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Fact file: The Vuvuzela – part of the indigenous culture of South African soccer – has been given the blessing by FIFA. The Vuvuzela is allowed to stay and will be blown in all the stadiums and fan parks.


Making a noise with regards to football varies from continent to continent. If you have seen ‘Green Street Hooligans’ then you will know that the British take their support of the sport to a whole new level. So it comes with great relief to learn that security is being bumped up considerably now – from the very start of the process to presence at the actual games. South Africa has signed a memorandum with the United Kingdom which involves sharing intelligence. This will start at boarding ports overseas and will prevent deranged fans from even getting on a plane, which is great. Fans we like. Deranged ones we can do without.

Other great ways of making a noise would be coverage. It will have come as music to many ears to learn that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is headed to iPhone with an April 30 release date to the App Store. There are very definitely new features and ways to stretch this event as far as possible. And if you don’t have an iPhone, don’t worry, just make sure you have a Vuvuzela – readily available in South Africa. Another great reason to be here!

Muzi Mohale

There are many coffee shops and eateries that will claim they make the best tea and scones in town – but don’t believe them.

The hands-down best scones to be found in Durban (and, dare I say it, South Africa) are at the Durban Botanic Gardens Tea Garden. The place might not look like much – concrete tables topped with mosaic, thatched umbrellas for shade, a couple of monkeys lurking on the outskirts – but the scones are so wonderfully buttery, so deliciously soft, so slathered in strawberry jam and whipped cream, that you’ll feel as if you’re sitting down for high tea with the queen (if South Africa had a queen).

That’s not to say the surroundings aren’t charming – they are. Delightfully so. The gardens are full to overflowing with lush green vegetation and subtropical plants, there are kids playing and brides posing for photos at every turn, and the tea garden is manned by old ladies who pile your goodies up on a plastic tray for you.

If by some strange chance you’re not a scone fan, try the crumpets with syrup and ice cream. They are just as heavenly, and just as worthy of as many adjectives as you can think of.

 
Photo: Dplanet

Most travellers enjoy little off-the-beaten path experiences from time to time. If you are planning a trip Mexico, you may want to visit nearby Belize, a somewhat off-the-beaten path country. And to get off the beaten-path further in Belize, check out Tobacco Caye Island! 

This island is tiny, only about 75 metres wide by 150 metres in length. But don't let its limited stature fool you - it's an idyllic place to escape from the world. It can be so relaxing that once you get on the island, you can kick off your shoes or sandals and explore the entire thing barefoot. 

Most people visit here to get away from it all, sit in a hammock on a sunny beach with a book in hand, and go snorkelling whenever the ocean tempts you. 

The island has six difference guest accommodations available, as well as multiple restaurants and a local bar. 

Access to the island is only via ferry, from the nearby town of Dangriga. Despite its limited stature, the island is still filled with amenities to make your experience an unforgettable one. 

During long travels, I love to break up my schedule with the occasional retreat to a quiet, unique off-the-beaten path experience. Tobacco Caye island is just such a place.  

(photo from Tobacco Caye Island courtesy of Martijn Munneke)

Fact file: The satellite, teleport and telecommunications system for the World Cup will support transmission capacity of 40 gigabytes per second and will be used after 2010 to provide broadband services.

All has been seen and done with the little gold men statues, and I can now be a little more blunt about it without having to first announce a *spoiler alert*. So, South Africa wasn’t awarded any of the respected statues in either of the direct or indirect chances we had. Invictus, the story of our claim to fame from the 1995 Rugby World Cup – and the role our revered Madiba played in it – or the similarly politically awakening District 9, weren’t able to crack enough nods to bring any Oscars home. But, the attention is enough to fuel the curiosity filmmakers have for both stories to be told, and the opportunities available on our soil to both local and foreign creatives alike.

And so what if films like “Precious” grabbed more attention? Is that story not born from our own South African realities? A teenage girl’s confrontation with violence and then having to find a way to push herself to get out of it? With the infrastructure being set with the upcoming world cup, we will be respected as a broadcaster of international proportions, thereby going a long way to push the talent our future stars are nurturing. When the possibilities are closer to home, it will be easier to grab hold of them. Just another good reason why the aftermath of what is about to come illuminates the greatness for being in South Africa right now.

Photograph By - Bill Schrier

- Muzi Mohale 

Fact file: Scotland holds the record for the most consecutive World Cup first-round eliminations: 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998.

While our focus on why it is good to be in South Africa might not align itself with Oscar nods or media attention on our president and his junior, the 2010 World Cup is enough to keep our spirits up – proving that the dream is indeed, still alive. They say that we can expect over 10 million tourists to South Africa this year – outside of the 450 000 for the World Cup alone. That is a lot of interest, money and exposure and we can work to leverage that to the long-term benefit of our country. For an industry that shrank 4 percent last year, this is no doubt great news! We have the countryside, we have the vibe, and we even have the moves.

We also have the weather – which puts more smiles on more faces for tourism on the whole. We see the sun almost all year round, we are not at major risk of a tsunami or devastating earthquakes, and despite Bafana Bafana’s draw against Namibia, we can argue that we have a better track record than Scotland. We can confidently say that we are ticking more and more boxes, with every day we get closer to why it is we are in the spotlight – and why it is we should be chuffed as a nation – period.

- Muzi Mohale

Fact file: The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the most extensively viewed event in television history. The FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest single-code sporting event in terms of television audience – even bigger than the Olympic Games.


It is not surprising that the concentrate of one sport, at one time, makes the televised stats of the World Cup a wider watched event than the Olympics. And when you think about the fervor and passion that our own continent invests in the sport – you can understand. Then think about the football culture in the UK, America’s investment in the sport over the last years, and how South America and the rest of Europe view the sport – let alone the Far East. So it must come as somewhat of a shock to the people in Hong Kong to hear that three broadcasters are currently in a dispute of World Cup TV rights – which could mean that fans are without free coverage for the month-long contest altogether.

That could be seriously bad news if you are a big fan, and even if you are not. No matter how far removed you are from the sport, you’d be hard pressed to avoid a good game, or a final. So aside from the obvious gains we have, we can be extra chuffed that major games are being played in each of the provinces. Whether you hang out in – or just outside – the stadium, or watch it somewhere on television, the atmosphere will be palpable. And, unlike the Hong Kong lot, we can respect and enjoy MTNs sponsorship and commitment and their assurance to their subscribers – and those who are not in a position to attend the matches live – that all World Cup action will be available to them on their cellphones through the MTN Loaded portal. So warm your SMSing fingers up – you might need them.

Just another good reason to be in South Africa now.

Muzi Mohale

Fact file: FIFA’s World Cup™ ethos of fair play will be carried out through the Schools Programme, where the ethos of healthy lifestyles and multiculturalism through sports, arts and culture will be brought to 12 million schoolchildren.

Forty thousand is a big number by any standards. Rands, toothpicks, loaves of bread… but prostitutes? Forty thousand prostitutes destined for South Africa for the World Cup?! I wonder if there were similar tabloid stories for previous World Cup hosting nations – and to be honest – I have to say I am not sincerely interested or inspired to research it. I am just gobsmacked that this stat has been released – and wonder how they got to that number. Did they go to some kind of prostitute convention and ask all those who were planning on coming to South Africa to kindly raise their hand?



It is interesting that while South Africans are embracing football Friday’s by dressing for the part, cars are branding their mirrors with the national flag and companies are doing their bit to fly the flag for their clients and our country, the media (both locally and overseas) seems determined to highlight negativity. It’s getting boring.  And do the future minds and leaders of our country need to be confused with all the cross messaging of ‘yay’ versus ‘nay’ of the opportunities that are looking back at us? They don’t, which is why it is heart warming to hear that schools across the country have embraced the ‘Adopt a Nation’ drive, within their provinces. This initiative – in conjunction with the Department of Sports and Recreation – means that each school chooses a nation to ‘adopt’ and then learns its culture, their anthem and some of the language. The culmination of this venture is a mini World Cup tournament between over 8 500 schools that ends in May. No doubt a great way to teach, live and share acceptance while adding to a vibrant global village. So these kids are having a good time, while no doubt role playing the roles (albeit as juniors) of their favourite football stars.

Come to think of it, I suppose that when all is said and done, their adult contemporaries are not not having a good time. Ergo, you could argue that forty thousand prostitutes is the antithesis of negativity.

- Muzi Mohale

Fact file: The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban has a steel arch 105m above the middle of the pitch, and by using a cable car, spectators can enjoy a formidable view of the Indian Ocean.

Third of March, twenty ten saw the Gautrain run from 06h00 to 02h00. Oh happy day! The gridlock melee of exhaust fumes looks set to cease – and I don’t mean normal traffic – I mean the frustration that surrounds the blasting points and building sites. Then again, can we be frustrated? Good humour (yesterday) aside, our slight is that we – too often – complain about process, because all we really want is the result. We asked for better public transport, and we got it. We wanted a better infrastructure so we could drive less – or imbibe more – and we (are getting) it. So, all in all – and put it down to the World Cup because we should – South Africa is changing gears. And quickly.

R11.7 billion has been invested into the smooth movement of fans and their football-fanatic requirements. This was never going to be a dangling carrot and then snatched from us the minute the last visitor boarded their exit flight, so best we stop being the cynics we have been. These elements are either going to be here to stay, or are going to teach blue and white collar professionals priceless hands-on experience on how things can – and should – be run, on a day to day basis. So that everyone gets to work on time; gets a potentially heaving economy overflowing with wealth; benefiting you, me, and Sibongile’s spaza shop on the corner, and, we all come out with less month at the end of our money – rather than the other way round. So hell yes! It’s damn good to be in South Africa right now. We have more opportunity on a silver platter than we could ever imagine, and what we really have to get into our heads is that, it might never come around again. So pick up your feet while you still can! Whether you are in the tourism industry – or if your name is Sibongile – this is your year as much as it is mine.

Get moving! Ke nako.

It doesn't snow every week in winter in New York, but when it does it comes down hard. In February there were two instances when it snowed so heavily that all the cities three airports just closed down for a day. I was lucky that it missed my flights to and from Spain with just a few days.

Three days before I left New York, the city basically shut down and again three days before I was coming back it was the same thing. The second time it effected me more as I had guests staying in my apartment that couldn't leave and other guests arriving that never came.

I'm always impressed that flying works so well even in a snowstorm. I've heard of delays back home in Sweden but never of airports closing. It makes me wonder why a metropolitan city like New York where it snows like this at least once every winter, is not better prepared. It's a mystery!

Contrary to the name, there is far more in Iceland than just ice. 

Sure, Reykjavik is the world's most northern capital, and the world's second most northern country. It's cold and dark there in the winter months. Yet once the little island nation comes out of winter hibernation, there is much to see and experience in this unique and beautiful little country. 

The country's ring road, or Route 1, is a circular highway that takes you around most of the country. You could say it is the only major road in Iceland, traversing close to 1,400 kms. It literally is shaped like an oval ring, a circular highway that takes you around the entire country.  

Iceland has a unique landscape, and looks different than much of the rest of the world. The country is filled with magnificent hot springs, where you can sit and enjoy a mineral bath while staring off at the snowy landscapes. 

In the summer, beautiful grasslands extend as far as the eye can see, amidst lava fields that fare some resemblance to what I believe the moon must look like. 

The capital city Reykjavik is vibrant and welcoming. You will be amazed at the friendly nature of the local people there. You may be equally amazed at how the nightlife kicks into full gear in the evenings. You may be even more amazed that in the summer months, it never gets dark here - it is light outside 24 hours a day.   

Iceland is a unique and interesting place. It's one of those destination that every traveller must see in their lifetime. There is nowhere else quite like it...........on this planet anyways. 

While our president impresses at lunches with the Queen, and reports are coming in about Soccer City being $133m over budget, it seems South Africa is perpetually straddling celebration and condemnation. The British media has a lot to say about how ridiculously “unready” we are, yet the green light seems to have proved otherwise. But, through all of the drama, the fuss and the crises, we emerge because of something we seem to be unwilling to compromise on; our proudly South African sense of humour.

Fact file: The South African Gold Coin Exchange have released a limited edition World Cup coin collection.

South Africans are brilliant about laughing at ourselves. We’ve come to appreciate what makes Madam & Eve resonate with us, we made Vernon Koekemoer an overnight money mint, and we’re allowed to enjoy a good laugh at the goings-on in parliament where people are either being barred for swearing, or swearing because they’ve been barred. We spend almost as much on our cars as we do on our houses, our car guards have cellphones, and we park 6 seater SUVs at cheap (and greasy) burger bars built on bridges over highways.

We will never tire of teaching people about braai’s, explaining the vuvuzela, succumbing to the sentiment of Madiba’s appearance at sporting events and wondering if the low flying South African Airways will ever make another appearance. When you think about it, these unusual talking-point qualities make us a pretty hot host nation for the mix of visitors already finalizing their online bookings, no doubt. We have much to celebrate because of who we are, where we’ve come from and where we are going. Hell, we’ll even “cheers” each other with a beer we might not even like – just because it’s a great thing to do. So crack open a Bud, cheers to your buddies, and cheers to all of us. What a great time to be South African – and then some. Local really is lekker!

- Muzi Mohale

Fact file: Did you know that the stadium for the final has 94 700 seats? Are you going to be one of them?

Yesterday was Fly the Flag Tuesday, where South Africans came out and showed their support with red, green, blue, black, yellow and white. Now we are officially warmed up and there is no turning back. And because yesterday marked the start of one hundred days, and ultimately one hundred opportunities for great memories, what was your first moment of World Cup magic?

We are into day two of the big countdown. I believe the tourism industry couldnít be more excited about anything else right now. Could we be in a better destination? Not a chance! We can be excited right now, just for being South African. And all of us especially, in this arena, for working in the tourism industry in South Africa.  Not just as a money-making business, but also to see South Africa and South Africans spoiled with cultures and personalities from all corners of the globe. Insight into what they are hoping to see will leverage how we market tourism in South Africa in the future. We will earn as much in experience as we will in revenue. Demanding foreigners, with money to spend and expectations to meet? What better way to test ourselves on how we handle a hot potato?

We have the guts, we want the glory, and as professionals committed to a robust tourism trade, the focus should now be on earning return-business from close on half a million visitors. Imagine if each of them brought a friend or two back? That's why I say get excited about it! Make this time work for you because, as a South African, you have worked for it.


Muzi Mohale

Polokwane, in the Limpopo Province, is not a small town, it is not yet a city, it is somewhere in between. Having lived in Polokwane myself (when it was still Pietersburg) I can tell you that it does have a nightlife scene and boasts many attractions in and around the city.

Sights & Attractions:

• Concentration Camp Cemetery - graves of the Anglo-Boer War concentration camp victims.
• Polokwane Museum – that details the history of this city.
• Hugh Exton Photographic Museum – for a journey in time.
• Meropa Casino – for those with Lady Luck on their side.
• Polokwane Game Reserve – for what Africa is famous for. Also visit the Polokwane Info site.
• Chuene Crocodile Farm – for critters to scare little children.
• Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum – for a little bit of local culture.
• For more attractions, click here.

Shopping in this wonderfully colorful city can be done at Savannah Mall or in town. You will find the usual clothing, restaurants, gifts, etc shops in either area.

Today is the kick off of the 100-day countdown for the World Cup 2010! What does this mean? For the first time in history an African country is to host the FIFA World Cup. It marks another epic happening in the history of South Africa.

There are so many reasons to be in South Africa right now. Would you agree there is something contagious about things that change? Just like we as humans change, nations change. When we put those two together big things happen. The world’s eyes are on South Africa, and each of us have the chance to be part of raising the new image of South Africa.

At Travelstart we genuinely love change. In 2006 there was still no online travel agency (OTA) in South Africa, e-commerce was lacking years behind. Despite technical and infrastructural challenges, we decided to open up South Africa’s first OTA that year. What drives us is to see the change in people’s behavior when they realize things don’t have to be done they way they always have. We are super pumped and stoked about the changes that the World Cup is bringing and the how it will further our growth as a country and an economy to count on.

100 days left people! Every day we will post something here on the World Cup, we will use the word till our ears are bleeding. You game? Go get that Vuvuzela! 

The capitol city of South Africa, where the Union building looks out over a beautiful garden, Afrikaans is spoken (or understood) by almost everyone, the Blue Bulls (rugby team) is royalty and Loftus is holy ground. Pretoria is a large city, but with a distinct feeling of being a small town where the people are friendly and the food come in big portions.

Pretoria is just a stone’s throw from Johannesburg (Ellis Park Stadium and Soccer City) in South Africa’s smallest province, Gauteng.

Walking in through the gates of Loftus has always been a fantastic experience for me. The mere thought of seeing my team play on this field... it really is a special experience. To those soccer fans going to a match at Loftus, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this hosting stadium.

What to do while not at Loftus:

• Union buildings
• Sammy Marks House
• Transvaal Museum
• Kruger House Museum
• Smuts House Museum
• Fort KlapperKop Military Museum (Voortrekker Monument)
• and don’t forget the wildlife sanctuaries and botanical gardens in and around Pretoria, including the Pretoria Zoo

Need to know what is happening in South Africa’s capitol city? Visit www.pretoria.co.za.

Qatar Airways has always had a reputation of being one of the finest airlines in existence. They are in fact one of only six airlines in the world to be awarded 5-stars, & have recently received awards for the Best Economy Class in the World & the Best Crew 2009.  

What's even better is that they offer services to more than 80 international destinations, spanning across Europe, North America, the Middle and Far East, as well as the Indian subcontinent.  Travelstart is currently offering this 5-star service at low cost prices. 

Qatar Airlines currently flies from both Cape Town & Johannesburg with an airfare to London for only R5,714 return to London, including all taxes & fees. Tickets need to be purchased before 28th February 2010 & outbound travel before 25th March 2010 (no return travel between 26MAR-10APR or 01JUN-10JUL).

If you prefer a little more comfort how about upgrading to Qatar's Business Class. Qatar Airways redefines comfort on board its award winning Business Class. Awarded "World's Leading Business Class" at the World's Travel Awards, the signature product features a 160 degree sleeper seat (on the Airbus A330), a foot rest with 8 in-seat massage settings, and in-seat power supply (selected flights). Rest assured when you arrive at your destination you will be fresh and relaxed.

In-flight catering in Business Class is taken to new heights with six-course meals that feature hors d'oeuvre, anti pasta, Arabic mezzas, salads, cheeses, desserts, fresh fruits, along with a full coffee service & luxury chocolates.

For Business Class please call our Travelbar team on 0861 878 278.

Qatar Airways special fares

London    - R5,714
Paris - R5,506
Bangkok    - R6,998
Istanbul    - R5,670
Dubai    - R5,222
Bali - R6,832

For more information on Qatar Airways, please visit the Travelstart homepage. 

(photo of Qatar Airways plane courtesy of spotterjohnsen)

Whether you head out travelling for a weekend away, or a couple months of backpacking in Asia, one common trait shared amongst travellers is that we almost always over-pack. 

Despite our best intentions, we are all guilty at some time of packing things we rarely, or perhaps even never use.  

I'd estimated that I'm guilty of this 95% of the time I travel. Even though I tell myself every time, this trip will be different. 

But it never is, and we always end up taking more than we need. Perhaps this is due to the mind set in our home life - we usually require more items on a day to day basis at home than on the road. 

How do you pack just the right amount every time you travel?  

I wish I knew some magical answer, but sadly, I don't. But I do have a recommended formula that's worked very well for me recently. It's the 75% rule. 

Basically, this means that I only fill only 75% of my bag(s) capacity when departing, leaving 25% available for unplanned items I may collect along the journey.  

This means packing wisely, considering all the bare essentials. But it also leaves room to add a few mementos, perhaps a new shirt, or any other souvenirs collected along the way. (We almost always accumulate more than we expect on trips.) 

The 75% rule also leaves room for a gift or two, and best of all, it means your bags are light. Nobody wants to be that person struggling with heavy bags on a hot and humid day.   

We've all been on long trips, where we've packed things that only get worn once, or sometimes not worn at all. We end up carrying these items around for no reason, taking up bag space and creating additional weight to transport. In the worst case scenario, we may even discard an item or two, to make room for things we pick up along the way. When we return home, we may even miss that poor item we discarded, which is now lost forever. 

If there's two travel regrets many of us experience, it's that we over-pack, and that we didn't collect enough momentos during our trip. The 75% rule should cure both of these regrets.  

(photo at Sea Tac Airport courtesy of Robert S. Donovan) 

Vienna is Austria's cultural, economic and political centre, and home of close to 1.7million inhabitants. 

The historic city centre was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2001. Some people say the city centre is like one endless, open-air museum. 

Vienna is also extremely popular with young travellers, with its diverse music scene being a huge draw. The city's "Kaffeehauskultur" is a long tradition, meaning its quite popular to go take a coffee with friends.

Other must-sees in the city include the Museumsquartier, or Museum district of the city. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most spectacular in all of Europe. The New Palace is known for its collection of historical musical instruments and weaponry from past centuries. 

You should also find time to visit the Belvedere, the KunstHausWien, the Parliament, National Library, and the Hundertwasserhaus, a unique housing complex in the city.   These are just a few of the attractions in Vienna - you should budget at least one week to properly explore this dynamic city. 

Vienna is also known as one of the safest cities in the world for its size. The weather is pleasant in Vienna for most of the year, and the official language is Austrian German.  

Click here to see the latest Travelstart fares to Vienna!

(Vienna photo courtesy of Krister462)

Kerala is one of India's most special states. Founded quite recently, in 1956, today Kerala is extremely popular with tourists from around the world. 

It's so popular in fact that National Geographic Traveler magazine has named it one of the "ten paradises of the world."  High praise indeed! This is a relatively new designation - as recently as the 1980's, travellers hadn't even heard of Kerala. It used to be well off the beaten track for travellers in India. 

What's the attraction to Kerala?  Well, there are countless reasons.  First and foremost is its natural beauty, located on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast. It's home to nearly 10,000 square kilometres of forest, and 1/4 of India's plant species. It's considered the global ayurveda capital, a popular form of traditional medicine. The state also has the highest literacy rate in all of India and one of India's highest standards of living.  

Kerala is also well-known for its ecotourism initiatives, and its unique cultural traditions.  Some popular attractions include the hill stations of Munnar (photo), Nelliampathi, and Ponmudi. There are numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, including Periyar and Eravikulam. Heritage sites in the region include the Mattancherry Palace, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace. Shoppers should be sure to hit the cities of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and take in the traditional theatre and musical performances. 

A good friend of mine from Canada is originally from Kerala. He returns to visit his family there, perhaps once every one or two years. Whenever he describes Kerala to me, he always uses the word 'special.'   Some places we travel truly are special. Most who have been, seem to agree that Kerala is one of those special places. 

(photo of Munnar Hill Station courtesy of kcbimal)

If you have tuned into the Winter Olympics at all this week, you will notice that many of the events are taking place at Whistler. 

This can be somewhat confusing, as Whistler is the name of both a mountain, and a town, both of which are located roughly 120kms north of Vancouver.  

Whistler (the town) is an idyllic ski resort community, home of roughly 10,000 permanent residents, and probably as many seasonal residents. You can access Whistler from Vancouver by car, bus, or train. 

The town is a nature-lovers paradise, and is known for its friendly local people, laid back outdoor lifestyle, and dramatic nature and wildlife. Whistler is somewhat unique in that you can ski and golf in the same day during several months of the year. 

The Whistler Village is the centre of activity in the town, a pedestrian village filled with restaurants, shops, bars, nightlife, and tons of action. The town is also known for its local black bear population - they are plentiful, and if you visit during the warmer months you are pretty much guaranteed to see them. 

Whistler (the town) is also known internationally as the home of the Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort, the largest ski resort in North America. The ski resort is comprised of two mountains - Whistler (the mountain), and Blackcomb.  The two mountains combine to create more than 8,000 acres of ski area - so much in fact that 90% of the mountain is open to skiers and snowboarders during the Olympics. 

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are where many of the Olympic events are taking place, including the cross country skiing, biathalon, the downhill skiing events.  

My favorite way to end a day in Whistler........... ski or snowboard all day with friends, and as the sun is setting, race my friends from the peak of the mountain to the Longhorn Saloon in the village. (It takes us about an hour) Last one to arrive has to buy the first beer.