The Best Way to Travel
The best way to travel is really dependent upon the person who is going on holiday and the destination they have chosen.
The more independent, adventurous personality will, in all likelihood, opt for the flexibility of a self drive tour, whereas the individual who prefers to have everything cut and dried and taken care of on their behalf will possibly choose either a guided or group tour, depending on how sociable they are.
‘Flexi-drives’ for the adventurous
In truth, self drive tours are really ‘flexi-drives’ where the intrepid journeyman can add, modify, adapt and exchange virtually any aspect of their itinerary, including preferred routes, activities and even accommodation.
There is absolutely no rigidity to the sojourn but at the same time they will have tapped into the extensive knowledge and local know-how of dedicated tour operators who will have assisted them every step of the way, from planning the itinerary with the client’s continual feedback to the point of meeting and greeting them at the airport to hand over the hired car keys.
As long as the destination is a relatively safe one with suitable road networks and a reasonable infrastructure, the self drive tour option is arguably the best way to experience an African safari for some.
Advantages of self drive tours:
* Tailor-made itinerary
* Routes and departure times that suit the client, not the group
* Freedom to ‘shop till you drop’ en route, as there are no baggage constraints except for the size of the boot
* A safety net in place in case of emergencies or any other problems
* The ability to drive off the beaten track for unique sight-seeing; a big plus on a Big 5 safari
* No dodgy travelling companions
Disadvantages of self drive tours:
Undoubtedly the cost. Rental cars and petrol come at a premium these days and the tour operator will not have the benefit of ‘volume’ buying that generally keeps the costs of accommodation and transport much lower in the group scenario.
Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds
Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds. The client still has all the benefits of privacy and flexibility, yet at the same time can hand over the reins to the local guide, who will generally act as a driver too.
The one major drawback of an escorted tour is that it can prove to be rather expensive. The client and his party will not only have to fork out for the guide’s expertise but all his or her meals, accommodation and entry fees to national parks or any other excursions too.
Group tours offer security, companionship and little effort
Group tours are possibly the ideal mode of travel for single people, females and senior citizens. The group offers security, companionship and comfort as well as the ideal opportunity to make new friends. It is also the cheapest way to travel purely because of volume purchasing.
Disadvantages of group tours are:
Stuck with that group of people and an inflexible itinerary
Often not enough time to enjoy any one place
Can sometimes miss out on cultural experiences if too busy interacting with the group.
The more independent, adventurous personality will, in all likelihood, opt for the flexibility of a self drive tour, whereas the individual who prefers to have everything cut and dried and taken care of on their behalf will possibly choose either a guided or group tour, depending on how sociable they are.‘Flexi-drives’ for the adventurous
In truth, self drive tours are really ‘flexi-drives’ where the intrepid journeyman can add, modify, adapt and exchange virtually any aspect of their itinerary, including preferred routes, activities and even accommodation.
There is absolutely no rigidity to the sojourn but at the same time they will have tapped into the extensive knowledge and local know-how of dedicated tour operators who will have assisted them every step of the way, from planning the itinerary with the client’s continual feedback to the point of meeting and greeting them at the airport to hand over the hired car keys.
As long as the destination is a relatively safe one with suitable road networks and a reasonable infrastructure, the self drive tour option is arguably the best way to experience an African safari for some.
Advantages of self drive tours:
* Tailor-made itinerary
* Routes and departure times that suit the client, not the group
* Freedom to ‘shop till you drop’ en route, as there are no baggage constraints except for the size of the boot
* A safety net in place in case of emergencies or any other problems
* The ability to drive off the beaten track for unique sight-seeing; a big plus on a Big 5 safari
* No dodgy travelling companions
Disadvantages of self drive tours:
Undoubtedly the cost. Rental cars and petrol come at a premium these days and the tour operator will not have the benefit of ‘volume’ buying that generally keeps the costs of accommodation and transport much lower in the group scenario.
Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds
Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds. The client still has all the benefits of privacy and flexibility, yet at the same time can hand over the reins to the local guide, who will generally act as a driver too.
The one major drawback of an escorted tour is that it can prove to be rather expensive. The client and his party will not only have to fork out for the guide’s expertise but all his or her meals, accommodation and entry fees to national parks or any other excursions too.
Group tours offer security, companionship and little effort
Group tours are possibly the ideal mode of travel for single people, females and senior citizens. The group offers security, companionship and comfort as well as the ideal opportunity to make new friends. It is also the cheapest way to travel purely because of volume purchasing.
Disadvantages of group tours are:
Stuck with that group of people and an inflexible itinerary
Often not enough time to enjoy any one place
Can sometimes miss out on cultural experiences if too busy interacting with the group.
Planning A Road Trip
The key to a successful road trip is planning ahead. All too often what should have been a relaxing get-away is marred by the frantic search for a forgotten essential, a poorly planned budget, or an inadequate understanding of the area in which you are traveling.
The first step in planning your trip is, of course, to choose a destination. This can be a single place that you are looking to visit, or a general area that you are looking to tour. Use a map to plan out your route, if possible try to plan for a different route to and from your destination, maximizing the opportunity for discovery as you travel.
Once you know where you are headed take the time to go online to research what cities and towns you are traveling through along the way. Many cities and towns have websites that list the tourist attractions in their vicinity. You can also make use of websites like RoadTripJournal.com to see where others have been and the attractions they recommend. Write a list of the places you’d like to see, including the amount of time you will likely need at each stop and the cost of the attractions. Keep an eye open for coupons to save you money. Visit information booths.
Before starting your trip, make sure your isvehicle in good repair, and has had an oil change or tune-up if needed. Your tires should be suitable for the weather expected. Take along an emergency kit, and have an emergency plan.
While driving, you will likely be able to cover around 40 miles per hour. Although you may actually be driving more quickly at times, this is offset by traffic and stopping at lights and signs. This means that 6 hours of driving in a day will take you around 240 miles.
As you look at your route, plan for rest stops about every 1.5-2 hours. You will need to break for lunch, restrooms and to stretch the legs at some point, and you should finish your day’s travel well before dark if you plan on camping or need to find accommodation. It is best to select an overnight destination that offers an evening attraction so that once you are set up for the night you can enjoy the local entertainment.
Next you need to consider your budget:
• Keep in mind the costs of the attractions that you intend to visit as you travel.
• You will need to plan for meals and snacks. Bringing along your own food can save a lot of money, so consider bringing a cooler.
• Make reservations for accommodations in advance.
• Make sure that you have enough leeway to cover the cost of fuel. You may want to go exploring the scenic routes in the area you are visiting.
• Souvenirs, there will always be a little something extra that you may not have thought of, so having a spending allowance for extras is useful.
• Finally, you need to plan what to bring with you. While you will want to pack light, you don’t want to discover that you forgot something essential.
The best plan is to create a list of everything you might need as you travel then pare it down to the essentials. For clothing, be sure to pack for the season, and choose layers that can adapt to varying weather conditions. Sometimes the weather can surprise you! If you will be staying at various locations for short periods of time, pack your suitcase so you can bring in a couple days worth of clothes and not have to carry in the whole suitcase. Consider all personal supplies that you might wind up needing, using a toiletry kit will keep all those items in one place and be easy to carry from place to place. Don’t forget to bring any medications you require.
If you are camping consider not only the basics such as a tent and sleeping bags, but also cooking utensils and lighting for after dark. Don’t forget about sunscreen and bug spray. A freshly stocked first aid kit is another smart addition to your packing list. Make sure you have enough batteries and fuel for campsite equipment.
Finally, don’t forget to bring something for entertainment along the road. Many rural areas have poor radio reception and little to no selection. Try bringing music CDs and audio books. A good book can be a great way to pass the time when not driving. If you are traveling with kids, portable games and DVD players are good distractions while driving.
A well planned trip gives you the chance to make the most out of your vacation. Being prepared will reduce your stress and keep things running smoothly. So take your time, be prepared, and have a great road trip!
The first step in planning your trip is, of course, to choose a destination. This can be a single place that you are looking to visit, or a general area that you are looking to tour. Use a map to plan out your route, if possible try to plan for a different route to and from your destination, maximizing the opportunity for discovery as you travel.Once you know where you are headed take the time to go online to research what cities and towns you are traveling through along the way. Many cities and towns have websites that list the tourist attractions in their vicinity. You can also make use of websites like RoadTripJournal.com to see where others have been and the attractions they recommend. Write a list of the places you’d like to see, including the amount of time you will likely need at each stop and the cost of the attractions. Keep an eye open for coupons to save you money. Visit information booths.
Before starting your trip, make sure your isvehicle in good repair, and has had an oil change or tune-up if needed. Your tires should be suitable for the weather expected. Take along an emergency kit, and have an emergency plan.
While driving, you will likely be able to cover around 40 miles per hour. Although you may actually be driving more quickly at times, this is offset by traffic and stopping at lights and signs. This means that 6 hours of driving in a day will take you around 240 miles.
As you look at your route, plan for rest stops about every 1.5-2 hours. You will need to break for lunch, restrooms and to stretch the legs at some point, and you should finish your day’s travel well before dark if you plan on camping or need to find accommodation. It is best to select an overnight destination that offers an evening attraction so that once you are set up for the night you can enjoy the local entertainment.
Next you need to consider your budget:
• Keep in mind the costs of the attractions that you intend to visit as you travel.
• You will need to plan for meals and snacks. Bringing along your own food can save a lot of money, so consider bringing a cooler.
• Make reservations for accommodations in advance.
• Make sure that you have enough leeway to cover the cost of fuel. You may want to go exploring the scenic routes in the area you are visiting.
• Souvenirs, there will always be a little something extra that you may not have thought of, so having a spending allowance for extras is useful.
• Finally, you need to plan what to bring with you. While you will want to pack light, you don’t want to discover that you forgot something essential.
The best plan is to create a list of everything you might need as you travel then pare it down to the essentials. For clothing, be sure to pack for the season, and choose layers that can adapt to varying weather conditions. Sometimes the weather can surprise you! If you will be staying at various locations for short periods of time, pack your suitcase so you can bring in a couple days worth of clothes and not have to carry in the whole suitcase. Consider all personal supplies that you might wind up needing, using a toiletry kit will keep all those items in one place and be easy to carry from place to place. Don’t forget to bring any medications you require.
If you are camping consider not only the basics such as a tent and sleeping bags, but also cooking utensils and lighting for after dark. Don’t forget about sunscreen and bug spray. A freshly stocked first aid kit is another smart addition to your packing list. Make sure you have enough batteries and fuel for campsite equipment.
Finally, don’t forget to bring something for entertainment along the road. Many rural areas have poor radio reception and little to no selection. Try bringing music CDs and audio books. A good book can be a great way to pass the time when not driving. If you are traveling with kids, portable games and DVD players are good distractions while driving.
A well planned trip gives you the chance to make the most out of your vacation. Being prepared will reduce your stress and keep things running smoothly. So take your time, be prepared, and have a great road trip!
Top 4 Favourite A-Lister Destinations
There are a handful of dream locations, world-wide, that offer the astute and well-heeled traveller entertainment, relaxation and, critically, relative privacy. We have selected four locations preferred by the so-called A-listers amongst us and why:
Barbados
The island of Barbados in the Caribbean has long been the chosen destination of the rich and richer. It is not unusual to spy celebrity couples – the Beckhams, Sting & entourage, and even aging rocker Mick Jagger and his latest conquest – enjoying the fabulous beaches of this island paradise. One of the world’s most successful sportsmen, Tiger Woods, followed up his romantic proposal at a South African game reserve with a luxurious wedding at the celebrated Sandy Lane Hotel in St James, Barbados.
Dubai
One of the seven Arab Emirates and arguably one of the wealthiest, Dubai has a skyline to match its unmitigated glamour and this burgeoning desert city has become the destination of the extraordinarily famous. The largest artificial islands in the world, the Palm Islands can be found off the coast of this magnificent modern city and the likes of Formula One Champion, Michael Schumacher, and former ATP giant, Roger Federer, have opted to purchase real estate on the islands. Add unrelenting sunshine, designer shopping and plenty of outsized bling and you’ll see why Dubai is the ideal place for the wealthy.
Clifton, Cape Town
Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town is another unequivocal hit with international and national A-listers. Stunning beaches and the rolling hills of the famed Table Mountain make this dream location the preferred choice of international investors. Unsurpassed beachfront property lends itself to the consummate vacation home and both Clifton and Camps Bay property is highly sought-after by the jet setters. The area is the private vacation stomping ground of the likes of Sir Elton John, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Monty Python’s John Cleese, as well as a host of British royalty that includes the Duchess of York and her daughters and the mischievous Prince Harry.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, with its glorious beaches and wild and whacky carnival, is another venue for the eminent and prosperous. The famed bikini beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema have long entranced visitors visiting this heady and exciting city. British actor, Jude Law, was recently spotted with his family snorkelling off the island of Ilha Grande. Other celebs who have enjoyed the sun and surf of Rio are Madonna, Sylvester Stallone and Tom and Katie Cruise.
Barbados
The island of Barbados in the Caribbean has long been the chosen destination of the rich and richer. It is not unusual to spy celebrity couples – the Beckhams, Sting & entourage, and even aging rocker Mick Jagger and his latest conquest – enjoying the fabulous beaches of this island paradise. One of the world’s most successful sportsmen, Tiger Woods, followed up his romantic proposal at a South African game reserve with a luxurious wedding at the celebrated Sandy Lane Hotel in St James, Barbados.Dubai
One of the seven Arab Emirates and arguably one of the wealthiest, Dubai has a skyline to match its unmitigated glamour and this burgeoning desert city has become the destination of the extraordinarily famous. The largest artificial islands in the world, the Palm Islands can be found off the coast of this magnificent modern city and the likes of Formula One Champion, Michael Schumacher, and former ATP giant, Roger Federer, have opted to purchase real estate on the islands. Add unrelenting sunshine, designer shopping and plenty of outsized bling and you’ll see why Dubai is the ideal place for the wealthy.Clifton, Cape Town
Clifton on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town is another unequivocal hit with international and national A-listers. Stunning beaches and the rolling hills of the famed Table Mountain make this dream location the preferred choice of international investors. Unsurpassed beachfront property lends itself to the consummate vacation home and both Clifton and Camps Bay property is highly sought-after by the jet setters. The area is the private vacation stomping ground of the likes of Sir Elton John, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Monty Python’s John Cleese, as well as a host of British royalty that includes the Duchess of York and her daughters and the mischievous Prince Harry.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, with its glorious beaches and wild and whacky carnival, is another venue for the eminent and prosperous. The famed bikini beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema have long entranced visitors visiting this heady and exciting city. British actor, Jude Law, was recently spotted with his family snorkelling off the island of Ilha Grande. Other celebs who have enjoyed the sun and surf of Rio are Madonna, Sylvester Stallone and Tom and Katie Cruise.
10 Best Ways to Save Money on your Road Trip
With the economy on the rocks and money on the mind, it can be difficult to contemplate the expense of taking a vacation. Fortunately, there are many ways to plan a great road trip and keep the costs to a minimum. Try these 10 tips when planning your next road trip vacation.1. Plan Ahead – This may seem obvious, but an amazing amount of money is wasted due to poor planning. By deciding where to go, what to pack, and where to stay you can make smart spending decisions without the in-the-moment pressure you may have on the road.
2. Go Online – Most locales have tourism sites or Chamber of Commerce websites with heaps of tourist information. You can find out everything you need to know about your destination, get travel tips, and find discount coupons for popular destinations.
3. Tune Up Your Car – A well tuned car runs smoother and uses less fuel. You can also save a lot of money and frustration, avoiding costly breakdowns while on the road.
4. Pack Light – Avoid overstuffing your vehicle. More weight costs more fuel. Many places offer laundry facilities, reducing the need for clothes.
5. Visit Tourist Information Centers – These centers not only give you plenty of information about the region you are entering, but may also provide free maps and coupon books that will save you money.
6. Use Coupons – There is no point collecting coupons if you don’t use them. While a dollar or two off may not seem like much, it can quickly add up. Be sure to make use of any coupons you find for your intended stops.
7. Try Camping – Hotels cost a lot of money. You can stay at a campground for a fraction of the cost and enjoy a night under the stars. Many stores sell inexpensive camping sets for the beginning camper.
8. Eat Out – No, not at restaurants, but outside. Pack lunches, use the kitchenette in your hotel room or cook dinner over an open fire or on a grill. By bringing food with you and restocking at local grocery stores you can save a ton of money.
9. Bring Drinks – While it may not seem much at first, the cost of buying drink gets expensive. By using refillable containers you can stretch a jug of juice into four or more individual drinks. This adds up to a huge savings in the long run.
10. Enjoy Nature – While you will of course want to stop at the odd paid tourist attraction, natural wonders are usually free for your enjoyment. Take advantage of scenic lookouts, nature trails, and any other free attractions along your route. It will give you a break from the car and hours of cost-free entertainment.
While a vacation will naturally cost money, it does not need to break the bank. By planning ahead you can stretch your budget to the max and have the fantastic getaway you dreamed of despite the recession.