What to do in Cape Town this weekend (28th – 30th November)

It’s the last weekend of the month of November, the weather is heating up and the festive season is upon us, so it’s time to plan your exciting weekends for the summer. Here are some awesome activities for you to do this upcoming weekend…

Holiday fun at Ratanga Junction – 28 November

If you live in Cape Town and you haven’t visited Ratanga Junction yet, you’re missing out! The amazing theme park has over 23 rides, although its best known for the Cobra and Monkey Falls, these hair-raising rides are only part of the fun, there are other attractions for children, families and for those who prefer to keep the adrenaline rush to a minimum!

Date: 25 Nov – 26 Jan 2015
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Venue: Ratanga Junction
Price: R65 – R172

The Galileo Open Air Cinema
– 29 November
Grab your family, your best friends or your partner and head over to this beautiful open air cinema in the Cape Winleands. Enjoy your favourite film underneath the stars with your loved ones or just take in the breath-taking surroundings of the historic vineyards and mountain ranges. Don’t stress about the films, because there will be a huge variety from romance to musicals and action flicks, there’s something for everyone!

Date: 29 November
Time: 19:30 – 22:00
Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate
Price: R70 – R110

Blues Restaurant’s Seaside Sunday Lunch – 30 November
Say goodbye to the weekend at this cozy, relaxed Camps Bay eatery. Sundays are made for sleeping late, sitting by the sea and enjoying a day with family and friends, take the meaning of lazy to a whole new level and visit the Blues Restaurant. You’ll be transported into the ocean with an array of delicious meals, choose anything from linefish, tuna and calamari or something hearty like sirloin, lamb chops and venison.  

Date: 30 November
Time: 12:00 – 23:00
Venue: Blues Restaurant and Bar
Price: Variable

Gather your friends, family and all your loved ones and end off the month by enjoying the beautiful Mother City this weekend, don’t miss the opportunity to truly enjoy it. From rollercoaster rides to lazy days by the beach, it’s everything you could ask for in one weekend.

For a self-catering apartment that's hard to forget, visit 808 Cartwright for comfy, relaxing accommodation. If you're in need of a reliable airport transfer to and from Cape Town International Airport, give Airport Shuttle in Cape Town a call - its an affordable, well-maintained ride.  

What not to pack when you’re travelling

There’s always the issue when packing of what not to bring and what you NEED to bring, the main goal is to be able to carry your luggage around without huffing and puffing and completely losing your breath. When we’re forced to make the awful decision and choose between our favourite things, most of the time it’s just easier to pack it all! Everyone’s packing style is different and we all have our own travel needs, but if you leave out a few of the following items on your next trip and we promise you won’t miss a thing!

Don’t pack your entire beauty routine:  If you use 12 different products on your hair, leave some of them at home when you’re travelling, instead of carrying two extra bags with you filled with beauty products. If you’re worried about looking like a troll in your holiday photos, trust me it won’t happen if you just use shampoo and conditioner for a few nights.

Don’t pack more clothes than you need: Clothes take up majority of the space in your suitcase, if you reduce the amount of outfits, it can reduce the load significantly. No one wants to run out of clean underwear in the middle of the forest, but that doesn't mean you have to pack enough clothes to change outfits three times a day.

Don’t pack your jewelry and valuables: So you can’t imagine living without your grandmother’s wedding ring or your expensive Rolex watch? Well, it’s best not to cart it overseas! Tourists are the main targets for criminals, you may think you look like a million bucks, but to thieves you just look like an easy target.

Don’t pack unnecessary gadgets: This part applies to you if you've ever packed things like nightlights, portable DVD players, coffee makers or toothbrush sanitizers, but then you never touch them once throughout the whole trip. The important thing to ask yourself is: “Do I really need that electronic language translator?” before you try and stuff it into your overflowing suitcase.

Over packing can cost a lot more than extra suitcase space and a free hand, if you check more than one bag or exceed the weight limit it can cost you a lot of extra cash, so before you get upset about leaving your favourite prized possession at home, remember that these suggestions might help you out a lot.

For an affordable airport shuttle service in Cape Town, contact Airport Shuttle! They offer a fast, reliable ride for a great price. If you're looking for a comfy, self-catering apartment too, 808 Cartwright is your best bet!

7 things you should never wear on an airplane

So we've all done a little travelling in our lives, we've all seen some strange people on our flights, and there are certain things that people wear in the airport or on the flight that just make you cringe! It’s as if some passengers seem to think that the plane is their bed and airport is their bedroom. Okay I understand it’s essential to be comfortable on your flight, but there’s a difference between casual and just looking plain sloppy, here some things you should NEVER wear on an airplane:

1. Pajamas

It seems obvious, right? Pajamas are what you sleep in, in private, in your own bedroom! Find something comfy, but appropriate like a T-shirt and track pants, but please don’t rock up at the airport in your fluffy, pink bathrobe.

2. Shorts

The exception for this rule is if you’re flying from one tropical island to the next, but if you’re not – put some pants on! Why? Because airplanes are dirty and cold, its always best to have as little skin exposed on your seat as possible.

3. Slip Slops
What if there’s an accident, how are you going to make a run for it when you’re in your slip slops? Plus majority of feet are very unattractive, imagine having to see and smell someone’s extra-long toenails for 12 hours.

4. Excessive perfume or deodorant
A little perfume on yourself is perfect, but spraying your entire body with perfume or AXE deodorant can be nauseating for some people. The smell doesn't only affect the poor guy sitting next to you, but it’ll spread throughout the whole airplane.

5. Lack of perfume or deodorant
Maybe you’re the totally natural type of person and you feel that deodorant is harmful to yourself and the environment, that’s 100% fine, but please just deal with it for a few hours and put a little on! Think about the person sitting next to you, you think that you smell fine, but you may not be the best judge.

6. Super short skirts and revealing shirts
A plane is not a club, there is no need for you to wear a mini skirt and a low cut shirt, think for a minute about the other people on the plane. There are families with small children, people going to funerals and important business meetings; an airplane is not a place to show off your whole body. Keep it classy.

7. A ski jacket or bulky coat in the middle of summer
There is no need for you to alarm the other passengers into thinking you’re hiding something dangerous under that massive (unnecessary) jacket. If you’re someone who gets really cold on airplanes, simply layer your clothes, wear a jersey or bring along a small blanket.

Think about these things before you leave for your flight, the pilot and the flight attendants are trying their best to look professional, how would you feel if your pilot was flying the plane while wearing his pajamas and slippers? Not very safe, right? So you should respect their place of work and try to look as professional as you can.

For a reliable, fast airport transfer to and from Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, contact Airport Shuttle Cape Town. Need a place to stay too? 808 Cartwright can provide you with a comfy, self-catering apartment for an affordable price.

Smell the world at London Heathrow Airport

Do you know what South Africa smells like? Don’t worry, the new “scent globe” at Heathrow Airport’s terminal 2 in London knows exactly what we smell like, and with the press of a button you  can be transported back to South Africa in a single sniff.

So it’s a globe that shares the smells of the world, the strange thing is the scented world globe describes South Africa as an “the adventure of safari with notes of tribal incense, wild grass and musky animalics through the scent of Hyraceum". What the heck is Hyraceum? I live in South Africa and I've never once smelled Hyraceum, turns out it’s the petrified and rock-like excrement composed of both urine and feces excreted by the Cape Hyrax and it’s used in traditional South African medicine and perfumery.

Okay, so let’s look past the fact that South Africa apparently smells like wild grass and animal feces, when they should’ve at least put the smell of “braai meat on the coals with a hint of cold beer”, because the globe has actually turned out to be very popular.

The scent globe is situated in the departure lounge at Heathrow’s new terminal 2 and its only been open for five months, but it has already seen about 3.5 million passengers. While the idea still seems a bit strange to me, scents are a very powerful part of both experiencing a new place and feeling at home.

Heathrow officials worked with Design in Scent to produce the individual scents and they’re meant to take passengers on a sensory journey before even setting foot on their flights, here are the scents of the countries represented:

Japan: "is brought to life through cool, oceanic tones with a mix of seaweed and shell extracts, green tea and Ambergris, capturing the essence of small coastal villages so synonymous with the great Pacific Island."
China: "mystical temple incense and subtle Osmanthus Fragrans flower"
Thailand: "an appetizing mix of lemongrass, ginger and coconut."
Brazil: "embraces the scents of its rich rainforest fauna with a palette of coffee, tobacco and jasmine."
And of course we know the South African scent: "the adventure of safari with notes of tribal incense, wild grass and musky animalics through the scent of Hyraceum."

The airport plans to make Heathrow a pleasant place to stop over since they connect more than 72 million passengers to 180 destinations in 28 countries in just a year, the specially created scents will give the passengers travelling through Terminal 2 an exclusive preview of destinations that only Heathrow connects to.

Contact Airport Shuttle for a fast, reliable ride to and from Cape Town International Airport. Accommodation issues? Call 808 Cartwright for an affordable, comfy, self-catering apartment.

Written By: Christine Romans

Signs that you have a packing problem

Whether you’re going on a long holiday out of the country or just a weekend away somewhere close by, packing for your trip can sometimes be quite a problem. If you've ever had to pay an extra baggage fee, left your passport at home or cleaned up a shampoo spill in your bag, you might have a bit of a packing issue. To help your trip preparation go smoothly and avoid these crises, there are some easy, effective solutions:

Warning Sign 1 – A wrinkled wardrobe
Do you really want to spend time ironing your clothes in your hotel when you could be out enjoying your trip. If your clothes ever come out of your suitcase looking like they’re been lying on your bedroom floor for three weeks, you may want to change your packing strategy.

Solution:
- Try to stick to wrinkle free clothing rather than normal cottons and linens
- Don’t actually pack your bag until shortly before your departure
- Be sure to unpack your clothes and hang them up as soon as you get to your hotel
- Roll or interlock your clothes instead of folding them

Warning Sign 2 – Damaged goods
There’s nothing worse than arriving home and discovering that your precious souvenirs are lying in pieces at the bottom of your suitcase. If you've ever had an item destroyed or had your clothes damaged by a messy spill, you may need a few lessons on packing with extra care.

Solution:
- Never, ever put breakable items in your checked luggage
- Wrap fragile items in newspaper, bubble wrap or clothing and keep them in your carry-on bag
- If you've bought an item that’s too big to fit on your carry-on then just have it shipped home for you
- Any item that can potentially leak (toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, perfume) should be sealed tightly and packed into a zip-top plastic bag

Warning Sign 3 – Too much baggage
Does it take three flight attendants plus a bodybuilder to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead compartment? If you answered yes then you need to learn how to lighten your load, no one wants to pay those nasty access baggage fees for over packing.

Solution:
- It’s worth it to buy a lightweight bag to give you a few extra Kg's to work with
- Check the weather forecast beforehand, if it shows nothing but sunshine, leave your huge winter jacket at home
- Call your hotel and check what amenities will be in your room, chances are you won’t have to bring your shampoo or hairdryer

Warning Sign 4 – Pre-trip panic
Are you unable to sleep the night before a trip, because you’re absolutely terrified that you've forgotten to pack something? Or even worse you arrive at your destination and realize that you actually have forgotten something vital, the trick is to stay organized and give yourself plenty of time to pack and it’ll get rid of your pre-trip jitters.

Solution:
- Don’t start packing the day, or hour before your trip
- Mentally walk through your trip and plan out outfits and items in advance
- Make a list and check off items as you pack them in
- Just remember there are few things you can’t just buy if you've forgotten to pack them

If you think your suitcase-stuffing strategy needs a bit of work, then remember to use these easy solutions before you go on your trip, nothing can ruin a holiday faster than a silly packing problem.

Call Airport Shuttle in Cape Town if you need an affordable, reliable, well-maintained shuttle service to transport you to and from Cape Town International Airport. Perhaps you still need a place to stay for your trip? 808 Cartwright is a comfy, self-catering apartment that can be your accommodation solution. 

5 Things NOT to do when booking accommodation

Imagine you’re on an amazing trip, but when you arrive at your accommodation you discover a small, broken TV in a smelly, ugly room – holiday ruined. Even if you endured a horrible flight or a cramped car, a terrible hotel room is different for one reason: you have to live in it, so there’s no escape!

Your accommodation choice may as well be the most important decision you have to make when planning a trip, to help you get the best room in the best location at the best price here are some things not to do when booking your accommodation.

Don’t forget to check the location: You may find a hotel, B&B or apartment that seems to be in the perfect location, but when you arrive you find out the views are terrible or even worse it’s in the middle of a busy intersection. The easiest way to prevent this sort of problem from happening is to see the site for yourself, most websites include a map of some sort or just use Google street view to get a good look.

Don’t skip the review sites: Its best to know as much as possible about the property before you decide to book yourself in, use review sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp or check the reviews on their website. There is always something you will find out with the help of the people who have stayed there before like bad food, old fashioned rooms and gross bathrooms.

Don’t forget to check if the hotel/apartment/B&B has an airport shuttle: I don’t think anyone is a huge fan of public transportation to and from the airport, carrying your entire luggage around to the bus stop and then on the bus itself can be a horrible experience. And don’t forget that getting to and from your accommodation can be really expensive, so make sure to check if they offer a complimentary shuttle service or even one for a cheaper price.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate: One of the simplest and easiest ways to get a better rate at your accommodation is to ask for one! It’s not that hard to just ask something like “Are there any special rates available?” From just asking that simple question they will often offer a better rate one way or the other.

Don’t be afraid to call them directly: If you've found a hotel that is showing there are no rooms available, high rates or lack of special needs rooms, just call them directly. The front desk will often have information about cancellations or additional rooms; even if you have a simple question like “Are there any pet-friendly rooms?” or “How much is breakfast?” they can answer you immediately which is much faster than waiting for an email reply.

You have to pay for your hotel, B&B or apartment every day you stay there, so make sure you use these simple tricks and plan head to ensure your holiday is all smooth sailing.

Enjoy an affordable, luxurious, self-catering apartment at 808 Cartwright and you can even avoid the public transport by booking a comfortable, well-maintained shuttle service with Airport Shuttle!

Written By: Christine Romans

How to beat the heat while travelling

Summer is probably the most popular time to travel, but it’s definitely the most uncomfortable time too, especially when you’re travelling to a sweltering location like Cape Town. Scorching temperatures and humidity can affect every part of your travel experience including getting to and around airports, sightseeing, lodging, health issues and even the most basic thing like sleeping well at night. Learn how to beat the heat and keep your cool with these helpful tips:

Stay hydrated
Always drink water regularly when you’re travelling, whether you are being active or not you should drink more fluids than normal. Drink cold water to bring down your core temperature and try to purchase some oral rehydration salts.

Pack your sunscreen
Even if you expect to be indoors most of the time, always pack your sunscreen just in case. Avoiding sunburn is an essential part of staying cool; if you get sunburnt it can add to the feeling of overheating.

Eat lighter meals

The fuel in your tummy can heat up the rest of your body, make you feel really heavy and it can take away precious water from your system. Try to choose a meal that will keep you full and hydrated at the same time.

Wear the right clothing
Loose fitting, lightweight and light-coloured clothing is the way to go. Always avoid dark colours and lots of layers; also try to wear cotton and natural fabrics instead of materials like polyester. Cotton will help you keep cool by absorbing and releasing heat and sweat while polyester will trap it and make you feel even hotter.

Wear a hat
Not only will a hat protect you from sunburn but it will also help to keep you nice and cool. It’s important to keep the sun off the back of your neck – this has a big impact on your internal temperature.

Check ahead
There is no excuse for not knowing what the weather will be like where you’re headed, there are plenty of reliable forecasts for almost every place on the planet. You should also check the weather at the airport and all the stops along the way.

Cluster your activities by location
Dragging yourself all over the place can be brutal in the hot summer sun, if you plan out your days to cluster activities together by location or neighbourhood, you can avoid long, hot walks or overheating on bus rides.

Have some ice cream
It’s delicious, it’s fun to eat and it’ll bring down your core temperature! Yes, water or juice will do the job, but it doesn't compare to eating an ice cream on a hot day!

Uncomfortably high temperatures can cause a lot of discomfort and dehydration, not to mention heat stroke and heat rash. Don’t get caught feeling like you’re travelling in an oven, use these simple tricks to keep yourself cool as a cucumber.

If you're making your way to the Mother City, check in at 808 Cartwright for a bright, comfy, self-catering apartment. Don't have transport there? Never fear Airport Shuttle can get you to and from Cape Town International Airport in an affordable and reliable way!

Written By: Christine Romans

What to do in Cape Town this weekend (14th – 16th November)

It’s warm, its sunny and its basically festive season, so its time to get your weekend plans going! Whether you just want to lay back and relax while having a delicious meal or enjoy the views of Table Mountain, make sure you’re ready for an incredible weekend in Cape Town.

Volvo Ocean Race in Cape Town – 14^th November
The Volvo Ocean race is known to be the most grueling endurance sailing event of all time, This tri-annual yachting contest is an 8 month long race around the world, it is 40 000 nautical miles long! After starting in Alicante in Spain they are now docking at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town as part of the first leg of the race. There will be a wide variety of water-based events, check out the pop-up seaside community which hosts pavilions and race experience tents; you can enjoy the race show and cinema.

Date: 14 November 2014
Time: 08:00 – 18:00
Venue: V&A Waterfront
Price: FREE

The Wild Fig Restaurant’s Alfresco Saturday Lunch – 15^th November
Enjoy a long lazy Saturday at this beautiful outdoor eatery, The Wild Fig Restaurant has tasty cuisine and a luscious garden courtyard where you can dine under the trees, plus let’s not forget the impressive wine list. On the menu you’ll find very unusual delicacies like Coconut Encrusted Patagonian Calamari and Snail Popcorn, there are plenty of hearty options though ranging from Ribeye Steak to Gorgonzola Salad. The food at The Wild Fig will surely whisk you off your feet and it’s just the place to dine this summer.

Date: 15 November 2014
Time: 12:00 – 22:30
Venue: The Wild Fig Restaurant
Price: Varies

Sea Kayaking Sunday Family Special – 16^th November
Are you looking for a unique family activity to do this Sunday? Why not gather the family up and head to Kaskazi Kayaks and enjoy a spectacular sea kayaking excursion! This wonderful sea adventure includes amazing views and maybe encounters will some sea creatures, even better both kids and parents will pay less than the regular price. You don’t have to worry about not being able to paddle because the main aim of the family excursion is to teach you how to paddle and steer a kayak, all while having loads of fun.

Date: 16 November 2014
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Venue: Kaskazi Kayaks
Price: R100 – R250

Spend some time with your family in the Atlantic Ocean, go on an outing or two with your friends in the amazing Mother City, just make sure this coming weekend is a weekend to remember!  

Call up Airport Shuttle to get a quality shuttle service to transport you to and from Cape Town International Airport, then get a bright, comfy, self-catering accommodation like 808 Cartwright and stay there for the weekend! 

Written By: Christine Romans

How to survive a flight with your kids

No matter what kind of parent you all, a long plane ride with your baby or toddler is probably your worst nightmare. Don’t worry, don’t stress you can make it through, just make sure to always prepare in advance!

• Select your seats in advance: Always remember that kids can’t sit in exit rows, if you can try request a bassinet (a folding crib that attaches to the front wall), if not babies under two years can sit on your lap, but many parents prefer to bring along a car seat.

• Bring lots and lots and lots of nappies: Bring even more than you’ll ever think you’d need, disasters can happen on flights and you could run out of nappies which would be the worst case scenario.

• Extra changes of clothes: Stuff happens, your child could spill juice on herself or get airsick, that’s why we always bring a change of clothes no matter what! It would also to be wise to bring a change of clothing for yourself, you never know when your darling child might decide to hurl up her breakfast on your shirt in midflight.

• Bring many familiar foods and snacks onboard: Children can be very difficult, they may refuse to eat any food bought at the airport or onboard, instead they want a peanut butter sandwich like they always have, well make sure you have one handy! Little snacks can also entertain kids for a while and it can be a great boredom buster for them.

• Do bring copious amounts of hand sanitizer and baby wipes: Even when you’re travelling with older kids, there are always going to be messes and sticky fingers, not to mention your kids are going to be touching all sorts of germs on the plane, so ensure you’re prepared.

• Take plenty of amusements: Don’t waste your money buying fancy new toys for the plane ride, rather purchase some cheap toys and wrap them up in about three layers, this can work wonders! If your kids don’t give a damn about the toys ask the flight attendant to bring you some plastic cups, straws or whatever they can find, kids will be entertained for hours with the strangest things.

• Relaxing entertainment for yourself: Don’t even bother bringing along something for yourself, like a magazine, movie or book. You’re not going to be doing much except looking after your child and making sure they’re entertained!

The one tip for travelling with your kids has nothing to do with what to pack; it is to have a positive mindset. If you stress the whole week before the flight about how horrible it is going to be, it’ll probably turn out that way, think about the trip as more as an adventure with your kids!

If you've just arrived in Cape Town, give Airport Shuttle a call, they can drive you from Cape Town International Airport to any destination you desire, like the bright and comfortable, self-catering 808 Cartwright! 

Written By: Christine Romans

Guy Fawkes Day in Cape Town

Today we celebrate Guy Fawkes Day (or Guy Fawkes Night) with explosive displays of fireworks and a light the sky with an array of colours! Are you going to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day in Cape Town this year? Make sure you stay on the right side of the law and only discharge fireworks at the safe sites.

First let’s take a look at the history of Guy Fawkes Day to find out what its actually all about:
In 1605 a group of provincial English Catholics planned to assassinate the king, King James I of England and replace him with a Catholic head of state. But their plan was foiled when an anonymous letter was send to one of the lords telling of their plan, the guard of the conspirators gunpowder was caught just after midnight on the 5^th November in the cellar of the House of Parliament, his name was Guy Fawkes.

So originally November 5^th was known as Gunpowder Treason Day and was meant to celebrate the king’s survival, later though, it became a custom to burn a model or sculpture of Guy Fawkes, that’s why it has now become Guy Fawkes Day.

The holiday has definitely lost its connection to religion and politics, but in some countries, like our own South Africa, we still celebrate Guy Fawkes Day with fireworks and bonfires.

If you don’t know this now, you should make a note that it is ILLEGAL in South Africa to discharge fireworks in backyards (for obvious safety reasons), but the City of Cape Town officials have made certain parks and public areas safe locations to let off sparklers and crackers.

Make sure you only watch and discharge fireworks at these safe sites in Cape Town (between 6pm and midnight only!):
Tableview: Beachfront, opposite the tourism building
Athlone: Athlone stadium parking area (eastern side), Klipfontein Road
Atlantis: Wesfleur Sports field, Reygersdal Drive
Camps Bay: Maidens cove parking area, Victoria Road
Macassar: Macassar beach parking area, Macassar Road
Bishop Lavis: Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive
Mitchells Plain: Swartklip sports complex, corner of Spine and Swartklip road
Strandfontein: Strandfontein Pavilion

 Remember:
- Never handle fireworks if you have been drinking, no matter how fun it may seem
- Never try illegal explosives or try make your own fireworks
- Never give fireworks to small children
- Always remember that fireworks scare animals, so make sure to keep your pets safely indoors  

Do you plan on celebrating Guy Fawkes Day with your family in Cape Town this year? The beautiful Mother City can provide you with the reliable Airport Shuttle service to transport you to and from Cape town International Airport, not to mention you can stay at the comfy, affordable, self-catering apartment 808 Cartwright and enjoy the amazing views of the city. 

Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town