Thursday Travel Inspiration: Durban on a R100 to R10 000 Budget



November is in full swing, the H word is on everyone’s lips. Holiday season is here, just what everyone has been waiting for, after a long and demanding year!  Whilst some of us have already planned our holidays, some of us are still trying to figure out if we should even attempt to go on holiday.  The economists are warning us about saving and clearing debt, can we really afford to be taking a holiday?  Today on Thursday Travel Inspiration we explore why you should go on holiday and how you can take this much needed break on a tight budget.

How much money do you think you need to go on holiday?  For the next 4 weeks we will explore different local destinations and what budgets from as little as R100 – R10000 can afford you.



Durban the Friendliest City in South Africa.



This week we will focus on Durban, possibly the most accessible of all coastal cities compared to Cape Town and the Eastern Cape.  If you are travelling from Johannesburg you are looking at a 50 minute flight time and 5-6 hours by car on the national Highway.  I love Durban for its year round good weather, accessibility, Warm Ocean, great food and how my skin feels when I am there.  Rated by CNN as one of the must see cities to travel to in the world, why not make it your holiday destination?

When I was a student I often had minimal cash on me, but it never stopped me from trying to get away. 

Let’s see what we can get for R500 – R1500.

Yes you most probably giggling now and thinking "yeah right!" but you could seriously travel with this amount of money and I will tell you how.

Transport Options

Taxi: Depending on how much you have, you can take a taxi to your destination its still the most widely used form of transport or a city to city bus which is safe but is a very basic bus so do not expect a reclining seat or  much leg room.  

Girls Road Trip

Catch a lift with a friend:  Find out if any of your friends are heading to Durban and offer some cash towards a tollgate or fuel.

Travel cost: R0 - R250 per trip

Accommodation

Backpackers:  The backpackers in Durban come at a reasonable price, from as little as R60 a night for a bed in a Dormitory.  The social life at most backpackers is excellent and will leave you with some fond memories.

Hanging out, playing some pool.

Camping: There are many camping sites around Durban, these camping sites will offer you safety and if you are travelling in a group, camping can be fun! Make a note of rules and be aware of the noise hours and limitations before paying up. Alternatively you can camp at some of the backpackers which offer you a student/traveller vibe which could be more fun, especially if you like late nights.

Learning how to use Chopstix with Couch Surfer JJ

Couch Surfing: This one is my particular favourite; it’s an easy and interesting way to meet locals in the area and spend little to no money at all on accommodation!  Visit the site and set-up your profile, no one has to assist you but people are often very willing.  Choose your couch carefully, read the profiles and make sure you match yourself up with the right couch suited for your needs.

Staying with relatives:  depending on the type of family you have this can be Amazing or an Epic Fail! There are a few rules of thumb, always clean up and help in the cleaning up.  Don’t  forget that this is your family your failure to keep them informed on your 48hour hang out with cool people you met at the beach can lead to a police search.  So always be helpful, communicate properly if you will not be coming back for the night/ afternoon and remember to bring some food and contribute in some form or way, buying small stuff like daily loaf of bread earns you brownie points for your next stay.

Accommodation Costs: R0 –R120 per night

Activities – under R100

Go to the Beach: always a source of great entertainment and therapy for the mind, the waves are for free and often there are lots of free activities on offer during the festive season.  Pack a lunch so you won’t be hungry and spend the whole day enjoying the fanfare.

Go to the Beachwood Mangroves Reserve:  open over the weekend, this is a informative educational centre about Mangrove trees and the species that inhabit this reserve.  I love learning so this hit the spot for me.

Go Drumming: looking for a creative release? Why not go drumming?

Check out this list of cool Things-to-do-in-Durban under R100

Budget: R2500- R4000

Transport:

Bus: Fancy a weekend away? Nip off to Durban on the latest in couch luxury,  the Greyhound Glam-Line. Unlike the other uncomfortable busses I have encountered at Greyhound,  I have to hand it to them this line is way better than my previous busing experiences with greyhound.  I chose the most basic option and it was worth every cent. Comfortable, bigger seats and even a blanket.  

Travel costs: R 1100 – R1300 for two people

Bus Travel Tip: Travel at night instead of during the day, you get more time out of you weekend. If you take the 10pm bus out of Johannesburg you will arrive in Durban in time to see the sunrise at 5am.  * Kindly not Glam line is only available at 8am and 10pm departing from Johannesburg*

Accommodation:

B&B’s: online there are plenty of reputable Bed & B’s find one that is closest to where you would like to be for the majority of the time so you do not spend to much on cab-fare.

Hotels:  if you are a frequent traveller with Tsogo Sun make sure you sign up for frequent guest program.  These points come in handy and saved our bacon the last time we were in Cape Town for a girl’s holiday. Discovery also has some benefits for their clients at certain Hotels.

Travel Agent Deals:   Travel Agents are often seen to be expensive but if you shop around you can actually find great deals and they can save you a lot of frustation and time. I found this really cool travel deal with BEE AFRICA Travel! For Only R1,360 per person sharing you will stay at the contemporary Docklands hotel for the weekend,  included in this package is a iVenture card that will allow you to visit Ushaka Marine, Phezulu in Valley of a 1000 hills and a few other cool places,  for more information contact  Briony at info@beeafricatravel.co.za in with NomadicMichelle Specila in the subject line.   

Activities:

Oh sky is the limit when you have a good budget I would recommend the following:

Go for a Horse ride on the Beach: whether you have ridden a horse before or not this is always a wonderful experience, my favourite time is at sunset, its you, your horse and the ocean.  Pure magic!

Go Jump of the Big Swing: If you love heights and the feeling of adrenalin running through your body go for it!

Go for Drinks at the Oyster Box : No trip to Durban is Complete if you do not have drinks at the Light House Bar.  Classy bar snacks from roast corn to caramelized cashews teamed up with a crisp, cold glass of white wine  as you overlook  the Indian Ocean,  what more could you ask for?

Its a fact Durban Certainly ROCKS!

Budget: R5000 – R10 000

Please why are you still reading!?! Just Kidding -  For a stress free, fuss free holiday, spoil yourself and call BEE AFRICA TRAVEL they specialize in Holidays in KwaZulu Natal and Southern Africa. Briony will give you morning calls and all those other perks of having someone plan what can only be an awe inspiring all round amazing trip.

 Ask them to create a personalized Holiday for you be specific about the following:
 - amount of days.
- let them know what type of person you are so they know from the start who they are dealing with. 
- whether you would like to be chauffer driven (which really puts the H in Holiday).
- what you would like to experience and most importantly what you are willing to pay for Experience.

This is your holiday, dream Big, have Fun and Rock Out!

 

Out on the streets of the US of A with Marcia Wells

23 years ago I met Miss Marcia Wells at Chelmsford Primary School, a bond was formed and unbeknown to us was the love we shared for travelling.  23 years later I was happy to catch up and hear more about her new life in the United States.

Miss Wells enjoying some free time on the beach

Who is Marcia Wells

I’m a young, vibrant 28year old woman embarking on a journey that has no destination. I was born and raised in Newcastle. I grew up with 7 siblings. I enjoy traveling, meeting and working with different kinds of people. I like to explore the world around me and have an open mind about everything life has to offer. I am constantly growing spiritually and emotionally and I take the time to continue learning.

I am modest, hard-working and consistently set firm goals for myself. Then, once I’ve defined my benchmarks, I take the necessary steps to achieve those milestones. I am a people’s person who always thinks positively and sees every hardship as a step closer to victory. I love my life and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

What inspired you to work abroad?  

Growing up, I always had relatives to look up to who are living and traveling abroad. I always wondered what life was like on the other side of the world, a world I could only dream of. I have aunts living in France, England and Australia, therefore I always knew that nothing was impossible.

The only reason why I didn’t take up my journey sooner was the love of my life, my grandmother who has now departed (God rest her soul). She had suffered 2 strokes in a space of 5yrs. I was helping take care of her and loved every minute of it. 

She always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to, so in 2010 I decided then, it was the right time to live my dreams. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but oh boy it’s been worth it, every step of the way! My ticket out of my beautiful country, South Africa, was through an Au pair agency, and the rest, so they say, is history.

What did your gran mean to you?

My gran Regina was like a mother to me. She raised me at the tender young age of 5.  She was my pillar of strength, my rock. She nurtured me into this wise, strong humble person that I am today. She taught me about love, how to be compassionate through bible studies, how to be my own person and most importantly she put the fear of God in me. I remember as a child you could be as sick as a dog but church is where we all went on Sunday. She would say to us when we weren't feeling well and didn't want to go to church, "This is the time you need God the most... Kuncono ufele esontweni" meaning, it's better to die in Church.  She was a humbled person and lived her life for God.

Why was it so important to you, to look after her instead of following your dreams?

As my gran aged and started experiencing complications starting with a near fatal car accident, I felt a personal responsibility to see to her well-being. She suffered a stroke and lost her speech. This really shook the whole family. Even though I was young, I knew God had placed me there for a reason. Here is a woman who had done everything for us, sacrificed everything for our happiness and well-being, making sure we had a good education , now she is the one who needed to be taken care of in the same manner, with the same love if not more.

I thanked God and I still do, for honoring me with the duties and responsibilities of taking care of my dearest Regina. She was the family's treasure and I Marcia Wells was lucky enough to take care of her for All those years. I had my dreams, they were still alive in me, I had even gotten many opportunities to pursue those dreams but I had a duty, a duty that was bigger and more important than any dream of mine. This duty was given to me by God himself. Who was I to refuse him? So, I humbly accepted.

It’s impressive to hear such wisdom from a young person, It can be hard watching others move on up as you tend to your duties.  Though when someone has given so much of their life what are a few years of your life in preparation for a home-coming.  Do you have any pearls of wisdom that your gran shared with you?

 

-         My gran always told us to live a life that is accepted by God. Seeing her devote her life to the church was wisdom for me. She knew I always admired and wanted to be like my aunts that were abroad,  she would always tell me to “work hard for my dreams, anything is possible.”

-         She always said prayer is a weapon and we should use it, whatever we wanted we need to just pray to God and it shall be so. I vaguely remember when I was about 13yrs old during our evening prayer sessions she would say we have to pray to find good husbands or just good me. You pray for him, she said, I remember thinking to myself how ridiculous that was but I guess she was right, 25years later. 

Why did you choose USA? Did you have to make any sacrifices?

Actually,  USA chose me… I had applied to many different countries, my main focus being working on cruise ships, it didn’t matter to me where I ended up, as long as I was somewhere out there, but my destiny led me to the USA.

I left everything I’ve ever known and loved in South Africa, my family (whom I miss dearly), my job and friends for a foreign country that has no ties with my heritage. A place where I thought I’d be an orphan, but little did I know I would create special, unbreakable bonds with the families & friends I’ve gotten to know.  Last but certainly not least, this country brought me the love of my life….Florian. In a way those sacrifices turned out to be blessings.

   

Success and Love! How did you make it happen?

I was determined to succeed in my new found journey, I knew this was what I wanted and there wasn’t any other way. I was lucky enough to have the agency help me every step of the way with applications and travel arrangements and with all my savings I had saved up, packed my bags and was on the plane to New York.

Florian and Marcia

What studies have you pursued in the US?

I am a double major, studying healthcare administration and health studies.

Wow girl, a double major! That is impressive; working so hard I’m surprised you have a special someone in your life.  Who is Florian?

Florian... What can I say... Mmmmh... He is the man I've been praying for, for the past 15yrs. A special man sent to me by God himself.

Amen! How did you two meet? 

We met on a dating website which is quiet common in the US. We have such busy lives, with me working and studying and he being a research scientist in Philadelphia. There just wasn’t enough time to go out and meet people, so this method was most convenient for us and worked!

Ours is a special story: two people from different countries, ethnicity and background leaving their home countries and meeting in a country that is foreign to both of us. Florian is from Germany and well I came to the US on work.  3 countries, 2 people:  Germany meets South Africa in the USA. What can I say it’s an intercontinental love tale.

 

3 countries, 2 people

Indeed it is certainly a “intercontinental love tale” Are there any challenges to dating someone from a different culture?

Oh yes, firstly our ethnicity stands out. Even though the country has come a long way with racial issues, it will always be there all over the world. 

Gurl! Tell me about it! I found that when you in love with someone, you are in love with them it’s the world that sees the difference but the two of you see each other.

That’s it! You can't run from what the world sees and how you feel, so you just deal with it. We both love food, we love experiencing different kinds of cuisines from countries all over the world. We love good things and we enjoy the same music.

Religiously, we are both Catholics so there are no issues in that. That was kind of important to me but not a deal breaker. When it comes to culture there wasn't much if a difference. I feel that dating a European guy was more rewarding than dating an American.

Really!?! How so?

There was an evident cultural difference with an American guy that I didn't necessarily agree with, but they are good people.

 So how does dating a foreign guy compare to dating a South African?

*Laughs* Dating a South African was a different ball game altogether, let's just say I'm happy where I am today! My Florian,  Rocks my world !!❤️️

What about you has changed since you started traveling?

I would say that I’m definitely very open-minded about different cultures. I’ve achieved things that I never imagined I could. I’ve even decided to further my studies as I of all people really believe that education is the key to my success. I’ve been able to adjust being on my own without any family near me and taking important decisions without doubting myself. I still value my families input every now and then but I can say I am more of my own person than I ever was.

How do you see the world since you left South Africa?

There is definitely a bigger world out there that needs to be explored, I was confined within the borders of South Africa, I had never even traveled to other African countries. People live differently all over the world and you seem to take for granted the little things that your own country has to offer. For me, the independence is easily achieved in the USA and you have no choice but to be a hard worker. I love the fact that I can get internet almost anywhere I go, being able to get a car with not much hassles, and being a working girl… feels good, really good. When I first arrived in the USA, the culture shock wasn’t that bad for me, I guess I had already tried to live the American way even before I left home…LOL… I had lots of inspiration as I had mentioned earlier.

Do you like the food? How did you find the culture?

The food took a while to get used to. I must say, I miss our South African food. The braai’s, chakalaka, chicken dust that you get on the corner of the street, vetkoek and mince on a cold winter’s day…ohhhh man!  Those were the days. Local will always be lekker !!! ALWAYS… I miss listening to the traditional Zulu songs, strange but true, what  do they call it again?

uMaskandi music?

Yes! *laughing*  I even miss those horrible taxi rides from Madadeni to eMpangeni, eating Porto and cheese Russians in the back seat. Yes, there’s a lot I miss about South Africa, but I’ve found my new love for the kinds of food I’ve been introduced to here, the culture and the way of life.

The things we appreciate are often the ones that irritated us at the time.  What are the lessons you have learnt whilst abroad?

-Doing things in life that scared you at first can be very rewarding!!!

-   First and foremost, you have to have faith in the Lord Almighty and never give up on your dreams.

-   Despite the culture shock, I observed and learnt from the new environment. I didn’t cling to my life in my home town, instead I took this new opportunity to learn from it and grow as a person.

-  One of my biggest learning areas was to understand different cultures, be more flexible with my beliefs and points of view and to find out that although some people can be very different from you they can also be the biggest part of your life. When you live abroad you understand the value and meaning of things.

-         I try to be more organized, and of course, I appreciate the people closest to my heart and the value of money.

You mentioned that it is now easier for you to make your own decisions without influence, why is it easier now?

I strongly believe that taking a step in your life such as leaving your family, friends, home and all that is familiar to you, moving to a foreign land with absolutely no one to call your own is not for sissies.  Actually surviving the distance and creating a good quality of life for yourself without your support system is for the brave.

 I had no choice but to put in my "big girl panties" and take care of business!  You grow up fast in just one month, you can see the difference. I realized at that point that there was no mommy or daddy to bail me out and advise me in day to day decisions.

The most important person in my life is me. I started to follow my heart and I did things that made me happy and were good for me.

Would you like to see more countries? If so, where to next and why?

Yes, definitely, I would love to visit my family in France, England and Australia. Though my first stop is going to be Germany; Florian and I are going to spend Christmas holidays with his family and I will get the chance to explore his beautiful hometown.

Have you started any new hobbies?

Yes 2! I now enjoy food…I mean really taking the time to explore various kinds of restaurants and the diverse cuisine on offer. Florian and I love to cook, but he is the Master chef in our home. I’ve also recently joined the gym which became very necessary due to hobby number one…Lol…

What message do you want to share out there with other guys and girls of color?

Anything is possible if you believe in it, put your fears aside and work hard for your goal. It is every individual’s right to want the best in life regardless of your race, color or creed.

In Conclusion:

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt during my time living, working and studying abroad is how much you can get to know yourself. Not only have I found out what my limits are but I’ve learnt how to fiercely face my fears.



Living on the edge- Jumping off Moses Mabhida Staduim

I like heights, whilst most people I have encountered are scared of them and view them as a certain death.  I on the other hand get a thrill and a certain calm when I am about to do something daring or what would be considered crazy.  Some people have called my love for heights “white girl tendencies” but what we enjoy has nothing to do with what we look like but everything to do with how we feel when we are doing what we like.

I follow my heart; I do what I Love, I fulfill my curiosity.  I LOVE Adventure,  as long as there is a possibility of getting lost, discovering something new, meeting people and trying something I have never done before.  I am there!  

It’s this love of adventure that led me to the Big Rush Swing Jump at Moses Mabhida stadium.  I wanted to jump of the only swing jump that can be found in a stadium in the whole world. Impressive I know,  and to top it off it is the tallest swing jump in the world at 106metres. 

I arrived, got my safety on and prepared.

The staff at the big rush were highly professional and on top of their game.  When your life hangs on a harness you need to know that the person kitting you up knows what they are doing.  Whilst getting kitted I was impressed to meet a girl from Thohoyandou, Venda who had come to do the Beeeeeeg jump for her 21^st birthday.  She had a party of 5 girls and she was the only one who wanted to jump.  I took to her because here we were kindred spirits who just wanted to jump, because we’re curious beings.

Before the Jump with the Birthaday girl all the way from Thohoyondo

350 steps can you say YEAH!

We had a grueling 350 steps before we reached the top, as taxing as the climb was, seeing the skyline of Durban was alone well worth it.  Once I had caught my breath, we made our way across the beam 1 by 1.  The wind was scarier than walking across the beam it was blowing so hard I was afraid it would blow me away! I even asked the guy as they were hooking me up to the jump rope to please hold me back as I was really worried I would be whooshed away instead of jumping as I had planned.

1, 2, 3! And I Jumped.  Time stood still, I had opened my mouth to scream but I heard nothing.  It was only when I felt my tummy reattaching itself to my body that I actually heard my scream blustering throughout the stadium.

I did it! swinging like a pendulem I felt as giddy as a teenager in love.   





Thursday Travel Inspiration: Out on the Ocean with Rynae Grewan

When we leave high school, we often wonder how our former classmates are doing.  What they are up to and if life is treating them kindly?  It was this curiosity and Facebook (thank you technologyJ ) that helped me track down Rynae Grewan, a former school mate to find out why he chose to venture into the open water instead of sticking to the rivers that we are all used to.   Read on as Rynae shares his story with us.

“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.” Napoleon Hill

Who is Rynae Grewan?

 I was born in Winterton, Kwa- Zulu Natal on the 12^th August 1985, a small farm town on the foot of the Drakensburg Mountain Range. I come from a Family of 6 members my dad Richard, mum Salome, and I am the second youngest of four siblings. Namely Serena, Raphael, Rynae and Symone. We later then moved to Newcastle, South Africa (which I call home)…. I attended Lennoxton Primary School then at the age of 13 attended Senior Primary School until it was time to move to Newcastle High School.

I matriculated at Newcastle High School in 2003.  I’ve always had a keen interest in business (got that from my dad), travelling, the great outdoors, health & fitness and sport. In a few descriptive words about myself I am adventurous, bold, daring, friendly, passionate, personable and spirited person.

What inspired you to work abroad and how did your family feel about this decision?

My intention was never to work abroad but just to visit and travel. I didn’t know how I was going to travel but I was going to do it.  Being a health and fitness enthusiast, I took classes in exercise science and sports massage therapy in Johannesburg. It was in one of those lectures I heard about working on cruise liners. So that the ignited the flame to work whilst travelling, killing two birds with one stone if you must.


Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

 When I first told my parents about working on a cruise line, It was like they did not believe me, they didn’t say anything about it. Later on I brought it up again and then they realized I was serious. As a close knit family, it was hard for them to allow me to work abroad for months at a time, but then they realized what a wonderful opportunity I had. It still hurts every time I leave home but they are so happy for me, especially after they hear about all my adventures.

Why did you choose the cruise ship line of work?

Although, I am in hospitality and entertainment now, at the time it was the easiest way to get to travel and it fell in line with my work experience. I had an opportunity to share my expertise with people from all over the world, whilst fulfilling my dreams to travel the world. It could have not worked out better. I am truly blessed.


Aloha  Honolulu -  Hawaii



Do you get to see a lot of the countries? If so which have been your favourite and what cool things have you experienced there?

Oh, yes! Since I started working for Holland America Line in May 2010. I have seen and been to 5 continents, I am looking forward to my 6^th in February next year.

Thus far, I have no favorite. Each country is beautiful in its own unique way.  You cannot compare one country to another. Well, that’s my opinion.

I look back fondly on hikes through the beautiful landscapes of Alaska, zip-lining over through the rainforests of Mexico, cliff diving and sky diving into and over the deep blue waters of Hawaii. I have jumped off waterfalls into lagoons in Fiji, snorkeled in the breathtaking crystal waters of the South Pacific Islands, successfully navigating the alleys of Marrakech and the horseback riding in New Zealand.


At the River Jordan


The opportunity to explore the history and architecture of Europe, discovering the historical Biblical places in Israel and standing in the river Jordan. Experiencing one of the seven wonders of the ancient world- the Great Pyramids in Egypt.  Just to mention a few. I can go on and on….




Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

  What about you has changed since you started travelling?

Traveling has changed me like little else can. I now understand that the world is both a big and small place. It has taught me compassion, to be humble and grateful for what and who I have in my life, to live adventure, I have developed skills that I did not know I had and it has broadened my mind and the way I think, patience, it has given me a sense of curiosity and wonder and how to adapt in different circumstances.

How do you see the world since you left South Africa? Did you transition easily or was it hard?

Hanging out with the kids in Senegal.

The world is made of all its countries and people. We are all flesh and blood just living in different countries and environments. It’s just the way we were brought up from birth that defines who we are, our different backgrounds and cultures. There is nothing that makes one country better than the other. There is not one nationality that is better than another. There is not one food that is tastier than another. It’s all about what you’ve been brought up with. I’ve eaten and tasted food from all over, but I still prefer food from my home, South Africa. The food that I’m used toJ. Everyone has to learn to work with one another in peace and harmony.

What are the lessons you have learnt whilst abroad?

-I have learnt that you cannot please everyone.

-Take risks and don’t let a fear of failure to hold you back.

-When things are not looking up, pick up your head and roll with the punches.

-Don’t be afraid to ask for help and admit when you are wrong.

-How to talk to strangers.

-Surround yourself with positive people and people who will influence in a good way.

Waterfalls, Port Vila

Would you like to see more countries? If so, where to next and why?

Yes, definitely. Once you start travelling You Can’t Stop and why stop now? I just have two more continents to explore then would’ve done all seven. Those continents are Brazil and Asia. There’s still so much to see and venture. A country that I would love to still do is Antarctica. It’s like a different world out there.

Have you started any new hobbies, business whilst abroad?

No, that’s tough working on a cruise line. You never in one country long enough to start something. However you do meet people with great ideas and opportunities.

On Top of the World - AB Mountain- Skagway, Alaska

What message do you want to share out there with other guys and girls of colour?

 Learn to love yourself and others,  it will take you a long way. Do not be jealous of others. Be contents nothing comes easy, it takes hard work and

Perseverance

 If you get a chance, travel. I have given you enough reason to do so.