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Take a break and recharge your batteries to avoid the mid-year meltdown
If jealousy sets in every time you check Facebook and see images of friends and family sipping cocktails on pristine beaches or having fun on faraway adventures, then it’s time to put down the pen, push back the desk chair and take some much-needed time out. So suggests Sean Hough, CEO of package holiday expert, Pentravel. Here he offers top tips on how and where to travel during your much-needed, mid-year time off.
Welcome to Thailand. Before you panic and read international travel as ‘expensive’, it’s important to remember that in this instance the exchange pendulum swings in the Rand’s favour and, if you’re a proactive planner, you can stash even more spending cash by pre-booking on an all-inclusive package where you pay for four nights but actually stay for 8. In the land of smiles you’re invited to enjoy a multitude of natural and cultural experiences, from visiting historic temples and hiking beautiful forests to indulging in traditional Thai massage or simply walking the streets soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying local cuisine.
Need a good dose of adventure? Grab your atlas and head east: If you’re not a natural pre-planner and tend to be tempted by more spontaneous suggestions, then grab your passport and take your seat on a no-mess-no-fuss packaged tour of your favourite European hotspots. While romantic images of Tuscany may envelope you in wanderlust, one needs to be realistic; travelling alone in a foreign country can be a challenge, not to mention all that driving on the other side of the road!
“With your energy reserves already dwindling at an all-time low, the hassle of hiring a car, finding decent accommodation and navigating through a country with a language barrier may seem more like a task than time off. By choosing to travel on tour you can be rest assured that the only finger you’ll be lifting is the one on your camera,” says Sean.
Bliss at the beach: If planning breakfast for your family is a challenge in itself, organizing a holiday from start to finish, for the whole household, may seem near impossible. Don’t sweat the small stuff; a dream-like family destination exists. And the best part is it’s only 4 hours away and no visas are necessary. Hello Mauritius.
With an array of activities on offer, it’s easy to swap the iPad for adventurous outdoor exploring that’s fun for the whole family. From pristine beaches, to streets lined with shopping and entertainment, it’s no wonder that more and more families are heading to this tropical spot for their mid-year breakaway. Whether you’re an avid golfer, diver or swimmer, or simply enjoy getting lost in nature, this island paradise has it all.
Local is lekker: Taking a break doesn’t always have to mean luggage lines and airport officials. As South Africans, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday destinations with some of the very best right on our doorstep. From lazing on the lawns enjoying cheeseboards and Chenin Blanc at Spier Hotel in the Winelands, to high tea and warm seas at Red Coronation’s Oyster Box in Umhlanga, South Africa’s portfolio of local holiday destinations mean less time travelling and more time chilling. With breath-taking properties boasting some of the best in food and wine, luxury accommodation, leisure activities and natural beauty, guests are given the chance to fully unwind and destress in the relaxing atmosphere on offer.
“Whether you’re looking to unwind on your own, relax with your friends or recharge with your family, a few days or weeks of uninterrupted downtime during the chilly season is called for to get you through the mid-year bump. Besides, when you return, the countdown to summer begins!” quips Sean.
Visit www.pentravel.co.za for local and international mid-year getaways.