Error Fares - What Are They And How To Book One

If you've ever wondered how people manage to score insanely cheap flights when you're still getting the same old fares from your travel agent then hopefully this article will enlighten you to the world of error fares or mistake fares, and how easy they are to find and purchase. This is the story of my latest error fare flight that is coming up in November and how to book one for yourself.

My Latest Error Fare

At the start of September I was exploring Baltimore for the first time and visiting the Museum of Art. After a couple hours of art appreciation I decided to take advantage of their wifi to post some of my day so far on my Instagram Stories when an error fare alert popped up that there was a new error fare from Toronto, where I am currently based, to Paris for only $169 CAD round trip ($135 USD). A flight like that is usually closer to $700 at its cheapest.

I knew I would have very little time to decide so I quickly checked my calendar, made sure I was going to be in Toronto when the deal was on, chose some dates that looked okay and booked. This took less than 10 minutes. This error fare flight lasted just over an hour and I got in about half way through. If I had taken any longer I would have missed out.

I’m often asked how I can afford to travel as much as I do and error fares are one of the main reasons why. These insanely cheap flights make travel affordable since airfare and accommodation are usually the biggest expenses when you travel.It helps that I’m flexible but I believe that if you’re prepared anyone can take advantage of a fare like this one. Here’s some information on how to book your very own error fare and you might also get to experience world famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower sooner than you think!

This will be my view in November :D

What is an error fare?

An error fare or mistake fare is a pricing mistake by the airline or travel agency. It could be a technical issue or come down to something as simple as someone forgetting a zero. It’s basically a fare that was never meant to be but someone stumbles upon it and thanks to the glory of the internet, we all get to find out about it before it gets fixed.

There are error fares for one way flights, return flights and even business and first class flights. Sometimes there are even error fares for hotels. I’ve gone into more details before about how to find great deals for your next vacation, including which sites usually post error fares.

I often get asked if I can find an error fare to a particular destination but that’s not how this works. Error fares pop up for random destinations and most of the time it’s not something that you can use. Namibia to The Seychelles was a recent one, if only I lived near Namibia…

When the stars align, though, and it’s a place that you actually want to go to AND the flight leaves from your home city AND the dates fit in with your schedule, it’s your duty to book that ish.

How to Book An Error Fare

Step 1

The alert that pops up from Secret Flying

Firstly set up an error fare alert so that when an error fare flight is discovered, you find out ASAP. Error fares can last 20 minutes or on rare occasions a whole day but you never know before hand how much time you’ll have. 

Travel Pirates offers a Facebook Message option that can alert you when there are really good deals. Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Fares and Fly 4 Free all have Facebook and Twitter pages that will be updated as soon as they discover a deal. You can turn on notifications but this will give you ALL of their deals, not just error fares.

My personal preference is to set up an IFTTT error fare alert. IFTTT (If This Then That) is a website that connects all the websites and apps that you use with a trigger system to perform certain actions on your behalf. In this instance, if Secret Flying sends a tweet that uses the phrase “error fare” then I get a notification on my phone. I also have one set up just for my home city.

This is the exact alert that I use on IFTTT: https://ifttt.com/applets/37951669d-error-fare-from-secretflying

Just follow the instructions on the IFTTT website and you’ll be all set up ready to get an error fare alert when the next error fare flight is found.

Step 2

Now you want to make sure you’re as clear as possible about when you’re available to take a vacation. Error fares are all about flexibility. Are you willing to go on your own or do you need to have a friend or family with you? If the latter is the case then make a rough plan so if an error fare does come up and they’re not contactable, you’re confident enough to book on their behalf.

Secret Flying gives you some sample dates that they were able to find with the error fare price but you can allow a little bit of time to experiment for dates that work better for you. Not too much time though!

Example dates for booking an error fare flight

Step 3

Don’t hesitate! There was an error fare recently to Lima, Peru and it lasted half an hour. I missed out by minutes! The reason why it took me so long was I just wasn’t sure I wanted to go to Peru. I’d already been twice before but I knew there were a lot of places that I had missed out on. I messaged friends and asked their opinion and by the time I made up my mind it was too late.

Once you’ve booked

Don’t book anything else. Don't pay for any hotels or tours for at least a couple of days. An error fare flight is never guaranteed and some airlines are notorious for not honouring the fares. Once you’ve received an e-ticket, then you’re in and shouldn’t need to worry.

Wait for 48 hours and there will either be an announcement by the airline or the booking agent or you will get contacted to be advised that you got a refund. The best thing about booking an error fare is that if it doesn’t happen then you get a full refund so there’s no harm.

The other important thing is to not contact the airline or the travel agency. Sometimes people freak out about whether the fare is real or if they’re going to get their money back and will get in touch with the airline to ask questions. This is just ruining it for everyone else and also reducing the chances that you will get an e-ticket in time. If the deal gets shut down in between you booking the ticket and them sending you an e-ticket then you’re also out of luck.

So that’s it! Sounds easy and it is once you’ve got everything prepared for your chance to book your very own error fare. Good luck and come back and let me know what insanely cheap flights you manage to score!

Want more great travel tips? Check out these posts!

Luxury Trips To Costa Rica

Imagine this: You wake up at 5 am to your alarm for your early morning hike to the Arenal volcano. You’re a little bit cranky, craving coffee and just want to get back into bed instead of attempting your sweaty hike up a mosquito filled, rainforest shrouded volcano. When you open your eyes, however, your view is filled with the volcano you’re about to climb and someone is gently knocking on the door with a cup of freshly brewed coffee that you can already smell and advising that the breakfast you ordered the night before will be ready for you just before you leave. This is just what you can expect when pairing a luxury vacation with an adventure location.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodation with the jungle, beach and volcanoes at your back door, then Costa Rica is a perfect destination. Maybe you’re planning a honeymoon, destination wedding or just need some special time away, a splurge on a trip to Costa Rica will open up the best of Costa Rica luxury homes, villas and resorts. The following guide gives you all the information you need to plan the perfect luxury vacation without the need of a travel agent.

I'm always giving you advice on how to budget for travel and how to find the best deals but what if you just want to have the best possible vacation you can for a week or two? I am not usually lucky enough to experience this type of scenario but on occasion it is so nice to treat myself, and one of my favourite places to do this is in Central America. You get so much luxury for much less than you would back home.

Safety in Costa Rica

If you’ve never visited Costa Rica, then the first thing you’re probably asking is, “Is it safe???” Out of all countries I’ve visited in Central America (and I’ve been to them all), I would consider Costa Rica to be the safest. The country is so centred around tourism and ensuring they have first class services for visitors that you will feel safer than wandering around your own city.

While pick pocketing and thefts of opportunity take place in the bigger cities, like San Jose, violent crime is rare and in all the time I have traveled around the country, I have only been witness to one theft - someone leaving their day pack in the rack above the seats on a local bus. Not a smart move anywhere and if you’re taking private transport, like the many shuttles available, or renting a car, then you will be fine.

Here are some things to avoid to make sure you stay safe:

• Avoid driving after dark. Some roads can surprise you and turn into a rough dirt road when you’re not expecting it.
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended in your rental car.
• Stay away from deserted areas, like the beach, at night.
• Be mindful when visiting the ATM. Stash your money safely and head straight from the ATM back to your hotel.
• Be careful where you swim. Check with your hotel for advice on the safest places to swim. The surf can be rougher than you’re used to at home and accidents can quickly happen even if you’re a strong swimmer.
• Avoid crowded areas and protect yourself against pickpockets.

Costa Rica Budget

Costa Rica is a great destination for all budgets. I’ve traveled there as a budget backpacker and also forked out when I needed a more luxury vacation. For those looking for a luxury vacation in Costa Rica you’ll be surprised at how affordable your holiday can still be.

For tours, accommodation and meals all together, a good estimate is $275 - $500 per person per day. This budget will allow you to stay in the best hotels or resorts, private shuttle vans and daily activities like scuba diving and snorkelling trips, private tours and some pampering time.

With this higher end budget you can afford to fly to different destinations around Costa Rica. This is a great option to get to the remote but so worth it, Osa Peninsula.

My Top 7 Costa Rica Activities

These are some of my favourite activities around Costa Rica. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything but if you drill down on what you’re most interested in, then you could definitely fill a one or two week itinerary. Whether you’re into nature, want some adrenaline-fuelled adventure or just want to see a cute sloth up close, Costa Rica really does have everything.

Corcovado National Park and Cano Island

With so may activities available in the Osa Peninsula you could easily spend your whole vacation right here. The highlights, though, are a hike in the Corcovado National Park and a snorkel or dive trip to Cano Island. I could write a while post about the Osa Peninsula (and will soon) but basically expect to be surrounded by so many animals that you will eventually get bored of monkey and sloth spotting and start checking out the other smaller critters crawling around. 

On this trip, I saw three different species of monkey, sloths, a giant family of coati (these guys literally surrounded my group and we had to wait for them to pass. Animals get right of way in the jungle!), crocodiles, birds, giant insects and tapirs.

On the way to my snorkelling trip around Cano Island, my boat spotted whales and also had some friendly dolphins play around our boat. During the snorkel I spotted a whole bunch of fish (I never know what they’re called) and turtles! If you’re into wildlife, then trust me and head to the Osa Peninsula. You’ll even get to see animals when you’re back at your hotel. It’s so remote that there really is no boundary to where they go.

White water rafting

There are a few different options for rafting in Costa Rica but my personal favourite is white water rafting on the Pacuare River. A one day trip will test your skills against 52 rapids with the opportunity to spot some unique wildlife along the river. Exploradores is a great company with an excellent safety record that offers single day and multi day rafting trips along the river.

Zip lining

Did you know recreational zip lining was invented in Costa Rica?? Even if you’ve tried it before, zip lining is a must do in Costa Rica and there really is one for everyone. For the timid and first timers, you can try an aerial tram, where you are safely enclosed on all sides. For the adventurous travelers, you can go one step further and try a super man style zip line.

Volcano Hike

Costa Rica is filled with some epic hikes but there’s just something about being able to surmount a volcano that makes me feel all Indiana Jones. One of the best volcano hikes is the Arenal volcano in the La Fortuna area. During the hike you get to walk over old lava flows and through primary rainforest. It’s an often elusive one to see but when you do catch it not snuggled up to the clouds, it’s makes the wait worthwhile.

Swim in a waterfall or lounge in a hot spring

Central America is the land of waterfalls and if you’ve travelled enough through the region, you might find yourself suffering from what I diagnose as “Waterfall Fatigue”. Pick your waterfalls carefully and don’t let this happen to you! One of my favourite waterfalls is also in La Fortuna, the La Fortuna Waterfall.

One of the best things about this waterfall is that it’s accessible so that anyone can view it from the highest viewpoint.  You can see the water spouting out from the base of the dormant Chato volcano, fall 70 meters to a tropical pool below. Once you’re had enough of the view and if you’re feeling game, you can take the staircase that’s carved into the hillside and go for a swim.

You can also find thermal hot springs around the Arenal area and if you plan it well enough, your hotel might be built around a hot spring. There honestly was nothing better than relaxing in the evening in a mini pool filled with thermal water from the volcano, cocktail in hand (from the swim-up bar) while catching glimpses of the Arenal volcano with the moon overhead.

Tortuguero canoeing

Touring through the canals in the remote Tortuguero is a peaceful opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park. I saw the most wildlife on this trip, including getting up close and personal to a timid caiman. As you glide smoothly and quietly through the rivers and narrow channels you will spot lots of birds, frogs, monkeys and huge lizards. I recommend getting in touch with Victor Barrantes from Tortuguero Infocenter for tour packages.

I could go on and on about things to do in Costa Rica but you’ll soon find out that the sky’s the limit here. Costa Rica also has some great yoga and meditation retreats, surfing spots for beginners to learn or the advanced to get a challenge, stand up paddle boarding, horse riding on the beach, spelunking and you get the idea.

Where to Stay

Now the fun part! Where should you stay? Costa Rica has a slew of resorts, villas, hotels and also some more adventurous options that still provide a luxury experience. Here are some of my favourites around the country.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

The Tabacon is located in the town of La Fortuna where you can find the Arenal volcano and also the La Fortuna waterfall. All rooms have rainforest views and some have views of the volcano but the best part of this resort is that there are 18 hot springs on the property for you to enjoy. Rooms are large with a modern design and the resort prides itself on its eco-friendly approach.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Ylang Ylang is Montezuma's only resort right on the beach. Think white sand beach and lush gardens surrounding the property with the chance for spotting monkeys in the trees. 

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Rio Perdido

A perfect mix between authenticity, nature and luxury, Rio Perdido is in a location like nothing you have seen before. They actually have an adventure playground on their property with wold-class trails for biking, zip lining over their own canyon, a variety of hikes and white water rafting. You could honestly spend your whole vacation right here.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Waterfall Villas Wellness Retreat

A beautiful Balinese-style paradise in Costa Rica, Waterfall Villas is the perfect place to let your creative energy flow, with special workshops on topics such as Chinese Watercolor Painting, Astrology, Tai Chi, and Feng Shui. Dominical is a great spot to base yourself in Costa Rica because you have easy access to the stunning and remote Osa Peninsula.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Playa Cativo Lodge

I've saved the best for last. Playa Cativo is so exclusive that you can only access it by private boat. All rooms have stunning ocean views in a natural setting. Not only do you have a private beach to laze around in but you also have gardens (filled with butterflies!), lush pool and a dedicated air-conditioned library. When I think of luxury in Costa Rica, Playa Cativo is the first that comes to mind.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

For more travel inspiration from Central America check out the latest articles below!

The Infamous Travel Pouch - Is It Ever Worth It?

Ever got robbed of all your belongings while travelling in a sketchy country that your mum warned you over and over about while crying into her morning cereal? Not yet? Well if it's something that you're nervous about, you are not alone. Even when I warn people not to spend money on any old travel pouch, I still see the vast majority of new travellers heading out with one of these in their possession.

After I told him this repeatedly during our prep sessions over Skype, my own brother turned up to our brother-sister vacation this year in India with, you guessed it, a travel pouch. How many times did he use it? Just once and then he realised why big sisters are always right, especially ones who have been travelling for over 12 years.

Keep reading if you would like to know when it's still okay to use a travel pouch, travel wallet, money belt or whatever the kids are calling them these days. I also go into my personal favourites and give you some alternatives to consider below.

You can jump straight to my recommended travel pouch options or read more on what's wrong with most travel pouches and when and where you should use one.

What NOT to buy

What's wrong with a Travel Pouch?

The idea of a travel pouch is a good one. You get to hide all of your most valuable possessions on your person so if the worst happens, you won't be left with nothing. The problem with a traditional travel pouch that you pick up from your friendly neighbourhood travel and adventure store is that they're usually poorly designed. 

These are my top five gripes about the traditional travel pouch.

1. The thieves who specialise in lightening your load as a rich and burdened traveller already know about them. The awful travel pouches that you wear around your neck? Yeah, I can see that "neutral" coloured string poking out of your collar and so can little Oliver Twist over there.
2. Unless you're travelling in the depths of winter, there's no hiding that 4 inches of passport, cash and travel pouch material protruding from your chest and through your t-shirt. Not only is it not discreet but you look like you're wearing some old timey pace maker from the 1700's.
3. Some pouches will leave you sweaty in one lovely little patch. If you're an extra sweaty person (like one of my exes) then your sweat patch can be like a giant bullseye on your body showing the thieves where to target.
4. Got boobs? Then just no. Imagine where that heavy dangly pouch is supposed to sit on your body. Ugh.
5. Need to access money from your secret friend inside of your shirt? Then you can either lift your shirt up (see point 4) or drag your overweighted pal awkwardly through the opening of your shirt revealing your hidden travel pouch for all to see. So very attractive and practical.

Where to keep al my dollar bills yall?

When to use your travel pouch?

Some travellers love using their travel pouch all day, e'ry day. Don't be that person. Even if you were travelling in Afghanistan there's no need for that level of neurosis. Also, if you're travelling in Afghanistan you probably have bigger problems to worry about. If you can get by in your own city without clinging to a travel pouch then you should be fine in most cities in the world.

Saying that, there are some specific instances when I DO recommend wearing a travel pouch.

1. Travel days

 If you're going from one city to another and travelling on a bus, plane, train or whatever has been invented by the time you read this. I love to have some emergency money and a spare credit card stashed away everywhere, including on my person. If my airline loses my check-in, no biggie. If some one nabs my day pack, it's cool, I have a back up. If I'm in a desperate situation and someone happens to steal everything or maybe I had to jump from a sinking ship, then I'll always have $100 US on me and a spare credit card.

2. Withdrawing a large sum of money

Some parts of the world are still very reliant on cash and you'll be hard pressed to get by without having some money on you. When you sign up for a big tour or need to pay off your accommodation all in one go you'll likely have a wad of cash to deal with. I suggest having some sort of travel pouch/wallet so that you can keep that money on you when you make your way from the ATM and back to your hotel.

3. While sleeping in a dodgy place

This might never apply for some of you lucky folk but I know that sometimes I have slept in a hostel where my instincts were telling me that something wasn't quite right. At these times I like to sleep with my emergency cash and important docs on me. Even if there's a safe or locker available, sometimes you just have to trust your gut and cuddle your passport.

Travel Pouches to Buy

So now you know what not to wear and when you you should consider using a travel pouch, here are some of my favourite options available.

Spibelt

This is a great travel pouch option if you like keeping fit while travelling. Heck, even if you only exercise once a month like me and live in a world of denial about your fitness regime, this little belt is a comfortable alternative to a traditional travel pouch and is what I actually use.

They come in a bunch of different colours and the size is adjustable. You can choose to wear one right underneath your chest (which is what I do on travel days) or on your waist. The pocket stretches as well so it can expand to fit your passport and emergency money and cards or just your hotel key and phone.

Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet w/ RFID Blocker

This Shacke money and passport wallet leans more towards the traditional travel wallet design but I love the idea of looping it through your belt without all the extra band that you would usually get with a complete travel belt. Basically you loop your belt through it, stick it in between your pants and your undies and you're good to go.

It's one of the few travel belts where you cant tell you're wearing one. It's out of sight and impossible to pick pocket. It also offers three separate compartments for the organisers amongst us and provides RFID protection.

Pacsafe Secret Bra Pouch

This is one for the ladies out there. A great alternative to the neck pouch options that can store some credit cards and cash. The only downside is you won't be able to fit your passport in here so you'll still need to stash that somewhere you feel comfortable. I usually keep mine in a secret pocket in my day pack if I need to take it with me or leave it in a safe place in my hotel.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Want more travel tips? Check out some more great posts here!

Vegan Resorts and Hotels for the Conscious Traveler

If you're the kind of person that gets excited by the mention of "scrambled tofu" then this one is for you. Over the last 13 years of travelling around the world I have had the delight of staying in some hotels and resorts that happily cater to vegans. These places have been a beacon of light when I’m travelling through some of the more remote locations in my never-ending travel bucket list.

With this list of vegan resorts and hotels, I hope to inspire you to get out there and explore this beautiful world of ours and not feel like you’re limited by your choice to be vegan. This guide provides you with a list of some of the best vegan resorts, hotels, and b&bs around the world, some are vegan-friendly and will happily provide you with vegan meals and some are 100% vegan.

Vegan Resorts and Hotels Around The World

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort (Mayan Riviera, Mexico)

I couldn’t start this round-up without introducing you to the only resort I know that has a vegan restaurant on-site. This resort is especially special to me because it’s where my little sister recently chose to get married. We’re both vegetarian and knew that we wanted our family to experience an eco-resort with real sustainable values while surrounded by nature, a beautiful beach and plenty of space to explore.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Apoyo Lodge (Laguna De Apoyo, Nicaragua)

A health and wellness boutique hotel found on the shores of the magical waters in Laguna de Apoyo. Apoyo Lodge provides 100% organic plant based meals, yoga, dance and fitness classes, and lake and forest view cabins.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Booking.com

For a more budget friendly, option check out this backpacker resort in Laguna De Apoyo nearby. 

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort (Montezuma, Costa Rica)

Ylang Ylang is the area's only resort right on the beach and they have a vegan and raw food menu at their on-site restaurant. Think white sand beach and lush gardens surrounding the property with the chance for spotting monkeys in the trees. A real gem for vegans and vegetarians in Costa Rica.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Serenity Sands (Corozal, Belize)

If you're looking for something off the grid but still appreciate the allure of a resort then Serenity Sands in Belize is a great option. You'll feel at home on this small property and will be well looked after by your host, Penny. Best part is that breakfast is 100% vegan.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices:  Booking.com

The Stanford Inn by the Sea (California, USA)

A tranquil, private and sustainable inn on the pacific coast. The Stanford Inn offers canoeing, biking, and vegan cheesemaking classes in a beautiful respite on the sea. Pets are also welcome!

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia

Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve (Lake Atitlan, Guatemala)

Combine luxury and sustainability with a stay at Laguna Lodge. Located on the beautiful Lake Atitlan and accessible only by boat, you know you will have complete peace and quiet here. Lake Atitlan is also the most beautiful lake I have ever seen and is said to have magical properties by the alternative minded travelers that flock here. Check out my full review of the popular Indian's Nose hike where you can get a sunrise view of the whole lake.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices:  Booking.com

Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Cabot Shores is a private sanctuary on 55-acres with stunning views. It offers a variety of comfy accommodation (chalets,, yurts, domes, tipi and a treehouse!) and an on-site bistro specialising in vegetarian fare using fresh, wild, and local ingredients. Cabot Shores is also pet friendly so you can bring your furry family member.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Waterfall Villas Wellness Retreat (Dominical, Costa Rica)

A beautiful Balinese-style vegan paradise, Waterfall Villas is a huge advocate for vegan food in Costa Rica. The Waterfall Villas is also the perfect place to let your creative energy flow, with special workshops on topics such as Chinese Watercolor Painting, Astrology, Tai Chi, and Feng Shui. Dominical is a great spot to base yourself in Costa Rica because you have easy access to the stunning and remote Osa Peninsula.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Raphael Hotel (Rome, Itlay)

You can find this classic hotel nearby the Pizza Navona in the heart of Rome. The vegetarian-friendly onsite restaurant has more vegetarian options than you could try during a week's stay and offers dining on a terrace with a view over the city.

Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor

Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com

Please share your favourite vegan friendly hotels and resorts in the comments below. I would love to check out more and share with you as I travel.

This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase via these links, I receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. Very small but very appreciated.

The Best Hotels in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is usually skipped over for South Africa's more attractive city in the west, Cape Town. This is unfortunate because within hours of arriving, Johannesburg quickly turned into one my favourite cities. The culture, nightlife, and people suck you in hard so that you find it difficult to ever leave. To enjoy the city you just need to dig under the surface a little bit and ignore its harder edges. You'll easily find that there are many interesting things to see and do in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, like any modern city has some world class accommodation options. This guide provides some of my personal favourite places to stay in the city as well as some more unique accommodation options.

If you're looking for some itinerary options while in South Africa, check out Where to Go in South Africa and Itineraries for South Africa.

Best Budget Options in Johannesburg

Curiocity Backpackers (hostel)

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A hostel with some serious style, Curiocity is located in the heart of Johannesburg’s Maboneng precinct. Curiocity offers interesting tours of the city and surrounding areas as well as regular planned activities like their twice weekly workout sessions, pub crawls, and bicycle tours.

Facilities include an on-site bar, with some excellent coffee to start your morning, a jacuzzi to help cool off in summer, and a large balcony to watch the world go by. They also offer some unique accommodation options, like a Loft and their quirky Relay Space Program

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor

Get the latest prices: Hostelz.com

Once In Joburg (hostel)

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Once in Joburg has a well designed common area, one of the best I’ve seen. Dorm rooms only have two bunks and private rooms are more like a hotel room. If you've never stayed in a hostel, you won't notice the difference!

This hostel is great for those who are seeking the communal benefits of a hostel - common room, shared kitchen and organised activities - but also like the comfort and privacy of a well-maintained hotel. Breakfast is also included.

Get all the full details in my detailed review.

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor 

Get the latest prices: Hostelz.com

Best Eco Hotels in Johannesburg

Thaba Eco Hotel

Thaba is actually a great all-rounder. It offers award winning dinning on site, it's affordable and family-friendly and provides a touch of luxury with dramatic views of the South African bush. 

There's an Eco Kids program on offer as well as nature walks, mountain bike trails and bird watching for the big kids. Thaba Eco Hotel is a great option if you would prefer to relax and enjoy the nature surrounding the city and visit the sites within Johannesburg on day trips.

Check out their reviews on: Trip Advisor

Get the latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Best Luxury Hotels in Johannesburg

Four Seasons Hotel - The Westcliffe

With five modern restaurants, bars and lounges and a full-service spa, this hotel makes it difficult to actually leave so you can explore the city. The Westcliff in Johannesburg is a stylish urban resort elevated on a hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and the prestigious neighbourhoods of the city.

Check out their reviews on: Trip Advisor

Get the latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel

Experience the ultimate in pampering at this central Marriott Hotel. The African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel specialises in luxury and is great for business travelers, families and those looking for an opulent getaway with the benefit of being in the heart of Johannesburg.

African Pride has a chic design and world class service. You won't be left wanting for anything during your stay! The best part is, when you're ready to take a break from all that opulence, you're steps away from the best shopping and dining that Johannesburg has to offer.

Check out their reviews on: Trip Advisor

Get the latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Want more on South Africa? Check out the latest here!

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South Africa Itineraries

South Africa has a lot to offer the adventurous tourist. In just one country you have unique wildlife, sparkling coastlines that stretch as far as you can drive, world-class museums with a past that seriously sucks you in, and a rich culture. 

South Africa is truly a "Rainbow Nation" with white, coloured and indian people living, if not always side-by-side, in relative harmony. The country moves to it’s own beat, an addictive blend of house music and African harmonies.

No matter how long you have in South Africa these itineraries should give you a great taste of the country and make sure you’re making the most of your time while you’re there. Check out my run down of Holiday Destinations in South Africa for more information on my favourite destinations in the country.

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Did you know???

South Africa has the largest population of Indians living outside of India?

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South Africa in 1 week - Cape Town

There are lots of cool things to do in Cape Town to occupy a whole week of your holiday. Base yourself in the city and you can do day trips to nearby beaches and wineries.

• Visit Robben Island - book this ticket in advance and aim for a morning departure. When I visited my trips got cancelled twice due to poor weather and I was eventually successful with a morning departure on my third try

• Try a free walking tour around Bo-Kaap, District 6 and the inner city

• See a show at the legendary Fugard Theatre

• Visit Table Mountain either by attempting a hike or via the Cable Car - check their Facebook page or website for up to date weather and opening hours

• Check out Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - even if you're not a garden person, Kirstenbosch will still captivate you. Plan your visit with their daily tours or during a summer concert

• Spend half a day at one of Cape Town's beautiful beaches

• Day Trips:

  • Stellenbosch wineries

  • Cape Peninsula

  • Whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal)

  • Go on a safari!

Check out the full Cape Town itinerary post for more ideas on what to do and where to stay in Cape Town.

Penguins on Boulders Beach, Simonstown along the Cape Peninsula

South Africa in 1 week - Johannesburg

Base yourself in cultural Jo'burg for a few days and then do some road tripping

• Start in Johannesburg and stay in the neighbourhoods of Maboneng or Braamfontein

• Time your stay around some of the weekly events like Market on Main

• Visit the Apartheid Museum - plan to spend at least 3 hours

• Spend a half day in Soweto with Curiocity Backpackers and visit a township; Vilikazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Prize winners and, try some local beer and lunch Soweto style

• Kruger National Park - (2 or 3 nights)

• Drakensberg (2 nights)

The Garden Route - 10-14 days

Get out of the city and see how diverse the country is just a short ride away from Cape Town

• Cape Town (3-4 days)

• Wilderness/Knysna (2 -3 nights)

• The Crags/Storms River (2 - 3 nights)

• Oudtshoorn (1 - 2 nights)

• Stellenbosch/Hermanus (1 - 2 nights)

Cape Town to Johannesburg Express - 2 weeks

In two weeks you can get a great sense of South Africa and visit the most popular sights along the way

• Cape Town (2 - 3 nights)

• Oudtshoorn (2 nights)

• The Crags/Storms River/Natures Valley (2 nights)

• Coffee Bay (2 nights)

• Durban - (1 night)

• Upper Drakensberg - (1 - 2 nights)

• Johannesburg (2 nights)

• Kruger National Park (1 - 2 nights)

Elephants heading to lunch in Outdshoorn

Waterfall fun in Northern Drakensberg

Best of South Africa - 3 to 4 weeks

If you’ve got the time you can almost see it all! Give South Africa a month of your life and you’ll definitely leave a changed person.

• Cape Town (3 - 4 nights)

• Hermanus (during whale season) (1 night)

• Oudtshoorn (2 nights)

• Wilderness/Knysna (2 - 3 nights)

• The Crags/Storms River/Natures Valley (2 nights)

• Addo Elephant Park (1 night)

• Hogsback (1 - 2 nights)

• Coffee Bay (2  - 3 nights)

• Durban (1 - 2 nights)

• St Lucia (2 - 3 nights)

• Lower Drakensberg (2 nights)

• Upper Drakensberg (1 - 2 nights)

• Johannesberg (3 nights)

• Kruger National Park (1 - 3 nights)

How to get around

If there’s more than one of you then you should definitely rent a car. This will make your trip much more flexible and it’s by far my favourite way to get around South Africa. The roads are usually great and signs are easy to understand. Even if  you’re on your own, if you can afford it, then this is your best option.

Alternatively, South Africa is easy to navigate by public transport. Using a combination of mainliner bus companies, like Intercape and Translux, and the shared taxi system, you can get to all the places on this list.

See: Why You Don't Need The Baz Bus for more info on your transport options in South Africa

If you have some spare time...

Also consider visiting Mozambique, who have recently announced that they will allow visas on arrival for visitors from countries with and without an embassy. Victoria Falls and Botswana are within driving distance as well or you can get a bus very easily.

Did I miss somewhere?

Let me know in the comments what you would add to the itinerary or where you're most looking forward to visiting

Crossing the border into Lesotho after climbing the Sani Pass

Spotting lions in St Lucia

Does my butt look big in this?

Heading to South Africa soon? Check out more from my South African travels!

Holiday Destinations in South Africa

South Africa has all the cliches that you've heard of before: lions, elephants and rhinos; village life with women carrying their days burden on their heads; sprawling mountain ranges and sparkling coastline; poverty in the townships; and a dark and recent history of racial injustice.

During my time exploring Africa and getting to know its people I also found so much more that intrigued me enough to stay for three months. The holiday destinations in South Africa are so much more than I could have ever imagined. Certainly way more than Cape Town and Kruger National Park.

Driving through the country is an adventure of its own when you go from coast to desert, national park to urban oasis. You can walk amongst thatched huts dotted along the sprawling countryside with an ocean view in  Coffee Bay or live the good life in regenerated precincts in Johannesburg. 

A South Africa vacation also has every type of adventure activity, sky diving, para gliding and even shark cage diving. You can see whole penguin colonies, visit a town that is visited by hippos nightly and even snake through an ancient cave tunnel on your stomach. If you want a relaxing time, there is a whole wine route in Stellenbosch with over 200 producers or you can stay in a luxury lodge right in the heart of one of the many animal reserves.

While spending three months in South Africa, and only leaving because my visa expired, I traveled extensively throughout the country. There are a lot of the out of the way places that I missed out on but I managed to visit all of the towns and sights that I really wanted to including some surprises that I only found out about along the way.

Here’s a list of my favourite places to visit and why I think you should include it in your next South Africa vacation.

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Pair these recommended holiday destinations in South Africa with my South Africa Itineraries.

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Where to go

Cape Town at night from Lion's Head

Cape Town

Cape Town feels very European and modern. I was always in awe of the truly beautiful landscapes that surround the city and the multitude of activities and sights that you can visit. My very first day I was walking through one of the popular markets along the water, turned around to see Table Mountain, and said out loud, "Is that... Table Mountain? It's just right there? Wow! It's beautiful" I certainly got some funny stares.

You can easily spend a whole week exploring Cape Town so make sure you plan well before you get here!

Robben Island is worth it just for the boat ride alone where you can spot whales if you're lucky. It's an island full of history and the comprehensive tour includes a bus trip around the island and a chance to view the cell of Nelson Mandela.

You can try a free walking tour around Bo-Kaap, District 6 or the inner city and at night see a show at the legendary Fugard Theatre. Table Mountain is a must see either by attempting a hike or via the Cable Car  and I loved Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Lastly, you can spend half a day at one of Cape Town's beautiful beaches but only the brave will attempt to swim in the icy cold water. Trust me, you're a brave soul if you can get past the numbing feeling once the bottoms of your feet touch the wet sand.

Check out my Cape Town itinerary post for more ideas to help you plan your time in Cape Town.

View from Lion's Head at sunset

Stellenbosch

A half day or full day visiting the wineries in South Africa is time well spent and the Stellenbosch region is chock full of them. Try a day tour if you'd like to leave the driving responsibilities up to someone else. Also fun to see the new group of strangers start off as future wine sommeliers by describing the mouth feel, legs and other wine related rubbish, and then by the end of the day you're all best friends who really just want to throw another glass down your throat. Fun times.

Hermanus (during whale watching season)

Whale watching at its laziest, you can sit on the shore during wale watching season (July to November) and spot these impressive creatures swimming by. Hailed as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world, in Hermanus you can even take a sea kayak out if you're feeling extra brave.

Oudtshoorn

One of my favourite towns in South Africa, Oudtshoorn has a lot to offer in a small space so it's easy to see most things in a couple of days. Caving, ostrich farms, wildlife spotting, elephant hugging and one of the most beautiful routes in all of Africa, the Swartberg Mountain Pass. If you're not claustrophobic, I highly recommend the Adventure Tour in Cango Caves.

Wilderness/Knysna

A great base for exploring the Garden Route of South Africa, both these towns are within easy reach of most of the beach activities along this coast. Wilderness gives you some great small town action, while Knysna is a lot more developed with greater options for accommodation. If you’re up for some hiking, camping, kayaking and serious beach time, then this is a great option. Also consider nearby Plettenberg Bay. It’s known for being a quieter version of Knysna.

The Crags/ Storms River/Natures Valley

Loads more hiking opportunities are available as well as some of my favourite wildlife spotting opportunities. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are both worth the visit and you can even access the popular Addo Elephant Park from here.

Hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park, kayaking, mountain biking, zip lining, sky diving and bungee jumping from the world’s highest bungee at the Bloukrans Bridge are some of the adventure activities in the area.

Robberg Nation Park

Hogsback

Hogsback isn’t going to be for everyone. Inspiration for many poems and novels, Hogback has a fairytale-like feel. Home to many trails and known for its waterfalls, gardens and views, its a great place to watch the sunset, listen to the birds sing and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding mountains. 

Coffee Bay

This was one of my favourite towns in all of South Africa. You really get to be off-the beaten track here and experience the wild coast in a small South African village. Coffee Bay is located about one hour and half drive off the main highway along a dirt road and you get to dodge wildlife while avoiding pot holes and locals.

There are some classic hikes including The Hole in the Wall hike, a 9 km coastal hike takes you through some of the  remote rural villages in the area and up to the Mpako River that passes through the Hole in the Wall. There’s cliff jumping, waterfalls and caves to explore as well as some great surf spots.

You must stay at Coffee Shack when you’re in town. They offer some unique accommodation right on the beach and has such a fun environment that it’s hard for anyone to be left out. They also offer some reasonably priced day trips to the nearby attractions, provide surf lessons and rent equipment. I am 100% not getting paid to say that, I just loved it there.

Village life in Coffee Bay

The Hole in the Wall, Coffee Bay

Durban

This doesn’t appear on a lot of lists but I feel like Durban is definitely worth at least a day to experience a different side of South Africa. Durban is unique due to its mostly Indian population and its definitely the best place in the country to experience this culture.

You can surf, swim and scuba dive along Durban’s Golden Mile - a 3.7 mile stretch of sandy beach and these will be some of the warmest waters you’ll experience in South Africa - a lot warmer then Cape Town. There are also some world class national parks nearby which makes Durban a comfortable base for a couple of days.

Don’t forget to try some Bunny Chow while you’re in town!

St Lucia

St Lucia was one of my pleasant surprises in South Africa. I had heard about it along the way but it wasn’t until I got to Johannesburg that I decided to pop down to visit. The biggest attraction for me was the fact that hippos come out of the water at night time. 

You can do boat safaris to see these guys during the day but the real treat is to drive down to the water once it gets dark and (carefully) watch the hippos as they leave the safety of the water and wander around for some yummy grass as a late-night snack. Please don’t get out of your car, get too close or try to interact with the hippos. They can still be very dangerous outside of the water.

Besides the mighty hippos, St Lucia is also packed full of activities and also has two great nature reserves close by. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, is home to the big five and is one of the best places in the country in which to see the endangered rhino.  Cape Vidal offers  two diverse environments, the wildlife of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the marine life of the Indian Ocean.

Sleepy cheetah in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park

Drakensberg and Lesotho

The whole Drakensberg area is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and challenging hikes. It’s also the gateway to Lesotho where you can spend a day or more getting know a vastly different country. I recommend visiting via the Sani Pass either on foot (if you’re seriously intense) or by 4x4 (if you’re a regular sane person). 

The Sani Pass is the only vehicle route over the Drakensberg escarpment and into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. It is a memorable track snaking its way through the rocky cliffs to the top of the world. Before the 1950's, it was a trail for pack animals to carry goods through to the isolated town of Mokhotlong in Eastern Lesotho. The Basotho have a unique African mountain culture and live in traditional rondavels (huts), herd goats and sheep in the high mountains and grow crops by ox-ploughing and hand-hoeing.

The highest point in Lesotho, made even higher from the top of my 4x4

A Basotho man showing me his rondavel

Johannesburg

Jo’burg or Josie as it is known by the locals was my favourite place in South Africa. The city moves to its own beat of addictive house music and shows of its colours in the bright designs of the stylish men and women and the thoughtful murals painted within its reclaimed neighbourhoods.

Jo’burg is worth at least a couple of days, if only to visit the The Apartheid Museum, a site that touches every visitor. Constitution Hill, where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi once served time is an educational experience. The Cradle of Humankind is nearby where you can visit the birthplace of humanity and Pilanesberg Game Reserve is also within driving distance. While you’re in the city you can experience the culture through art galleries, walking tours in the city and surrounding townships and eat at some of the best restaurants in the country.

If you're planning to visit check out my round up for the most unique places to stay in Johannesburg for any budget or check out this updated list of what's on in Johannesburg. If you're up for a private game reserve, check out Shindzela Safari Camp near to Kruger.

South Africa is one of the few countries that I plan to return to one day and I know that it will be a whole new country by then because its constantly going through such big changes. I have some great memories of the people I was lucky to meet along the way and the land that really opened up to me. I know there's much more to explore so if you have any advice on some of your favourite places please let me know the details in the comments!

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Now that you're more familiar with the best holiday destinations in South Africa, make sure to check out my recommended South Africa Itineraries to help you plan your trip even further.

Up for more wildlife encounters? Check out these epic wildlife experiences!

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Check out the latest posts in South Africa

Should You Use the Baz Bus in South Africa?

2025 Update: Baz Bus has made some significant changes since my last update and bus travel in South Africa as a whole is a completely different ball game. I’ve updated the guide to show Baz Bus’ changes and also a differing view of who Baz Bus might suit.

When I was planning a trip to South Africa it was hard to avoid any mention of the “backpacker bus” called Baz Bus. It’s in all of the guides and you’ll find mentions on most of the hostel websites. I initially thought something like this would not be my style but when planning my first trip in South Africa, I wasn’t sure how difficult it was going to be to get around.

In past years, this service was met with mixed reviews in various Baz Bus reviews and on platforms like TripAdvisor. However, times have changed. Now operating exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus in South Africa has reinvented itself to meet the evolving needs of backpackers and independent travelers.

After a total of six months in South Africa across two trips, and speaking with numerous other travelers, I formed a pretty solid opinion of the Baz Bus and even tried it out for myself. Hopefully, this information will help you plan your own trip and decide whether the Baz Bus is for you or not. This article aims to provide a balanced, in-depth perspective on the service by comparing it to other bus travel in South Africa, reviewing personal driving experiences on the road, and sharing tips for making the most of your journey.

What’s New with Baz Bus?

In response to past criticisms and changing travel needs in South Africa, the Baz Bus team has recently overhauled its service. The biggest change is Baz Bus SA now sticks to a single route—the Garden Route.

• Daily Runs and Clearer Operating Hours: They run buses every day (with a slightly lighter schedule in the off-season), so you’re not stuck waiting for days on end.

• Lower Prices: Prices have dropped considerably—hop on hop off passes now start at around $119, down from a $199 starting price when I first used them.

• Online Flexibility: A new online login lets you shift your bus dates and times up to 12 hours before departure, which sounds like a win if things change suddenly.

• Social Vibe: They’ve added social activities at various stops—quizzes, karaoke sessions, and such—to help break up the ride. This seems to have contributed to much improved Baz Bus reviews, including a recent 96% overall rating on TripAdvisor.

What is the Baz Bus?

The Baz Bus is a hop on hop off bus service that connects travelers to South Africa’s Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It offers a flexible and social alternative to public transport, rental cars, and guided tours.

Designed for independent explorers who still want structure, it allows you to book one pass covering all bus journeys, with pickups at hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, and drop-offs at carefully chosen towns and hidden gems. Buses run daily, and you can change your schedule online up to 12 hours before departure. Drivers double as local guides, sharing stories and tips along the way, making the journey more than just a ride.

The service is popular among solo travelers looking to meet like-minded adventurers while avoiding the stress of driving. Compared to renting a car, it’s cheaper and safer, with no parking worries.

There are two pass options to choose from. You can either buy:

• A hop-on, hop-off pass to your chosen destination and get on and off as many times as you want along the way, in one direction within one year; or

• A travel pass from a chosen starting point and get on and off as many times as you want, in any direction (back and forth), within a specific period.

A ticket on the Baz Bus will cost you from $119 with an additional discount when booking more than one passenger. It includes:

• One 23kg bag and one small hand luggage

• Unlimited free bus and date changes

• Discounts on restaurants and accommodation

My Baz Bus Review: Pros and Cons

No transport option is perfect. Here’s a balanced look at the key benefits and challenges of the current Baz Bus service based on my experiences and recent feedback from fellow travelers.

Some advantages of using Baz Bus include:

• Door-to-Door Service: The convenience of being picked up directly at your accommodation is a major draw, especially for first-time visitors who may not be comfortable navigating local public transport (and South African bus stations)

• Daily Departures & Predictability: The improved schedule means less downtime waiting for the next bus and more time enjoying the journey.

• Social Atmosphere: Organized activities like quizzes and karaoke provide a relaxed environment to meet other travelers. In many Baz Bus reviews, passengers have praised the friendly, community feel onboard.

• Cost-Effectiveness for Solo Travelers: The new pricing structure makes Baz Bus tickets more affordable than renting a car on your own. For solo backpackers, this can be a particularly attractive option.

• Flexibility: The online login system allows you to change travel dates and times with ease, giving you the freedom to adjust your itinerary as plans evolve.

Some disadvantages of Baz Bus are:

• Limited Coverage: By focusing exclusively on the Garden Route, Baz Bus no longer serves areas like Johannesburg or Durban. Travelers looking to explore beyond the Garden Route will need to consider other options, such as renting a car, flying, or using public transport.

• Not Ideal for the Experienced Traveler: If you’re comfortable with independent travel and have experience with bus travel in South Africa, you might find the structured schedule and stops a bit restrictive. Some travelers prefer the freedom of self-driving in South Africa, especially when compared with the more leisurely pace of the Baz Bus timetable.

What Are the Other Options for Garden Route Travel?

If you’re considering bus travel in South Africa, it’s a good idea to weigh your choices. Here’s a comparison of Baz Bus with the more traditional public buses and even the option of renting a car.

Using Public Transport

South Africa offers a range of public bus options through companies like Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. These services usually boast comfy, reclining seats and air conditioning, yet they don’t offer door-to-door pickups like Baz Bus does.

Public buses are generally more direct, with fewer stops, which means you might get to your destination faster, yet you miss out on that extra bit of social interaction and the convenience of being dropped off right at your accomodation. If speed is your priority and you’re less interested in the communal vibe, public buses could be a better fit.

Prices on public buses can be incredibly low—sometimes as little as R180 for shorter routes. Here are some examples of bus prices in 2025:

• Cape Town to Stellenbosch: R180

• Mossel Bay to Wilderness: R180

• Swellendam to Plettenberg Bay: R220

• Hermanus to George: R300

• Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: R303

There are also mini-van taxis that can help you get from one neighboring town to another for R15 or more. These are easy and cheap once you’ve caught a couple and are a great way to spend some time with actual locals. One of my first memories in South Africa was taking a mini-van taxi and singing along to the radio with a car full of people. We were squished but had a great time!

The (Huge) Downsides of Public Buses

After saying all that, I couldn’t personally recommend public bus travel to anyone anymore. A decade ago, taking a long-distance public bus in South Africa was a solid budget-friendly option, but things have changed. Reports of violent attacks, hijackings, and conflicts within the transport industry have made public buses less reliable and, in some cases, outright dangerous.

That said, if you’re sticking to a well-traveled route and have thoroughly researched the current safety situation, public buses can still be an option. Some travelers continue to use them without issues, but the risks have increased significantly, and it’s not as carefree as it once was.

Pit stop while hitching a ride with a fellow traveler in Oudtshoorn

Hire a Car

Another great option if you have a driver’s licence is to hire a car. My last trip to South Africa was mostly self-drive as I had a friend with me and it worked out to be around USD $30 per day. Most roads in South Africa are paved and easy to navigate and you will be able to make your own schedule and access places that even the buses don’t often go to.

Having your own car also makes it a lot easier to get to sights and activities which means you don’t need to spend money on expensive tours that you can do on your own.

A great example of this is the popular waterfall hike in Northern Drakensberg. Amphitheatre Backpackers charges R3100 for a day trip where you can easily do the hike on your own, pack your own lunch, and save over R500 per person if you can just drive the two-hour-long trip to the top of the trailhead.

Why You Might Not Want to Rent a Car

There are two big downsides of car rental. The first applies to getting around anywhere in the world, not specifically in South Africa. If you’re traveling on your own, you really miss out on the opportunity to interact with locals or other travelers. That’s totally fine if you’re an introvert or just happy to meet people at your next stop but, driving down the N2, trying to sneak peeks of the view while attempting to stay on the road can be a lonely prospect for some.

The solution that I discovered on my first trip, was to pick up eager backpackers on the way. I met several solo travelers in hostels and guesthouses who were keen to open up a seat in their hire car just for the pleasure of some company on the way. On my last trip, I was with a friend but we were traveling for a few weeks together and were more than happy to listen to a voice that wasn’t ours after a few days.

The next downside is unique to South Africa (and a few other places that I wouldn’t dare drive solo). It’s the safety aspect. I’m not trying to freak anyone out because remember, I’m a petite female often traveling on my own with no self-defense skills to speak about, and I still do it. However, driving in South Africa takes a few extra precautions.

Key safety tips for driving in South Africa:

• Keep doors locked and windows up when stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Opportunistic theft can happen in cities and busy intersections.

• Never pick up hitchhikers, no matter how harmless they appear. If you’re concerned for someone’s safety, report it at the next town.

• Avoid driving at night, particularly in rural or remote areas where visibility is low and animals may wander onto the road.

• Park in well-lit, busy areas and never leave valuables visible in the car, even for a quick stop.

• Follow local advice. Hosts, guesthouses, or lodges will often know which areas are safe to drive through and which should be avoided.

• Stay calm in road disputes. Aggressive drivers exist everywhere, and it's best to avoid confrontation.

• Watch out for road obstacles. In some areas, criminals place objects like rocks in the road to force cars to stop—carefully drive around them rather than stopping. (Personally, I encountered someone parked across a street to block the road close to Pretoria. I quickly realized what was happening and drove around it onto the pavement)

• Be mindful of wildlife. Rural roads aren’t always fenced, and you might encounter livestock or even large antelope, particularly at night.

• Plan fuel stops in advance. Petrol stations aren’t as frequent in remote areas, so top up when you can.

• Ask for directions at petrol stations instead of stopping in unfamiliar areas.

A unique beach outside of Knysna that would be near impossible/costly to get to without a car

How Did I Get Around South Africa?

During my time in South Africa, I used a combination of mainliner buses, mini-van taxis, sharing rides with other travelers, car rental, and then finally the Baz Bus. To provide a balanced review of Baz Bus I brought a 14-day pass to get me from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg.

I chose this segment for a couple of reasons:

1. I wanted to visit Northern Drakensburg which is very difficult without a car. Even the mainliners don’t stop nearby, meaning you have to spend a few hours changing to get to your accomodation, whereas the Baz Bus drops you right at their doorstep.

2. The mainline buses left Port Elizabeth at 6:45 am which is the same time the Baz Bus started its accomodation pick-ups and it arrived around the same time in Coffee Bay. I thought I would be happy to pay for the convenience of not getting up extra early in PE to get a taxi to the bus station.

Tips for Making the Most of the Baz Bus

If you’re leaning toward giving Baz Bus SA a try, here are some pointers that might help smooth out the rough edges of the experience:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Route
  Before you set out, spend some time checking the official Baz Bus route map to see which stops are on the route. Knowing the layout of the Garden Route bus service can help you plan which stops are must-sees and which might be best skipped.

• Use the Hop On Hop Off Option
  The Baz Bus hop on hop off feature is a cool way to explore on your own terms. Heard about a cool hike at your last hotel that isn’t in your plan? It’s super easy to edit your booking so you can include a new stop on the way.

• Book Your Tickets Early
  Snagging your Baz Bus tickets in advance can lock in a good deal and secure your seat, especially during peak periods.

• Pack Essentials for a Basic Ride
  Even though comfort has improved a lot, the bus ride can be rather utilitarian (it’s more like a van than a bus). Bring along water, snacks, and something to keep you entertained for longer trips.

• Stay Open to Social Interactions
  One of the unique aspects of Baz Bus is the social vibe—whether you’re joining a Baz Bus day tour or just chatting with fellow passengers, it’s a chance to connect.

Road Tripping to St Lucia, South Africa

So, Should You Use the Baz Bus in South Africa?

I would recommend the Baz Bus to a couple groups of people:

1) It’s your first time traveling to South Africa or you’re traveling solo

Baz Bus is a big confidence booster when you’re traveling through South Africa. Even though I can attest to the fact that it is one of the more modern and well-connected countries I’ve traveled through, it can still be daunting when you haven’t seen it for yourself.

Baz Bus will drop you off at your accomodation door and pick you up there when you are ready to leave again, albeit on their schedule. You get to spend time in transit with other backpackers and your opportunity to meet other travelers increases. There’s something special about arriving at your new hostel with some new travel friends already made.

It’s also the safest option these days, so if you’re in any doubt about traveling around the Garden Route, this is a great option.

2) You don’t have a lot of time

If you have just a week to explore the Garden Route then Baz Bus is a reasonable option. It’s flexible enough that you can still change your plans around but it follows a set schedule so you know you’ll be where you need to be on a certain date.

I would also suggest checking out a local tour company. One popular company, Hotspots2c offers an 8-day tour for R8,900 including all accommodation and most entry fees and activity costs. I think this takes all the stress out of planning a shorter trip and you don’t have to worry about Baz Bus’s failings and fitting into their schedule. While I didn’t get the opportunity to try this company out I did meet a few people doing the Hotspots tour at some of my hostels.

My Suggestions

• If in doubt, give it a shot. Costs are now reasonable, it’s a safe choice and you might make some friends along the way. You could start your trip with the Baz Bus and then branch out once you’re more comfortable getting around.

• Rent a car if you are two or more people and you feel confident enough to navigate South Africa’s roads.

• If you are new to traveling, on your own and would like the security and peace of mind of a door-to-door service then the Baz Bus is the best option in South Africa.

• If you’re up for a challenge, looking to save money, and have used public transport in similar countries then you could consider public transport. Be aware of the current safety risks before taking this option.

Elephant hugs in Oudtshoorn

Frequently Asked Questions About the Baz Bus in South Africa

Q: Why is the Baz Bus suitable for backpackers?

A: The Baz Bus is ideal for backpackers because it offers a safe, flexible, and social way to travel without needing to rent a car or figure out public transport. It provides door-to-door service to hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, a hop on hop off system for independent exploration, and a built-in community of fellow travelers.

Q: What is the safest bus in South Africa?

A: The Baz Bus is one of the safest options since it avoids public terminals, picks up and drops off at hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts, and only operates in well-traveled tourist areas. For longer routes beyond the Garden Route, Intercape is one of the more reliable public bus companies, but safety concerns have increased in recent years. If traveling long distances, flying is the safest choice.

Q: How long does it take to travel by bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town?

A: A direct public bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town takes 10 to 13 hours, depending on stops and road conditions. The Baz Bus takes longer as it stops at multiple towns along the Garden Route, making it a more scenic but slower option. The current timetable sees buses leaving Port Elizabeth at 6:30 am and arriving in Cape Town at 8:00 pm

If time is a priority, flying is the fastest way to travel this route.

Q: Where exactly does Baz Bus operate now?

A: Baz Bus South Africa now focuses solely on the Garden Route, running between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth with regular, daily departures.

Q: What do Baz Bus tickets cost these days?

A: Prices have dropped noticeably—hop on hop off passes start at around $119, while full-route tickets generally fall in the $139 to $199 range, yet these costs might still stack up depending on your travel style.

Q: Is it possible to change my Baz Bus booking if my plans shift?

A: Yes, the online system allows you to adjust your bus dates and times up to 12 hours before departure, a feature that adds a bit of leeway, yet it still leaves you with the core fixed schedule.

Q: How safe is bus travel in South Africa with Baz Bus?

A: Generally speaking, most travelers feel secure using the Baz Bus due to its established pickup points and regular stops, yet it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close. Common sense is your best companion whether you’re on a bus or in a rental car, yet the structured nature of Baz Bus often provides an extra sense of security.

Q: Who uses the Baz Bus?

a: The Baz Bus is best suited for travelers new to independent travel or if you don’t have much time in South Africa and just want to easily see the highlights along the Garden Route.

Q: Does Baz Bus still operate?

A: Yes, but it has reduced its routes and stops and now focuses on trips between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Q: What is the Baz Bus route?

A: The Baz Bus route covers 14 stops along the South African coast, from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Q: Can I travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg using the Baz Bus?

A: Not anymore. The Bas Bus now focuses on travel between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

If you have anything to add or have any experience with travelling around South Africa, please share this with me in the comments!

Check out another review of the Baz Bus from the Indie Traveller website here.

5 Quick Tips For More Affordable Holidays

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how some people can afford to travel every year not just once, but two or three times. Where do they find the money and how do they find the time to research all of the options? Answering questions like "Is it safe?" and “Will I be able to find vegan food options?” Travel seems dauntingly expensive and time consuming to plan.

Fortunately, making travel more affordable and much less complicated is absolutely achievable with just a little time and by being smart about where, when and how you travel.

Check out these five  strategies for planning an affordable holiday. You might find that you’re a lot closer to your dream holiday than you thought!

1. Pick cheap countries

Some regions are known for their budget appeal. The first spots that come to mind are South East Asia and Latin America. Here you can survive on much less than $40 a day (or $60 a day for a couple). You could stay in a place like Bali and enjoy your own private villa with plunge pool and butler service for $100 a night or an all-inclusive eco-lodge in Panama where the monkeys swing by your room on the way to breakfast for the same.

If you chose to live a bit more frugally (give up the butler service, I mean) then you can still find great places to stay for much less than you would in a country like Australia or Canada.

If safety concerns are plaguing you, consider that based on the Global Peace Index rankings Chile (#27) Malaysia (#30), Costa Rica (#33) and Uruguay (#35) are considered safer than both the UK (#47) and the US (#103).

Full day island hopping excursion (including lunch) in The Philippines = $24 USD

2. Know your shoulder seasons

If you are set on visiting a certain country then consider being there in their shoulder season. A shoulder season is the short time between peak and off-peak seasons. This is usually between two and six weeks when the weather is still reasonably good and the prices haven’t yet increased for the high season visitors.

Overall, May is a great time to travel. It’s just before North Americans get their summer vacation, high season hasn’t yet started for European summer and winter has not yet set in for most of the Southern Hemisphere. November is also a great shoulder season. It’s just after the hurricane season has left places like Mexico but before the end-of-year vacationers descend for their annual escape from the cold of the north.

The main benefits of travelling during the shoulder season is lower prices and also much less people around. If you can manage to schedule your holiday during a shoulder season you will get to see your favourite destinations in a new light. You might get to interact with more locals rather than only other tourists and the more popular attractions will have smaller lines. Sounds like a great vacation already!

3. Stay in hostels

Hostels have been the secret to many a backpacker’s budget travel adventure. To everyone else they can seem like a strange place. Dorm rooms? Bunk beds? Shared bathrooms!

It’s important to know that hostels come in many different shapes and sizes, just like hotels. Private rooms have always been a common option, including ensuite bathrooms but there are even some hostels that are designed for the new breed of backpacker - The Flashpacker. These are savvy travelers who want to take advantage of all the benefits of a hostel but still want the comfort of a luxe room at the end of the day.

You can opt to stay in a dorm where there might be bunk beds but there are also likely to be separate beds in a shared room. Female only dorms are also common for that extra level of privacy.

In most cities you will be able to find a hostel to suit any budget and if you look hard enough you can find hostels with an infinity pool, in-room hot tub, personal wifi connection, buffet breakfast, yoga deck, movie theatre and the list goes on!

For travellers on a budget the best part about hostels is you’ll end up paying half as much or less than you would in a hotel with benefits like free breakfast and access to a shared kitchen so you can cut costs even more by making your own meals instead of eating out every day.

My $9 per night hostel with amazing view over the infinity pool

4. Choose your activities carefully

You don’t have to do everything and definitely shouldn’t try. Make a list of your must-do activities and consider cheaper alternatives.

When you visit a new country there is always a “must-do” list of attractions like going to the Louvre in Paris or the MET in New York City. You might like art and you might not but would you go to an art gallery in your own city? Then you shouldn’t pressure yourself to pay €15 to see some paintings that might mildly impress you while shuffling amongst the hundreds who are also visiting the Louvre on the same day.

If there are things you actually want to see and experience then make sure to do some research first. With a little bit of online research you will quickly find out that admission is free to the Louvre on the first Sunday of each month from October to March. You will also learn that the MET has only a suggested donation and you can get in by donating just $1!

Also consider a tourist pass, like the Paris Museum Pass. These can be great value and include several attractions in one.

Allow yourself the luxury of picking only things that interest you and don’t stress about the rest. You can always come back and remember this is your vacation, not anyone else’s.

5. Get a better flight deal

If you’re flexible about your dates and where you want to go you can book an amazing deal. By using websites like Secret Flying, you can be updated when there are extra special flight deals. You can choose to follow their Facebook page or subscribe to email notifications on their website.

Another option is to use a website like Skyscanner or Momondo for booking flights. These are powerful flight search engines that can allow you to select your starting city and choose variables like “Cheapest month” or “Any date in July” if you know where you want to go or you can even choose from your city to “Everywhere” and it will show you the best options for your date range.

If you’re picky about airlines or number of stops there is an option to filter these as well making it super easy to customise your perfect flight experience.

I wasn’t planning on visiting Amsterdam but after spotting a $250 flight deal I had to book it!

The next time you find yourself stuck while budgeting for your holiday, don’t lose heart, just try to find creative ways to cut costs. There are people out there who go to extreme measures to facilitate their travel goals, including couch surfing, hitchhiking and volunteering their time. Hopefully if you use the strategies above you can still have a comfortable vacation just with a much smaller price tag.

Review: Once in Joburg

The latest addition to the popular Once in Cape Town brand, this hostel is hard to ignore when you stay in Johannesburg. The TripAdvisor reviews speak for themselves, with a 5 star rating and reviewers commenting on the hotel-quality rooms, I had to check this place out for myself during my recent visit to the city.

This was my first time staying in a “poshtel” and I was really looking forward to seeing the finer side of backpacking life. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams here I come!

Check-in

Once in Joburg is easy to find and well located. A professional and spacious reception area allows for plenty of room to move around and you feel comfortable and welcome instantly.

Staff handed me a welcome kit with my room key, wifi password, breakfast vouchers and local tour info. This is the first time I’ve seen this in a hostel and a great start to my stay. It means you’re not bombarded with information right at the beginning and have time to read through it all at your leisure. I was personally taken to my room and shown around the hostel area and facilities.

There is also an activity board right at the exit so you can quickly see what is on each day and staff were always on hand and available whenever I needed someone. Staff wear uniforms as well so you can easily spot who works there, a big pain point of mine with some hostels.

Rooms

Once in Joburg offers private rooms and four-bed dorms, both mixed and female-only. Dorms have custom made beds, all with individual charging stations and lights. All rooms have air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with a shower and toilet so even if you’re in a dorm, you will only have to share with three other people.

I stayed in a private and was treated to a modern hotel-quality room. I usually only stay in hotels when I’m travelling with family so being able to experience the same level of comfort at hostel prices was a huge surprise. Private rooms are where Once in Joburg excels and if you’re in the market for a private room then you should definitely give these guys a try.

Several types of private rooms are on offer, including twin, double and family-sized rooms. Facilities are considered four-star and I could see why. All rooms provide air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a hanging space and shelves for your clothes and a safe.

The bathrooms are modern and well designed. It’s one of the nicest that I’ve ever seen in a hostel anywhere. Roomy showers are perfect for getting your morning started right!

Price-wise, Once is higher than you’ll experience when travelling around most of South Africa but comparable to other hostels in Joburg and other large cities like Cape Town and Durban. For the four-bed dorm, it’s cheaper than it’s closest competitor in Maboneng and offers extras like breakfast, air-conditioning and an ensuite.

The private rooms are definitely worth the cost based on hotel prices in the local area and around Johannesburg. They’re some of the best privates I’ve personally seen in any hostel around the world.

Dining

Once in Joburg includes a light breakfast as part of their room rate, served by The Immigrant, the in-house restaurant. This is a great service as I felt it made my integration into the city a lot easier. You don’t need to go wandering the streets looking for something to eat first thing in the morning and in a city like Johannesberg, this is definitely a huge positive. Navigating the urban streets can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor and it’s a great idea to offer breakfast in-house.

The breakfast option at the time of my visit was a hot drink of your choice, juice, piece of fruit and either a bagel with a yummy spread or muesli with yoghurt. As usual, Once have thought of every little detail and provided a breakfast voucher in your welcome kit where you can tick your choices and hand it in when you order breakfast. The light breakfast should be enough for most people and is available as a take-away option for those on the go.

There are several bars and restaurants located in the same complex as Once, along with The Immigrant, so you never have to walk very far to find something to eat. There are several outdoor dining options as well which I loved. Having a nice glass of local wine while sitting in the courtyard with some new friends was one of my favourite ways to spend my afternoons.

Facilities

The common area in Once in Joburg is located in a large space on the first floor. There’s a shared kitchen and lots of seating space with comfy couches, bean bags and hammocks. Hammocks are my favourite thing in the whole world so I spent a LOT of time relaxing with a book and a drink while swinging away.

There's a well-stocked book exchange as well as a pool table to help with breaking the ice with other travellers. When the weather is good, there’s also a large balcony sitting area to enjoy the Joburg sunshine with a cold drink.

One small criticism is the fact that the common area and adjacent bar and restaurant are located on separate floors and are out-of-sight, which means guests need to go out of their way to see “what’s happening” and who’s around. Some hostels have their bar located within the common area or at the exit so it’s easy to jump in on the action. Once is limited by the existing layout and do their best to counteract this design quirk by being proactive with fun activities to get guests together every day.

Once's activity board is full of organised activities and suggested things to do. This included quirky “off the beaten track” suggestions and once-off and regular events happening in the local area. A free activity was offered each day with events like walking tours, an excursion to the Botanical Gardens and a fun Instagram Graffiti Walk. I thought these were creative ways to see the city and get to know fellow travellers.

During my stay they had a “No Power Hour” one night at The Immigrant. To help facilitate conversation you weren’t allowed to bring your phone and drinks were provided by the hostel. This was a great way to meet the other guests and an initiative that I think should definitely be taken up by other hostels.

I was able to organise paid tours and activities at reception as they offered a full concierge service. Once can help with car rentals and booking tickets for the local red bus tour, Kruger National Park or Pilansberg safaris and tours to Soweto. I felt that staff were well trained in what was on offer and knew the local area.

Free wifi is provided and the connection is fast. I did experience some drop-outs while staying there but nothing that caused any major issues. There are also large meeting rooms that can be used when you need some extra quiet or a place to work. As a digital nomad, this was a massive plus for me and I spent a whole day there working without any distraction.

Location

Location isn’t usually something that I comment on or even find too important when I’m considering what to review. If a hostel is good enough then it doesn’t often matter where it’s located. In a place like Johannesburg, however, it’s important to touch on it. Especially as you’ll read a lot about safety and where you can and cannot walk around and explore.

Once in Joburg is located in Braamfontein, or Braam as the locals call it. This is one of two neighbourhoods that I would recommend staying in as a tourist, the other being Maboneng.

Urban renewal has taken place in Braam, once a no-go zone. A great example is that in this once run down business district, Braam now hosts one the highest rated coffee shops in the country and some of the best nightlife in the city.

Braam has an interesting mix of historical landmarks, like the Lord Milner Hotel dating back to 1906, and a bustling modern African medley of hair salons, fast-food restaurants, spaza (local informal) shops and eateries. You’ll also find Manhattan-stye loft apartments, art galleries and trendy hotels, like Once.

You can walk around several of the city blocks in Braam during the day and not come across any issues. At night it’s recommend to take an Uber or Taxify to get to and from the nightlife in the city. Just like in any large city, you need to be aware of your belongings at all time and do not display anything of value. Muggings have occurred but nothing of a violent nature. I made it a habit of just walking with the cash I needed and never had any issues.

The major transport hub of Park Station is located within walking distance of Once. You could easily get to and from the airport and other interesting neighbourhoods, like Rosebank, by using the Gautrain. Other train travel is not recommended but available nonetheless.

Fast facts on Johannesburg

To help put the city of Joburg into context here are some interesting facts from the Joburg Tourism website. 

• Johannesburg is one of the world’s youngest major cities, founded in 1886
• It is the most powerful commercial centre on the African continent
• The city’s profusion of approx. 6 million trees make it the largest man-made forest in the world
• Greater Johannesburg covers an area of 2,300km2, making it larger than Sydney, London or New York, and similar to Los Angeles in size
• Johannesburg is home to some 3.8 million people, the majority of whom are aged between 19 and 39
• The city enjoys an average of 12 hours of sunlight a day
• 40% of the entire world's human ancestor fossils have been found in areas close to Johannesburg
• You can drink the tap water here and it actually tastes great!

Summary

What I liked

• Excellent service and friendly staff
• Light breakfast included
• Roomy accommodation
• Modern facilities and great design
• Super clean
• Lovely views over Braamfontein
• Free activities daily

What I didn’t like

• The wifi signal had a tendency to cut out
• Separate common area and bar/restaurant facilities reduce chances of guest interaction

Who should stay here?

This hostel is great for those who are seeking the communal benefits of a hostel - common room, shared kitchen and organised activities - but also like the comfort and privacy of a well-maintained hotel. The meeting rooms are great work spaces for those working on the road.

• Flash-packers
• Groups
• Couples
• Digital nomads

Once in Joburg has the largest and best designed common areas I’ve seen in a hostel. The lack of internal bar and restaurant and the common area being on a separate floor has the potential of reducing the interaction amongst travellers but the regular activities organised by the hostel help combat this.

Private rooms are the great strength of Once in Joburg and I would recommend them solely based on my experience in their lovely rooms. You’ll be more than comfortable in the oasis that they’ve created after spending a day exploring the urban sights of Johannesburg.

Modern design, clean facilities, the best location and excellent staff make this hostel a great choice for most travellers and I highly recommend a stay.

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Once in Joburg

90 De Korte Street
Braamfontein

Price: 235R - 785R inc breakfast

T: +27 (76) 4123663
E: info@onceinjoburg.co.za

W: http://onceinjoburg.co.za/

Read the latest Trip Advisor reviews here

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My stay was sponsored by Once in Joburg but all opinions are my own and are an honest reflection of my experience. This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase via these links, I receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. Very small but very appreciated.

Review: The Funny Lion

Sometimes a hotel is just a place to rest your head after a day full of activities and other times staying in a hotel is the activity. When I visited Coron, I was starting to feel a bit travel weary as a result of  my very fast paced travel of the Philippines in the weeks prior. Coron was my last stop and all I wanted to do was kick back and soak up the beautiful island atmosphere without having to worry about anything.

The Funny Lion was the perfect place to just relax and be pampered by the hotel’s attentive  staff. This sounds like a very basic request, but until you’ve travelled to the Philippines you may not realise how rare and special great service is.

Rooms

The Funny Lion is a modern boutique resort that will suit travellers of all budgets. The Cub Room suits one person or two friends travelling together. It’s perfect for backpackers seeking a little luxury for a few days!

The King and Pride Rooms are the ultimate in contemporary luxury and have so much extra room I was able to lay out my sarong and do some yoga in the mornings. The Pride Room also comes with an amazing balcony overlooking the cove and mangroves. It was from here that I enjoyed the sunset concert The Funny Lion hosted at the culmination of their Halloween celebrations.

It was so dreamy listening to the singer and band play while enjoying a cocktail on my balcony. I felt like the queen with my own special box at the theatre.

The bathrooms are some of the best I’ve seen in The Philippines with great water pressure and water that gets as hot as you can handle. All toiletries are provided as well as a hairdryer. The room also includes bottled drinking water, so you can rest easy without worrying about buying bottled water.

Dining

The Funny Lion has a bar and restaurant on site where they serve a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can sit in air-conditioned comfort inside or poolside in your beach towel.

The breakfast was one of the more interesting that I enjoyed in The Philippines. Along with the standard western fare, which included a waffle station and omelet bar, the menu also included traditional Filipino options that changed each day. All the options were delicious, breakfast standards and local delights alike.

For sweet tooths they even had a traditional Filipino hot chocolate on offer - Tsokolate, a must try if you visit.

As a vegetarian, there was a lot on offer for lunch and dinner. They have huge pizzas with a variety of toppings, including a four cheese with my personal favourite - gorgonzola. The menu includes Asian fusion dishes as well as some well known western dishes and seafood options.

Solo travel chill out time

Facilities

The hotel sports a large infinity pool and jacuzzi overlooking the mangroves and the cove. The pool includes a smaller shallow section for kids. You could quite literally spend the whole day swapping between lounger, pool and jacuzzi. I certainly did! The staff are always on hand to bring you some cold water and a fresh towel. They even provide flip flops in case you forgot yours.

They also offer a spa on site where you can treat yourself to a massage.. My massage was excellent and the other guests to whom I spoke enjoyed theirs too, so I recommend the spa as a must visit at The Funny Lion.

If you’re looking for something adventurous to do during the day, the Funny Lion also has a full tour service and they were happy to make small changes to suit my schedule. 

Some of the activities you can consider include:

• Island hopping trips to visit some smaller islands, coves and lagoons
• Scuba diving in some of the best wrecks and colourful reefs
• A half day Coron Town tour
• A trip to the Calauit Safari Park, a beautiful game reserve and wildlife sanctuary

The tours are all reasonably priced and no more than you would pay in town so you can feel confident when booking one.

There are also some adorable bikes that you can borrow to explore the island at your own pace. This is a fun way to spend a couple of hours and, as the town is quite small, allows you to really get a feel for the place.

The wifi is on par with anything you can get in Palawan, but certainly not fast. You should be able to send and receive email and WhatsApp messages without issue.

The best view on my island hopping tour

Summary

What I liked

• Excellent service and friendly staff
• Great breakfast selection
• Roomy accommodation 
• Super clean
• Lovely views

What I didn’t like

• The wifi signal is not the best, but on par with the rest of the island

View from the rooftop lounge area

As with many small islands, Palawan is somewhere you have to spend a bit more money to get quality accommodation. What you would pay elsewhere will get you much less here. The Funny Lion is the kind of place that is totally worth the cost for me as a budget traveler. They didn’t cut any corners with service and while I still felt like I was in The Philippines with their unique and fun decor, I appreciated their western style of service. I had a great time even as a solo traveler and never felt like I was out of place or lonely.

The sunsets are stunning poolside or on the balcony. An in-room or poolside massage is one of the the only decisions you’ll have to make while you’re there and if you’re feeling adventurous, check out one of their tours and explore the island by land or by sea. When you visit make sure to challenge yourself to a Filipino-only breakfast! You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

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The Funny Lion

Sitio Jolo, Poblacion
V, Coron Palawan

Price: $100 - $150 inc breakfast

T: +632 856 1443 | 553 9549
E: inquiries@thefunnylion.com

Check out the latest prices now from your favourite booking site!

Agoda

Booking.com

W: http://thefunnylion.com/

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My stay was sponsored by The Funny Lion but all meals and activities were paid for by myself. All opinions are my own and are an honest reflection of my experience.

Ultimate Guide To Volunteering Overseas

Note: I haven't included any pics in this post out of respect to the children that I have worked with over the years. I hope you enjoy the writing instead :D

My first time volunteering I was a young 18-year old. It was my very first solo trip around the world and I had chosen to spend three months in Ecuador volunteering with street kids and improving my Spanish. I hadn’t saved very much money for this trip, about $20,000 for a full year of travel after flights and needed to find ways to travel cheaper for longer.

I learnt through my research online that the longer you spend in one place the cheaper your overall travels will be. This philosophy of slow travel really stuck with me and even now you’ll rarely find me staying in a country for less than two weeks.

I found a great looking organisation in Quito, Ecuador using Volunteer South America's website. We emailed back and forth a few times to make sure it was a good fit and then I paid my deposit. This experience cost $290 a month and included meals and accommodation in a volunteer house as well as twice weekly Spanish lessons. I enjoyed my time here so much that I stayed an extra 3 months but because I was feeling a lot more confident as a traveler, chose to find my own place to live and worked out a deal to volunteer for free.

That was my start in volunteering while travelling and I personally think that it can be a very rewarding experience for you and the cause you are trying to help as long as you do your research and enter into it for the right reasons.

Don’t pay thousands of dollars to volunteer!

If there’s only one thing you take away from this then let it be this point. I cringe a little bit every time someone tells me they’ve found a great volunteer gig for two weeks taking care of elephants or as a teacher in an orphanage and it only cost them $3,000.

Firstly, I have a serious issue with how much good you can do in two weeks, especially working with children. There’s been a lot of discussion around the fact that you cost the charity time and resources by having to train someone, only for you to leave a few days later. This is why you will likely find yourself in a very unappealing position, cleaning elephant poo in the enclosure when the elephants are not around or as a teacher’s aide where you fetch materials for the actual teacher and have no interaction with the kids.

Sure you’ll get your necessary elephant selfie or snaps of you colouring with the poor orphans but did you really do any good and could you have just sent all that money to a grassroots organisation that is trying to make something of their community from the ground up?

This has been covered a lot more thoroughly here and here if you’re interested in learning more. Just know that I volunteer often while traveling and the most I have paid was $290 a month and that was for food and accommodation. I also believe that anyone who actually wants volunteers will never want someone for as short as two weeks much less have a maximum period. That is a major red flag!

What if I have an actual skill?

There are also lots of opinions around about volunteering your time in other countries when you have a useful skill like a heath professional or a skilled worker like a carpenter or electrician. These skills are widely needed all around the world and if you have them then you should definitely go for it!

Be sure to understand, though, that there are some perceptions in the world that you are taking jobs away from locals who could be getting paid for it and also you could be working for an organisation that is profiting from your free labour. Make sure you understand how volunteers fit in with the local workers and why they are supplementing their time with yours.

What is grassroots volunteering?

When I think of grassroots, i think of organisations that are working from the ground up. Actual people from a community identifying a problem and creating a solution to help fix it. They may still use help from outside influences, including financial backing from generous investors but the cause is still personal and real. They work hard at the cause because it is what they need to thrive as a community.

The alternative of this would be if I went to Tanzania, for example, and I saw that there was a particular area that didn’t have a primary school. The kids had to travel long distances or just couldn’t attend at all. I could say to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great if I could create a charity where we build a school and have volunteers teach the kids?” Then I started pestering all of my friends, maybe start a Kickstarter campaign or a GoFundMe page, eventually get financial backing, register as a charity in my country and then arrive with 20 volunteers with minimal experience in building anything or teaching and struggle along for the next few years eventually handing over the poorly built school with no long-term plans for paying a teacher to the local community to deal with.

Sure, I’ve done some good, helped some kids and all the volunteers and people who donated to “Cristal Cares” feel great about themselves. I would have spent a lot more money getting all those volunteers into the country when it would have been better spent just donating my time, energy and funds to a grassroots organisation who has the same intentions.

For more information on high impact giving opportunities I strongly suggest you have a look at Give Well’s website  and specifically this excerpt from Peter Singer’s book “The Life You Can Save” on cost effectiveness of charitable organisations.

Where should I start?

These four websites are my go-to when I’m looking for volunteer opportunities around the world. They will give you a good starting point but always remember to do as much research as you can before you commit to anything.

• Worldwide organisations -  http://grassrootsvolunteering.org/
• Latin American organisations -  http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net/
• Summer and Year Long Teaching Programs - http://www.worldteach.org/
• Eco/green organisations - http://www.greenvolunteers.com/ (this one you have to pay a small fee to access their database)

Also consider

• Workaway and Helpx - More of a work exchange. Less helping charities and more volunteering your time in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals. This could be babysitting for a local family, helping on a farm, a receptionist at a hostel or even helping on sailing boats
• Local or expat forums on Facebook or online - Try searching for these online as they can be a goldmine for volunteer opportunities that don’t have a strong online presence
• Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum - Always full of useful information and assistance from people who live in the area
• Couchsurfing - You can try asking in the country or city’s Couchsurfing group
• Fellow Blogger, Elly has been updating her page with volunteer opportunities that are fee-free 

Google

My suggestion would be to choose the region/country that you want to volunteer in and then do a google search for organisations that are on the ground. Try “Cusco volunteer” and see what comes up or if you want to be more specific “Namibia volunteer street kids”. Play around with some different search terms until you get a good list of 20 or so opportunities and then spend some time researching their website, looking for participant reviews and emailing the ones that you like to see if they’re a good fit for you.

Contact hostels

I have also gotten in touch with popular hostels in the city and asked them if they had any recommendations for volunteer opportunities. Hostels are in a good position to collect views from travellers who have volunteered with local organisations and can point you in the right direction or steer you away from the bad ones.

Even if you are not a hostel person, just remember that hostels are unique in this regard because of their social nature. You wouldn’t spend much time socialising with the staff of your hotel, would you? At a hostel, however, the staff and owners are always around, answering questions and potentially sharing a drink with the guests in the common areas. Feedback is a lot more honest after a few tequila shots and budget travelers always look out for each other.

What should I look out for?

This is the tough part. There are no global rules or regulatory bodies that provide guidelines on what is a good outfit and what is not. You will have to use your own common sense when vetting a company.

Perhaps it's easier to give you a list of definite don'ts and points to consider to help you decide:

1. Don't work with anyone who offers for you to cuddle or take pictures with a lion cub, tiger, monkey or any wild animal. Riding elephants is also off the table. For example, anything that involves working directly with lion cubs in Africa directly contributes to canned hunting. There are greater implications to working with wild animals and if you would like to do work in this area be very careful about what you choose. Think about it carefully. What would they have to do to these animals to make them complacent enough to allow you to interact with them? Elephants, for example, are tortured when they are young to break their spirits. They are beaten with clubs, bull hooks, starved and deprived of sleep. Not really the stuff travel dreams are mad of, is it?
2. Stay away from anywhere that will allow you to work with children for a period of less than 30 days. Please consider the impact many people entering and leaving an organisation can have on a child.
3. If you can't clearly see where your money is going then stay away. The organisers should be able to advise how your fee is spent and if they can't then find somewhere else.
4. Is it obvious how they are helping the local community? Are they working directly with them and constantly assessing and adapting their methods? Some orginisations start off with the best of intentions but over time, their methods become less and less effective. I recently heard of a sanctuary for orphaned gibbons in South Africa that doesn't allocate funds to desex their males, allowing captive breeding.
5. If anything seems off or there is not enough information then just keep looking. Unfortunately, foreign aid in general and oversees volunteer is a complicated issue with many views on what is right and whether unskilled volunteering helps at all. The best that you can do is choose a program with plenty of information, reviews and a long history of helping the local community.

Why do you want to volunteer?

Be honest with yourself. What is the reason that you want to volunteer? Is it to make the world a better place? Is it to experience a different culture outside of the regular tourist activities? Is it to make long-term travel more affordable? It could be a combination of these and none of these are a bad thing. I am very honest with myself these days and know that I won’t really change the world with my volunteering activities and I probably will have little impact on the cause I'm working with.

Now that I’m older and I’ve been volunteering on and off for the last 12 years, I know the main reasons I volunteer are to get a unique insight into the lives of the locals and also to save money on my travels.

Orphanages and Voluntourism

Voluntourism has become a big enough industry that people with the worst intentions have cottoned on to not just how to profit from it but are also putting children in a worse situation because of the orphanage.

The way it works is the “founder” of an orphanage will start to traffic children from small villages or pay parents to take children away from them and place them in an orphanage. All of this so they can rake in donations from overseas investors and kind-hearted volunteers. Even worse, they will purposefully keep these children in awful buildings to encourage more investing. More sad children + terrible conditions = more donations.

There are certainly many worthwhile orphanages out there that you could work with but unless you can clearly see that the practices are completely above board then I suggest you steer clear.

For more information visit Journey Wonder’s article on Orphanage Ethics and ABC News' for some devastating examples.

Are there any pros to voluntourism?

The major positive and biggest draw for people is the peace of mind that you have handed your money over to a company that has promised to take care of you.

They include extras like:

• Pre-departure support
• 24-hour emergency phone
• Airport pick-up
• Welcome meeting
• Location orientation
• 24-hour in-country support

Essentially this is what you’re paying for. They do al the leg work, put you on contact with presumably good organisations so you don’t have to go through the steps I’ve detailed above and promise to be there for you if anything goes wrong.

For someone who has never stepped out of your own country, this can be an attractive proposition and I don’t blame you for this at all. Please consider, though, the impact that all that money you’re handing over to the for-profit organisations could have on the cause you’re wanting to help.

Just remember that the costs you pay do not usually include:

• Flights
• Medical and travel insurance
• Visa costs
• Extra local excursions
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Personal Equipment

Do some research into how much it would cost to live in the country you want to volunteer in and then compare that to what you are being asked to pay. What’s the difference? Is peace of mind really worth that much?

As a case study, I volunteered with a local group in Oaxaca, Mexico at no cost to me. I did have to pay for my own food and accommodation, which they offered to help with. I found a great one-bedroom apartment in a lovely neighbourhood and ate either street food or in comodores and the occasional nice restaurant and I spent on average $200 a week. This also includes regular activities and excursions when I wasn’t volunteering. I could have cut the costs significantly by opting to stay in a private room in a nice hostel or even a shared room.  I felt supported the whole time, staff were always checking in on me. I got a cheap sim card for my unlocked phone where I spent about $20 a month for calls and data so always had a way to get in touch with my friends. I had my own kitchen so I could create my own Mexican inspired dishes as well as enjoying visiting my neighbourhood market to buy local ingredients.

Here is a similar program that costs $1,990 for two weeks, almost 5 times the price!  The accommodation is stated as “shared  and basic” so it you were to do a further comparison with my favourite hostel in Oaxaca, Casa Angel,  you could get a bed in a 4-bed dorm for $10 a night which includes a full buffet breakfast and easily survive on $100 a week. That becomes 10 times less than paying these people to volunteer with them.

Where does all this extra money go and how do the two options compare in terms of experience? I certainly enjoyed every minute of my time volunteering and never felt like I was missing out on anything. You really need to decide for yourself.

Further Reading

I would love if you would check out these two books. They will open your eyes to the world of Effective Altruism and help you find opportunities for the right reasons in the future:

• Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Help Others, Do Work that Matters, and Make Smarter Choices about Giving Back by William MacAskill; and 
• The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter Singer

Please share any advice you have on volunteering overseas or any experiences you’ve had with me in the comments. I’d love to know what you think!

This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase via these links, I receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. Very small but very appreciated.

Top 25 Secret Travel Destinations on Instagram

Lonely Planet released their Top 25 Travel Secrets recently and I have been to only one place on the list! Rather than sulking about my lack of travel aptitude, I've been stalking these places on Instagram for some new travel inspiration. Here's my version of their list with the best of Lonely Planet's secret destinations on Instagram.

To be honest, when I started putting this list together I thought it would be super easy. Once I started searching through the images from around the world, though, I found it increasingly difficult to choose just one. Some really spoke to me personally, with portraits of people from places I'd never heard of before. While others displayed sprawling landscapes with bold colours. 

It really proved to me that there's more to this planet than we will ever know. We're all wanderers in our little way and it's sobering to know that we will know truly "see it all". The best we can do is see as much as we can with what we have and that should be good enough for anyone.

Let me know in the comments if you've been to any of these "secret" destinations and if it's as secret as they claim.

25. Belleville, Paris

A photo posted by Fatkur Rokhim (@fatkurrokhim) on Oct 26, 2016 at 10:47am PDT

24. Vršovice, Prague, czech republic

A photo posted by PragueinaBox (@pragueinabox) on Jul 15, 2016 at 10:32am PDT

23. Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan 

A photo posted by GoPro (@goprojp) on Jun 21, 2016 at 5:48pm PDT

22. Madragoa, Lisbon, Portugal

A photo posted by Lavi Daloca (@strawberryandpepper) on Oct 9, 2016 at 12:41pm PDT

21. Pieve, Italy

A photo posted by Sogno Italiano (@pieterarnolli) on Aug 23, 2016 at 3:07am PDT

20. The Champlain Islands, Vermont 

A photo posted by Jake Bernhardt (@jak3bernhardt) on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:46am PDT

19. Taroudant, Morocco

A photo posted by Coco 🌸 (@_coco.haricot) on Oct 11, 2016 at 2:04pm PDT

18. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

A photo posted by Adrian Heieis (@getheieis) on Sep 6, 2016 at 10:59am PDT

17. Shekhawati Region, India

A photo posted by Walz (@mo_walz) on Oct 11, 2016 at 4:27am PDT

16. Honduras

A photo posted by Cristal Dyer (@tofutraveler) on Aug 10, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT

15. Ushuaia, Argentina

A photo posted by Adriana Lage Toma (@adri.lage) on Oct 25, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

14. Mallorca, Spain

A photo posted by Alexander Waltner (@swedishnomad) on Oct 26, 2016 at 7:14am PDT

13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A photo posted by Pittsburgh 📍 (@logantilleyphoto) on Oct 18, 2016 at 3:02pm PDT

12. Kjerringøy, Norway

A photo posted by Nordland Turselskap (@nordlandturselskap) on Oct 24, 2016 at 5:05am PDT

11. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

A photo posted by Cristina García (@cristinteer) on Oct 13, 2016 at 3:38pm PDT

10. Silent Green, Berlin, Germany

A photo posted by Intentionally left blank (@massju) on May 23, 2016 at 5:13am PDT

9. Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Netherlands

A photo posted by L I N D A H E I K E N S 🌎 (@wherelindagoes) on Oct 17, 2016 at 7:09am PDT

8. Lost Sierra, California

A photo posted by Chalet View Lodge (@chaletviewlodge) on Oct 25, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

7. Lombok, Indonesia

A photo posted by Lombok (@explorelombok) on Oct 16, 2016 at 10:33pm PDT

6. Ilhabela, Brazil

A photo posted by Ilhabela (@belailhabela) on Oct 26, 2016 at 2:14am PDT

5. The Southern Islands, Cambodia

A photo posted by Brad Florescu (@bradflorescu) on Jan 5, 2016 at 2:13am PST

4. Stock Island/Key West, Florida

A photo posted by Loys Ikatu (@divaloys) on Sep 29, 2016 at 5:15am PDT

3. Vojvodina, Serbia

A photo posted by Novi Sad candidate for EYC2019 (@opens2019) on Oct 18, 2016 at 5:43am PDT

2. Seoul, South Korea

A photo posted by 서울시 Seoul City (@seoul_official) on Oct 18, 2016 at 1:02am PDT

1. Malta

A photo posted by ALTUG GALIP (@kyrenian) on Oct 1, 2016 at 11:11am PDT

The 25 Travel Secrets feature can be found in the U.S. edition of Lonely Planet Magazine.

If you're ready to start planning a vacation then check out my Top Travel Websites For Planning A Trip or Where To Find The Best Travel Deals for booking on the go.

If you're not already following me, make sure to check out my Instagram where I post stories daily and you can get all the behind the scenes action from my travels.

Was there anything completely new for you here? Let me know in the comments. There were at least five places that I had never even heard of!

Zephyr Lodge Guatemala - The Good, The Bad and The Infinity Pool

2023 Update: Based on recent feedback since my last visit, I’ve made lots of changes to keep you guys updated!

When I was traveling through Guatemala I heard about Zephyr Lodge before I learned about Semuc Champey, the natural pools located deep in the Guatemalan jungle. Reviews are mixed on this place, through word-of-mouth and also online, but my temporary travel companions at the time were insistent on staying there so I decided to give it a try.

Read more about building great travel relationships while on your solo trip

The Rooms

Zephyr Lodge has a selection of dorms and private rooms available. I stayed in a dorm room situated next to the main area where the bar and restaurant are located but also got to check out the dorms that were further away as well. I also got to visit the private room of two guys I met while at Zephyr Lodge.

Dorm rooms

If you’re up for a party or will likely be staying up anyway then the rooms in the main building will be fine. If worse comes to worst then you should hopefully have some ear plugs anyway. It’s not terrible but if you’re a light sleeper then the noise will likely keep you awake. You can try to request the rooms that are further away but it’s not guaranteed.

These dorms are also located up some steep stairs so if you have any problems with mobility, definitely let them know when you’re booking.

The newer dorms that are located separate from the main building will be quieter and you don’t have to deal with the noise from the bar but if you need to get up to use the bathroom at night it is a bit of a walk .

The beds were comfy and there seemed to be enough electrical outlets for everyone. One downside was that there weren’t enough lockers in the room for everyone and we had to use the ones outside. I’m not a big fan of that but it was still safe.

Private Rooms

The private rooms are definitely worth it if you have the budget. Big comfy beds, boutique style rooms, private bathrooms, and they all have a big open-air deck or balcony looking out into the valley. They’re far enough away from the action that the noise shouldn’t be a problem but still within stumbling distance of the bar to make it back to bed safely.

The bar and restaurant

Zephyr Lodge offers a bar and restaurant for all meals during your stay. No outside food or drink is allowed and there is no kitchen for guest use.

The food isn’t the cheapest but I wouldn’t say it’s overpriced. You are in the jungle after all. There were some great choices and some that were a little bit bland. Chat with the other guests and see what’s good on the menu at the time.

There are wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked breads, burgers and also lots of vegetarian and healthier options. For me everything was great except for the mexican-inspired meals like the burrito.

All ordering is done by an electronic tab system and you pay for everything at the end. This can be a good or bad thing as it can be so easy to forget there’s any money involved and go crazy with the drinks only to get a shock at the end. Staff are always happy to give you an update of your bill during your stay.

Zephyr Lodge uses communal tables which are good for getting to know other guests when you’re on your own and there is a happy hour everyday from 6 pm to 8 pm which is also a great time to meet some other people and save some money.

View of the valley from the Lodge

Tours

Zephyr Lodge offers tours to the main sites in Lanquin as well as a Semuc Champey day tour. At the time of my stay they had recently made the decision to not include the caves tour section of the trip in their tour. We heard this was for different reasons including how dangerous the caves are (it’s a pretty risky trip) and recent thefts from the bags of guests while they were in the caves. Not sure what is actually true and they may now be offering the tour again as their website has the full package on their tour page.

Since we had heard such great things about the tour we decided to do as some other guests had done and book with a hostel located closer to the town. Because of this I don’t have any experience with the tours they offer but did hear some great things about their Lanquin River Tubing trip by the other guests.

There’s a sign-in sheet at reception to sign up for a tour and you should try to do it the night before so you don’t miss out on a spot.

Read more about my Semuc Chamey tour here or book your own local tour online through Get Your Guide.

Things to note

• You can now book Zephyr Lodge directly on Booking.com! No more stressing about whether you’re going to get a spot or not. They do book out fast though, so I strongly suggest booking as soon as you’ve decided to go.

• If they are booked up, there are a lot of other places to stay, including some that are right next to Semuc Champey. Greengo’s, El Retiro Lodge, and Ch'i Bocol Community Hostel are all highly rated. Check out Trip Advisor for even more places to stay in Lanquin.

• Wifi is not great. Don’t expect anything and you might be pleasantly surprised.

• There are some resident pets on the property. They don't usually bother guests but are there for a cuddle if you're missing you're missing your furry friends at home.

• Keep track of what you’re drinking and ordering throughout your stay. Many guests felt that they were being ripped off and there were things on their tab that they hadn’t ordered. Hard to prove when you’ve been staying there for a while and drinking up. My tab had a small error with my onward shuttle to Flores but it was quickly fixed up.

• Check out time can be a very busy time of the day. When you’re planning to check-out, make sure to be up with plenty of time to order and eat breakfast, pay for your bill and make your shuttle time. Almost every day that I was at Zephyr, there was a long line to pay, with up to a half hour wait. The day I checked out they opened breakfast almost 45 minutes late so it was a bit of a rush for those who were trying to be early but I was still one of the first few to check out. It didn’t really matter, though, because we still ended up waiting half an hour for our shuttle to show up and then a couple were yet another half an hour late after that. Again, just take the good with the bad. You’re in Guatemala, living the dream remember?

The Right Expectations

Zephyr Lodge is a great place to stay if you know what to expect and what you’re getting into. Remember that you’re in the middle of the jungle and supplies are limited. They might run out of a particular ingredient or not offer your favourite dish. Sure, it could be cheaper but with all the amazing amenities and stunning views it was worth it for me.

Zephyr can be a party hostel depending on the staff and the guests at the time. Some nights were quieter than others and some nights carried on and on. If you don’t want to party then just make sure to get a room further away and you should be fine. It’s nice and quiet during the day while everyone is away on day trips or just relaxing pool side.

Personally, my expectations were super low going in but I actually had a great time and stayed longer than expected.

Summary

Overall I think Zephyr is an excellent choice in Lanquin but does have its downsides. If you have the budget, their private rooms are great and include your own balcony overlooking the valley. The dorms are hit and miss. Comfortable beds but the dorms located near the bar are noisy at night until the party dies down. The shared showers have their own individual views of the jungle which is kind of cool as do some of the toilets. Everything is very clean and well maintained.

The infinity pool is really the attraction here. The pool has a stunning backdrop and a swim up bar. There’s a large sun deck for perfect days relaxing by the pool with a strong drink as well as a hot tub with very restrictive opening hours. Overall I recommend Zephyr Lodge. It’s a good place to stay for a couple of days, you can relax or party and have a good place to rest your head after a long day at Semuc Champey.

Zephyr Lodge details

http://zephyrlodgelanquin.com/

Private Rooms - From Q 460 per night

Deluxe Rooms - From Q 520 per night

Dorm rooms - From Q 140 per person per night

Planning a visit to Semuc Champey? Check out my Semuc Champey Travel Guide.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Did I miss anything? Is Zephyr Lodge a place that you would like to stay?

A Day Trip To Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is not easy to get to. It is out of the way and isolated but that’s part of its appeal. Imagine a jungle landscape with green as far as the eye can see and a beautiful turquoise natural pool in the middle.

If you’re up for a 6 hour bumpy ride into the middle of the Guatemalan jungle then I would suggest staying in Lanquin for 2 or 3 days, relaxing poolside at Zephyr Lodge and doing a day trip to Semuc Champey. I had a lot of fun wondering around the small town itself, hiking to the hill-top church and eating at the local eateries around town.

The highlight of my time in Lanquin was visiting the Kam’ba cave system during the Semuc Champey day trip and putting on my Indiana Jones hat for a couple of hours. It was so much fun and months later I have not been able to stop talking about.

Book your own local guide for your Semuc Champey tour here and read on for advice on how to get the most out of your trip and some Semuc Champey safety tips.

Semuc Champey Day Trip

All of the hotels and hostels in the area will offer a tour to Semuc Champey. It’s really your reason for visiting Lanquin and if you have the time, I recommend this as part of any Central American itinerary. Besides the main attraction of Semuc Champey, there are several other side activities that get to do on a day trip.

Cuevas de Kam'ba

At the time of my visit Zephyr Lodge had stopped offering the cave portion of the tour due to safety and theft concerns so a group of us just booked a complete tour through another hostel. Feel free to ask around but prices were all kind of similar.

One of the funnest things I have ever done in my travels was exploring the Kam'ba Caves at Semuc Chmpey and I’m so glad I took the gamble against my hostel’s warnings. It really isn’t the safest attraction and you are in the middle of the jungle in Guatemala so if you decide to do this trip then I suggest you walk and swim slowly and take your time when doing some more of the riskier activities. Also when walking through some of the darker section, keep a look out for sudden drops from the roof. Watch your head, there are no helmets on this tour!

Once you enter the caves, you are given a candle to light your way. No modern flashlights here! At the entrance the guides will decorate you with war paint fresh from the walls of the cave so it’s a good idea to be nice so you don’t end up with a moustache! Our guide joked it was bat poop but I chose to pretend it was something else.

I was quickly submerged in the cold cave water as we started the two-hour trek into the cave system. This wasn’t my favourite part as I don’t like the cold but I soon forgot about my discomfort when we got to our first adventure. Climbing a wood and rope ladder contraption that looked as old as the caves, one-handed, while trying to keep the candle away in the other hand.

There were a few spots where I actually had to swim through the cave when I couldn’t touch the bottom but luckily there was usually a rope to guide us along. These parts where I was fully submerged is where I got the majority of my bumps and scrapes from the stalagmites poking out from the bottom.

For the extra adventurous, there was an opportunity to scale up a rock face and dive into a deep pool below. I tried my best but I couldn’t get my little legs up there to even attempt the jump. I had also had more than my fair share of Guatemalan tostadas by then so I wasn’t in the best shape.

Halfway through I got to try the most challenging thing I had done in weeks, climbing up a mini waterfall by rope. With my candle down my bikini bottoms for safe keeping I had to scale a small cliff with water rushing into my face while looking out for the best foot holds. This was super fun and super scary. If this is too much for you, there is a slightly less challenging rope ladder that you can climb off to the side to help you get up away from the waterfall.

Towards the end of the trek you get to slide down a natural waterslide through a waterfall into a dark cavern. One of the guides stayed at the top to show you where to slide and one was down below to make sure you landed safely.

The cave tour was honestly worth the 6-hour ride to get to Semuc Champey on its own and its something I would do again in a heartbeat. My friend and I kept talking about how much fun we were having and that we wished we could stay longer. You don’t get much more fun and adventurous than this.

River tubing, bridge jumps and a rope swing

Once you’re out of the cave it’s time to relax. You can look forward to floating gently down the Cahabón River with a beer in your hand and a huge grin on your face. But first I was invited to try out the rope swing into the river. This one hurts if you don't land perfectly straight! Tuck your legs in while you’re swinging and make sure to let go at the end as it won’t be pretty.

Once we had floated all the way down to the rickety old bridge and had climbed out, we were invited to do one last jump - off the 10-metre high bridge into the river below. I had had enough adventure for one day and lunch was calling my name so I just watched the brave souls jump in and then struggle to swim back to shore in the current. What an exhausting morning!

Semuc Champey

After lunch, we walked across the bridge and entered the park of Semuc Champey. At this point you can just head straight to the main attraction and just relax or you can opt to do the one hour long hike to get to the view point so you can see the whole effect of these beautiful natural pools. Hiking through the jungle covered in war paint and a bikini is one thing I never imagined I would do but there I was, living the dream!

It’s a muddy hike up and very steep but once you’re up there it’s really quite breathtaking. Once you’re down you can pack away anything you don’t want to get lost in the lockers provided and can finally jump into the pools!

Semuc Champey consists of a natural 300 metre long limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools that are perfect for exploring. My guide took us to some of the more impressive parts of the pools including showing us where we could safely jump from and the hidden mini caves including one that you needed to swim underwater to get to.

Semuc Champey is really beautiful and my photos don’t do the pools any justice. If you’re in Guatemala I really hope you don’t miss this trip.

Where to stay

I stayed at Zephyr Lodge. Zephyr is a great place to stay in Lanquin but does have its downsides. If you have the budget, their private rooms are great and include your own balcony overlooking the jungle. The dorms are hit and miss. Comfortable beds but the dorms located near the bar are noisy at night until the party dies down. The shared showers have their own individual view of the jungle which is kind of cool as do some of the toilets. Everything is very clean and well maintained.

The infinity pool is really the attraction here. The pool has a stunning backdrop and a swim up bar. There’s a large sun deck for perfect days relaxing by the pool with a strong drink as well as a hot tub with very restrictive opening hours. Overall I recommend Zephyr Lodge. It’s a good place to stay for a couple of days, you can relax or party and have a good place to rest your head after a long day at Semuc Champey.

You could consider staying at a hotel or hostel close to Semuc Champey. There are a few that sounded really nice and it means you can visit Semuc Champey more than once or for longer than we did on the tour. One friend recommended Utopia.

Check out TripAdvisor for some more options.

Never stayed in a hostel before? Read my posts on what to expect and your hostel packing essentials. 

Other points

• A good option is to use this as a stop over point between Tikal and Antigua.

• Most travel agencies and hostels offer a shared shuttle service to Lanquin from Flores, Antigua or Lake Atitlan. Once you’re here an onward shuttle is just as easy to find. From memory, shuttles were a bit more expensive at Zephyr so if you’re feeling up to it you could walk into town and book something from another hostel or agency.

• You don’t necessarily need a guide to just visit Semuc Champey. You can arrange a ride in town or try to hitch along the main road. Entry fee to the site is approx USD $6.

• Stay safe by sticking to groups, not venturing off the path too far and be mindful of where your putting your feet and head in the caves.

• You can pre-book a local guide for your Semuc Champey tour through Get Your Guide.

What do you think? Are Semuc Champey and the Kam'Ba caves worth the trip? Let me know in the comments below!

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Why You Should Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary On Your Next Aussie Vacation

When you live in Australia and friends and family visit usually the first thing they want to do is either cuddle a koala or pet a kangaroo. I’ve been to Australia Zoo more times than I count due to the legend of “The Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin and now his daughter Bindi's fame spreading to the rest of the world via Dancing With The Stars. It must be the same for people who live near Disney World or Times Square in New York. Great to visit a couple of times, not so much the eight, ninth and tenth times.

This week I had a friend visiting from the States and I was surprised when she suggested we spend the day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Doing some research I found that Lone Pine actually ranks as #2 on TripAdvisor and it’s really affordable. Adults are $32.50 and kids (under 13) are $19.80 if you book online. They also offer discounted family passes.

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 Check out some more great websites for planning your holiday activities

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Where is it?

Lone Pine is located 15 minutes by car from Brisbane City. You can also get here by public transport from Brisbane. Bus number 430 from Queen Street Station and bus number 445 from Wickham Tce stop 158 are your easiest options. Check out Translink’s website for help planning your trip and fare information while in Brisbane.

What can I see and do?

Lone Pine is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world. Here you can learn all about these super cute animals and get a chance to take a picture with them or even hold them and have a cuddle session.

Lone Pine houses 130 koalas that live in different exhibits around the sanctuary, according to their age and gender. These homes include the “Boys”, the “Kindergarten” and the “Retirement Home” where the oldies go for a more quiet and relaxed lifestyle. These areas are spread out throughout the sanctuary so there’s always a koala nearby.

There are two koala talks on during the day (at 12 pm and 2 pm) so that you can learn more about the koalas and get a chance to learn how you can help them thrive in the wild.

At 1 pm there is an opportunity to get a picture with your own camera for a small donation of your choice. Get there early as the line can be quite long but does go quickly. If you want a more hands-on experience then you can opt for a professional photo session. Starting from $18, you can hold a koala and get a professional shot to take home with you.

A male koala is easily distinguished by a brown mark on his chest. The brown mark is his scent gland which he rubs against the base of the trees in his territory as well as rubbing it on the trunk as he climbs. In doing this he marks out his territory and attracts females. If you can smell a strong odour, it may be the males in front of you. Photo by Les Olsen / CC BY-SA 2.0

Almost sharing the spotlight with the koalas are the kangaroos. Lone Pine has a large kangaroo and wallaby free-roaming reserve. You can walk amongst the kangaroos, pat them and even feed them. Make sure to pick up a bag of kangaroo food from the cafe for $2. With some of these pellets you will quickly become the most popular human around!

There are also a few emus wandering around that are very friendly. One was almost a little too friendly and went snooping around my handbag!

On my day trip to Lone Pine I easily spent a couple of hours hanging out in the Kangaroo Reserve. If you’re travelling with kids it will be hard to pry them away to visit the other animals!

Top Tip: If you're heading to Sydney you can also have some fun animal opportunities at Taronga Zoo, which is also on the water with great views of Sydney Harbour.

Failed kangaroo shot! He was getting up and close and personal trying to get some food :|

Other Australian wildlife that you can see at Lone Pine include tasmanian devils, snakes, perentie (Australia’s largest lizard) wombats and dingoes. On my visit I was extremely lucky to be able to visit the snake exhibit right after they were fed. I got an eye-opening experience of a snake slowly devouring a baby chicken. if this is your thing, then make sure to ask one of the staff what time they’ll be fed.

There are also platypus in the same area and I know from experience how tough they are to spot in the wild so make sure to check out these cute little guys while you’re here.

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Did you know?
Lone Pine was home to a special koala named Sarah until 2001. Sarah made it into the Guinness Book of Records for being the world’s longest lived koala.

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Male kangaroo next to a female. Check out those muscles!

There are several shows on during the day including a raptor show, platypus feed and keeper presentations and a sheep dog show. Have a look at the schedule before you visit and make sure to pick your must-sees. Try to arrive 5 minutes early to get the best seats!

For a more hands-on animal encounter you should participate in the wild lorikeet feeding and the barn animal encounter experiences. These are great for little and big kids. Imagine being surrounded by these cute colourful birds while you are used as a tree while they eat.

The raptor show lets you see these grand birds in action. You get to learn about them and their hunting habits and also have a few close call fly overs. Sit up the front for the chance to feed an owl yourself. Not for the fainthearted though!

Wallaby selfie :D

Emu sneaking through my handbag!

Facilities

There is free wifi available all around the sanctuary but it is fastest near the cafe. You can also find charging ports near the cafe in the Blogger’s Lounge which is very useful when you’re battery is dying after too many kangaroo selfies!

The General Store is where you can buy kangaroo food, cafe-style meals and snacks, coffee and cold drinks. There are gluten free and vegetarian options available. For something more something substantial, though, and a much better view, the Riverside Cafe is located just outside the sanctuary but still on the grounds. There are picnic tables and a bbq there if you want to self cater. Just make sure to get a stamp from the gift shop at the exit so you can come back in.

There are excellent toilet facilities through the sanctuary that are kept super clean. My only critique is that I couldn’t find any water fountains to fill up my water bottle but the water is safe to drink in Australia so I just used the tap from the restrooms.

One great feature that I noticed are the child-height view points in most of the exhibits. If you have a little one they should be able to get their own unique insights into each of the animal habitats. I also used these to get some great ground level photos.

Koala Facts

• The life expectancy of a wild koala is 8 to 10 years whilst captive koalas can live 12 to 15 years.

• Male koalas generally have a shorter lifespan than females.

• Male koalas are also larger than females. An adult male koala weighs between 7 and 14 kilograms whilst females usually weigh between 6 and 11 kilograms.

• Each koala’s hand print is unique, just like our fingerprints.

• Koalas first and second toes are fused together on their hind paws and there are two claws on this toe. They use this claw like a little comb to clean themselves.

Visitor information

Open 7 days a week
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Qld 4069 Australia
Phone: +61 7 3378 1366
Email: service@koala.net

Website: http://www.koala.net/

You can pre-purchase tickets online and save 10% (no code needed).

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Indian's Nose - Lake Atitlan

While visiting San Pedro for a few days I found out about a moderate hike to see the sunrise over the lake. San Pedro is one of the larger towns located on Lake Atitlan and is known as a party town. This doesn’t stop the travel agencies from selling volcano treks to the nearby volcano and the shorter but steeper hike to Indian’s Nose.

The Indian’s Nose viewpoint sits at at 2,863 meters looking over the pueblos of San Pedro, Santa Clara and San Marcos. Its name comes from the fact the profile of the mountain looks like a sleeping Indian with the viewpoint as its nose. The hike is 1.5 to 2 hours of a very steep climb.

While I was doing my research on how to get there and whether I should do guide or no guide, I found out about an expat called Matt Purvis who is a geologist and runs specialist tours up to the lookout and around the area. Matt has a B.S.c. in Geology and an M.S.c. in The Science of Natural Hazards and the selling point of his tour is that you can learn all about how the area was formed and the unique history that makes up the region.

You can do this hike at any time of the day but the most rewarding time is early in the morning so you can see the sunrise. Worthy goal but we did have to get up at 3:30 am. I was more than happy to head to bed early to get some sleep but unfortunately we were staying in a bit of a party hostel. Picture me brushing my teeth in my pyjamas at 8 pm in the sink that is next to the bar declining offers for “just one more drink!"

I managed to convince one of my new travel friends, Laura, to do the hike with me but had some trouble waking her up the next morning. Why can’t everyone be a morning person like me?

Our guide, Matt, was full of energy when he arrived, while a few of the group looked worse for wear, myself included. I had woken up feeling dreadful and wasn’t sure my stomach was going to survive the hike. I didn't know if whatever was going on in there wanted to go up or down and I think it hadn’t made its mind up yet.

The worst part was while they were feeling ill because they had stayed up partying all night, I was genuinely unwell. I didn’t want to be lumped into the hungover category! To avoid this I was determined to get up that mountain and not make a word of complaint on the hike up.

Once we had the whole group together we headed to the chicken bus stop up the steep hill in San Pedro.  Challenge #1 completed!

Challenge #2 was the chicken bus ride to the trailhead and after a few close calls, I managed to keep my small breakfast down.

The group gathered at the trailhead where Matt and his two local guides handed out flashlights. These were absolutely necessary because the trail is completely dark and quite slippery in some points.

We set off on some relatively flat terrain while navigating through the back of the town until we hit the start of the steepest hike I’ve ever done. For about an hour I climbed up the side of the mountain while simultaneously holding down my breakfast and praying that it wasn’t going to try to come out in a hurry through the other end.

I struggled to make it all the way to the top, determined to not look like a whingey baby and even tough I was one of the last people up there I was pleased to see the top. Matt and his guides has built a fire to help warm us up while we waited for the sun rise but after getting a few whiffs of the smoke I promptly threw up off the side and into the poor bushes.

The good news was I felt completely fine after that, I just wish it had happened earlier! I also got to experience the sunrise without feeling awful.

Success!

Once we had some coffee and a light breakfast and soaked in as much of the view as we could handle, Matt gathered the group together to go through his mini geology lesson.

From Indian’s Nose you can spot the 8 volcanoes of the region. Matt explained how they came to stand in a line and how Lake Atitlán was formed. He spent about 20 minutes going through the basics of volcano formation and the unique history of the region complete with diagrams and makeshift drawings in the dirt.

Lake Atitlan fills the Atitlan caldera, a huge hole in the ground caused by a massive volcanic eruption 85,000 years ago. The eruption has been named the Los Chocoyos event after the birds that now burrow nest holes into the extensive deposits.

To help bring the size of Los Chocoyos into perspective compare it with the eruption of some modern day volcanoes. When Mt. St. Helens in the US blew up in 1980, one cubic kilometre (1km3) of rock, lava and ash shot from the volcano. This seems small compared with the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, which ejected around 10 km3 of magma, the largest in living memory.

These modern eruptions are dwarfed, however, by Los Chocoyos 85,000 years ago. A total of 270km3 of volcanic debris was thrown out of the caldera, covering Guatemala with ash and rock.

Ash from the Atitlan caldera can be found in the rock strata as far north as Florida and as far South as Panama and most of Central America would have experienced a darkening of the skies as the ash rose into the atmosphere. Crazy interesting right?

After his talk, we headed back down the mountain but via different path so we could experience a different viewpoint. We got to walk through some local maize fields and coffee plantations where one of the local guides also taught us about local medicinal practices and the interesting division of land. The parents divide the land up amongst their children and the children continue the tradition. What was once a large plot of land has now become many smaller plots.

I highly recommend hiking Indian’s Nose when you’re in the area and if you have the opportunity go through Matt! Hiking is so much more fun when you get to learn something new and unique to the area that you’re in.

“Matt Purvis
geotravelguatemala@gmail.com
+502 3168 8625”

What to take

• Definitely take a flashlight. Your guide might offer one or if you have a head torch, even better. It gets really dark on that trail.
• Wear some good shoes. Hiking shoes if you have them but anything enclosed is best. It can be slippery even just from the dew at that time in the morning so no flip flops.
• Wear layers. If you’re doing the sunrise hike then it will start off cold but that see hike will have you warmed up before you know it.
• A poncho in case of rain.
• Enough water, at least 1 litre.
• Some food for the top
• Have you ever had a tough hike that you almost couldn't finish?

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Tulum Ruins, Mexico

Tulum is located on Mexico's Caribbean Coast just south of Playa Del Carmen. It can be considered the "green resort" town because you can still find many luxury resorts and stylish beach clubs but there's also a growing number of eco style hotels and beach cabins available.

Right outside of town there is a small set of Mayan ruins known for its picture perfect setting on the beach. The Tulum Ruins are the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico, after Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza.

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San Fernando Fort, Omoa

Omoa, Honduras is small town on the Caribbean Coast, a short trip from San Pedro Sula.

Omoa used to be the main Caribbean port of Honduras until the mid 19th century. Now it is a very laid back beach town where you can be one of the only tourists in sight. As you can see, I had the whole place to myself!

One of the main reasons to visit is to see the historical 18th century San Fernando Fort. It's also a great stop over on the way to or from the Guatemala Border. Full post to come!

Sea shells were used to build the walls

A hole left by the impact from a canon ball

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Tikal - A Photo Essay

A gallery of images from Tikal, one of the Mayan Cities in Guatemala dated over 1000 years ago during the Classic Period. I was lucky enough to spot monkeys and also witness the sunset from one of the tallest pyramids.

See if you can spot a famous shot from a Star Wars movie and let me know in the comments!

This post is part of my Top 30 in Central America and Mexico. You can also check out some more of my favourite sites and activities in Guatemala here.

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