Lisa's Travels

Posts Tagged ‘Holiday’

People certainly like to visit gorgeous places but are in some cases disappointed when they find that those locations are rather touristy. SA still manages to provide a genuine travel experience however if you especially appreciate taking a trip along the unbeaten path, then the west coastline could be an excellent choice for you.

The West Coast is less touristy than the East Coast because the East Coast has warm seas whereas the West Coast has a colder ocean. The East Coastline is well known for its Garden Route and vineyards, whereas the West coast has traditional farms with vegetables and fruit.

Exactly what the West coastline has to offer though can be particularly pleasurable in September and October, when it is Springtime in South Africa. During this period the dry semi-desert area of Namaqualand, also referred to as “the South African Wilderness”, goes into bloom and you will find kilometers on end of extraordinary colourful flowers. The Namaqualand Flower Route starts off in the West Coast National Park near Langebaan and runs along the N7, through towns like Garies, Kamieskroon, Port Nolloth, and Springbok.

2 of the jewels of the west coast are the Cedaberg Mountains and the Cedaberg Wilderness; 710 000 hectares of rugged beauty where it is still possible to find ancient rock art and go hiking and abseiling. The West Coastline ends on the North border of the country and encountering Namibia further north and the Kalahari desert to the East. There are lovely coastal towns to visit along the way, such as Lambert’s Bay, Saldanha Bay and Paternoster.

There are many methods to enjoy your holidays in South Africa. The value for money is outstanding and most of the fish is actually prepared on open fires as you drink a sun-downer at one of the open air tables.

The whole of the Olifant’s River valley is fantastic for its vintage beauty and values. You will meet lots of descendants of the first Dutch inhabitants that have actually been working this land for over four centuries. Citrusdal can be particularly excellent when the oranges are ripe on the trees and contrast with the dark green foliage and the deep turquoise sky.

Do not confuse the Oliphant’s River Valley with the Oliphant’s River which offers cruises to see hippos and crocodiles. That Oliphant’s River is on the other side of the country near the Kruger National Park.

If you begin your vacation in Cape Town, we recommend that you head directly for the Namaqualand experience, from there you can take a plane to the Kruger National Park if you are interested in a Safari, otherwise you can invest a few days in Cape Town and see the botanical Gardens called Kirstenbosch, the City Center, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain. After that you can head for Cape Point then possibly drive along the Garden Route if you want.

On the East Coastline you will be able to appreciate Ocean Safaris. In the winter months you can take a boat ride and get within 50 m of the whales. In the summer you can get “up close and personal” with the dolphins. Maybe stop off a night or 2 in Wilderness, which is the perfect lazy spot with a superb beach to get some rest before you make your way back home.

We are all born and raised South Africans and are a small, family based business. We love our country and are delighted to assist you with any travel recommendations, commitment free! South Africa Holidays

I know precisely what you are thinking right now. “FREE?! In Orlando?! Yeah right!” But as a matter of fact there are quite a few free attractions in the Orlando area. Of course they aren’t usually as spectacular as the more well known attractions, but when you’re on a tight budget and you want a “day filler” be sure you check a few of these out.

The Boardwalk in Walt Disney World

Take a relaxed stroll along the Boardwalk at Disney World. A re-creation of a 1930s-style Atlantic coastal town. The 45-acre waterfront district is well-known for its very own nightclubs and entertainment hot spots, however the entire family can enjoy the various magicians, street musicians, and entertainers free of charge.

Celebration Town

Wander the side walks of the community of Celebration. The neighborhood, built by Disney Imagineers, is a mixture of historic-themed residences and modern technology. Admire the old-fashioned establishments and let the children play in the interactive fountains. Go to the farmers market on a Sunday morning, and check out the many free events made available by Reading Trout Books. Tourists may even notice (artificial) snowfall in December.

Downtown Disney

You don’t need a ticket to experience the Walt Disney World retail stores and entertainment. Roam the streets of Downtown Disney Marketplace for a large selection of boutiques and eating spots for any budget. Make sure you see their Festival of the Masters (November), an arts-and-crafts event where youngsters can make chalk masterpieces. See glassblowers at Arribas Brothers; go and visit the 4,400-square-foot LEGO Imagination Center to take part in a “beat-the-clock” building contest, and also check out a 12-foot T. Rex and a 30-foot sea serpent, each made of several thousand LEGO bricks.

The Firework Shows

Simply because you aren’t in the park, it doesn’t mean you can’t watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. There are a few superb viewing spots by the Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels. A number of my favorites are Bay Lake Tower, The Polynesian Resort beach, along with The Grand Floridian Resort. These places will often play the background music to make sure you get the full experience.

Haunted Children’s Hill

Every single year, tourists who vacation in Orlando pay a visit to Lake Wales to see if the old Legend of Spook Hill is true. A sign marks the spot where you are able to stop your vehicle, leave it in neutral, and watch as your car rolls up the hill. Many claim to have heard the laughter of Children, but the legends can’t be true, can they?

Grab your Florida guide and find other great orlando theme park advice at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.