best to check with your specific airline whether your flight will proceed as scheduled or, in the event of a cancellation, whether you will receive a refund.

Travel Insurance

While airlines and accommodation facilities seem to be doing their utmost to refund any cancelled bookings, a trip cancelled due to the outbreak may not necessarily be refunded in full. Most standard travel insurance packages will not account for the effects of the virus, however, if you have a Cancel For Any Reason policy, portions of your trip may be covered in the event of cancellation. If you have already purchased an insurance package and are concerned about your trip being cancelled, it’s best to contact your broker directly for information about the extent of your coverage.

Ultimately, as with any international crisis, staying up to date with reliable information as it is released is always the best measure. If you can avoid travelling until the outbreak has been contained and the associated risks greatly reduced, this, although not always possible, is recommended. View the WHO complete coronavirus library here.

Sources:https://www.who.int/ith/2019-nCoV_advice_for_international_traffic-rev/en/, https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/coronavirus-travel-advice/index.html , https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers

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. We have partnered with some of the worlds most reliable; car rental, flight booking, hotel booking, travel experience and travel insurance companies. So, get set up and ready to go with b4i.travel – before you travel. It’s time to ‘explore your world with us’.