Holiday Bug

Filled with wishful wanderlust, this is our space for dreaming of that perfect holiday – from accommodation to car rentals to travel tips. If you are planning a trip then let us share some of our favourite spots and advice with you, to make it absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re a family looking for child-friendly places to stay, or if you’re wondering how to get the most out of SA on a student budget, let the Holiday Bug be your guide. www.holidaybug.co.za

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Spanish flamencos and bull fighting: Ola!

Elegant Spanish Flamenco, valiant bullfighting matadors, mouth-watering Catalan food, lively fiestas, the clacking of castanets and the sights of colourful and artistic architecture – these are just a few of the wonderful things that await excited travellers who visit (or who are considering visiting) laid-back España. Barcelona is one of the busiest and sought-after destinations. This vibrant city offers exciting and interesting shopping experiences, attractions that will leave you starry-eyed as you rapidly click your camera, and an infectious culture of familia and friendship that is undeniably free-spirited and welcoming. Taking into account the magnitude of lovely places to see and activities to do in Barcelona, we’ve narrowed down the itinerary to the “must-see” attractions in and around the city. The pulse of Barcelona Barcelona is a large, bustling city sprawling with tourists and good looking hombres (men) and mujeres..

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Enjoy a multicultural shopping experience in Cape Town

If you’re in search of a special gift for a friend or family member this festive season but can’t find anything in the mall that catches your eye, then you should drive to Cape Town’s CBD instead. You’ll surely find that perfect present at one of these interesting cultural shops. Merchants on Long Driving up Long Street in Cape Town (take note that it’s a one-way street), you’ll come across plenty of interesting shops and restaurants, but it’s at Merchants on Long where you should stop your car. Inside one of Cape Town’s oldest Art Nouveau buildings, shoppers will experience a different style, fashion and shopping atmosphere. Here, Africa’s top clothing and accessory designers have their finest work on display. If you need some time to mull over a purchasing decision, then sit at the coffee bar, which serves Fairtrade..

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Keep your cool this summer with wine spritzers and sangrias

The summer of 2015/2016 is set to be a scorcher, causing drought and forcing water restrictions throughout South Africa. So,..

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Dar es Salaam: A city guide

Are you tired of shopping in uninspiring malls that house the usual retail and hypermarket outlets? Do you dream of spending some of your time and money shopping in a distinctly different environment – one where all your senses are ignited simultaneously? The markets and shops in Dar es Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania, could well be your next ideal shopping destination – just don’t expect a calm and quiet shopping experience. Although “Dar es Salaam” is Arabic for “House of Peace,” this East-African city is all but peaceful, due to its expansion from humble beginnings as a fishing village, to the bustling, financially important trading centre and port it is today. It’s multicultural fusion of African, Muslim, and South Asian peoples make it an exciting and diverse place just waiting to be discovered. Shopping and markets Kariakoo Shopping..

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Zimbabwe: The best places to visit

Few people will deny that the Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest tourist attractions. Forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is known among locals as “The smoke that thunders,” a name that perfectly describes the veil of mist and the roaring sound as the water flows over the rocks and into river many meters below. There are, however, other perhaps less known African beauties vying with the Victoria Falls for the attention and admiration of tourists and travellers. Read about them below – their charm will surely win you over. Hwange National Park Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. It is situated south of, but not too far from the beautiful Vic Falls, and it is within this environment that numerous species of fascinating birds and animals flourish. Some of the largest herds of..

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Zambia’s hidden gem: Chisimba Falls

When travelling to Zambia (or Zimbabwe) it is most often that the number one spot on most travellers’ itinerary is Victoria Falls, but let’s not forget her equally inspiring sister, Chisimba Falls. Nothing refreshes body and soul more than standing very near a cascading waterfall on a warm day feeling the soft mist of water droplets on your skin before they fall into the swirling mass of foamy water below. You too can share in such an exhilarating experience, if you embark on an adventurous train journey to Dar es Salaam with Rovos Rail, the experts in luxury train travel. During its meander through Zambia towards its destination in the mesmerising and bustling city of Dar es Salaam, the luxurious Rovos Rail train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama. Here, it stops for a few hours so that tourists..

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Practice your iron swing at these manicured golf estates across South Africa

South Africa’s golf estates aren’t only known for their perfectly manicured greens and fiery orange sunset backdrops, but golfers can also look forward to sharing the green with some of Africa’s wildlife. One golf course, in particular, is famous for its crocs and hippos that silently ogle players, waiting for the little white ball to plonk in the water. So, who is brave enough to retrieve the ball? Whether you’re a novice golfer in search of some relaxation on the golf course, or a professional competing at international level, anyone who loves to slice the air with a powerful iron swing should consider putting around at these noteworthy golf courses in South Africa. Let’s hope for a hole-in-one. Leopard Creek In the heart of bushveld country, Mpumalanga, straddling the border of the Kruger National Park, lies a golfer’s paradise. Leopard..

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Unconventional safaris to experience across the world

Anyone who has a thirst for adventure and who yearns to get off the grid for a while, should consider embarking on a safari to these thrilling places at least once in their life – take a look. Uganda Uganda might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongues when recommending a holiday destination, as few people know anything about the country – other than it’s in Africa. Uganda isn’t famous for its safari adventures, but it does have a unique population of gorillas that makes visiting this country worthwhile, as there are only a few places that exist where gorillas can still be encountered in their natural habitat. Visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will leave you breathless as you witness the mist rolling in above the forested mountains in the distance. The country is in fact home to..

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Five amazing things to do before you die - Holiday Bug

What’s life without experiences? Many add to a bucket list without the intention of ever taking the plunge. However, the truth remains, that there is never the opportunity to experience what we only dream of until we actually make the time. After all, life is about the journey. Dust off your bucket list (or start one) and add the following five amazing experiences to your list: African Safari Considering the tough demands of life, it’s imperative to slow the pace and embrace what life has to offer. A safari drive in one of Africa’s beautiful plains is more than an exciting ride. It’s the chance to unwind and the opportunity to enjoy the simplest and most beautiful form of nature. The highlight of safari drives is always sightseeing the wild animals, vast land and breathtaking sunsets. Hot air balloon during..

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Shark cage diving: The must-know safety tips - Living Lifestyle

While shark cage diving is considered one of the most extreme underwater activities in the world, it’s extremely safe one,..

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The top five tourist attractions in Johannesburg - Holiday Bug

After reading about these five places to visit in Johannesburg, your idea of the city won’t be that it’s exclusively bright lights, tall buildings and insanely jammed traffic. Although there is beauty in it, what’s really interesting are the amazing attractions; some of which have been named among the top South African tourist attractions to visit. All you need is enthusiasm and a ride to get from A to B. That’s where Pace Car Rental can help. Discover the key tourist attractions in Johannesburg: Apartheid Museum Take a walk down memory lane at the Apartheid Museum, a definite experience of a lifetime. To capture what South Africa is all about, it’s essential for local and international tourists to explore its history, which is at the heart of what the country is today. A humbling experience, the Apartheid Museum educates its..

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Treat overseas guests to a gourmet South African dinner

When guests visit us from overseas, they are often amazed by our wonderful customs, landscapes and wildlife, not to mention,..

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Three vineyards you will love visiting in the Overberg

The Overberg has its own viticultural splendour in the form of wine estates in and around the Walker Bay Conservancy Area, which are cooled by the ocean breeze in the summer and produce award-winning red and white wines. Stop by these vineyards when you’re visiting the area and enjoy a refreshing taste of the Overberg’s character. Strandveld Vineyards The southernmost vineyard in South Africa, Strandveld provides a dramatic setting, buttressed against the Cape Agulhas region and its sometimes stormy weather. Famous not only for its unique location, Strandveld has been the recipient of prestigious awards. The vineyard’s First Sighting Shiraz 2012 was placed in the top 12 at the South African Shiraz Challenge this year, proving cooler climates can prevail. First Sighting Shiraz is a full-bodied wine with peppery, coffee aromas and bursting with red berry flavour, ending off in..

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Ditch the beach: public swimming pools in Cape Town begging for a splash down

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most sought after cities to visit in South Africa. During the December holidays especially, the city welcomes thousands of visitors from all walks of life to its streets and shore. Despite all the fun and activity outdoors, the city’s scorching temperatures can become draining and even overwhelming at times. Cooling down, whether by sitting in an air-conditioned space indoors or taking a dip in a pool, is a must-do if you’re to survive the heat. So, without further ado, dig out your cozzies, shades, and sun block and set off to these public swimming and rooftop pools in and around Cape Town. Long Street Turkish Baths At the top of Long Street, past all the interesting designer shops and restaurants (just before McDonalds), you’ll come across one of the street’s most iconic buildings..

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Artisanal food spots in Cape Town ideal for adventurous palates

If you, like me, enjoy experiencing concept stores that sell skilfully crafted food products that have never been made before (well in South Africa at least), then you’re in for a fabulous foodie treat in Cape Town. These artisan stores/cafes in the city are well-worth visiting if you crave decadent chocolate, creamy cheese or delightful gin cocktails. My Sugar My Sugar opened recently in Sea Point but has already become the newest hot spot among locals craving a sugar rush. Here, it’s best to leave your inhibitions at the door, as My Sugar is definitely not the place to be if you’re on a diet. Once inside, the sugar-free challenge you and your buddy are doing together will soon be forgotten. Gold-dusted, chocolate Buddhas whose bellies are crammed with caramel, cake jars large enough to satisfy two people and bon..

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Four things you can do to entertain the kids in Cape Town this summer

Holidays can sometimes be a burden for parents when they are constantly searching for the perfect activities for their children. Cape Town provides a diverse range of fun things you and your kids can enjoy this season. CityROCK This state-of-the-art indoor adventure and fitness centre is a delight for parents and children. Many gravitate towards the climbing wall as their first option where you can climb with or without rope assistance to up to 4 metres. There are also 9 metre high walls for lead and top-roped climbing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are yoga classes and a training area. 21 Anson Road, Observatory 021 447 1326 Jump Around South Africa now has its first indoor trampoline park and it just happens to be in Cape Town. Jump Around is a fantasy playground for your little..

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Amarula cupcakes to put a smile on your face

When you’re feeling down or just have a bit of spring fever on your hands, whipping up a batch of..