East versus West

Let’s talk about the current exchange rate. Yikes, it’s scary. Our Rand is steadily dropping, but what does it really mean for us South African travellers? Is it really bad news? I like to think that we can turn anything negative into a positive, that it’s not all doom and gloom. Maybe it’s time to think outside the box?

So instead of visiting Europe or the US right about now, how about considering venturing into the East? Thailand has always been and always will be a firm favourite. And you get value for your Rand. But Thailand is not just about Bangkok and Phuket, or even Phi Phi Island for that matter. There is so much more to see and explore.

Here are some ideas which might just tickle your fancy:

The different islands: Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, just to mention a few.

Or

Chiang Mai: a large and culturally important city where
historical and modern Thai architecture and traditions coexist.

Or

Khao Sok National Park: Easily one of Thailand’s most beautiful wildlife reserves

These are but a few examples. Thailand is also known for its stunning beaches, like Phra Nang Beach, Maya Bay, White Sand Beach, Hat Pramong and Patong Beach to mention but a few.

But it doesn’t stop there. How about China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia? I mean Bali is arguably one of the most tranquil places to completely lose yourself and unwind.

But the special place at the top of my list is Hong Kong, a lot like London in a sense. It has the same energy and pulse which you’ll feel from the minute you touch down. Maybe not as cheap from a day to day living cost as Thailand, but certainly no more expensive that holidaying in your home city.

Then I’d also suggest Mauritius, simply because you will get your Rand’s worth. We have access to lots of properties that are Rand based, which means the price we quote will not be subject to fluctuation once your deposit is paid. This is currently the case with a lot of packaged holidays but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Club Med is also a good idea and they have resorts scattered around the globe. Why are they a good idea? Apart from being all-inclusive, the rate quoted remains the same after the deposit is paid, irrespective of fluctuating currency rates.

As you can see, we are spoilt for choice. There are just too many exciting destinations out there, waiting to welcome you and show you what it’s made of.

Leisure travel will always be a luxury and I for one am happy for that. We all need to get away. We all need to recoup and unwind and there is no better way than to do it on an exotic beach somewhere. We all need to grow, we need to rejuvenate our souls in order to find inner peace. We need to experience new cultures, meet new people, see with our own eyes how the others live. This is how we build empathy, how we take humanity to new levels. This is how we learn tolerance and empathy, allowing us to spread love and understanding across the globe. This is how we get to know life on an intimate scale and the wisdom a new country can bring cannot be studied in any current learning institution anywhere in the world.

That was a mouthful but I needed to get it out. I reiterate, travelling today is a luxury but it does not have to break the bank. Today a client spoke animatedly about Tunisia and what a beautiful, untouched, Mediterranean experience she had whilst holidaying there. She even mentioned that one of the Star Wars movies was shot on location there in the early 70s. She spoke with such passion and that is, in a nutshell, what travel is all about.

Give us a shout if you need help planning your next holiday, don’t let the current financial dramas intimidate you. Don’t put your travel dreams on the shelf, I promise, we will help get you there.

Happy Travels
Zu