Camping 101 – Part One

24 Jan Camping tent, chairs in the woods.

With the weather getting warmer every day, the itch to get out of the city begins. To go somewhere far away from the busy roads, robots, taxi’s and smog. You glance longingly up at that unused tent in the top cupboard, and contemplate going camping over an upcoming weekend. If you’re a newbie invited along for a camping trip, don’t think that it’s all about fighting off bugs, and putting up with dirt and heat for days on end– camping for many is a much-loved, and much coverted affair.

The first time my husband and I camped together, we brought our tent, an air mattress, sheets and pillows, bug spray, our clothes, hygiene items, and a box with cutlery, dishwashing liquid, a can opener, one headlamp, a torch and some wine. We were woefully unprepared for any actual cooking – barring the evening braai. Now however, we’ve built up quite an extensive list which we keep in our camping box to check off before we head out anywhere – and this list is constantly growing and evolving as we discover we need new items.

Sitting watching the camp fire.

Fire by Adrian Radu (Flickr).

See below for some of the items we have, some we’re still waiting to get, and some of which weren’t quite as useful as we thought they’d be. Clothing will be included in part two, along with how to camp with children. For now, read on and feel free to comment if I’ve left something out.

The Basics:
Usually known as the bare necessities for a weekend camping trip.

  • Tent. Most tents from Camp World, Macro, Game and Cape Union Mart come with all the equipment you need, including a ground sheet, rain tarp, guide ropes and tent pegs – it’s always wise to bring along a few extra tent pegs, just in case the ground you’re trying to hammer them into is hard, and they bend or snap. Also, a rain sheet is handy to have on, even if there’s no rain forcast. You don’t want to have to go out into the wet and mud to stop your tent from leaking if a sudden storm rolls by.
  • Comfort. A sleeping mat or air mattress works wonderfully, just ensure your chosen item will fit in the tent you have – the worst thing possible is arriving at the campsite, setting up your tent, blowing up your mattress (or pumping it up), and only then discovering you’ll be sleeping for the next week with your nose to the ceiling. Also, ensure you bring a duvet or sleeping bag with you – even though it may be the middle of summer you’ll find that evenings can get chilly.

  • Light. Once your tent is set up, and your bed’s in place, hang a lantern from the ceiling if there’s space, and place your headlight or torch somewhere you won’t miss it, for when the sun starts to set. My husband and I picked up a little solar powered lantern from the Crazy Store for about R30, and it works beautifully. Also, matches and lighters fall into this category.

    Water boiling on a camp fire.

    Boiling water for coffee by Ken and Sharon Lotts. (Flickr)

The Intermediates
So you’ve got your own tent, sleeping gear, light sources and haven’t had to borrow them from friends or family. Well done. The next step is your gear and food:

  • Water. No matter where you’re going, make sure you have at least 2L of water with you. This water can come in handy for everything from drinking to cleaning, to cooking – and if you arrive at a campsite where there’s a problem with the water main, you’ll be sitting pretty while others have to drive into town or boil the lake water (ick!).
  • Food. Food is a necessity, and though you may be able to buy majority of items needed at a shop close to the camp site, getting a few items a head of time is prudent, just incase. A tin or two of tuna, mielies and a box of samp and beans or garlic bread comes in handy if you’ve arrived after dark and are too exhausted to braai.
  • A cooler.This should be common sense, but many people forget to grab a cooler box before leaving home and then have to beg for space in someone elses (which inevitably leads to the offending parties items on the very bottom, and hands that freeze each time they dig in). The cooler is useful for storing your ice bags, keeping your beverages of choice cold, as well as keeping salad items, cheese’s, and that all important milk bottle for your morning coffee, fresh.

    Feet in a cooler box.

    Unusual uses for a cooler box by Anstr Davidson (Flickr).

  • Box. A big ammunition or storage box works well a table or workspace if you have a soft cooler box, plus you can keep all your food and kitchen items together in it. We bought a 30L storage capacity box from Game for around R120, and use it to keep all our dry storage goods together like cans, sugars, and sauces, along with our cutlery, plates, cups and dishwashing items in a sealed plastic container. Blitz or firelighters can also be kept in small amounts in the box, while coal and wood will need to be stored seperately.
  • Utensils. Apart from knives, forks and spoons, a spatula, braai tongs, bottle opener and even chopsticks come in handy. Skeweres are also a good item to keep in your storage box for those late-night marshmellows.
  • Braai grid. Most camp sites have a demarkated braai area, while others only have a small cairn of stones for you to make a fire in. Either way, a braai grid comes in handy.
  • First-aid kit. I can’t stress how important this is to always have. From headaches to bug spray, to calamine lotion for bug bites, to disinfectants and bandages for scrapes and burns, make sure you’re covered for all eventualities and you’ll be fine. Allergy medication can also be something to add if you’re in a flora dense camping environment.
  • Trash bags. A roll of black bags, or shopping packets come in handy to dump empty food items, tissues, etc and it’s easier to make one trip to the communal garbage bins, then have to trek there and back each time.

    Outdoor first aid kit.

    First Aid kit by Ji Ruan (Flickr).

The Masters:

You’ve got all the above and more in your camping kit, so here are some items you probably won’t be forgetting:

  • A book, magazine, or leisure item. Yes, you know camping is about socialising, and spending time outdoors in nature, but you also know that if you’re camping for a while, you’ll need something for those moments when you have some time alone.
  • Camp Stove. Either a gas, propane or gel fueled camping stove comes in very handy first thing in the morning when you stumble around zombiefied needing that first aromatic cup of coffee. Smaller stoves can take up to 45 minutes to heat up enough to boil water or cook eggs.
  • Pots and pans. You can often find a complete set of camping sets of pots and pans at places like Cape Union Mart, or Camp and Climb, and a whistling kettle is a good addition as well. Just ensure the item(s) you’re buying aren’t made of aluminium, as the metal reacts specifically to acidic foods which pits and warps it, as well as the health concerns about the effects of aluminum on the human nervous system and the much debated (but still inconclusive) link between aluminum exposures and Alzheimer’s disease. So if you’re worred about that, then stainless steel may be a better alternative.
  • Cutting board. Because you’ve learnt that using your camping box to chop vegetables,  is never a good idea.
  • Plastic containers. A few lunch box sized plastic containers come in handy for storing extra cooked meat, or the last of the salad. A larger container can be used to store the dirty plates and utensils so you don’t awake to bugs and flies everywhere.
  • Camping chairs. These are always nice to have so you aren’t sitting on damp ground – and some makes even have a handy cup holder so you don’t need to worry about the little ones running around and knocking your beverages over.

    Watching the pot boil.

    Cosy camping chairs by Gretchen Poehlman (Flickr).

 Tips:

  • Some other handy food items include trail mix, cup-a-soup, and meal in a bag, for those times you’re jut not up to cooking late into the night, or need a snack on the drive through.
  • Glow sticks / snap sticks are a great source of mild light late at night, and younger children are generally fascinated by them. Grab a pack and keep one or two handy.
  • A poncho is a lightweight addition that often comes in handy.
  • A roll of tin foil comes in handy for cooking mielies, vegetables and garlic breads.
  • Bandanas and/or a sarong come in handy as a shawl, scarf and on those really hot days, can be soaked in water and wrapped around you to combat the heat.
  • Toilet paper, and a box of tissues. Most camp sites have ablution facilities with these items, others don’t.
  • Plastic plates are always handy, but paper plates take the stress out of washing up at the end of the night. Pack a couple just in case.
  • A wind-up radio is a useful item for listening to music, or sports if you’re at a campsite with no power points.
  • An extension cord and multi-pronged plug is handy to have at camp sites with power points.
  • Ensure your pump is packed for blowing up your air mattress.

    Girl wearing a bandana.

    Userful bandana by Mike Bostock (Flickr).

  • An old, small mat can be put on the inner opening, to prevent sand or grass being trecked in.
  • A two-man tent is great for a short camping trip, however my husband and I prefer our 4-man tent, as there’s plenty of room to keep our storage box, clothing and cooler box.
  • A peaked cap for the sun, and a beanie for the evenings.
  • Instant potatoes or Smash are good for a quick and filling side. Just add hot water.
  • A spare blanket comes in handy as a picnic rug, a towel if need be, a make-do sun shade, and of course it’s original use, to keep you warm in the cooler hours.
  • Cards and board games are good for rainy days.
  • Don’t forget your camera, so you can snap the happy group together.

If you’d like a very extensive list, stop over at New England Camper’  which also has recommended camping food items.  If you feel there’s any imperative items that have been missed out on, please leave a comment with what and why. If you’re looking for reputable camp sites, check out our website for a list of great South African accommodations.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain

Glow sticks at night.

Camping Glow sticks by Kaustubh Gadkari (Flickr).

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Top ten tips to take better group photos

19 Jan

Everyone at some point or another has been asked to step in and take a group photo or two, of either tourists, children, friends, family, or the odd strangers in the park. It’s easy to just point and snap hoping for the best, but sometimes you want to add that little something extra to make it special – to give it that elusive je ne sais quoi. Pictures have changed through the centuries – now you don’t need those stiff, formal and unsmiling family portraits. Instead, creativity, fun and play are the norm nowadays.

A family portrait from over a centuary and a bit ago.

William & Perna Meyers and Family by Jay D Welch (Creative Commons).

You may have practiced trying different methods and found some that work, and others that don’t for certain groups, so remember it’s up to you to decide which methods will be best suited for the group you have, and how long you can keep them posing for you:

  1. Firstly, decide how you want to take the photograph. If there are only three to five people, a long shot works well (full-length if you want to show of the clothes or waist-up if some are worried about the jiggly bits). If there are more people – say five to ten – a wide shot works best. Your ultimate aim is to ensure that when someone views the photograph you’ve taken, their eyes travel over every face – so think of placing people in a semi-circle, or a triangle (two subjects sitting, three standing, etc). These shapes help draw the eye naturally across the photo.

    A well planned family photo.

    Family fun by Kirsten Purcell (Creative Commons).

  2. In order for your picture to be a success, you need to make sure your subjects are relaxed and happy – but not as relaxed as Uncle Bob who has that tipsy smile and glazed look in his eyes for every Christmas photo. If you know – and even if you don’t know the subjects – strike up a conversation with them and try and banter back and forth. This takes their mind off the impending picture and will help set them at ease. Continue to talk as you shoot, and this way you’ll have a variety of images to choose from, where some shots are posed, and others aren’t.
  3. In almost every first photo taken of me in a group, my eyes are closed or only half open. It’s ironic really as I always try to keep them open before the flash goes off, but it never really works. One of the ways you can avoid having someone look dozy is to get everyone to close their eyes, and on the count of three open them so you can snap that perfect wide-eyed, pearly toothed pic. Another way, mentioned in my previous post, is to use the burst mode on your camera – usually three successive pictures. That way at least one of the pictures should have everyone’s eyes open.
  4. Dependant on what group you have and how well you know them, try and let the group photo captures the spirit of your subjects. A photograph of the rugby team at the bar won’t have as much impact as that same team playing on the field in all their glory (unless you’re aiming to sell the first picture to Die Son / The Voice and managed to get half the team with their eyes closed).

    A family silhouetted on the beach.

    Silhouettes by Emily Hanna (Creative Commons).

  5. Look at your surroundings. Is the group photo being taken outdoors or indoors? Are there any props you can incorporate into your shot? Think of posing the group on a staircase, around a bench, in front of a tree, or have half of them sitting on a rock. The possibilities are endless, just use your imagination (unless you’re in a museum, in which case work on capturing wacky faces or poses vs touching the exhibits).
  6. Check the clothing of your subjects, does someone look a bit out of place? If so, consider having them sit along side one or two others, and take the photo from everyone’s waist up (if the offending item is on their lower half); alternatively you could get the subject with the unique clothing choice to stand between people at the back or even behind someone sitting – this way their face is still showing but that garish, neon Hawaiian shirt isn’t. A unique approach would be to make the mismatched person the central figure, and have the others who are wearing neutral clothes placed around them – that way even though the central person stand out, the picture will appear more balanced than if they were off to the side.
  7. If children are involved in the picture, I wish you plenty of luck in keeping them still for extended periods of time. A nice way to keep the photograph looking natural is to put the children at the same height as the adults – be it the adults sit and the kids stand, or the adults stoop and little ones are held while hugged. Another fun pose to try if you’re outdoors is to get mom, dad and the kiddies to hold hands and run in a staggered line – this is a great way to capture the family having fun together (and a reminder to the kids in their teenage years that they used to love family outings).

    Aarr ... pirate fun helps set the mood.

    Active and happy childrens photo by Emily Hanna (Creative Commons).

  8. If you’re shooting the photographs at someones house, skip posing them all on the couch and rather spread them out in the room, some sitting, some standing, and then grab a chair to get above them slightly and snap away. The shot will look less forced and more natural.
  9. If your meant to be in the group shot, bring a tripod along (a gorilla tripod is handy to have as its small, versatile and sticks to most objects). This way you can set the camera on a timer and dash into the group before the picture is taken, after planning what your pose is going to be of course.
  10. A fun trick to try if there are a lot of tall people in the group is to try and elevate yourself above everyone, and shoot down. This minimizes the appearance of height, lets you capture all the faces and remove focus from the bodies, as well as allowing you to fit more people in the shot while still remaining close to the group.

    A good example of a group photo from above.

    Florida Group Photo by Roseanna McBain (Creative Commons).

Tips:

* Make everyone raise their chin slightly – they’ll thank you later when that tiny bit of lower chin flab isn’t in the shot you took.

* If each person can see the camera, then they can rest assured it will “see” them. If the group knows this in advance, you shouldn’t end up with a photo of the side of someones head as they’re chatting away to their comrade, blissfully unaware you’ve taken the shot (then again, sometimes people prefer the less posed and more natural pics).

* By all means, set up as many posed shots as you want, but also take a few sneaky ones inbetween – and you may find several that look more amazing than the ones you staged.

* Some of the funniest pictures taken are when everyone does an exaggerated pose or facial expression. Let the group play and figure this one out on their own, stepping in only if everyone starts looking a bit too much like Jeckyll and Hyde.

* If the group is only three people, with two of the same gender (ie: two girls, one guy), pose the “odd one out” in the middle, with the other two flanking them. This works well for odd-numbered groups, and also for those of varying heights.

Two daughters blowing a raspberry at the smiling mom.

Fun and games with mom by Matt Gapplewagen (Creative Commons).

* A slightly tilted angle can often add some “edge” to your pictures.

* If you’re looking for inspiration, a surprising source can be found at your local music store. Go in and browse some of the c.d covers of music groups, and note which poses look the best.

* For any photo, make certain the lighting is right. You don’t want to take the picture of a group with the sun behind them, ever. The absolutely only exception I can think of, is if you’r trying to go for a celestial go sans faces.

* Remember that as the photographer, you’re in charge, so don’t be shy to suggest alternate poses if the shots you’ve taken haven’t been great. Also, remember to always smile at the group – it sounds corny, but it’s effective at making the group smile back at you for more natural looking shots.

The above points are some suggestions to improve your odds of taking a few fantastic group photographs. Let us know if you have some of your own special tricks, or which ones from the above lists you’ve successfully used. Photography like art is subjective to each persons view, so while you may hate the one that everyone loves, relax. Sometimes, the best pictures at the end of the day, are those taken when no one thinks you’re watching or capturing them. Either way, you’re likely to be hailed as the picture guru.

Written by Roseanna McBain, Travelground.com

Family group in white tops and jeans.

All together now by Bryan Constanza (Creative Commons).

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Ten unusual and mostly unknown facts about South Africa

11 Jan

South Africa is full of beauty. The diverse and stunning scenic landscapes, the wonderful weather, the friendly locals and the vibrant cities. There are also many well known locations which draw tourists such as the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, the Valley of Desolation and of course the lush Garden Route.

But South Africa also has it’s fair share of unusual, strange and down right weird objects, formations and customs. Below is a short list of some common and uncommon things, as well as a few interesting facts … if there’s a lot of interest in this post, a longer one will follow.

Eating Mompane worms by Greg Willis.

Eating Mompane worms by Greg Willis.

  1. The Mompane (or Mompani) worms in Limpopo.
    It’s official latin name is Gonimbrasia belina, and it’s not actually a worm, but a caterpillar – which, if left to it’s own devices, emerges as a rather pretty-looking moth. It’s a great source of protein, and the process of cooking it is minimal – with the worm being picked, squeezed and then dried or smoked – and it can then be eaten as is, or fried to make a crispy snack. It can be found in rural supermarkets across South Africa, preserved in either brine, or a tomato and chili mix. If eaten with a rural tribe, it somehow manages to taste like honey barbecued chicken.
  2. Barberton Greenstone Belt
    In Mpumalanga, the Barberton Mountain range is over 3.5 billion years old, and remains one of the best preserved and least altered early Archaean rock formations in the world. Also, a bacterial micro fossil Archaeospheroides barbertoniswas discovered here and is believed to have been the first form of life on earth. NASA is reputed to often visit this area and study the rocks, to gain a better understanding of how life could form on other planets.

    As seen from space, the vredefort dome.

    As seen from space, the vredefort dome. Taken by Space Shuttle STS51l--33-56AA

  3. The Vredefort Dome
    Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vredefort Dome is currently the largest, as well as one of the oldest meteor sites in the world. It has it’s own magnetic field (after a fashion), and can be found just outside of Parys. The meteor impact was believed to have occurred over two billion years ago (back in the days of primordial sludge). The crater is 300km wide, and the meteor was believed to have been roughly 10km across which is about the size of a small mountain … that fell out the sky. Yikes!
  4. Milnerton Fault Line
    The Koeberg nuclear power station is built over a fault line. The last activity reported was over in 1809, and it measured a 6.5 on the Riechter scale. The Haiti earthquake of 2010 measured a 7.0 on the Riechter scale, and scientists believe that the Milnerton fault is due for another quake soon. Maybe its time to follow in Japans footsteps with their preparedness grab and go bags.

    The Shoe house

    The rather unusual Shoe House.

  5. Shoe House, Mpumalanga
    I’m sure most of us remember the story of the old woman who lived in a shoe, because she had too many children. Well, someone obviously took it to heart, and literally built their home in the shape of a shoe, which you can view if you visit the Abel Erasmus Pass in Mpumalanga. I’m guessing not many people would consider walking mile in that!
  6. A Nobel Street
    South Africa is the only country in the world to have two nobel peace prize winners who had houses on the same street. The street in question is Vilakazi Street in Soweto, and the nobel prize winners were Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

    A green valley along Route 62, tinged with red from the setting sun.

    Route 62 by Martin Heigan.

  7. Route 62, Western Cape
    For all the wine lovers out there, note that route 62 happens to be the longest wine route in the world – encompassing the areas of Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. If you’re not a wine drinker, don’t despair, a brandy route has also just started along route 62, co-mingling with the wine route. Another interesting spot along route 62 is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a bar which has a rather impressive collection of female underwear – due to most females who visit, leaving behind a memento.

    A picture of Adams Calendar, in Mpumalanga.

    Adams Calendar.

  8. Adams Calendar
    A circular stone structure was discovered in Mpumalanga in 2005, which dates back to around 750 000 years ago, which happens to be a functional, mostly in-tact monolithic stone calendar. Interestingly, this site is built along the same longitudinal line as Great Zimbabwe ruins as well as the Great Pyramid. It is also presumed to have aligned with the rise of Orion’s belt around the time it was created (75,000 years ago).
  9. Stable, starry Sutherland
    Founded in 1858, Sutherland in the Northern Karoo is known for it’s cold weather and the astounding star-filled skies. Since it’s set at an altitude of 1 500m, rarely receives rainfall and has no light pollution, when the sun finally sets you’re treated to a sky thats so bright, you feel you can almost reach out and touch the stars. According to scientists, Sutherland is also one of the most stable area’s in the world – despite being situated near a 66-million year old volcano.

    The once extinct Quagga.

    The once extinct Quagga.

  10. Return from extinction
    Most South Africans will remember stories of the Quagga from school, namely that it was hunted to extinction in the early 19thcentuary, but in the next few years we will see them darting about again. Scientists have been working on reintroduing them through the use of a careful breeding program since 1987, since discovering that the Quagga was a subspecies, and not a seperate species of zebra.

Some interesting facts from around Africa:

  • Sudan has over 220 pyramids – twice as many as Egypt (which only clocks in at around 110).
  • African Penguins are becoming an endangered breed, with only 55 000 left to date, compared to the 200 000 that were around in the early 2000′s.
  •  The Sahara desert is growing at a rate of ½ mile each year, and is currently larger than the entire continent of the USA. (Ed: The land mass of the Sahara desert is larger than the USA but overall the USA is bigger than the Sahara).

    Mereo pyramids in Sudan by Andrew Heavens.

    The Mereo pyramids in Sudan by Andrew Heavens.

  • South Africa has the most diverse and unique floral kingdom in the world, and 70% of the Cape floral kingdom occurs nowhere else on earth.
  • The most luxury train on earth to date is found in South Africa. It’s name? The Rovos Rail.
  • In the months of November to January, you can swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjourah in Djibouti.
  • Rhino horns are now being poisoned, to prevent poaching. The poison is non-toxic to the animals, however any poisoned horn that is poached will show up on airport scans, and whatever powder, tea or cream is then made, will result in a bitter taste and possible burns. Take that heartless poachers and buyers!

    A suprising size, the Coelacanth in a museum.

    Coelacanth by Dan Beyerle.

  • The Coelacanth, a type of ancient fish was presumed extinct. However one was re-discovered in 1938 off the shores of South Africa, and again, in the early 2000 a population of six Coelacanth were been found living in the Sodwana area. One was nicknamed Harding, after one of the cameramen who found it, and tragically died the same day. ().
  • Majority of the worlds proto-mammalian fossils have been found in the Karoo – the most unique thus far is a 280 million year old shark.
  • South Africa is to date, the only country in the world that willingly abandoned its nuclear weapons programme.
  • The original Star Wars movie sets for the film’s planet Tatooine, were housed in the Tunisia desert. Nowadays, visitors to Tunisia can visit and even stay in Luke Skywalker’s home.
  • South Africans have made some of the best leaps in medical technology. Namely the CAT scan, heart transplants, Cryoprobe and inventing the pain-reducing APS therapy.
  • Lastly, South Africa is the only country to have hosted the rugby, cricket and soccer world cups.

Do you know of any unusual, strange or interesting facts about South Africa, or Africa in general? If so, feel free to share them in the comments below, and link to any blog posts you may have done on the subject.

Written by Roseanna McBain, Travelground.com

The set from Star War's planet Tatooine is actually still standing in the Tunisia desert.

Tunisia's Tatooine by Flickrcheckr.

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Take a Hike

5 Jan Stunning waterfall amid trees cascading into a rock pool by Jomilo75.

Pine forests and picnics. That’s what I always think of whenever I hear the word hiking. It’s possibly due to frequenting Silvermine (in Cape Town), with my family when I was younger. Opening the car door I’d breathe in the scent of woody pine before looking up at the tree’s over the parking area, then scrambling out the car, hoisting on my backpack, helping to secure our rather boisterous dalmation (Scotty), and finally setting off  for a day of fun and family bonding. Unfortunately, most of the pines in that particular area have been cut down, due to being alien vegetation which consumes too much water. On the opposite side of the road from where we usually started hiking are some lovely picnic spots around the dam. This is great place to take foreign friends to due to the 360° views, shady areas and swimming opportunities, and as it’s a part of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve those up for a challenge can hike all the way across Table Mountain.

South Africa is known for it’s beautiful landscapes, spectacular views and mostly-lush scenery. With that in mind here are four of the best hiking trails around the country. If you disagree, then add your favorite ones in the comment section below, and feel free to add a link to any hiking posts you may have written. So without further ado, here are the top four hiking trails across the country:

Silvermine Nature Reserve by Julian knutzen.

Silvermine Nature Reserve by Julian knutzen. (Creative Commons)

  1. As mentioned above, Silvermine offers some fantastic hiking trails, notably the one that leads to Elephant’s Eye Cave (an easy hour’s walk accessable from the top parking lot, or what I call Silvermine North). The main entranceto Silvermine is along Ou Kaapse Weg between Lakeside/Tokai and Fishhoek. If you head out for your hike in spring, you’ll likely see a few waterfalls on your trip – the leftover remanents of the winter rains – and with plenty of space and a distinct lack of people, it’s a great area to bring your pets. It’s not too arduous a journey, and the spectacular views make for some great photo opportunities (if you’re a fan of forced perspective photo’s, you’ll get some great shots). The scent of fynbos envelops you as you walk through the brush – and you may even spot the endangered Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos, which exists only in Cape Town, as well as some common mountain dahlias, protea’s and vygies (those little pink flowers that only open in the sun).

    Boesmanskloof trail by Lize Esterhuizen.

    Boesmanskloof trail by Lize Esterhuizen. (Creative Commons)

  2. The Boesmanskloof trail between Greyton and MacGregor is rather challenging, though beautiful, and you will need a permit for it – available from CapeNature. It’s about a 15km hike which can be done from one town to the other and back again, in about two days for those very physically fit individuals. The hiking trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains, which makes it a gruelling affair if you’re going at a brisk pace. For those of us who aren’t built like Greecian gods with endless stamina, I’d recommend hiking at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops – the most beautiful being at Oak Falls which has cascading waterfalls, cool rock pools, a river and scattered shade. Rumour has it that children as young as eight have successfully navigated this trail with their families, so as long as you’re in no hurry, you’ll certainly enjoy the scenery, and can bring the little one’s with.
    River meets the Ocean along the Otter trail by Jomilo75.

    River meets the Ocean along the Otter trail by Jomilo75 (Creative Commons).


  3. The Otter Trail in the Eastern Cape is not for the faint of heart, though to be fair it is one of the most beautiful trails to be found within South Africa, and as such often needs to be booked far in advance. Being 42.5 kms long, this trail will take about five days, four nights to traverse. It offers vastly varied scenery that changes from rivers to tidal pools, to crashing waves upon rocky cliffs, to spotting bottle-nosed dolphins frolicking in the surf (binoculars recommended). The rivers along this trail do tend to swell after heavy rains, and some are only accessable at low tide – do not attempt to cross them if they look dangerous, rather follow one of the clearly marked escape routes for a short detour before heading back on track. There are a few forest huts, notably at Vasselot and the Storms River Mouth, however you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, cooking utilities and utensils.

    Rising up, this majestic range towers over the Midlands.

    Drakensberg by Dave Harcourt. (Creative Commons)

  4. Looming in the distance as you near the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is the Drakensberg escarpment which literally translates to “Dragon mountain” in English. This mighty and majestic mountain offers a well-rounded hiking experience for beginners through to experts, and one of the recommended trails to take while here is the Sentinal Peak trail. This easy hike is the only one available which will take you to the top of the Drankensberg escarpment (Mount-Aux-Sources), and being only 6km long it should take roughly five hours there and back to Witsieshoek, which is the starting point. There are no real accommodations on offer in this area, so bring a tent and a sleeping bag  if you wish to stay overnight.

Tips:

  • It’s best to start your hike early in the morning, as it will be slightly cooler and more manageable, especially if you’re out in the
    Crossing the stream with his faithful hound, Mitch shows his backpack.

    Backpack by Mitch Barrie. (Creative Commons).

    Karoo or area’s with no shade. Also, never forget your hat – and yes, you can sunburn ontop of your head and look like you’re having a really bad dandruff attack when it peels.

  • When hiking for a period of several days, ensure you take a backpack with an internal frame. This helps support the weight being placed on your back, and distributes a bit more to your hips. It’s best to pack the heavier loads close to your body, to prevent overbalancing and strain. Also throw in a first-aid kit, as well as tissues / a toilet roll, some immodium and valium … just incase anyone stops to drink from that murky rock pool.
  • Don’t test out those new hiking boots you bought on the day of your hike, as it could lead to a rather uncomfortable time. Instead, break those new bad boys in a few days before by wearing them for at least 20 minutes a day.
  • Strange though it may sound, always take a fresh pair of socks with you (more if necessary). Your feet tend to sweat when enclosed, which can lead to blisters, chaffing, and a generally painful experience. Once you’ve reached your half-way point for the day, take a break and change socks. You’ll feel fresher, smell a bit better, and won’t have to worry about chaffing.

    Sitting ontop of the mountain looking down into the valley.

    On top of the world by Bohari Adventures. (Creative Commons)

  • Even if you’re going on a day hike, and it may not look rainy or cloudy when you set out, always take a waterproof jacket / windbreaker. Weather often changes in a flash, and being stuck in a fog bank or rainstorm for 4 hours with nothing to warm you isn’t fun for anyone. Stay put and wait till the weather clears, as those who tend to carry on hiking regardless tend to either end up lost, dead or trapped (the only plus side being a mention in the papers if it’s a slow news week, however the helicopter rescue teams won’t be impressed).
  • A flashlight and a deck of cards is also handy in case you end up stuck for a while on the mountain, and a spare pair of sunglasses never hurts either (you’ll thank me when you lose the pair your wearing, by leaning a bit too far watching the dassie’s play).
  • Make sure to take at leasta 1.5L bottle, though if you can manage 2L or have a camelback, then go with that as you can quickly dehydrate, without realising it. It’s also a good idea to keep a food bar or two on you for those who haven’t prepared a picnic lunch.

    Mist in the valley with Table Mountain rising in the background.

    Table Mountain from Steenberg Ridge, Silvermine by Iam Junor. (Creative Commons)

The above mentioned hiking trails aren’t the only great ones around. Some worthy of a mention include:

  • Skeleton Gorge in Kirstenbosch Gardens. Western Cape.
  • Lions Head, Western Cape.
  • Swartberg Hiking Trail, Western Cape.
  • Wartrail Skywalk, KwaZulu Natal.
  • Kgalagadi, Northern Cape.
  • Strandloper trail, Eastern Cape.
  • Whale Trail, Western Cape.
  • Waterbuck nature trail in the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve, Limpopo.

Hiking for me is one of the more enjoyable ways to get in tune with nature, as well as de-stress after a hectic week. There’s a tangible sense of serenity, as your worries slip away and your mind starts to wander as you view the scenery, before focusing on getting over a particularily tricky piece of terrain, while listening to the insects chirp and birds sing. But enough about how I find hiking, what are your thoughts? Do you have any favorite hiking memories you’d like to let us know about? Or maybe you feel like there’s something missing from the lists above? Either way, feel free to share your opinion in the comments below. If you’re looking for somewhere to crash overnight while hiking, check out some of the wonderful accommodation choices we have around the country.

Sunrise with sunbeams streaked through the clouds.

Sunrise by Ian Junor. (Creative Commons)

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Railway Adventures

22 Dec All aboard by Adam Russell
Classical glamourous woman smoking.

Virna Lisi.

Slightly modified Old Timer by Vivek Narayanadas.

Slightly modified Old Timer by Vivek Narayanadas.

Whenever I imagine a train station, I always picture it in faded sepia tones with a timeless yet charming style, and soft music playing in the background. Smartly dressed ladies wearing gloves and pillerbox hats smoke languidly on the side lines chatting quietly, while men in suits drift by, and others intently read their newspapers while sipping coffee. Call me old fashioned, but I feel like I missed out on an experience!

Fast forward a centuary or so, and you’ll find train stations (most notably here in South Africa), are overcrowded, dirty, noisy and have a vaguely unpleasant smell. Hawkers continually trying to sell you things you don’t need or want, you’ll find the obligatory blind adult who will sing and is being lead by a teenager or the man with a guitar who will play while walking through your train carriage and hope you’ll shell out a few bucks. And while dishing out the blame, lets not forget those wonderfully busy business people who end up talking far too loudly into their cellphones, sometimes cussing out the person on the other end while children not so subtly, stare at them with big eyes.

Though I never lived through my imaginary train station era, I feel a nostalgia creep over me. So for those who are wanting a railway adventure in luxury, below are some of the most interesting and unusual railway adventures around our country, (best of all, they’re free from the above mentioned stereotypes!).

Dining on the train by Simon Pielow.

Dining on the train by Simon Pielow.

The Blue Train
Though it may cost you pretty penny (or for those strapped for cash a kidney), the Blue train traverses amid some of the most beautiful scenery South Africa has to offer. It has been frequented by Kings, Presidents, Diplomats and Aristocracy. The gold-lined bathrooms, marble floors and finest linens are complimented by the mouth-watering meals and only the best of South African wines. From the minute you step foot onboard, you’ll be whisked away into a world of charm, grace and subtle romantic touches.

The Desert Express
Drift through dunes in air-conitioned luxury, while watching the sunset can be achieved by travelling on the Desert Express. Traversing between Swakopmund and Windhoek, you’ll be taken on a journey through two vastly different landscapes – from the savannahs on the Khomas plateau to seeing to semi-deserts inbetween, before ultimately gazing upon the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. With 24 air-conditioned carriages that can accommodate three people at a time, all compartments are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, massive viewing windows and evening seats that fold down into cosy beds.

Train going through the Namib desert.

The Desert Express by Potjie.

The Rovos Rail
Whether you’re on the steam, diesel, or electric Rovos Rail locomotive, you are gauranteed to have an extrodinary travel experience. The Rovos rail carriages are indeed a sight to behold, with beautifully lined wooden panellings that were built during the first half of the twentieth century, and scattered touches of period décor throughout add to the feeling of royalty that encompasses those who set foot onboard. Their lounge carriage has plush wingbacked chairs and deep sofa’s, while the suites vary from having ensuite Victorian baths through to standard showers, and double or single beds.

Premier Classe
Able to accommodate only 127 people, the Premier Classe will sweep you into a bygone era with smidgens of old-world charm, and scenery that changes from mountains to waves, veld to forests and the odd snow-capped mountain. Once the cabin crew has your luggage stowed away, you’ll be given a tour, walking through the various carriages. For a luxurious treat, why not indulge in an African Armani Spa treatment, which will pamper your senses and unwind stiff muscles, before you float off to the dining cart and partake in some of the delicacies on offer.

Plush interior of the club carriage.

Club car by Simon Pielow.

Shongololo Express
The Shongololo Express is a bona fide hotel on wheels which tours through six countries in Southern Africa. Accommodation, recreation, meals and sightseeing are all included on this amazing trip, where you awake to different landscapes each morning. According to their website, they serve all kinds of dishes originating from Morocco through to Madagascar to tempt your palate, and also have a fleet of touring vehicles that travel with the train – which are available for inclusive scheduled trips into the surrounding scenery.

I’m hoping it wont be too long until I’m able to enjoy one of the above mentioned luxury train rides, but until that happens, feel free to share your experiences with rail journeys around South Africa or around the world below in the comments. If you’ve ever been on one of the luxury rails above or on one that hasn’t been mentioned yet, we’d love to hear what you thought of it. And if ultimately, it was worth the price.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

Interior of the Blue Trains lounge.

The Blue Trains Lounge by Simon Pielow.

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10 tips for taking better action photos

20 Dec Child swinging in a park.

No one is born a brilliant photographer. Sure, some people seem to have a knack for finding the perfect lighting and composition, but unless they use certain techniques they also only have a 50/50 chance of the shots they’ve taken, turning out the way they want them to. The most important thing you can do before attempting to take your first photograph, is figure out where all the buttons and dials on your camera are, and familiarise yourself with what they do (which can be a lot of fun and result in some rather interesting pictures).

Below are a few tips and tricks to help you try and capture moving objects without blurring them into obscurity on a digital camera. No method is foolproof, so feel free to adapt and remix these to find what works best for you:

  1. First, pick your subject. Are you wanting to capture them indoors or outdoors? If indoors, open the blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible, if outdoors ensure that it’s not too overcast.
  2. Now that you know who or what you’re photographing, watch closely. How are they moving? Side-to-side? Walking? Crawling? Leaping?

    Kitten with outstretched paws reaching for a shoelace.

    Poor defenceless shoelace by Ruth (invisible monsters).

  3. Turn off any auto-focus you may have – you want to predict where you subject will be when you take the photo, and the auto-focus is slower and reactive only.
  4. Turn off any auto-focus you may have – you want to predict where you subject will be when you take the photo, and the auto-focus is slower and reactive only.
  5. In the camera’s settings if applicable, turn it onto the fastest shutter speed. Changing the ISO speed to the highest setting also shortens the amount of time the camera needs to capture the photo. 1/100 of a second or faster is generally considered the best. You can also try setting the ISO to 400.

    A runner.

    Correndo / Running by Cassio Vogel Dorneles

  6. If you don’t have the above options, you should have “burst mode”, where you only shoot once and the camera then takes three pictures in short succession. Turn this on, as generally one out of the three pictures taken should be useable.
  7. The picture you take will be grainier than usual, due to less light reaching the shutter, so if you’re taking pictures at night, ensure your flash is on, and you have a spare battery for it.
  8. Now that you’ve prepped your camera, chosen your subject and know the direction the they are going, you will have some time to pick a spot ahead of them to try and photograph them as they pass it. Are you going to wait till the subject is 100m ahead or 10m?
  9. Take one or two experimental shots – were you as accurate as you thought? Do you need to adjust the focus a bit? Do you need to move closer, or farther out?

    Water droplets from a shower head inverted.

    Water from a shower head by Esther Wieringa.

  10. If you’re trying to get a specific pose for children or pets, you’ll soon find out how frustrating it can be. Your best bet is to distract them with toys, play with them for a bit, and then try and take a photo. Repeat this step until you get the shot you want. That old adage, patience is a virtue is certainly applicable for these situations.
  11. Follow the subject with the camera for about 0.5 seconds after you’ve taken the photo to ensure you’ve captured the subject properly. The background may blur a bit, but the subject will remain in focus.

Congratulations! If you follow the above tips (feel free to tweak them to suite your style and camera), you should now feel more confident when shooting a moving subject. These tips also work well for shots of water, athletes and stills of people on the street. Have your own tips or list on how to take action photo’s? Feel free to share them with us below in the comments.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com

Child on a swing mid-air.

Play day at the park by Mike Lietz.

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Travel is for Everyone

13 Dec A woman in a wheelchair waving at a passing parade.
A woman in a wheelchair waving at a passing parade.

Carnival fun by Szymon Kochanski.

Everyone deserves a chance to travel no matter where you come from, what your physical condition is, or how much you can afford to spend. I may be over-generalizing but I assume everyone knows at least one person with some kind of disability, whether they are a family member, friend, or a someone in your neighbourhood.

There are a lot of general assumptions regarding those with handicaps, some of which people don’t even realise they’re doing until it’s pointed out to them, such as talking in a loud slow tone to someone who is blind (just because they can’t see doesn’t mean they can’t hear). With the multitude of travel options out there for able bodied folks, you probably don’t realise that there’s also a variety of travel options for those with handicaps or disabilities. As such, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is implementing the Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme and their grading levels currently range from Bronze (passable) to Platinum (exeptional).

With that in mind, here’s a list of some of the best travel and tour operators around South Africa, who cater specifically for those with some kind of special need. It’s important to remember that travelers who have vision or hearing impairments will have different requirements than those who have limited mobility.

Dialysis patients playing with a wheelchair by Jill Granberg

Dialysis patients playing with a wheelchair by Jill Granberg

  • Endeavour Safaris  are a good option for almost anyone with a disability. They cater for those who require regular kidney dialysis and oxygen tanks, those who want wheelchair accessible travel and they also offer visualand hearing impairment safaris. Some of the regions they visit include the Cape area, Botswana, the Garden Route and the Kruger National Park, with beach days and city tours scattered inbetween. According to their guestbook, Professor Stephen Hawkins has been one of their clients, and thoroughly enjoyed his trip with them.
  • Rolling S.A  is a reputable tour operator, with a variety of travel options available such as a nine-day African safari, a four day Garden Route tour, right through to a four day winelands tour in the Cape. They also list the accommodations they use which are wheelchair-friendly across South Africa.
  • Access to Africa  helps every step of the way, from planning the itinerary to finding you the perfect accommodation. They cater for those with mental disabilities, visual and hearing disabilities, and those with limited or no mobility. For an extra fee, they will provide gadgets and accessories such as a Beach Buggy, which allows you to travel comfortably over the sand and also enter the ocean with no ill effects; and the foldable shower/toilet chair.
  • Epic Enabled  is another established tour operator who caters for any and every kind of traveller. They do tours around South Africa, as well as Zambia and Namibia. Their safari transportation has a hydraulic passenger lift and a spacious interior, and they can also provide carers or qualified medical assistants for an additional fee and plenty of notice. They have their own blog where you can interact with them, read previous guests testimonials and more.
  • Disabled Travelis a local website writen by an occupational therapist, and rates and evaluates South African disabled facilities, such as accommodations, attractions and restaurants. This website also has a decent sized list of reputable tour and travel operators around the country, along with contact details.

    Guide Dog receiving a pat.

    Guide Dog PR by Zelda Richardson.

Some online forums:

It’s always great when you find a community you fit in with, be it gaming, anime, scifi or hiking. For those who’ve thought of planning a trip but hesitate due to uncertainty, the below websites offer great travel forums. They’re filled with advice and queries from those who’ve been travelling or are planning their own travels , and you can interact with the members to find out more.

  • Gimp on the Go promotes itself as the Internet’s Premier Disabilities Travel Publication, with travel tips, advice and forums where you can interact with other disabled travellers.
  • World on Wheelzprovides information and links to companies which specialise in senior travel, those who use walkers and those in wheelchairs.

    Cute looking golden retriever guide dog.

    Guide dog by NukelarBurrito.

Some interesting facts:

  • Guide dogs are allowed on local South African flights, most notably Comair and SAA.
  • Avis has a range of hand controlled vehicles on offer for those with disabilities.
  • Annually in February, the Outeniqua wheelchair challenge takes place in George, with a full marathon, half marathon, fun run and 10km run.
  • Our constitution supports universal access to tourism attractions across South Africa.
  • Mount Snow in Vermont gives those with mobility issues the opportunity to participate in skiing, via events organised by Ability Plus. Ability Plus also organises snowboarding, kayaking, cycling, waterskiing, swimming and equestrian activites.
  • Sharm El Sheikh by the Red Sea in Egypt offers diving for disabled people in Naama Bay through Camel Dive Club & Hotel. They will help you plan your dive and assist during it.
  • In Thailand, “Baan Khun Daeng” will help you arrange an elephant back tour to various temples in the area.
  • The largest scent garden in the world can be found in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, in Cape Town.

I hope this post has helped raise awareness for those who simply assumed handicapped people couldn’t enjoy travelling as much as an able bodied traveller. For those who are handicapped or those who’ve travelled with someone handicapped, we’d love it if you could share your story with us below in the comments, and add any agencies or operators you’ve used and would recommend to others.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

Children with minders in the forest.

Games in the forest by Honza Soukup.

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Deserts and Dunes 101 – Plus hidden coves and beaches in Cape Town

8 Dec Endless sand

Deserts and Dunes 101
The Mummy, the Prince of Persia, and yes even Aladdin, are all set within harsh and unforgiving desert terrain, where the sun blisters down while they race against the clock amid sand dunes. In all of the above examples there is adventure afoot, but each of these movies adhered to strict guidelines with how to behave appropriately in the terrain (train shoot-outs notwithstanding). When exploring deserts and dunes, make certain you are aware of the different laws of the area, and avoid breaking them. Many people often forget just looking at the endless sand around them that there is a fragile ecosystem at work. And yes, the area is alive, though it may not appear so at first glance.

Waves of golden sand.

Sand dunes by Michael L. Baird

Some interesting facts:

The Namib deserts name comes from Nàmá means the “vast place”, and is presumed to be the oldest desert in the world, having endured arid conditions for over 55 million years. The Damara Tern exclusively breeds along the Namibian coastline, and its dangerously close to becoming extinct. As they breed between November/December, which is the height of the tourist season, those who indulge in offroad driving are putting this rare bird at risk, as it hides its nest between the roads and the coastline.

Dunes that have those easily spotted, scarce patches of green are incredibly fragile, so much so that even footsteps can kill or irreparably damage the plants and weaken the dunes. These plants are important as they anchor the sand, and prevent it from eroding too fast, and being blown inland.

When along the West Coast, take note of the West Coast Recreation Area. This area is covered with brittle gypsum crusts and lichen fields. Some of these lichen take over 100 years to properly form, and in a single thoughtless action, you can destroy hundereds of years of hard won growth. Your tire prints will also remain for up to 80 years.

Dried out tree husk amid the desert.

Bare Tree By Dietmar Temps.

Coastal dunes carry far more than just your run-of-the-mill beach sand, such as the dunes found in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It was only recently discovered that these are part of a gigantic freshwater filtration system, with rainwater that falls on the top level only trickling out decades later – beat that Bonaqua!

Around the Cape St Francis coastline the dunes carry important remenents of middens (olden day garbage heaps), which provide insight into how our ancestors developed, and the archaeological traces they left behind.

Driving along or over beach dunes also creates vibrations which have an incredibly negative affect on mussels and other macrofauna.

Tips:

When 4x4ing ensure your vehicle is in 4WD when on sand, and deflate the tires slightly to maintain traction, as well as a slow but constant speed to continue momentum. Remember to reinflate them again once you’re back on hard road.

Always carry a spare tire, water, food and a blanket in your boot so if you’re stranded and two tires have blown (instead of your average one), you can be comfortable until you’re rescued.

If you’re stuck for an extended period of time, make the best use of your resources, such as using the blanket as a sunshade in the day, and a comforter at night when the temperature drops. Better yet, have a full vehicle emergency kit in your boot.

Never, ever leave your vehicle if stranded, you’re more likely to die from exposure and wandering around aimlessly, than if you’d stayed put.

Ostriches running in the desert.

Sossusvlei Ostriches by Greg Willis.

If you feel the urge to head into the desert, and shun modern means of getting there, be aware that there are camel trekking adventure excursions into the Sahara Desert, which can be a lot of fun, and make for some great photo opportunities.

A prime sandboarding spot can be found at the Agulhas Dunes, or for those who want their pick of ‘sloaps’ head over to Namibia. Raymond Inixab has a school in Nambia and has taught many celebrities, including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Read some of his sandboarding tips. If you’re going sandboarding remember to wear lots of sunscreen, keep your knees bent, and have fun!

Hidden coves and less popular beaches in Cape Town

Ocean view between the green.

Hidden paradise by Roseanna McBain.

With all that talk of sand and the multitude of warm and sunny days ahead of us, many will want to head to the beach on their holiday. But being one of 1000 people, and having to negotiate for a spot to put your towel down is never fun. Below are some less crowded spots to check out (although swimming in these areas isn’t a gaurantee):

Misty Cliffs and Scarborough both have wonderful, less populated beaches. The main visitors to each are the residents in the area, so pack a picnic basket and bring the family along.

Miller’s Point is an ‘almost’ secret spot, though close to tourist attractions, it’s not often frequented. There is a small beach hidden below the Black Marlin restaurant which has a tiny tidal pool, making it perfect for children. The boulders along the far shore are great for climbing, and you can watch the fishing boats launch and bring back a fresh catch daily.

Harmless and cute though they may look, you don't want to get stung!

Bluebottle by Roseanna McBain.

Long beach and Kommetjie beach are both popular to a degree. You’ll never have to fight for towel space here, although you may have to hop around to avoid Bluebottles. Surfing here is also quite common with easy waves rolling in.

Blaauwberg beach seems to go on forever, and though often windy, it has a stunning view of Table Mountain. With some little cafe’s and restaurants along it, you can quickly change plans and enjoy some drinks or sundowners if the weather is not on your side.

Waters Edge beach is another ‘almost’ secret spot. Well hidden and off the beaten path near Seaforth beach, it may not be the most attractive beach due to the amounts of kelp that gathers on shore, but it has lots of character, with small rock pools scattered around. This is perfect for exploring with kids, as you’re liable to find starfish, anemones, and even a small crab or two.

Langabaan Lagoon, although a bit windy is another popular spot. There’s lots of open spaces, and very few waves so children can frolick safely.

Are there any other secret beaches that you’ve found around Cape Town, or further up country? What made them so appealing? If you have a personal story about treking thought deserts and dunes, or know someone actively involved in their conservation, let us know. From personal experience, the campsite at Millers Point, below the Black Marlin restaurant is wonderful. Plenty of space, beautiful sea views and a bench on the edge of the grass, overlooking the cape coastline. If you’re looking to visit South Africa, then see our wide variety of accommodation options.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

Cloudy skies, blue seas.

Evening falls by Roseanna McBain.

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12 Ways to Fund Your Around the World Adventure

2 Dec Cayucos pier by Elizabeth Haslam

There are dare I say, as many different blogs from those travelling the world as there are grains of sand on the beach. With opinions that vary on almost everything else, these blogs all tend to have pretty similar idea’s on how to fund a year of travel, though everyone has their own opinion on what works best. Be it teaching through TEFL, or doing volunteer work.  With so many choices out there, it’s hard to pick what will work specifically for you (especially if you’re from a country with a weak currency). Below are a few ideas to get you started on your own around the world adventure.

Firstly, figure out what your expenses are going to be, and allocate the amount you presume it will be. A simple short list could include:

  • Visa(s).
  • Accommodations.
  • Food and Drinks.
  •  Transportations.
  • Sightseeing and possible extras.

    Various coins and currencies

    Donate by Julian

Now that you know what you’re going to be spending your money on, research what the actual costs are. For inspiration, check out Gobackpacking. Once that’s out the way, here are some tips on how to get your mullah in order:

1. Start saving for your trip, as far in advance as you possibly can. Two years would be best, as you can build up a nice savings amount, depending on what you earn.

2. Take on a second job, be it waitoring, bartending, babysitting or being a bouncer at a club on weekends. Everything you can save adds up, and the ultimate payoff of travelling for a year is worth it.

3. Check gumtree for freelance jobs that fall under your area of expertise, and also give you the flexibility to be anywhere in the world while working. Also, see some of the international Gumtree sites as well for possible job opportunities and apply. You never know.

4. Stop spending money on fast food, soda’s and items you really don’t need. Sure sticking to the basics may suck at first, but if it means you get to drink real champagne in France (not sparkling wine from Spar), it’s worth it.

Champagne glasses

Champagne by Nerdcoregirl.

5. As above in point 4, but this time, instead of going drinking with friends or eating out at restaurants, have a braai at someone’s house, cook home made meals and if you have to go out, than make sure it’s during Happy Hour when things are cheaper.

6. Sell possessions that are taking up space, and hold no sentimental value. Could someone else benefit from those Grecian statue’s that you have for decor? What about those clothes and accessories that you never wear and are just cluttering up your closet? It may be hard, but once they’re gone, you won’t really miss them much.

7. Build up a residual or passive income, by starting an online business, or blog. If you pitch your travel ideas to the right people, you may find they’ll pay for you to write about your travels. It’s a win-win situation.

A stamped visa.

European visa by Chris Guillebeau

8. If you can get a European work visa, do. This will allow you to work as you travel in Europe. Then you can go from bartending in Ireland, to waitoring in Italy, to selling lemonade on the beaches in Greece.

9. Another way to earn on the go is to sell travel related text links, although be careful how you approach this as it can violate Google’s policy.

10. Sell your house and car, or if you can’t bear to part with them, rent or lease them out.

11. The general rule of thumb with flights is, if they’re booked five – three months in advance they will be cheaper than those booked at the last minute. Especially if the dates you’re flying coincide with out of season travel dates for your destination.

12. If you currently own and use a credit card on a regular basis, check with your bank about earning frequent flyer miles. Once you start earning the miles make sure you know when they expire. Some companies which offer ways to accumulate flyer miles include: Virgin Money Credit Card, SAA Voyager Credit Card or Discovery Visa (for Discover Miles). You can receive flyer miles for varied amounts spent on the various cards, which can be redeemed for some great specials, discounted hotel stays and most importantly flights.

Different credit cards

Credit cards by debtcovered.

Some great resources to tap into:

  • Flight Centre has decent deals for multi-destination flights, such as the Amsterdam and Paris deal, departing between 16 Jan 2012 – 25 Jun 2012, from R7790 including return. More specials are added monthly, so keep your eyes peeled.
  • Sign up for an Edgars Club card, which will gives you a 10% discount on flights, as well as a six or 12 month repayment plan. If you have friends overseas, ask if you can crash at their place while in the area (and offer to help out with housework, it’s just polite). Otherwise check out couch surfing options, as this is a great way to save money while travelling.
  • Round the World Ticket has a great list of travel specials, checklists, comprehensive FAQ’s, destinations and inspirational stories.
  • If you’re a student, then try using student flights, which give discounts to those still studying.
  • Sign up for affiliate programmes, which will allow you to earn passive income while on the road. You may have to spend quite a bit of time promoting the affiliate link, before you start to see some revenue.

    Embarking on a journey.

    Make money on the road by nogoodreason.

Some tips:

  • See which of your destinations is the most expensive, and start there, as if you overspend a bit, you can cut corners in the next city. Or save the most expensive destination till last, so you only have a certain amount that you can actually spend there.
  • Sign up to pay your bills and expenses online via debit orders (if possible avoid monthly payments, and de-register from money drainers … unless they’re international).
  • Arrange for someone to collect your mail, and set up a forwarding address, so you can still receive it on the go.
  • As terrible as it sounds, countries which have gone through turmoil, tend to offer the best travel specials and packages, once things are settled.
  • Don’t forget about your taxes! Do them online if possible, or hire a tax consultant to do it for you.
  • Read How He Made It Happen , which is an interview with Bob Pedersen who managed to travel the globe, and not once use a plane to do it.
  • Silly though it may be, set aside money for when you return home from your travels, either in a bank account, or give it to someone you trust. Many travellers return home and have to go job hunting straight away.

Hopefully, some of these tips come in handy for you if you’re looking to branch out and see more of the world. Let us know if you’ve ever done an around the world adventure or if you’re starting one, let us know how you are planning on funding it. And if you’re currently sitting on a sun-filled beach while working on your computer, we’re a bit jealous, but would love to know how you got there. If you’re looking to book your South African accommodation, visit our website.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

Lapping water on the beach.

The Beach by Swiv.

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Plan an Around the World Adventure

25 Nov The mist laden peak of Machu-Pichu

If you’ve ever been tempted to see the pyramids of Giza, visit the ruines of Machu Pichu, or travel to Europe and backpack from Italy to Russia, but haven’t … my question to you is, why not?

I’m sure before you’ve even thought it through, you’ll state: “It’s too expensive”, or “I can’t get that kind of time off of work”, but if you do maths, (which I used to dread in high school), you’ll find out that, actually it is possible, and yes, you can afford it – if you’re willing to make the trip a priority in your life. There is no better school than life, and travel broadens the mind, and makes you a more educated and open person. I’ve done a follow-up post on how to financially plan and fund a year’s break to travel, so for now, get caught up in the excitement of the idea, and open yourself up to the possibilities out there.

Before that cynical critic in your head kicks in, I want to let you know that many people have successfully done this, and from every travel type you can think of, be it a family, a couple, or a brave lone wolf. There are many, many, many stories from people who’ve done this, and those that are planning to.

Child dancing a merry jig next to a stream.

Young at heart.

Unlike in my previous post, plan your perfect vacation, where I said you need to budget first and then plan your travels, in this situation (though others may disagree), you need to decide how long you’re wanting to travel (two months, six months, a year), where you’re wanting to go, and then figure out how much per day it’s going to cost you in the various countries.

There are those who will follow a planned itinerary to the last details, and there are others who prefer to live a bit more vicariously. They’ll throw their itinerary out after their first city, jump on a train and hot-foot it around, flying by the seat of their pants. I cannot vouch for either method, but whichever school of thought you follow, it’s always good to know a bit of what you want to do, and where you’re going to go (and when your plane is going to be departing).

Once you’ve figured out where you’re going, don’t make the most common mistake (pointed out by those who’ve taken an extended travel). This number one no-no, is trying to fit too many things in. You don’t want to be rushed off your feet from the moment you arrive at your first destination, until you leave and set off for your next one – and if you are, you won’t truly get to enjoy anything. Pick a few things you want to see, or places you want to visit and mark them out on a map. Then work out how much it’ll cost you to visit each one (include food and beverages). Also, you don’t have to see every “Must See”. Sure, if you’re in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is on almost every Top 10 list, but if you’re not interested in seeing it, then don’t go. Spend your time doing something you’ll enjoy.

Keukenhof Flower Gardens by Petr Kratochvil

Keukenhof Flower Gardens by Petr Kratochvil.

A good tip to keep in mind from those who’ve been there and done this, is the more you move around, the more expensive things will be. Try and spend at least two weeks in each area, in one accommodation if possible. If you can stay anywhere on the cheap, try to, but don’t reduce yourself to living from one backpacker’s lodge, to the next dreary backpacker’s lodge, if that isn’t what you’re after. With the way the world is now-a-days, technology has made it much easier to connect with people, so don’t be shy about tapping into those resources. If your aunt has a second cousin in Hawaii, ask if you can have their contact details, and message them to let them know you’re going to be visiting the 50th state for three weeks – you never know, they might be nice enough to let you stay with them.

Figuring out what to pack is tricky, as everyone has there own personal preferences. For the women who use birth control, make sure you have an extended supply – you don’t want to run out after a month and not know what works well in another country. Ditto with personal hygiene products. For many people, my packing list won’t make the cut, but I’m projecting for a year long travel, with only one backpack, and maybe a laptop bag. I’ve included items for both men and women in this list:

Hikers gingerly stepping on ice.

Sheet Of Ice by Peter Griffin.

Clothing:

  • 2x Pairs of shorts.
  • 1x Pair of pajama’s.
  • 1x Smart long pants.
  • 1x Pair of jeans.
  • 3x Tank tops.
  • 1x Smart long top.
  • 1x Jersey or light cardigan.
  • 2x Long sleeve shirts.
  • 7 x Pairs of undergarments (it may be a bit extreme, but along the way you’re likely to lose a few of them, and it’s a pain to try and replace a beloved item that you know fits well).
  • 2x T-shirts.
  • 2x Sundress’.
  • 2x Swim shorts and swim suites.
  • 1x Rain jacket.
  • 2x Sandles.
  • 2x Takkies (or one pair of takkies, and one pair of boots).
  • 1x Smart shoes.

Accessories:

  • Backpack (with a zip-off day pack).
  • Towels.
  • One scarf / bandana/ sarong.
  • Sun hat and a beanie.
  • Gloves.
  • Two pairs of sunglasses (your likely to break a pair in the first month).

    Young child dancing next to a water way.

    Remember to have fun wherever you go.

  • Laptop in carrier bag.
  • External Hard drive.
  • Universal adaptor.
  • Camera.
  • Batteries.
  • Music Player.

Health & Misc:

  • 1x Toothbrush.
  • 1x Toothpaste.
  • 1x Floss.
  • 1x Soap.
  • 1x Shampoo (and conditioner if you use it).
  • 1x Earbuds.
  • 1x Deodorant
  • 1x Nail kit and tweezers.
  • 1x Shaving kit.
  • 1x Hairbrush.
  • 1x Toilet Roll or Tissue box.
  • 1x Medical kit that includes eye drops, pain relievers, cold and flu medicine, anti-histamines, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, Rehydration sachets and Rennies (or any other anti-acids).
  • 6x One month’s supply of medication if required, and a perscription so you can get it re-filled.
  • 1x Ziplock bags (always come in handy).
  • 1x Insect repellent.
  • 1x Sunblock (min of 25spf).
  • 1x Safety pins.
  • 1x Lip-ice or vaseline.
  • 1 x Phrase book for each of the countries being visited.
  • 1x Deck of cards.
  • 2x Flashlights.
  • 1x Proof of Travel insurance.

So that’s my year long – one backpack only – items list. You’ll notice I’ve left jewelry off. The reason behind this is you can buy as you need, if it’s required. Don’t take the priceless necklace grandma gave you , and run the risk of losing it in Puerto Rico. Make sure every clothing item you bring can be matched with several others. This way you will still have a variety of outfits from a rather small selection.

If you’ve got any personal ‘must-haves’ which aren’t included, please leave a comment stating what they are and why.

Beautiful waterfall.

Quinault Waterfall by Robert Kraft.

Travel Tips:

  • Depending where you’re travelling to, it’s always a good idea to have vaccinations against whatever you may encounter. Typhoid fever, Polio, Maleria, and Hepatitus aren’t on anyones list of “To Do’s”.
  • Don’t overlook making sure your passport is valid for the period you want to travel. I’m not sure about other countries, but S.A passports are valid for a ten year period. Also, make certain your visa’s will arrived before you set off. Customs could be tricky otherwise.
  • Make a list of emergency contacts as well as your embassy’s address, so if the need arrives, someone can point you in the right direction.
  • Bring a valid driver’s licens along in case you want to rent a car, or a scooter. In some countries, you can apply for a universal drivers license.
  • If you’re a couple travelling together, put one of your outfits (including underwear), into your partners bag. Should the unthinkable happen, (which sadly, occurs far too frequently), and a bag goes missing, you should have at least have one bag, with clothing for both you, to tide you over till you can buy more.
  • When you’re packing, roll your clothes, not fold them. This saves space and to some degree, prevents clothing wrinkles.

This short post should get you started on planning your round-the-world adventure (although it’s doubtful you’ll do it in 80 days, like Phileas Fogg). Remember to always be safe in whatever journey you’re embarking on. Be respectful of local customs, don’t photograph others without permission, and make sure to appreciate the beauty of those around you and the different scenery each country offers.

If you’ve ever travelled for an extended period of time, where did you go? Have any tips to add to this list? Feel free to leave them in the comments. If you’re looking to travel to South Africa, view our list of reputable accommodations.

This post was written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

Serenity in solitude

Finding Serenity.

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