Posts for south africa

5 of the Most Gnarly Surfing Spots in the World

Travel Blog - Ross French - September 22, 2017

Surfing Spots

You’ve probably heard the saying, “A bad day in the water is better than a good day working,” but what if days filled with bad surfing conditions were few and far between? You need to find a beach with an amazing surf, and it might be easier than you think. Stop randomly chasing the waves, and check out some of the most gnarly surfing destinations in the world.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

There’s a reason that Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline is a fixture on the surf tour circuit — it’s one of the heaviest waves in the world. The flawless water tube hovers more than 19 feet over the shallow base of the reef that lines the shores of Ehukai Beach on Oahu’s north shore. Unfortunately, most surfers will never be good enough to surf the Pipeline. The granddaddy of all waves is also one of the most dangerous. If you need more practice, Honolua Bay in Maui. If you’re lucky, you might see a whale or two from your board.

2. La Jolla, California

Southern California has several excellent surfing spots, but La Jolla, CA is one of the best because it’s home to several surfing spots with varied wave levels. If you’re a beginner, check out La Jolla Shores. It’s a pretty basic beach, but its reliable, predictable waves make it a favorite among local surfers. To find the gnarliest waves in the area, head to La Jolla Cove. Some of the largest waves in the area break just outside the protected part of the cove.

3. Eastern Cape, South Africa

When traveling to South Africa consider staying in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape province. The laid-back beach town is about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth — one of the largest cities in South Africa. Jeffrey’s Bay has some of the best waves in the world, according to Surfer Today, and it’s known for its long, fast barrels and intense breaks. The bay itself is divided into sections, making it easy to choose a wave that matches your skill level. Find Magna Tubes, Kitchen Windows, Boneyards, and the craziest of them all, Supertubes.

4. Raglan, New Zealand

Raglan, New Zealand burst onto the surf scene in the 1960s when it was used as a filming location for the surf classic, “The Endless Summer.” The sleepy surf town is filled with cafes and bars that have surfing videos on continuous play. Manu Bay is the most popular surf spot in the area. It’s a long, left-hand point break along a boulder beach that has waves that start as a hollow drop before going into a barrel, and finally into a long walled section. On epic days, surfers can surf from Indicators straight through Whale Bay to Manu Bay.

5. Gold Coast, Australia

Gold Coast, a coastal city in Queensland, is a well-known surfing mecca. The surfer’s paradise is home to over 40 miles of pristine beaches and four epic point breaks, including the Superbreak. Generally considered one of the best surfing spots on the Gold Coast, the Superbreak, is a right-hand wave that barrels regularly — it’s known for producing heavy, hollow barrels only suitable for experienced surfers. Surfers also flock to Currumbin Alley. Known simply as the Alley, the popular surf spot produces consistent, world-class waves that advanced surfers love, as well as whitewash waves ideal for beginners.

The key to finding an amazing surf spot is finding beaches that produce surf-worthy waves on a regular basis. This way, when you’re ready to hang ten, the waves are ready for you.

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TOP THREE PLACES TO VISIT IN DURBAN

South Africa - Ross French - September 8, 2017

Attractions in Durban

Durban lies beautiful on South Africa’s Indian Ocean Coast, with its sandy white beaches, rich culture and tropical beauty. Spend your days exploring its trendy bars, stylish restaurants, and lip-smacking street food. The most popular stretch of beachfront in Durban is the Golden Mile, where you can take part in various water activities. This city is also popular for its extensive marine life and various festivals. There are so many attractions in Durban that you will never face a dull moment while you spend your vacation in South Africa. To start things off, here is a list of the top three Durban attractions which you must visit while you spend your holiday in Durban. Continue Reading

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Top Honeymoon Destinations for Couples on a Budget

Travel Blog - Ross French - April 26, 2017

Wedding is one big affair which also tends to be very expensive. Right from invitation cards to the honeymoon, there is not one single thing that doesn’t require spending good money on it. And if you are being honest, most people usually take huge loans and are indebted for most of their early married lives just because they wanted a grand wedding. Statistics show that on an average, a UK wedding including honeymoon costs somewhere around £24000 which is really high and may not be affordable for everyone. But just because everything is so costly, it does not mean that you cannot have a great honeymoon in your budget. All that is needed is a little research to make this miracle happen. Of course, you may not be able to book a private yacht or a private jet but in comparison to these amazing places, such luxurious things will definitely seem miniscule.

Here are some of the places you can visit which will be very cheap:

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, has a history of survival and was for too long overshadowed by the flashy cities of the west. But today, it stands for its glory and is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in Europe.There is no admission fee for top attractions like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The hotel pricing is very nominal when compared to other hotel in Europe providing similar services. The places to visit include Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, National Theatre, Jewish Quarter and the St. Nicholas Church.

2. Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali in Indonesia is famous for its clean waters and forested volcanic mountains. Coral reefs here harbour 500 different species of corals that are involved in reef building. Diving and snorkelling experiences at Bali are one of a kind. Places to visit in Bali include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Bali Bird Park and Bali Safari and Marine Park. Puru Bratan is a very scenic water temple here and has geographic importance as the water temples here serve the irrigation requirements of the region in which they are located.

3. Cotswolds, UK

If you are on a very tight budget and cannot afford flying abroad, don’t you worry. There are plenty of places within the UK that you can visit for a great honeymoon. Cotswolds is one such place. It is quiet and serene, a typical English countryside painted in hues of green, gold and amber. The climate is mild making it a good place for exploration trips. You can also visit local markets and enjoy homemade cakes as these are the specialty of this region. You can book tickets via nationalexpress.com and save more on travelling through discount vouchers.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a mountainous interior surrounded by beaches, lagoons and reefs making it a dream haven. There won’t be a single boring day thanks to the amazing rainforests, hiking paths, various waterfalls and the flora and fauna of this region. Grand Baie, a northern village, is famous for snorkelling and game fishing. Surfing and coral diving are also popular attractions amongst the tourists. Or you can just get lost in the serenity of the beaches with your special someone.

5. Cape town, South Africa

The city of Cape Town boasts a spectacular view as it has the backing of the famous Table Mountains. While reaching Cape Town can be a little costly, honeymooning there is relatively cheaper. There are multiple places to visit in Africa and it will be better to decide your own itinerary rather than taking a pre-decided package as it will give to time to explore better and will be infinitely cheaper. Things to do include visiting beaches and fishing villages as well as trekking across the mountainous regions and exploring the hidden places. Points of interest include Table Mountains, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Helderberg, Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope amongst others.

6. Florence, Italy

For any art lover, this city is heaven. Florence is home to renaissance art and architecture that saw it flourishing in the days of Leonardo da Vinci and Michel Angelo. You can spend days admiring the amazing architecture of Florence, roam around the streets or spend time in its famous galleries. Galleria Degli Uffizi is one of the most prominent galleries housing Greek sculptures and Venetian paintings and many other collections. The rich history and culture of this city make it a perfect destination to visit with your spouse. Bell tower, Giardino Delle Rose, Piazzale Michelangelo are some places you must definitely visit. This city is also home to Gelato, the famous ice-cream and you must enjoy it right there.

Money does not make a great trip. It is the people we travel with that make great memories. These places let you enjoy the nature at the cheapest rates possible. Honeymoon is one of the most important phases of a married life as it gives two people time to know each other and a great honeymoon will go a long way in ensuring that. After all, as they say, well begun is half done. Go out and get the best for you and your partner without fussing over money. Wishing you a happy honeymoon.?

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5 of the Most Affordable Airport Parking Sites in the World

Travel Blog, Travel Tips - Ross French - February 24, 2017

There’s nothing more bothersome than leaving your car in a poorly lit parking while you’re away, especially when there’s no one there to watch it for you. Taking a cab or Uber may not be the best options, as they are not always readily available, and they are quite expensive, too. So what do you do? You search for the cheapest place to park your car, only to be disappointed, as almost everything in the airport’s vicinity costs an arm and a leg. Well, not all – all you have to do is look, do your research, and call for a reservation. Not every airport parking is expensive, and we are about to prove it to you. Continue Reading

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Travel Trends in 2017 – Places to Explore

Africa, Central America, Travel Blog - Ross French - February 7, 2017

Travel Trends in 2017

The tourism industry has seen a massive boom in the recent years, and travel has indeed become a lifestyle statement. As an increasing number of people hit the road this year either solo or with their family and friends, here are some travel trends in 2017. Continue Reading

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