The Star E-dition

Dream destinations for 2022

BUHLE MBONAMBI buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za

WE HAVE been cooped up in our homes, trying to survive a raging pandemic and dealing with the ramifications of a changing world. Travel has not been one of those things we felt was a necessity. However with the world opening up, getting vaccinated and countries ready to welcome travellers, we are itching to get passport stamps and live our best lives while on holiday.

The Travel team put together their ultimate bucket list for 2022. Let it inspire you for your next travel trip

TOKYO, JAPAN

While a tropical island holiday is high on many travellers’ bucket lists, Tokyo is the one city that continues to be right at the top of mine.

Not only because it’s the capital of Japan and the world’s largest metropolis, but because it’s rich in cultural history yet at the cutting edge of modern technology and living.

Planning my journey to the Sensoji Shrine while savouring an array of sushi would be my first activity.

With its big, bold red gate, imposing temple buildings and five-storey pagoda, the Sensoji Shrine, apparently founded in 628AD, is the oldest shrine in Tokyo and the most visited.

Other temples to visit include the Asakusa Temple and Bentendo Hall.

The best time to visit Tokyo is between March and April or September and November. While autumn brings more comfortable temperatures, it’s also when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. – Gerry Cupido

LUXE TRIPS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

As I prepare for my fabulous 40 in October, each day calls for a celebration. To mark the start of this new adventure, I plan to explore 40 new destinations in and around Mzansi.

From safari breaks to beach visits, glamping to strawberry picking, boat tours to hot air balloon rides, and spa experiences to solo road trips through the majestic landscapes of South Africa, I intend to find the perfect 40 destinations in honour of this milestone. Hakunamatata Lodge, Venue and Health Spa in Muldersdrif, offers an ultimate in exclusivity at a country estate with a difference. Less than 20 minutes from home, this makes for a great weekend away to recharge for the new year.

Harties is next on my list, and the first thing I would like to see is the Upside-down House, Little Paris and the Cableway ride for breathtaking views over Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding areas.

In June, a long-awaited Lesotho snow-cation is a must, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to ski, a dream for me.

The Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route and Swakopmund in Namibia are also among my travel bucket destinations for the year.

I joined a travel stokvel, which is amazing because the trips are paid for in advance and in instalments, which ultimately saves me time and money. – Kedibone Modise

MOZAMBIQUE

With over 2 500km of unspoilt beaches, Mozambique is the ideal secluded beach destination. For an adventure seeker, it offers great experiences such as scuba diving and swimming with sharks in its crystal clear water.

But the ocean is not its only attraction. Visitors can also visit the Gorongosa National Park, one of the wildest national parks in Africa, where one can have a true wilderness experience.

Before seeking these thrills, I would fill up my tummy. Mozambique is known for its Portuguese and Arabici-nfluenced cuisine. Staples like piri-piri chicken, seafood curries and hearty soups often grace restaurant menus.

Enjoying a fresh seafood dish at Maputo’s renowned “Mercado do Peixe” (Fish Market) and a “pasteis de nata” (custard tart) or “bolo de arroz” (rice flour cake) will be my first stop.

The best time to visit this piece of paradise is between September and November, when the game viewing is at its best, whale migration can be observed, and the weather is calm and warm.

Whether you plan to go five star or on a budget, you have plenty of hotel options to chose from – the White Pearl Resorts or Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence to less expensive hotels like Bazaruto Lodge or Stayeasy Hotel Terminus. Else visitors can chose to have an eco-friendly stay at the Eden Bay Eco Lodge.

Mozambique promises an authentic, engaging spirit that will captivate those who are willing to earn it. I’ve already started planning my trip. – Alyssia Birjalal

FRANSCHOEK, WESTERN CAPE

Majestic mountains, rolling hills and crisp country air and a charming European atmosphere – this quaint town is hailed as one of the oldest and loveliest in the country. About 75km from Cape Town, it is the perfect distance for a day trip or spur-of-the moment weekend away.

The province is home to over 300 vineyards but in the Franschhoek region alone there are 45, spanning from stately and grand to rugged, homely and boutique. Regardless, each has its own personality, natural beauty and exceptional wines.

A full-day Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour is the perfect way to see as much as possible. You can hop on and off to explore the wineries that interest you.

The best time to visit is between January and May as the weather is pleasant and warm. However, accommodation prices vary during holidays and the festive season. If you are looking to stay in Franschhoek on a budget, Lavender Farm Guesthouse offers stunning accommodation which ranges from about R2 600 for two adults a night to R3 000, depending on the day/month. This includes a wonderful catered breakfast every morning.

If you’re planning a more extravagant stay in the Winelands, La Residence, on a private 12-hectare estate, sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation. The scenic surroundings lend themselves to a variety of activities ranging from hiking and cycling to art galleries, festivals and automotive museums.

For a night in one of their stunning suites, you’ll spend about R16 350 and upwards, depending on the room and date. – Sacha van Niekerk

BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Bora Bora is a popular island among travellers who love the beach and dream of sleeping in an over-water bungalow. Just be sure not to go into the ocean while wearing expensive earrings because that might end badly, à la Kim Kardashian.

The main reason Bora Bora is at the top of my bucket list of destinations is because a laid-back afternoon overlooking the ocean while in an overwater bungalow with lots of drinks on hand would be a dream come true for me.

I am obsessed with sea animals, so one of the first things I would do on the island is visit the Bora Bora Turtle Centre, which was established in partnership with Bora Bora’s environment ministry. The sanctuary helps injured sea turtles so they can hopefully be released back into their natural world. I would probably spend some time helping out at that centre.

The best time to visit the “Pearl of the Pacific”, as Bora Bora is known, is around November because that is peak festivals season.

Sure, it would be full of tourists and probably a little more pricey than during the off-peak season, but I would want to experience everything there is to experience on the island, which makes the festivals season the best time to go for me. – Nosipho Nyide

Travel

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2022-01-15T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-15T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/282029035591657

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