South Africa had been on my bucket list for ages. Sun, mountains, beaches, culture, history — what’s not to love? So, when it was finally time to visit, we did as much research as possible to get the most out of the trip. If you’ve had your eye on traveling to South Africa, this post will help. I’ll share some useful tips from our three-week visit about everything from travel requirements, safety, culture, and getting around major cities in South Africa.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Planning a Group Trip
Group trips are one of my favorite things. There is something about traveling with people you love–the inside jokes, the shared meals, the memories that only exist because you were all in the same place at the same time– that makes the whole exercise worth it. Alas, planning a group trip is not easy. When it’s just two couples, like the time we went with our friends to Wales, it’s slightly easier. But with bigger groups, it can be really challenging. Here’s how to make it work.
What to Pack for an African Safari (From a Light Packer Who’s Been)
One of my top worries when we were planning our first safari was what to wear. I read so many blog posts but still felt pretty confused about what I actually needed. Anyone who’s read this blog for more than five minutes knows I like to travel as light as possible — and because we were visiting Diani, Nairobi, and Amboseli on the same trip, I really had to be strict with myself. No “just in case” items. Everything had to earn its place in the bag.
If you’re in the same position I was — excited, a little overwhelmed, and staring at a half-empty suitcase — this list is for you. I’m sharing exactly what I packed, what I wish I’d had, and a few things you can skip entirely.
How to Plan a Trip Like a Pro (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)
If you’ve ever wanted to travel but felt completely overwhelmed by the planning, you’re not alone. A lot of people hand the whole thing off to a travel agent just to avoid the stress — and honestly, I get it. Planning a trip can feel like a part-time job. But here’s the thing: it’s a part-time job worth doing yourself. Let me tell you why, and then walk you through exactly how I do it.
Where to Eat in Cape Town, South Africa (20+ Brunch Spots & Restaurants to Try)
If you’ve been reading this blog for the past two seconds, you would know that I’m a huge foodie! Every time we visit a new city, I make a list of all the tourist sites to visit and see and all the restaurants I want to try (check out my list of places to eat in Nairobi). I usually have a list on my Notes app categorized by location so that our daily itinerary includes where to eat. We also always do a mix of in-person visits to restaurants and delivery so we can experience as many restaurants as possible. I’m sharing over 20 places we ate at during our two-week Cape Town stay and my thoughts on them. Many I loved, and a few I thought were just fine.
One Thing I Always Do When I Travel
Do you have any travel traditions? We do! As someone who enjoys routines and habits, it makes me irrationally happy to know that every time I travel, there’s something I’ll ALWAYS do. For me, it’s having a professional photo shoot. It might sound frivolous, the idea of paying to have your photos taken in this era of smartphones when everyone has a professional camera in the palm of their hands, but hear me out.
What to Know Before Your First Visit to South Africa
South Africa had been on my bucket list for ages. Sun, mountains, beaches, culture, history — what’s not to love? So, when it was finally time to visit, we did as much research as possible to get the most out of the trip. If you’ve had your eye on traveling to South Africa, this post will help. I’ll share some useful tips from our three-week visit about everything from travel requirements, safety, culture, and getting around major cities in South Africa.
