Bag a bargain – August long weekend specials to Mauritius

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School holiday deals – destination Mauritius

Kick back and soak up some winter sun. Take advantage of these great holiday offers on the island of Mauritius with a choice of 6 stunning resorts. For more information, drop me a line: laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za or give me a call on: 031- 3121827

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January 2012 – Been and Gone!

So much for New Year Resolutions…..Yes I had resolved to give my blog more time in 2012 and today, for the first time this year – I have finally found a spare moment to share some great deals with you all. Lets hope the rest of the year is less manic than January proved to be – and if its not – well then you are all going to need a GOOD HOLIDAY so here goes with some inspiration for 2012.

First up is the Bahamas: NASSAU – Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort invites you to come and experience the very pinnacle of all-inclusive excellence in the Caribbean. Sandals delights couples with luxurious accommodation and gourmet candlelit dinners. Reference: 30594 Package Price: R 25,808 Taxes, Fees & Other: R 5,019 Total Package Price: R 30,827 pp Hotel: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort Duration: 7 nights – Book and pay by 30 April ’12 Validity From: 04 April 2012 To: 21 June 2012 Thompsons Hotel Grading: Superior First Class: Package includes: Return flights from Johannesburg to the Bahamas on Delta Airlines, Airport transfers, hotel taxes & tips, 7 Nights at the luxurious Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort in Bahamas, Fine dining – all meals included, Unlimited premium-branded drinks, Unlimited scuba diving & water sports. Whats required? Book and pay by 30 April ’12. Want more info? Give me a ring on 031 3121827.

If that doesnt tickle your fancy and you are after something a bit more exotic then Journey on board the Eastern & Oriental Express from the elegance of Singapore to the excitement of Bangkok. Journey through the heart of South-East Asia on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, visiting colonial Georgetown, Fort Cornwallis & the River Kwai.Total Package Price: R 18,703 includes 3 Day / 2 Night Singapore – Bangkok luxury train journey on the Eastern and Oriental Express including All table d’hôte meals on board, with complimentary tea and coffee in your cabin, and sightseeing tours as described.

Day 1 – Singapore: The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Singapore’s Woodland Railway station mid-day. Having been welcomed onboard the gleaming carriages, settle into your cabin. Enjoy the passing scenery as the train crosses to Malaysia via the causeway of the Straits of Johor. Lunch is served in one of the opulent dining cars. Dress for dinner and then spend a relaxing evening in the Bar Car in the company of our resident pianist. During the evening, the E&O pauses at Kuala Lumpur’s magnificent Moorish-style station where you may disembark for a stroll. Retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cosy bedroom

Day 2 – Penang: Breakfast is taken in your cabin before arriving in Butterworth. Here coaches take you across to colonial Georgetown, capital of Penang, on the local ferry. Enjoy a guided introductory tour with pre-World War II mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and colourful shophouses. Reboard the waiting coaches for the short ferry ride back to Butterworth and the Eastern & Oriental Express for lunch. As the train crosses into Thailand spend the afternoon watching the changing scenery from the open deck of the Observation Car or relax in the comfort of the Saloon Car. Dinner is served in the sumptuous dining car.

Day 3 – River Kwai & Bangkok: After breakfast Eastern & Oriental Express arrives at the River Kwai Bridge station where the train stops to allow you to disembark. Guides escort you on the short walk down to the jetty to board a local craft for a cruise along the lush greenery of the picturesque Kwai Yai river, passing under the Bridge. On board, a local historian provides a brief overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma railway and the bridge. At the E&O landing point board a motor coach for a brief trip past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. As you explore the informative museum, the historian is available to answer questions. There is time to visit the Don Rak War Cemetery adjacent to the museum if you wish.Rejoin the coach for the transfer to Kanchanaburi railway station from where your Eastern & Oriental Express journey continues with lunch. Arrive into Bangkok in the afternoon.

Love the above but travelling with kids & looking for something a bit closer to home. How about the thought of Exotic Beaches, Turquoise Water and Lush Coconut Palms. Spend Easter in Mauritius!

Packages available from R8130pp (set dates)

Rates include:

• Return flights on these set departures

• Return coach transfers

• Breakfast and dinner daily at the Sun Resorts properties

• Complimentary dinner at O&O Le St Géran as from 15 April 2012

• Early bird offer included in the O&O Le St Géran rates for departures from 15 April onwards. Needs to be booked and paid by 12 March to qualify for the rates quoted

• Free land and non motorized water sports

Rates exclude:

• Approximate airport taxes ex Johannesburg of R3000 per adult

• Approximate airport taxes ex Cape Town of R4000 per adult

All rates are per person sharing and airfares and taxes are subject to change within specified seasons and are carrier specific which could impact on the rates quoted.Call Lauren now to make an enquiry: 031 3121827

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Camping is Fun!

There’s no doubt that kids love camping… But adults? Although for many it’s a love or hate thing, there are a lot of us in the middle who just need a little bit of persuasion. While escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life might be the reason some families choose to go camping, for others its a simple case of economics but whatever the reason –  for kids it’s the ultimate adventure.  Camping can actually be a lot of fun, but only if you are organized. This means knowing what to pack versus what not to pack and more than anything it means having a very comprehensive camping checklist. With the long summer holidays just around the corner we’ve compiled some useful tips that will help ensure your camping holiday is both a stress free and fun experience.

Camping Checklist suggestions: (For a good printable checklist: click here)

• If you have small children then consider selecting a tent that will accommodate all of you comfortably (we are a family of 3 and I wouldnt use anything less than a 5 sleeper!).  On the other hand, if you are camping with teens, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence. For first time campers – it might be an idea to practice assembling the tents in your garden – this can help to avoid starting your holiday on the wrong foot (Yes, Ive seen this happen on many occassions) or alternatively – seek out resorts that offer the service of erecting your tent for you! I can personally recommend this option!
• Depending on just how much you want to “rough it” consider choosing a campsite that is close to amenities and has good onsite facilities. Use the internet to research whats nearby and better yet, ask around. At least someone you know will have had a great camping experience and equally someone you know will have had a bad one! Alternatively for a comprehensive list of campsites and caravan parks in SA you can try this one: CampSA
• Remember that while we’re all probably more comfortable on air mattresses than insulating mats, with our heads on feather pillows rather than the type you blow up, these can be bulky to carry. If you do take an air mattress, dont forget your pump!  Extra blankets are also essential, as, even in the hottest months, nights can get cold.
• Always pack a good bottle of sun protection as well as a gazebo, sun umbrella or tarpaulin – SA summers can be scorchers!
• If you dont have a skottel braai and your site is electrified then consider buying a 2 plate stove top so you can have two pans on the go when kids are hungry and you’re dying for a cuppa.
• Lights are essential – get good battery operated lanterns in addition to gas lamps and a couple of hand torches  – head torches are a  fun option for the kids too and also prove very useful when you are braaing in the dark!
• Other essentials include a washing-up bowl, dishcloths, scourers, washing-up brush, copious rolls of toilet paper and kitchen roll, baby wipes, pots and pans, plastic glasses and plates etc. Its worth investing in a box that stays packed with all your camping gear – that way, you wont be running around looking for everything an hour before you leave!
• Bring tons of clothes – if the weather’s bad clothes will get dirty and wet, and if there’s no laundry on site it’s hard drying them in a tent! Take a drying line and pegs too – if for no other reason than to keep your towels nicely dried. AND dont pack your sunday best either – campaign and good clothes generally dont go hand in hand!
• Pack plenty of food and drink. Good campsites will usually have drinking water on tap and a decent shop, but the latter can be expensive, and kids in the outdoors need lots of fuel and liquid. Think about the kinds of things that are easy and quick to cook, such as pasta and couscous, baked beans and eggs. Snacks are also important, especially dried fruit and nuts, but take plenty of containers to keep the ants out.
• And finally – remember to pack some of your kids’ favourite toys, for days when it is raining and when staying in the tent is the only option.

Lastly –  try enjoy the entire camping experience.  Sleeping under the stars, exploring, getting close to nature and relishing the time spent with family will hopefully leave you with great memories that will last forever.

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Have you booked your summer holiday?

Can you believe we are midway through August already? Before you know it the shops will have their Christmas decorations up and the kids will be writing their lists for Santa. So, before we all get caught up in the madness of the last quarter of 2011 I thought I’d offer you some holiday inspiration for those endless summer holidays that are now just around the corner.

First up is Thailand. This remains one of my all time favorites and I would highly recommend this destination to any families wanting a good value for money holiday. My personal preference is Phuket (although others I’m sure would beg to differ) especially if you have young kids as it has everything right on your doorstep. A great, well serviced beach where cocktails are a plenty, street markets selling everything and anything as well as great excursions to many of the gorgeous islands nearby. I have written about Phuket before so if this destination interests you then feel free to read more here.

Don’t fancy going as far as Thailand but still looking for that idyllic beach holiday – then maybe is the destination for you. This gorgeous island has lots to offer so whether it’s a chilled week of R&R on the beach or an action packed week of sightseeing and activity then this is definitely worth considering. I would however recommend an all inclusive package as your extras can end up costing a small fortune if you are not careful.

If a beach holiday is the last thing on your mind then consider trying your hand at skiing. Skiing in Kitzbühel features some 145 km of slopes and 55 state-of-the-art gondolas and lifts, action-filled snowboarding fun , 120 km of cross-country skiing tracks,  170km of winter hiking trails, the Kitzbühel sports park, an ice hall and SALEWA climbing hall and of course if you are a complete novice the all important ski schools. One thing I can guarantee you – a ski holiday will take you as far away from work as you could ever wish to be. It’s a holiday that exercises both the mind and the body in a way you never thought possible and for families – ski school is available for anyone over 4 years old. Be warned though – the kids will pick it up in no time and leave mom and dad wondering why it is that they make it look so easy……

You can never go wrong with a London holiday and whilst some might prefer London in the summer – there is nothing quite like Christmas in London. Come to think of it, the Southern hemisphere  really misses out on the essence of Christmas – the lights just aren’t the same when the sun is still shining at 9pm and a glass of gluhwein and roasted chestnuts just doesn’t have the same appeal when its 30 degrees outside. For me – I would happily board a plane to London any time of the year but Christmas is just that extra bit special. So pull out your winter woolies and consider heading north – it’s worth it!

Stay local but feel like a foreigner in Cape Town. This holiday destination satisfies all the senses and summer is most definitely the best time to visit although be prepared for early starts to avoid the crowds. If you are planning a trip to Cape Town then click here for my list of top things to do when you are there.

This is a new one for me and although I have yet to visit, a lot has been said about Zanzibar so it’s worthy of a place on my list.The Zanzibar archipelago is approximately 35km off shore from the Tanzania mainland and is one of the best-kept travel secrets remaining unspoilt by mass tourism. It is comprised of two main Islands, Unguja (also referred to as Zanzibar island) and Pemba, along with many smaller islands and atolls. These provide miles and miles of palm lined beaches and colourful coral reefs perfect for diving or just soaking in the laid back atmosphere. Zanzibar has great accommodation options, both in Stone Town and on the beaches  so there is definitely something to suit every pocket here.

Don’t want the hassle of airports and flying but still want to get away from it all – then pack your 4×4 and head to Mozambique. Make it a 10 day stay and stop enroute… if it was me going I’d be inclined to spend a night or 2 at HluHluwe’s Nselweni camp before continuing up the coast for a second stop at Kosi Bay. Keep it simple and book into the Kosi Bay Cabins in the St. Lucia wetlands – one of South Africa’s world heritage sites. With their wooden self-catering chalets they have embraced the building styles of the local Tsonga people to create a look and feel that stays true to the area, without compromising on modern luxuries. And if you don’t fancy the self catered option then meals can be enjoyed at their restaurant.  Finally – head for the border early as queues can be treacherous. Deflate your tyres as you cross the border and prepare yourself for plenty R&R (yes, the sparberry and rum type too!). For more on Mozambique – click here.

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Hot off the press – 5 Star Phuket

I know, its been a very long month and I have been a bit slack with the blogging activity (the downside of school holidays)  but I am back with avengeance having had some fabulous trips in the last month – which I will share with you later this week but in the meantime – HOT OFF THE PRESS! If you are looking for a trip to Thailand – then I think this one will be hard to beat!

Phuket 5 star special

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The winter blues…..or is it the Umngazi Pondo blues?

I know the weather is crappy and that might sound the winter blues alarm however I am definately suffering from the Pondo Blues and this should be noted as a serious condition! For all the f” ing and blinding that my ride partner had to endure – looking back I have to say it was actually such a great event. A part of me thinks that the lure of the awesome Umngazi River Resort at the end of every day is definately what kept me going however now that I have been home a week I am starting to feel like there should be something called post event depression! I miss every part of it and Iwant to go back. AND I dont want to have to wait a whole year!! Fortunately Molly from Umgazi has come to the rescue with some awesome off peak specials so if, like me, you want some unwind then this is just the place to go for a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle of real life. If you would like more information on Umngazi or you have a booking query please drop me a line: laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za

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Escape the winter cold……

Before I head down to the wildcoast for the Umngazi Pondo Pedal I thought I’d share a couple of great specials for those of you seeking reprieve from the winter cold. Having just been to Mozambique myself (refer to previous post) I can highly recommend any of these.

There is an option for every budget so whatever the occasion, feel free to email me at:laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za or give me a call on 031 3121827

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2 days to go….. Umngazi Pondo Pedal

Bags packed – check, Bike serviced – check, sleepover arranged for my daughter – check, dogs booked into kennels – check, housesitter sorted – check. Whoop whoop – 2 days to go and the weather forecast is looking good – cannot wait!

Anyway – for those of you who possibly liked the idea of a stay at Umngazi River Bungalows but didnt fancy the part that meant you would be hauling yourself and your bike up hills, across beaches, through rivers and over terrain that you would normally declare unpassable – then maybe you would prefer this awsome travel special instead! For more information or to make a booking email : laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za

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Marvellous Mozambique

Having spent Easter in Mozambique I thought it apt that this should be the feature of my next blog. I have long heard people say how wonderful it is andwith it being right on our very own doorstep, I figured it was probably about time I ventured north and visited “Moz” myself.

I have to say, I honestly had no idea what to expect and after a very frustrating 5 hour wait to clear border control I started to wonder if all the fuss was really worth it. But after spending 5 idyllic days on the most beautiful white sand beaches, sipping on cocktails and swimming with dolphins – our party gave a resounding yes to the question: Was the wait to get across the border worth it?

And so we have booked to go back again next year.

That said there are some things that are worth knowing in advance  – especially if you are a novice “Moz” visitor.

Getting there:

There are several flights daily from Johannesburg to Maputo, operated by South African Airways (SAA) or LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) the national airline for Mozambique. LAM also provides domestic flights connecting Maputo to Inhambane and Vilanculos or Pemba.  In August, 2010, budget airline 1time began operations and show promise of more competition and options for travelers. SA Airlink also flies to Mozambique and offers flights ex Durban for those not wanting to drivehowever  if you are travelling from KZN its probably easier to drive especially if you are staying in the South. Make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle because once across the border the roads are quite literally beach sand. For those opting to drive, make sure you take  your original car documentation with you as well as your insurance details. Third party insurance cover is compulsory in Mozambique.

When to go:

Along the coast Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are rarely cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn’t too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise. Temperatures are typically higher in the north, around Pemba, and around the Zambezi.

Visa Requirements:

If you are a SA passport holder then a visa to enter Mozambique is not required however you do still need to have 2 empty pages in your passport. Also – make sure you carry certified copies of your passport and any other travel documents (just in case!). For foreign passport holders (non SA passports) an entry visa is required and this currently costs $82pp – these are issued on arrival. An entry and exit stamp also applies and this costs an additional $2.50 each way. BE WARNED – if travelling by road expect delays at border control – this is Africa Time in its finest form!!

Health Issues:

Water-borne diseases caused by unsanitary conditions, including cholera, are common throughout Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mozambique you should seek immediate medical attention.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are prevalent throughout the year in Mozambique. It is recommended that you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites.

Money:

The currency of Mozambique is the new Metical (Meticais Nova Família, MZN), plural meticais (Mts, pronounced ‘meta-caysh’), divided into 100 centavos. Note that many businesses in the tourist centers are run by South Africans and prices are often quoted in Rand (for which the usual abbreviation is ZAR).

US$, ZAR, British pounds and Euros are freely convertible at commercial rates at any bank or exchange. Other currencies such as Canadian or Australian dollars or Japanese Yen, are not accepted anywhere, even at official banks and exchanges.

There is very little black market currency exchange, since the commercial exchanges offer the best market rate. You cannot exchange meticais outside Mozambique, but you can convert them back at exchanges prior to leaving the country. Also you cannot buy meticais outside Moçambique.

ATMs are present throughout the country; Standard, Millennium, ProCredit and Barclays are the brands you are most likely to run in to. Standard accepts Visa & Mastercard, Millennium accept all international cards including Maestro/Cirrus cards while Barclays doesn’t seem to accept any cards with great regularity. ATMs will only dispense 3,000Mts at one time (although you can insert your card again to withdraw more).

Local Cuisine:

• Piri-Piri, also known as the African bird’s-eye chili: this extremely strong chili is common as a cooking sauce throughout the country.
• Pãozinho, also known as Portuguese rolls or Prego(beef) no pãu and bifana (pork):  A floury and often semi-sweet bread roll, typically served with meat in the center.
• Matapa, a seafood (clam, crab or prawn)stew made with Casave leaves and generally served over rice. This is one of the Mozambique staples.
• Camarão National, are Mozambican prawns marinaded in a Piri-Piri, garlic, onion, lemon and vinegar.
• Cray fish and other seafood. These are caught off the beach throughout the country and will generally be prepared with a piri-piri marinade, served with rice and matapa.
• R&R – the must have mozambiquan cocktail – lots of rum and a dash of sparberry!
• The local drink is Cashu made of the peel from the cashew nut. According to the locals it’s very good for a mens libido. It has a sour taste.
• The three most popular beer brands are 2M (remember to pronounce it doysh-em or you will end up with an extra beer), Laurentina Clara and Manica.

Accomodation is plentiful and there is an option for every budget so whatever the occasion, feel free to email me at:laurenlowry@leisureandtravel.co.za or give me a call on 031 3121827

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