Travel

With fewer flights, airports have become much quieter in recent months. Image: Pixabay The phenomenon, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, is forcing companies to reduce some of their flights to South Africa. International airlines operating flights to South Africa report that passenger numbers are averaging only 20 to 40% per flight. This is according to Carla da Silva, chairperson of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa). REOPENING OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BORDERS There was much jubilation and excitement on 16 September, when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would be opening its borders and allowing the return of international scheduled flights from 1 October, as a result of the shift to lockdown level one. The move was welcomed by internat...

Image via Adobe Stock Several airlines denied boarding to some international passengers on flights bound for South African airports last week, even though South Africa’s borders had reopened. Confusion over South Africa’s entry requirements forced airlines operating flights to South Africa to refuse passage to passengers of certain nationalities, during the first few days of South Africa’s borders reopening. SUSPENSION OF VISA FREE-ENTRY SINCE MARCH  Visa-free entry to the Republic of South Africa, for citizens of foreign countries, was temporarily suspended at the start of the national lockdown in March. In a document received by the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA), on 4 October, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that visa-exemption status has been reins...

There are some breakfast gems in Knysna. Image via Adobe Stock If you are heading up Knysna for the Garden Route International Film Festival (previously known as the Knysna Film Festival), here are some great spots to enjoy a delicious breakfast before you spend the day watching the impressive line-up of both international and local films featured at the festival. KNYSNA’S BEST BREAKFAST SPOTS EAST HEAD CAFÉ This little café with its bright interior, elegant décor and beautiful shaded deck that commands spectacular views of the lagoon and Heads is a perfect breakfast spot for those who are looking for super food with a view. Great deluxe coffee, succulent French toast, and fabulous omelettes. 25 George Rex Dr, The Heads, Knysna, 6571, Phone: 044 384 0933 www.eastheadcafe.co.za/ ILE ...

Photo: Pixabay Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is reportedly looking at launching ‘cruises to nowhere’ in a bid to kickstart tourism in the country. SINGAPORE’S ‘CRUISES TO NOWHERE’ It is reported that Singapore wants to launch this initiative as a cruise to nowhere is essentially a sailing that departs and returns to the same port having spent a period at sea without docking anywhere else. According to The Independent, passengers are able to enjoy the facilities on board, and take in any sights from afar, but they won’t be able to get off the ship at any point during the cruise. In order to combat the coronavirus, the board appointed a specialist risk management company to create a compliance audit and certification programme for the cruise industry that would allow these trips to take pla...

Surf the world's best waves. Image via Adobe Stock The surf culture has influenced society in myriad ways, from the Beach Boys and baggy shorts to endless summer waves and bonfires on the beach. The perfect surfing beach not only offers magical, consistent waves, but comfortable accommodation, friendly locals, and lots of things to do. So if you want to hit the waves or simply dig your toes into the sand and soak up the scenery, here are the top 10 surfing beaches in the world. THE BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE WORLD PIPELINE, OAHU, HAWAII Pipeline is, without a doubt, the granddaddy of all waves and while most surfers will never be good enough to ride waves here, they dream of gliding along its perfect crest. Situated on the island where surfing was invented, this is one of the highest and...

Photo: Supplied Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Morukuru Beach Lodge being voted as the best resort in South Africa (and number 8 on the ‘World List’). MORUKURU BEACH LODGE TAKES TOP HONOURS It is said that more than 715 000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe. “We are absolutely thrilled and most proud to be recognized as the best resort in South Africa and only two years after opening our doors!” said Ed Zeeman, owner of Morukuru Family. “Receiving recognition for this very special location within a protected nature reserve and the lengths we have gone to create this 100% off-grid operation, without having to compromise in luxury and comfort i...

Photo: Supplied Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Morukuru Beach Lodge being voted as the best resort in South Africa (and number 8 on the ‘World List’). MORUKURU BEACH LODGE TAKES TOP HONOURS It is said that more than 715 000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe. “We are absolutely thrilled and most proud to be recognized as the best resort in South Africa and only two years after opening our doors!” said Ed Zeeman, owner of Morukuru Family. “Receiving recognition for this very special location within a protected nature reserve and the lengths we have gone to create this 100% off-grid operation, without having to compromise in luxury and comfort i...

Zambia offers the traveller an array of beautiful sights. Image via Pixabay Zambia’s peak season for wildlife watching ends in November, so there is still time to head into the African wilderness of one of the continent’s most beautiful countries and enjoy a safari adventure. Blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty, an abundance of diverse wildlife, massive glistening bodies of water, and vast open spaces teeming with game, Zambia has much to offer in the way of unforgettable safari vacations. Hailed as the “land of the legendary African walking safari”, Zambia has myriad attractions to explore — from the spectacular Victoria Falls on the border with Zimbabwe to the watery world of the Bangweulu Wetlands and is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. DISCOVER ZAMBIA LOW...

PHOTO: A row of cruise ships docked in Nassau, Bahamas. (photo via Flickr/David Smith) With cruising still sidelined until October 31 after the Centers for Disease Control extended its no-sail order, some analysts think the industry could be further compromised by the news that President Donald Trump has contracted the coronavirus. The revelation caused the stock market to fall on Friday, and Paul Golding, an analyst at Macquarie, told Business Insider that an event raising the visibility of the virus could “potentially alter the timeline for full resumption for the cruise lines.” The publication noted that travel industry experts don’t believe the diagnosis of the President and First Lady Melania Trump will have an overarching effect. But Golding is wary, saying that any high-profile ne...

FILE - In this March 13, 2020 file photo, visitors take photos at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., the last day the park was open due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Theme park industry leaders in California say they aren't pleased with proposed reopening guidance being considered by Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration. Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Attractions and Parks Association, said amusement park leaders wanted changes to a draft they reviewed on Thursday, Oct. 1 and asked Newsom to continue conversations with industry leaders before finalizing the rules. (AP Photo/Amy Taxin, File) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday delayed new operating rules for theme parks such as Disneyland that have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic as tourism...