The 7 best places to travel in 2016

It’s the end of the year, so we’ve got holiday getaways on the brain, but not just any old boring getaways; we’re looking for something out of the ordinary! Somewhere that will fuel our passion for travel, but hasn’t been affected by mass tourism.

These seven off-the-beaten-path places are at the top of the 2016 travel list.

GREENLAND
Next is going to be all about Greenland, which is so off the grid your cell phone probably won’t even work! If you love the outdoors then this is the place for you, where the locals travel by dogsled and snowmobile, plus the first-ever Arctic Winter Games will be held in Greenland in March.

BAVARIA, GERMANY
Bavaria has a vibe that will remind you of the Sound of Music. The region has breathtaking scenery, an easy-going feel and a charming culture. Tour the world-class galleries in Munich, and then enjoy beer with the locals – this is by far one of Germany’s best states.

RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO
In 2016, visit the part of Mexico that is free of tourists. Riviera Nayarit is the home to the surfer town of Sayulita, which is the perfect snapshot of what many think is authentic Mexico. Along the streets, you’ll find amazing foods, like fish tacos and beaches that have some of the best waves.

BOTSWANA, AFRICA
Awash with national parks, Botswana is great on a high or low budget, in the dry or green season. This destination is suitable for you whether you are an adventurer or not, but be warned: it won’t remain undiscovered for long, so book a flight now!

KAUAU, HAWAII
Looking for beauty and adventure? Add the Hawaiian island of Kauai to your itinerary. Not only is it the oldest of the main Islands, it’s also the greenest because of its lush rain forests and gorgeous vegetation.

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
This Mediterranean is beautiful from every single angle. Travel in the city walls and sip coffee, munch on warm bread and stroll along the maze of alleys and paved paths. Better still, the cruise ships have yet to overwhelm, so get to Kotor before they drop anchor!

PALAU
This is a prime spot for underwater lovers that enjoy snorkeling, diving or just exploring the deep blue sea. Loads of wreckage from the war still remains scattered throughout the islands, so you can explore while you scuba dive. The coolest spot is Jellyfish Lake, where a subspecies of jellyfish travel across the water in a repeated daily pattern.

From the beautiful Mexican beaches to the undiscovered Palau islands, these seven destinations are the places to be in 2016.

Looking for an place to stay in the beautiful Mother City? Book in at 808 Cartwright Corner, and we can offer the best, most luxurious self-catering apartment for an affordable price!

Packing hacks according to what’s in your bag

Packing everything for your next trip can be a bit scary – what should you take? What shouldn’t you take? However the destination and type of holiday makes it easier to plan and determine the contents to take with. Master the art of packing with these helpful packing hacks!

Beach Bum
All your necessities can be narrowed down to good swimwear, high-quality sunscreen, slip slops, sunglasses, a hat, towels and a waterproof camera. Pack in some baby powder to get rid of sand easily and don’t forget Ziploc bags to protect your valuables.

Camping Enthusiast
Planning to spend a long weekend in the wilderness? Make sure you take the right equipment with you, such as a decent tent and sleeping bag. Enjoy easy, convenient breakfasts amongst the trees with sachets of instant coffee and always keep your eggs in a plastic bottle. Did you know that you can make lamps out of jars by placing candles inside, or use deodorant as an insect repellent? Give it a try!

Urban Explorer
Always avoid anything heavy or restricting, so wear your camera around your neck and keep all your valuables, gadgets and tickets in a small bag. A good way to stay hydrated is to buy a refillable water bottle and always keep it with you.

Happy Hiker
Firstly, consider lining your backpack with bin liners to make it waterproof. You can also reduce the weight of your bag by sticking to dehydrated food and placing anything heavy such as water bottles on top. All your necessary clothing should include; robust footwear, a good jacket and make sure you have plenty of pockets.

Pro Traveler
If you are planning a backpacking trip, it can be difficult to pack your whole life into one suitcase, but it is possible! Write a list of all the necessities you won’t be able to live without, and with some simple tricks you can fit everything in. Save space by rolling your clothes, pack all your socks into your shoes and keep a roll of duct tape on hand – it can be used for literally anything.

Whether you’re a beach bum or an urban explorer, these packing hacks will have you covered!

Cant find accommodation in Cape Town? 808 Cartwright Corner is the perfect self-catering apartment, with amazing views of the Mother City! Contact us today and book your stay!

Things we thought we’d be doing in travel by now

We are officially in the future, except there are no flying cars, dehydrated pizza and levitating hover boards. We’re taking a look at the predictions futurists have been making over the years and we’re kind of ashamed that they haven’t lived up to their optimistic standards.

Here are a bunch of travel things we really should’ve sorted out by now:

Hover cars – In 1985, Back to the Future assured us that there would be hover cars as our main form of transport. Well, we don’t and the traffic and potholes are just getting worse. We want our hover cars!

Hover boards – Hover boards are an even bigger let down than the hover car. Are we not just depriving poor children, not to mention adults, from having serious amounts of fun?

Teleportation – Obviously this would completely get rid of all other forms of transport, we’d probably even use it to get from our bedrooms to the kitchen. It’s probably a good things science hasn’t given teleportation to us yet, we’d probably have become an extremely overweight world.

Food in pills – Transporting sufficient food and water on a long journey can be a hassle most of the time, and most of the time when don’t enjoy the food on flights anyway. Why not just supply food in the form of a pill. Even in first class it’ll be a good idea, lobster is a always a real pain to eat.

All cars electric – Optimistic people thought we’d all be driving around in environmentally friendly vehicles by now. Yes, there are a couple around, but majority of us still use petrol.

Space colonies – We’ve been talking about living in space for a very long time now, but we just don’t seem to be getting anywhere with it. Gravity is such a drag!

Mars for holidays – It’s big and it’s just begging us to visit. So, why aren’t we there yet?

Hyper sleep – Why do we have to sit through economy travel? Let’s just sleep through it already. In sci-fi films aliens always negatively affect hyper sleep, but as long as that doesn’t happen it’ll totally be worth it.

Wormholes – These are supposed to provide handy jumps across time and space into areas of the cosmos.

Time travel – The ultimate form of transport is via time. It allows us to create countless timelines and enter parallel universes.

But, if time travel really does exist someday, the only thing that needs to be done is to go back to 2015 and make the rest of the things on this list available today!

Looking for a great self-catering apartment in Cape Town? Look no further than 808 Cartwright Corner, a luxurious spot nestled in the heart of Cape Town's CBD. Contact us today!

How to not get ripped off when you’re travelling

There’s no quicker way to ruin a holiday or travel adventure than by getting ripped off. It seriously sucks so next time keep these tips in mind…

Beware of the lonely ATM – Stick to a cash machine at a bank, airport, hotel or other public area. To don’t want to fall prey to an ATM scam.

Inform your bank – Before you leave, make sure you call your bank and let them know your dates and destinations.

Make copies of credit cards – Always make a copy of the front and back of all your bank and credit cards that you are taking with you, including the number to phone if they are lost or stolen.

Use the hotel room safe – Laptops, passport, backup credit cards and other important information should be locked up when you’re out and about.

Pickpockets aren’t just in crowds – Everyone knows you should always keep your money close in a crowd. But it’s also not a good idea to hand your bag on your chair in a restaurant or use your phone obviously in a taxi.

Stay organised – This one may seem weird, isn’t a holiday the time to relax? Well, 10 minutes a day spent keeping track of your bank cards, receipts and passports is well worth the hassle.

Don’t lose your vacation mojo by getting ripped off, stick to these helpful tips and you’ll have complete peace of mind.

808 Cartwright Corner is not only comfortable and conveniently located, but it has beautiful views of Table Mountain and the Mother City.

Book online today, or give us a call if you're looking for the perfect self-catering apartment.

6 tiny, yet unforgettable places to stay when you’re travelling

If you’re a traveler who likes to mix it up a bit when you’re adventuring the world, then these offbeat places to stay at should interest you quite a bit! Here are six weird yet wonderful alternatives to generic hotels.

Little Pinky – Texas

This vintage trailer has been renovated to rent out for about R1600 a night, and guess what its only 5.5metres in length! Even though it’s small, it’s really awesome. It is bright pink in colour and located in a desert campground filled with similar trailers, tents and teepees. So you’re bound to meet some eccentric and interesting people!

The Underwater Room – Tanzania

Booking a room at this floating structure should be on your bucket list. It is a cool three-level bunk BELOW the sea, which provides you with amazing views of the ocean life, such as fish, squid, octopuses and many other sea creatures. The cost per night may put a dent in your wallet at about R20 460 a night.

Glass Igloo – Finland

Are you interested in seeing the Northern Lights? This amazing glass dome at the Kakslauttanen Resort will give you a front seat to all the action! The futuristic igloo will cost you about R5300 a night – make sure to book in at the peak season for the lights.

The Bubble Hotel – France

Have you ever wanted to sleep in a bubble? Well, down in France you can book a night in a see-through pod, somewhere throughout the countryside. The bubble is tiny at 3.9 metres, but how many people can say they’ve stayed in a bubble and watched the stars for just R1700 a night?

Treehotel – Sweden

Majority of us had treehouses growing up, but this hotel takes it to the next level! The Treehotel in Sweden is designed to look exactly like a birds nest; at 180 square feet it can accommodate a family of four. It may be small, but it has separate bedrooms, a bathroom, living room and even a retractable starcase, all for R7500 a night and R680 extra per kid!

Capsule Hotel – Netherlands

Get in touch with your inner James Bond when you decide to stay in one of this cool, little hotel. These capsules are actually survivor pods that float on the Hague with hammock beds inside. How much will you pay? Just R955 a night.

What will you pick? A vintage trailer, glass igloo or maybe a Swedish bird’s nest? Whatever it may be, make sure to add these kooky places to stay to your bucket list!

Are you looking for a slightly more conventional place to stay? Well, book in at 808 Cartwright Corner and you wont be disappointed. With amazing views of the Mother City and a modern design, it is the perfect self-catering apartment in Cape Town. 

You should always pack these items when you go on a business trip!

Packing for a holiday is easy and exciting, just throw in a few swimming costumes and flip flops and you’re ready to go! But, packing for a business trip is a completely different story. What should you bring and what can you expect??

Here are the items you should ALWAYS pack for a business trip:

1. Business Cards
This one is obvious, you should always pack a few cards at the ready when you are away on business.

 

2. Breath Mints
Don’t let potential clients walk away with your business card and a foul smell in their nose. Always carry breath mints to chew on regularly.

3. Antibacterial Gel
This is a necessity given all the people you’ll meet and all the hands you’ll shake.

4. A Name Badge
Create and laminate a badge for yourself, that way you know you’ll always have one.

5. A Pencil and Pad
This is an obvious item, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to forget! Make sure your writing utensils are always close at hand.

6. Pants, Jacket and Shirts
In some circumstances you may need strict business attire.

7. Two Pairs of Shoes
You should always bring a comfortable pair of shoes for walking and a slightly more dressy pair for important dinners.

8. A Charger
You’re definitely not going to forget your cell phone, but make sure you always have a charger.

9. Your Laptop
Your laptop, iPad or tablet is something that you need to have. You shouldn’t rely on the computer or operating system a business centre provides.

10. USB Flash Drive
Keep all your presentations at reports at your fingertips by keeping a handy USB flash drive in your pocket.

Remember that a business trip is a very important time; you need to be prepared for anything! Keep this list close at hand and make sure your trip goes exactly as planned.

Looking for a self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City? Book in at 808 Cartwright Corner for your business trip.

10 things you should never forget on a trip

Is it about time for you to take that holiday you’ve been waiting for? Or maybe you just have to go on a business trip. Either way, all you have to do is throw some clothes in your suitcase and make your way to the airport!

Not so fast. Packing for your trip is important and you need to make sure you don’t forget the essentials.

1. Phone Charger – The good news is that you’ll be able to find a replacement phone charger at the airport. The bad news is that it’ll cost you an arm or a leg.

2. Laptop Power Cord – This is a must have item if you’re bringing your laptop along for the trip.

3. Meds and Potions – Bring enough medication for your entire stay to avoid having to get your prescriptions refilled and make sure you have some handy medications, like headache pills, just in case.

4. Sunglasses – You probably won’t have trouble finding a new pair of sunglasses, but why waste money on a new pair when you can just bring your own.

5. Long-sleeved shirt – Have you ever had goose bumps during the summer because a place decides to put their aircon on full blast? That’s why you should always pack a long-sleeved shirt.

6. Bandages – It’s better to be safe than sorry.

7. Passport or Driver’s License – Don’t risk missing your flight because you have to run back home to fetch your identification.

8. Hand Sanitizer – You’ll feel a lot better knowing you have hand sanitizer when everyone is coughing and sneezing around you in the plane.

9. Extra Cash – You can avoid all ATM fees at your destination by withdrawing enough cash and more before you leave.

10. Snacks – Pack some yummy snacks in your carry-on so you don’t get overcharged at the airport.

No one wants to spend the start of their holiday or trip shopping for all the things they left at home. Be organized ahead of time, make a packing list and enjoy your trip!

For an affordable, luxurious self-catering apartment, book in at 808 Cartwright Corner today!

How to back up your data on the road

Are you fully backed up if any of your electronics and gadgets get stolen or lost while you’re travelling?

These days everything is a lot easier to back up and a whole lot simpler. So, what happens if you lose your phone, your tablet or your laptop? Here are a few options for keeping your memories in your possession no matter what happens!

ONLINE BACKUP

This can be both a blessing and a curse on the road! So, if you are using an automated program like Apple’s or Microsoft’s you device can get damaged every time you turn it on as it tried to back up all the photos or videos you took. The best option is to use an online backup when you have a good connection.

- iDrive
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- iCloud
- OneDrive

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES

If you frequently go on holiday and then return to a home base, a full-blown external hard drive is your best bet. It will hold everything you need to store and transfer data quickly. You can get a full-size hard drive you a reasonable price, or buy a cheap, small one that fits easily in your pocket.

TEMPORARY SAFE BACK-UPS

Always have a short-term backup plan in place for what you just stored, like photographs! SD memory cards are a good option as they have gotten very cheap, so you might aswel carry around a few. USB thumb drives are also very cheap these days, and you can buy one for less than R100. It’s a good idea to carry one that has your passport copies, medical records, ID, etc.

You always need a backup plan, as you never know what could happen on the road – an eaten ATM card, stolen wallet, crashed hard drive – redundancy will save the day.

Need a self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City? Contact 808 Cartwright Corner and cook in today.

Travel Hacks that will make your life so much easier

When it comes to travel and advice, there is no such thing as too much. If you love travelling, here are 21 travel hacks that will help you have the best trip ever!

Hack 1: Travel by land
Traveling by land allows you to see more of the country. It is also generally a lot cheaper than flying. Visiting Cape Town? If you find that you’d rather take a shortcut and fly there, contact Airport Shuttle and we can take you to or from Cape Town International Airport – quick and easy!

Hack 2: Leave guidebooks at home
Why lug them around when you can get to know the locals? It is a good way to sharpen your language skills too.

Hack 3: Pack less
Do you really need to pack all that stuff? Be honest with yourself and only pack the items that you need. You will have a lot less to carry around and more space to fit souvenirs.

Hack 4: Go vegetarian on the flight
By going for the vegetarian option, you will get a fresher and healthier meal. This can have a positive uplifting effect, plus it can also help with jet-lag.

Hack 5: When searching for flights browse privately
Many travel companies use cookies to monitor your browsing so that they can raise prices. You can get cheaper flights by setting your browser to private ort using another internet connection.

 Hack 6: Bring a hoodie
This item of clothing has multi-purposes. A good example if to fold it up and turn it into a comfy pillow!

Hack 7: Dummy wallet
Take a spare wallet with old bank cards and a bit of cash. This is a great way to get the better of muggers and turn them into dummies.

Hack 8: Eat like a local
Not only will you avoid the over-the-top tourist prices, but you will generally get better quality food and have an authentic cultural experience.

Hack 9: Get a room on the second floor
The second floor of your accommodation is optimum. It’s more difficult for people to try break in and you will have much better views of the scenery. Book in at 808 Cartwright for an affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City.

Hack 10: Use a local Sim card
Roaming costs are extortionate! By using a local simcard in your smartphone, you will save so much money.

Hack 11: Smart sandwich bag
If you are going to visit the beach, store your smartphone in a sandwich bag. This is a smart way to protect your phone from sand and water.

Hack 12: Fragile
If you luggage is labelled as fragile, people will be more likely to handle it with care. This means one less headache for you.

Hack 13: Save space
Roll your belt into your shirt collar and put all your socks and underwear in your shoes, these nifty tricks are a great way to maximize luggage space.

Hack 14: Depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday
Save yourself some money. Research shows that flights are generally cheaper on those days.

Hack 15: Learn the best way to pack
There is an art to packing. Master it and you will get rid of any suitcase headaches forever.

Hack 16: Weigh your luggage
Avoid the nightmare of being told your luggage is too heavy. Way it before you leave and guarantee yourself a smooth check-in.

Hack 17: Pack necklaces in straws
Bringing your favourite necklaces along? Put them inside drinking straws, this is a great way to prevent them from becoming tangled up.

Hack 18: Take advantage of free WiFi
Don’t go and pay crazy internet café prices. Simply find out the WiFi hotspots and check your emails for free.

Hack 19: Pack an empty bottle
Don’t pay rip-off airport prices for mineral water, take an empty bottle with you and fill it up with water on your own.

Hack 20: Charge your phone
If you’ve broken or lost your charger, this is a great way to keep your smartphone powered up. All you need is a USB cable that connects to your device.

Hack 21: Dryer sheet in your suitcase
This will keep your clothes smelling nice and fresh on all those long journeys.

Knowing the tricks of the trade and mastering these inside skills will always get you a lot further, plus you will have the best experience ever.

How you pack your suitcase can say a lot about you!

When it comes to packing your luggage, you can either love it or hate it! It is both a horrible chore and a sign of good times ahead. When it comes to packing do you organize every single item or just throw everything into your bag and hope for the best?

Read below and find your packing technique below and see what it has to say about you!

The Roller

You are about as practical as they come. Somewhere between throwing stuff randomly and making a neat list you decidedly to thoughtfully roll everything up neatly and put your clothing in like pieces of a puzzle. You are an efficient traveler and you plan the essentials, but you are still all about being spontaneous. Plus rolling your clothes prevents wrinkles and saves a lot of space.

The Over-Packer

Your mind is full of “what ifs”: “What if I do hiking and need my hiking boots? What if I go to a lot of fancy dinners? What if I don’t feel like wearing that jacket? I should pack all three.” All these scenarios can lead to you packing your entire closet for one weekend away. Over-packers want a wide variety of options, and even when you have weeded out all the unnecessary items, you still have to sit on the bag to zip it.

The Carry-On Connoisseur

You are an efficient traveler that has perfected the fine art of traveling light and walking through airports with the greatest of ease. For you it is all about planning ahead, being organized, practical and extremely minimalist. You know exactly how to make the most of a small amount of versatile clothing and you own just about travel-sized everything.

The Hacker Packer

You find and use every packing trick in the book! Wrapping bottles so they don’t spill, socks and underwear stuffed inside your shoes – you name it and they do it. When it comes to packed suitcases, yours looks like it was conducted by an engineer; after all packing hacks are your specialty.

The 11^th-Hour Packer

You won’t find any organized piles or lists here. You are a complete whirlwind in the packing department, running around at the very last minute throwing almost anything and everything into a suitcase. The end result could be wonderful, but majority of the time it is utterly disastrous. You prefer to live life on the edge; life’s too short to worry about being organized!

We all have our own preferred packing method, but what does your suitcase really say about you? Discover your packing personality and what it may reveal about you as a traveler!

Need a luxurious, affordable self-catering apartment if you're in the Mother City? Make sure to book in at 808 Cartwright Corner!

10 Things you DON’T need to pack!

You’ve probably read plenty of articles about what to pack before you take a trip but less often do professional travelers tell you what NOT to pack in your suitcase. Ready to pack smarter?

Here are 10 things you don’t need to pack and should leave at home to make your suitcase lighter and more manageable.

1. Expensive jewellery
Even if you’re going on a five-star cruise, leave your expensive jewellery, including watches, at home because travellers are just asking for it when they wear their flashy stuff. In fact, it is recommended that women turn their engagement rings around, when traveling through local markets and train stations, so that stones of the ring are facing their palm.

If you do insist on bringing expensive jewellery for a special occasion like a fancy wedding, then carry it on the plane with you; don’t check it! And don’t wear it out on the town every day. Leave your valuables in a safety deposit box at the front desk of a hotel or cruise ship or in a safe.

2. Travel iron
No one likes wrinkled clothes but chances are that wherever you’re going, they’ll have an iron. And if they don’t, like on a cruise ship, where irons are considered a fire hazard, there are other ways to get wrinkles out of your clothing. The best trick: Hang your clothes in the bathroom when you’re taking a hot shower. The heat will usually steam the wrinkles right out! Or, I’m also a fan of packing wrinkle-free clothing so I don’t even need to worry about ironing

3. All of your tech gadgets
These days, most people have a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, an e-reader…but do you really need all of them when you travel? Try to pare your tech collection down to the essentials and leave the others at home. For instance, if you can download the Kindle app on your iPad, you can leave your Kindle at home and just read your books on your iPad. That way, you can also leave their respective chargers at home, too.

4. Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
We all like the products we like but when you travel, why take up all that space with your shampoo, conditioner and lotions? Unless you are going camping or staying in a hostel, wherever you go will have it all. If you don’t think you will like the hotel’s brand of amenities, then you can always go to a local pharmacy or grocery store and buy some. If you must have your favorite shampoo, then be sure it’s in the proper size container if you are doing carry-on only.

5. Hair dryer
Don’t even think about it. I’m always surprised when I hear women bringing their own hair dryer. Really? Do you not think the hotel, cruise ship or rental house will have it? Packing a hair dryer is just taking up valuable room in your suitcase unnecessarily and adds weight to your bags.

6. Paper guidebooks
Gone are the days when travellers have to stock their suitcases or carry-on bags with thick and heavy guidebooks. Don’t get me wrong – I love guidebooks but this is the 21st century and you can find all the information you need online or download it on to your smartphone or tablet.

7. Too many clothes
There’s an old saying: Pack half the clothes and twice the money. Those are words to live by. As you’re preparing for a trip, lay out all the clothes and money you plan to bring. Then only pack half the clothes and double the amount of money you had planned on. Like so many people, I used to over pack and then I got wise. And don’t use the excuse that you’re a girl who needs more stuff – the most girly —can travel with a suitcase the size of trunk, but once you see the light, you’ll start using a suitcase that’s smaller.

8. Designer luggage
Speaking of luggage, don’t bring expensive designer luggage as it only draws the attention of thieves. If you’re a thief, who are you going to rob: someone that has a designer bag or someone that’s got some generic suitcase? Case closed.

9. Shoes
When you travel, bring one comfortable pair of walking/running shoes and one pair of dressy shoes. Since women tend to have smaller feet, they can usually fit a few options.

10. Over-the-counter drugs
It is illegal to bring some over-the-counter medicines commonly used into some foreign countries, like Japan. These drugs include inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants or codeine are prohibited.

As you can see, most of the things I’ve listed will save you space in your suitcase but some can also save you jail time!

What things do YOU leave at home?

If you find find yourself in Cape Town, make sure to check in at 808 Cartwright for an affordable, reliable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City.

12 Packing Problems only a woman will understand

Sometimes they packing problems that women encounter are just about enough to make you want to stay at home! Yes, going places and travelling the world is great and all, but THE PACKING! WHY!?

1. You feel the urge to pack for every conceivable situation. You’ve never worn that long fancy dress before, but what if you want to go to a really nice dinner? What if some millionaire wants to take you dancing on his yacht? It could happen!

2. You have to squeeze your purse into your carry-on tote so you can actually bring three bags on board.

3. You have to fit all your cosmetics into that little toiletries pouch. Insane. Unrealistic. How are you supposed to live?

4. You can't abide by those ridiculous liquid container size restrictions. What? Do they think there is a bomb inside your moisturizer? The airport security jerks are totally just trying to steal your cosmetics!

5. You realise that you need to do laundry before your pack. But also, you realise that is just not going to happen.

6. You have to figure out how to keep your suitcase from weighing more than 50 pounds. The only thing worse than paying the excess baggage fee is paying the excess baggage fee after unpacking your bag in front of the entire airport, a fistful of underwear in your hand, in a vain attempt to transfer those last 4 pounds to your already stuffed carry-on.

7. You have to pick a different outfit for every day. Stress. And you know deep down that you will never stick to any of the choices you've made.

8. You want to leave room for the extra stuff you plan to buy on your trip, but you're completely unable to do so. You have to fill every available inch of suitcase space or else you're just inviting a fashion disaster to happen while you're on vacation.

9. You try to pick a "packing style" in order to get as much stuff into your bags as possible. Are you a roll packer or a vacuum packer? What if you can't re-vacuum your stuff when you come back? Maybe if you sit on your suitcase for a while, it will magically make room for more things.

10. You know your bag is technically too big to be a carry-on, but you also know that you have gotten away with it in the past. What if today is the day they make you check it? And then, what if they lost it? There you’ll be, stranded in some foreign country, naked and alone!

11. Weather denial. You don't care what the forecast says, it's supposed to be warm where you are going and you are packing accordingly. Stupid weathermen are wrong most of the time anyway. You'll dress for the weather you want, not the weather you have.

12. Wrinkles. So. Many. Wrinkles!

No matter how hard women try, they will always have a tough time packing for a trip!

Need a place to stay if you are travelling to Cape Town? Book in at 808 Cartwright Corner today, for an affordable, self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City.

Tallinn Airport’s new sleep pods

Tallin Airport is self-proclaimed as the world’s coziest airport and it just got a whole lot cozier with the introduction of the new sleep pods!

Tallinn Airport is the fifth Airport in the world where these Finnish innovative GoSleep Pods are available. The pods have already been welcomed at airports all around the world, providing users with privacy and silence in the midst of busy passenger traffic.

The difference between the Tallinn Airport GoSleep pods and the others around the world is that they are offered the tired passengers free-of-charge!

GoSleep Pod is a specially designed, stylish and sleek chair for tired passengers in need of rest. Tallinn has 5 pods in total. Each one begins as a chair, but transforms into a bed/cocoon as you recline and pull a curtain down over the front. Hand luggage can be stowed safely under the seat, and devices can be charged inside the pod. Not really tired? You might also consider borrowing a book from the airport library to curl up within your cradle. Passengers with return tickets to Tallinn are permitted to take the book with them on vacation, returning it when they fly back through. Cozy, right?

When travelling, we have often had to sleep between flights on plastic benches or on the floor at various airports. This gave rise to the idea of developing a more comfortable alternative for passengers. There are always thousands upon thousands of people at the world’s airports with no chance of getting the restful sleep that they need. GoSleep Pod allows you to work or sleep in your own private and quiet space.

It is worth noting that while Tallinn does technically close at night, travellers have been permitted to sleep in the public area if they have proof of onward travel the next morning. Otherwise, once you pass through security, these sleep pods will likely be a cheap spot for a quick recline before boarding your flight!

Contact Airport Shuttle for an affordable, reliable taxi service to or from Cape Town International Airport. Don't have a place to stay while visiting the Mother City? Make sure to book in at 808 Cartwright and enjoy the beautiful views!

10 Questions you should ask before you rent a holiday home

At times, renting a holiday home, instead of booking into a hotel, apartment or guest house, can give you more bang for your buck. Typically, vacation homes can include things like free WiFi, phone calls, laundry services and you can save money on food costs.

Take a look at 808 Cartwright for an affordable, self-catering apartment with amazing views of Cape Town! They have all you need, from a heated indoor pool to a complimentary gym.

But, regardless if you’re looking to rent a holiday home, there are several questions you should ask before agreeing to any short-term rental…

  Ø  How are the reviews about the vacation rental property? Most online vacation rental companies such as Trip Advisor, Flipkey.com and Homeaway.com, provide reviews of the property and owner. Take your research a step further and contact previous renters or even the owner, to find out more information.

  Ø  How reputable is the vacation rental company? Nowadays anyone with a digital camera and Internet access can take beautiful pictures of a home and surrounding areas and upload them to a rental site. So remember, what you see is not always what you get. A simple Google Search can reveal telling information about a company. If you can, try visiting the home or area before submitting payment.

  Ø  What is the minimum stay required? Some apartments require at least a 3-5-night minimum stay or you may be charged an additional fee for short-term stays.

  Ø  What type of apartment building: walk-up or elevator access? If considering a vacation rental in cities like New York City or Paris, some apartments are only accessible by stairs, so make sure you ask about floor level access if you don’t want to climb up 20 flights of stairs.

  Ø  Are property amenities such as access to the gym, washer/dryer, fireplace and Internet included in the fee?

  Ø  Is the property child and/or pet friendly?

  Ø  Are cleaning fees included? Some vacation rental companies charge one fee for your reservation whereas some may charge a fee per day.

  Ø  Do you have access (e.g., telephone number and email address) to a 24-hour emergency contact or maintenance person? What if the electricity or plumbing goes out? How far are they located from the property?

  Ø  How prompt are the owner’s responses to your questions? If they are to slow to respond or impatient at the number of questions you ask, this could be a red flag.

  Ø  What are the cancellation policies? Typically cancellation policies vary. Check with the owner or property manager to learn more about the terms and conditions.

After you assess your rental needs, like size, price and location, ask these questions before you submit your payment to a rental owner or property manager.

What should you bring on your family holiday?

What is your ideal family break? Take a look at the ideas for family holidays and use the tips and tricks to decide what to bring along.

     ·         Returning to Nature

Bird feed & Binoculars
With the forest literally on your doorstep, it is the perfect time to see local plant life and animals up close.

Wellies, warm coats & waterproofs
The weather could possible get wet and chilly, so make sure you’re prepared! Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings wrapped up and ready to jump in a few puddles.

Home Comforts
Unwind with your favourite mug and snacks. Relax into the evening, while still enjoying the nature around you.

     ·         Relaxing & Unwinding

Art Friendly clothing
Creative and crafty activities are a fun way to spend the day indoors. Pack something comfy that you won’t mind getting a splash of paint or two on.

A Good Book
An absorbing read is a great way to wind down, and it’s even better if you’re curled up beside a fireplace on an autumn evening.

Home Comforts
Relax for the rest of the night with something tasty to eat. And, of course, your favourite mug.

     ·         Getting Active

Trainers & Tracksuit
Sportswear is essential if you’re looking ti get stuck into some energetic games and activities. You can never pack too many socks!

A Swimsuit
A must-pack item! Ride the rapids and flumes, stay on the go with water fitness, or just relax in the spa pools.

An Appetite
Get stuck into the restaurants and cafes, whether for a hearty evening meal or if you just fancy something indulgent.

     ·         Thrill Seeking

A Sense of Adventure
Let your inner adrenaline junkie go wild, whilst protecting yourself and your belongings. Zip lock plastic bags, water bottles and a repair kit containing safety pins and a sewing kit are a must for the adventurous.

A Swimsuit
Yes, your trusty swimsuit is vital if you’re going to be getting wet during your adventure.

An Appetite
You’ll definitely have a huge appetite on this family holiday. Find a local eatery to enjoy a tasty meal after an action-packed day of adventures.

Things to keep the kids entertained
- An easy to use disposable camera
- Ideas for car games like “I Spy”
- Stories on CDs or MP3
- Favourite toys, games and blankets

Packing tips and tricks
- Roll your clothes up to prevent creases
- Keep your toiletries in sealed bags
- Plan outfits in advance to save space

If you find yourself in the Mother City, make sure to book yourself in at the luxurious, affordable, self-catering apartment - 808 Cartwright Corner.

Gift the travelers in your life with an Airbnb gift card

The company, Airbnb, now allows customers to buy gift cards for its short-term rentals platforms. The VP of the company, Mike Curtis announced at the company’s conference that you can now give the gift of Airbnb!

It was also revealed that there are new tools for hosts that make it easier for them to set prices and get the exact types of bookings they want.

Gift cards are available on Airbnb’s website and are sent to recipients via email, though you’re able to personalize the looks of the gift cars with a variety of different travel photos. The credits don’t expire and can be used at any of the company’s listings around the world!

The new personalization tools for hosts aim to make it easier for them to get bookings. They include a new price recommendation feature called price tips, which will begin rolling out soon.

The company recently wrote in a blog post, “You’ll be able to get personalized, daily pricing information right in your calendar, so you can see how adjusting your price could increase your chances of getting booked, or take advantage of strong interest in visiting your area.”

Finally, Airbnb is doing more to personalise search results based on the preferences of the host. Some hosts prefer more frequent, but shorter stays, while others prefer less frequent but longer stays.

Airbnb will now take these types of preferences into account when surfacing search results to travelers – so search results for two days in Paris and two weeks in Paris may turn different sets of results.

So, give the traveler in your life a Airbnb gift card and put the world at their doorstep!

For a self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City - book in at 808 Cartwright Corner today!

More bad habits of ineffective hotels

Last week we looked at the bad habits of ineffective hotels, but it seems like there is more to the list that was previously discussed. Cheap hotels shouldn’t get a free ride just because they are considered to be budget accommodation, so here are more habits of ineffective hotels – the budget version.

#1 Mini-bar – Having a fridge in your room is great, but having a mini-bar – not so much! Although some people sneak a snack or two and then put it back before anyone notices, some hotels actually charge you for the item even if you put it back.

#2 Hygiene – Who ever said that a small bathroom doesn’t matter obviously hasn’t seen some hotels where the toilet is literally inside the shower! Yes, it’s great not to share a bathroom, but if you can’t even manage to fit through the bathroom door then the benefit doesn’t really count.

#3 Outlets – Perhaps the only thing that is possibly worse than a lack of electrical outlets in the room, is electrical outlets that look like they could kill you if you touch them.

#4 Plastic – Plastic wrap on the head board of the bed? Plastic wrap on the couches or chairs? Well, that’s one way to make you feel cheap when you book in at a hotel that costs barely anything.

#5 Mattresses – It would be nice to know how many hoteliers have actually slept in their own beds. Many are completely worn out or damaged. The worst thing is arriving in your room and having to flip your own mattress because budget hotels rarely do it.

#6 WiFi – A lot of budget hotels advertise free WiFi, which is great compared to the luxurious hotels that make you pay extra. The thing they don’t tell you is that you will probably have to stick your laptop out of the window just to get a connection.

#7 Storage – Some hotels aim to make you pay extra for every little thing. And this includes storage. Charging extra for leaving your bags with them for those few hours before your flight seems to be the trend with budget hotels these days.

It seems like with budget hotels these days, simply having a roll of toilet paper and free WiFi is a luxury. What other bad hotel habits have you noticed in your travels? 

For an affordable, self-catering apartment with none of these bad habits - book in at 808 Cartwight Corner!

The bad habits of ineffective hotels

If you travel a lot you have obviously noticed that there are many exceptional hotels, self-catering apartments, B&B’s etc. BUT you have probably also noticed that some are just plain weird, and their bad habits are odd as well.

Here are the worst hotel habits that you may have encountered as a traveler…

#1 Telephones – You would be shocked at the amount of hotels that can’t get their own phone systems right. There’s nothing worse than pressing the “Wake Up Call” button and then getting directed to the reservations call centre instead. And then still getting charged for the call! Let’s not forget about when you wait on the line listening to the busy signal for 20 minutes, maybe next time it would be better to rather send out a carrier pigeon!

#2 Internet – Everyone enjoys lying in bed, watching TV and surfing the net. But, all this is pretty hard to do if there is no wireless connection. Having to run a LAN connection to the other side of the room is just not cool at all.

#3 Hidden Charges – Hotel tax, convenience charge, gratuity, local tax, room service, mini-bar, hospitality fee, tourist tax, internet access fees, charges for phone calls – it all adds up, and its super annoying! It’s not great when you find a decent hotel or accommodation and then all the extras kill the vibe.

#4 Temperature – The water is too hot, and the room is too cold, or the water is too cold and the room is too hot! There are always issues with temperatures in the shower; the goal here is that you just want to wash your body – it doesn’t have to be as complicated as sterilizing medical equipment!

#5 Laundry – When you stay in a hotel, guest house or self-catering apartment you need to do laundry! It’s just one of those things and hotel laundry prices are out of control. Imagine having to pay more to get your socks cleaned then you did to buy them.

#6 Photos – Choosing your hotel is a lot like internet dating. It’s extremely rare that what you get in real life actually looks like what was on the internet. Sometimes, on a rare occasion you may be pleasantly surprised, but that doesn’t happen often. Trip Advisor is a great place to find real photos from real photos.

#7 Signs – Isn’t it the worst when you have to work overnight to mirror business hours, or you just simply do not want to be disturbed and then the staff members insist on bothering you. Surely Do Not Disturb means what it says; you’d think it was a no brainer.

Have you ever experienced any of these truly annoying hotel habits? What are you hotel pet peeves?

Book in at 808 Cartwright Corner for an amazing self-catering apartment in Cape Town with Table Mountain in full view.