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I was invited by the Three Cities Hotel Group to join them at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa yesterday morning, and immediately jumped at the opportunity.

Franschhoek is definitely one of those places in South Africa that I can’t get enough of, in an area that can be described as one of the most beautiful wine valleys of the world.

Driving through there in the early morning, seeing the chilly winter sun lighting up the Franschhoek and Jonkershoek mountain range surrounding the village. Witnessing the hustle and bustle of the shop keepers opening their doors and positioning their tables in the slivers of sun available. Franschhoek always lives up to its description of being spectacular. I love the winding roads guiding me past wine farm, after wine farm. Each one having something special that entices passersby to pop in. Seeing that there are well over 30 wine farms, each one producing world class wine, your weekend getaway could turn into a week. With over 28 restaurants in the town (8 of which are in the top 100 of South Africa), anyone who thinks they have had enough, will discover that here, your appetite is insatiable!

Le Franschhoeks setting is breath taking. The mountains, the vineyards and of course the hotel itself is beautiful. Its elusive charm with a contemporary Cape Dutch feel. The rooms are spacious, full of natural light and simple decor makes you feel instantly relaxed. There is no end to their facilities. 3 restaurants, 5 conference venues and of course, Le Verger - The Orchard Restaurant - my personal favourite! It’s a dining area that flows into individual glass conservatories amongst the fruit trees, offering an al fresco style restaurant. In summer they offer picnics where you receive a wicker basket and help yourself to the selection of cold meats and cheeses (to name but a few) from the delicatessen. You the pick a spot outside, open a bottle of wine and enjoy the beauty that is Franschhoek.

Next stop was the Camelot Spa, with its huge array of treatments, all of them being a speciality. Nothing compliments a weekend better that a world class spa treatment.

After a hearty breakfast overlooking the mountains, I was ready for the day ahead. I can only imagine how one would feel after an entire weekend!

There are plenty of events happening throughout the year in Franschhoek, the more popular one being the Bastille Day Festival on the 13th to 15th of July. So contact us now to book your accommodation. There couldn’t be a combination any better than the beauty, serenity and romance that is Le Franschhoek and the hustle and bustle that is the Bastille Festival!

“Frugality; the quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty or economical in the use of consumable resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance”

I love planning holidays. I can sit online for hours researching all sorts of destinations. I browse through the lists of exotic beach holidays and imagine myself lying on one of these white sandy beaches absorbed in a good book and thinking of nothing other than what might my next cocktail order might be. But as quickly as I found myself there, my cursor is hovering over something entirely different and this time I’m transported to Cambodia and I’m on the back of a tuk tuk on one of Ho Chi Minh City’s rowdy streets being seduced by an entirely different old world charm.

My bucket list is endless, and being surrounded by travel everyday makes this list even longer.

Of course, the planning is the easy part, the exciting part. But what usually becomes the issue is “how am I going to get there!!??” Travelling isn’t cheap by any means; although you will always find specials and deals with airlines or hotels it’s still going to cost you a pretty penny.

This is where the real work starts - searching for the savings, those specials deals. There is a way to make travel as cost effective as possible; there isn’t a dampener worse than worrying how you’re going to eat for the month after you return. Even if you have planned everything carefully and correctly, you may think you can live on the happy memories but unfortunately that’s not going to fill your belly!!!

Luckily nowadays, frugal travelling tips are everywhere. And I’ve spent some time researching them and picking out a few that stands out the most for me.

Whether you use some, or all of them, I hope they will encourage you to finally book that Californian Dream.

Cheap accommodation is a good place to start. Not only do you have to compromise cleanliness for comfort, but you’ll discover new meaning to the word ‘bargain’. Start by booking a bed and breakfast, or perhaps even a hostel or back packers. If you’re feeling really brave, consider pitching a tent under the stars. (This is only an option if it is SAFE!!) Another tip is to organise a home-swap, and on arrival at any hotel, always avoid the mini bar!!!!

Transport is likely to be expensive, if not your biggest expense. And unfortunately, it is possibly your most important expense. It is the only way you’re going to get anywhere. Some of the easiest ways to avoid this expense is to travel off-peak, use discount providers and of course, book online.

Saving on food is a relatively easy way to watch your pennies. You’re travelling to a new country, what better way to make it more authentic than to try the local cuisine. Visit local markets and food stalls and pack yourself a picnic. Prepare meals in your hotel room or make a camp fire. Take advantage of breakfast if it’s included and make a promise that out of your three meals a day, only one can be in a restaurant.

Don’t follow the crowds! Find a place that may be in low season, or where tourism is down and plan a visit. Bargain with street sellers, they will always sell tickets to local attractions for a whole lot cheaper than the hotel will sell them to you. Stay away from the ‘touristy’ spots, food and entry fees will always be a lot pricier. Get off the beaten track. Eat where the locals eat, drink where the locals drink and generally get a look into the life of the locals.

So now you have a few handy tips to help you plan your next trip, feel free to send me your ideas so I can share them.

But for now, I’m back to my favourite place, my online dreamland. Today I’m researching a visit to the mountains and monasteries of Beijing and Kathmandu. I like the idea of being humbled by the sounds of the Monks morning prayers followed by a stroll up to Everest Base Camp where I can witness the extraordinary Himalayan landscapes…..

                                                                                                                                                                                 Written by Jean 

Working in a travel agency like Flightsite, we are inundated with requests from clients. Most of the time, they are pretty easy to fulfil. Questions like, what kinds of meals they will be served onboard, to which seat they would prefer when they catch their connecting flight. This can go on, to the extent that they want to know what kind of bedding will be used in their hotel room in Mauritius! Sometimes we have to humour our clients, and other times we need to bite our tongue but there have definately been a few that stick out, some of which cannot even be repeated.

Below you will see a list of various requests that probably started off to be quite an innocent question;

The request: I’d like to transport a bag of my own blood to South Africa

The reason: In case there is an accident and I need to have a blood transfusion

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The request: I’d like to book a cruise, and have my room near the elevators

The reason: Sometimes she drinks to much and thats the only way she will find her room

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The request: I’d like to get married in Vegas

The reason: I’d like to get married in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator, imperonating a Rabbi!!!

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The request: The brochure stated “no hairdressers at the accommodation”

The reason: We’re hairdressers, will we be ok staying here?

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Question: do I have to use my real name on my airline ticket?

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Question: We want to walk from Perth to Sydney, can we follow the railroad tracks?

Answer: Sure, its only 3000kms, take lots of water!!!

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When do they turn the Waterfalls off (asked at Victoria Falls)

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Question: Can you tell me who performs in the circus at Piccadilly?

Im sure there are plenty more silly questions that get asked on a daily basis, feel free to add to this list on our facebook page

April is a great month for a Mauritius Island Holiday, get your flights booked now on Air Mauritius

With so many resorts on the island of Mauritius, there is no end to choices when deciding what kind of holiday you are looking for. Mauritius Island is a fascinating multitude of colours and tastes.Images of tropical luxury, turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and extravagance, it remains an oasis of tranquillity.

Although you may want to spend your days sunbathing and swimming, Mauritius has a vast array ofchoices, it is often hard to choose what to do next. The island is loaded with historic sites, cultural diversity and almost limitless activities to distract you from the same old routine of beach and swimming pools.

But perhaps what you’ll enjoy most on your Mauritius’ Island Holiday is the relaxed charm and wonderfully warm and welcoming people. You have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury, you will discover the meaning of true beauty and will leave you with a feeling that will compel you to return to Mauritius Island for your next holiday.

Mauritius Island – The North

With a company like Flightsite.com, you can be sure our consultants are excessively knowledgeable in Mauritius Island holidays and will also find exactly what you are looking for because with well over 70 Mauritius hotels to choose from, it is important to know what kind of holiday you are looking for, and to research what the different parts of the Island have to offer. You may find a beautiful hotel, but not be able to access the beach because of the coral, that doesn’t make sense if you are there to do snorkelling.

The North of the Island is the place where the most development has taken place in recent years and Port Louis, Mauritius is the biggest city on the Island. Grand Baie has an abundance of restaurants and discotheques. If you like to party to the sound of good music, you will find plenty of options to choose from here.

The north isn’t only about night life, however. It also boasts some of Mauritius Islands best-loved sights, including the charming red-roofed church that overlooks the lagoon at Cap Malheureux.

Amongst other things, there are various things to see such as The Labourdonnais Orchards, Mapou and the SSR Botanical Gardens to name a few.

If its beaches you are looking for then this is definately the place to start but keep in mind that most of the beaches are found in front of private residences or hotels, leaving very little room to the declared public beaches. But one thing is clear is that all the beaches are open to those walking by, however beaches found in front of hotels and villas cannot be used by anyone wanting to spend the day.

Contact us to book your Mauritius Island Holiday or view our Mauritius Travel Packages

All Velvet Sky operations have been suspended until 5 March, Excalibur Aerospace, owners of Velvet Sky, have announced.

Chairman, Stephen Nthite said that they are cognisant of the adverse publicity created over the past week due to their inability to resolve the issues that have negatively impacted their business. Operations have been suspended and their decision to do so, he says, has not been taken lightly.

He stated that the standstill has not only caused passengers a great deal of inconvenience, but that unproven rumours are also being broadcast due to the suspended operations, “As the newest arrival in the fiercely contested domestic airline market and South Africa’s only fully operational 100% broad-based black economic empowerment airline, Velvet Sky was not prepared to engage in a David and Goliath battle that would further undermine its relationship with loyal customers or cause them further inconvenience.

“The board is confident that the long-term outlook for Velvet Sky remains positive and that current developments will significantly improve Velvet Sky’s position. The suspension of flights will allow the company time to reconstitute its board and balance sheet and realign its short-term strategy. It will also allow the company time to properly resolve disputes with certain suppliers and service providers,” he stated.

Passengers who have reservations during the time that operations have been suspended during these dates may either apply for a refund, or change their bookings to a later date.

Operations have been suspended, leaving their passengers stranded at Cape Town International Airport yesterday, after fuel was refused by the suppliers to the company. The low-cost carrier has reportedly failed to pay its service provider therefore flights have been cancelled till Monday.

BP Southern Africa brought court actions against them which will be heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

Reportedly, Velvet Sky owes BP R29 million.

Velvet Sky had not commented and attempts for comment drew a blank as chief operations officer Gary Webb did not return messages. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) spokesman Solomon Mogale could also not be reached.

Twitter and Facebook were first used by the airline to announce that operations have been suspended, but later put out a statement via the owners, Excalibur Aerospace.