What to do in Cape Town this weekend (1st – 3rd May)

You know what Friday is right? Yes, it’s another public holiday and that only means one thing, more time for more fun activities in the Mother City. Here are some great things to see this weekend.

Constantia Teddy Bear Fair – 1 May
This cuddly festival for collectors and kiddies takes place on the stunning sloping hills of Constantia. This gathering promises a beautiful display of teddies and toys, along with plenty of fun for the entire family. If you enjoy a good old teddy bears picnic than you’ll be more than happy to spend your day here, enjoying the bears on offer, meeting their collectors and stocking up on a variety of yummy snacks.

Date: 1 May
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Buitenverwachting Wine Estate
Price: R10 – R30

Burgers and Blends at Spier Wine Farm – 2 May
Have you ever wanted to try the fine art of wine making? Well, at the Spier Wine Farm you can, plus you can indulge in a delicious gourmet burger while you’re at it. At this casual affair, you’ll get to blend your very own version of one of Spier’s signature offerings, the Spier Creative Block 3. And once you have worked up an appetite after all the hard work, you can bite into a burger made with a beef patty, Gorgonzola cheese and pink peppercorn chutney plus some crispy chips!

Date: 2 May
Time: 18:00 – 22:00
Venue: Spier Wine Farm
Price: R195

Jonkershoek Mountain Trail Running Challenge – 3 May
Test your endurance at this scenic off-road race, where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the amazing scenery. This Stellenbosch race covers one of SA’s most beautiful running routes, participants will have to twist through dense forests and run through streams! If you want to take part, you can compete for the best overall time across all these contests (Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge, Helderberg Mountain Challenge and the Marloth Mountain Challenge) or you can simple choose one of the races to compete in.

Date: 3 May
Time: 07:00 – 14:00
Venue: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Price: R155 – R495

Make sure that you take full advantage of your long weekend in Cape Town. There’s plenty to see and plenty to do, so enjoy it!

Five tips for packing light

There are many advantages of traveling light, especially if you are moving around a lot from place to place. But, unfortunately in this area of baggage fees, it is essential, because of how expensive it can get to carry multiple bags.

Here are five tips on how to trim what you pack…

1/5 – Roll Everything
I’m sure this one isn't exactly new to you, but it can really work wonders. Before you put any piece of clothing in your bag, roll it up! This will not only create space to fit more, but it also prevents your clothes from wrinkling. This tip is great not just for weekend getaways, but for an kind of travel.

2/5 – Pack One-Piece Outfits
This tip is best for when you are traveling during the summer, because you really don’t need to bring much clothing with you. Rather than packing outfits that include jeans, a top and a layering piece, you can go super simple with a one-piece outfit. If you are female, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits are just perfect.

3/5 – Travel-Ready Beauty Products
Limiting your beauty products can be really difficult for girls. The key is to only back the essentials and to choose products that travel well and have multiple uses.

4/5 – Limit Shoes to 2 Pairs
Shoes are a tough part when packing. It’s so tempting to bring along multiple pairs, but you really don’t need that many – especially if it’s just for a quick weekend away. Just one pair of shoes in your bag leaves lots of room for the more important things!

5/5 – Wear a Versatile Travel Outfit
There are plenty of ways to wear something nice and comfortable that will work for whatever your plans are when you arrive. Wear your one jacket on the plane or car ride not only to keep you warm, but to avoid having to pack it!

Traveling light can change your whole holiday, it’s not fun to pay extra baggage fees and don’t forget you’ll still have to lug around all those bags! What are your best tips for traveling light?

Contact Airport Shuttle today for a reliable shuttle service to or from Cape Town International Airport. Are you looking for an affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City? Book in at 808 Cartwright.

Written By: Christine Romans

Tips for travelling with pets

If you have a pet, going away on holiday means that you’ll have to choose the best way to care for your pets while you are gone. Most pet lovers can’t bear to leave behind their much-loved family members. To give the animal lovers peace of mind, here is a great list of tips to help your travel with your pets.

Air Travel – If you’re going to be flying, make sure to check the requirements and conditions for pets on the specific airline you are travelling with. It would be best to call or email them if you need any clarification on their conditions.

Land Travel– If you are driving to your destination, make sure to plan and schedule regular bathroom breaks. To avoid your pet getting to restless, use the bathroom breaks to let them run around for a bit.

Before you commit to a long trip with your pet, you should get a good understanding of what you’re getting yourself into. Take them for a 2 hour drive to see if they get car sickness or anxiety. You can even give them a reward each time they get in the car to create a positive association with it.

Even though the idea of locking your pet up may seem terrible, when you’re traveling, it is an important safety matter. Pets that are allowed to roam freely inside the car can be distracting and dangerous.

Puppy Pads – Even if you have a full grown pet that is completely house trained, traveling can often lead to disorientation which can result in accidents. So make sure you have some puppy pads handy wherever you are.

Tag Them – Handling your pet in unfamiliar surroundings can be very scary, in case of an emergency it is important to have a strong collar and tag with your contact details. If you are travelling, remember that your contact details may change, so remember to keep the tag updated.

Stock up on Necessities – When you’re traveling the last thing you want to think about is refiling your pets medication prescription, finding their preferred food or worse, introducing new food that they negatively react to. To avoid all this, always pack enough food for your entire stay, remember to also pack some toys and blankets from home to sooth them during your journey.

Get a Vet Check-Up – Before you go on your journey make sure to get a full vet check-up. If you pet usually gets motion sickness or anxiety, the vet will be able to prescribe something suitable for your pet.

Find Pet Friendly Accommodation – Hotels and motels will not always accommodate your pets, it’s important that you double check before you make any payments. Always be clear on the size and requirements of your pet so that they can also have a positive experience. If you have a very large pet, you may want to opt for a holiday home.

Through lots of careful planning, preparation and these useful tips, you can have an amazing travel experience with your pets.

Contact Airport Shuttle for a reliable, speedy shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport. Are you looking for an affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City? Book in at 808 Cartwright today!

Written By: Christine Romans

What to in Cape Town this weekend (24th – 27th April)

Yet another long weekend will be upon us soon and you need to start planning right away. The best way to enjoy the long weekend in the Mother City is to take full advantage of all the amazing activities the city has to offer, here are a few you should check out.

Cabaret Musical at The Fugard Theatre – 24 April
The same team who created The Rocky Horror Show performance are indulging audiences with another brilliant musical called Cabaret, at the Fugard Theatre. The show has a unique South African touch as most of the cast and crew are locals, who have brought the amazing tale to life especially for you. So, be prepared to be blown away with this inspiring performance and dazzling choreography.

Date: 24 April
Time: 20:00 until late
Venue: The Fugard Theatre
Price: R100 – R280

Vintage Ideas Market – 25 April
Spend your Saturday browsing through stalls and stalls of beautiful things from yesteryear. The Vintage Ideas Market will spring to live again and all the antique, old-fashioned homeware and clothing lovers will gather and enjoy the galore of vintage goods. The market will have close to 40 vendors, large amounts of food, wine and beer and even a country wedding expo.

Date: 25 April
Time: 9:30 – 16:00
Venue: Simondium Country Lodge
Price: Free – R30

Sunday Lunch Buffet at Thali Thali Game Lodge – 26 April
Sundays were specifically made for spending time feasting with your family and friends. So, this Sunday make sure you’re at the Thali Thali Game Lodge for the wildlife reserve’s delicious buffet lunch, which is both yummy and affordable at the same time. The buffet will feature a range of foods from potjies and curries to pumpkin fritters, sweet potatoes and venison pie. Don’t forget to help yourself to cheesecake or malva pudding afterwards.

Date: 26 April
Time: 12:00 – 15:00
Venue: Thali Thali Game Lodge
Price: R70 – R140

South African Cheese Festival – 27 April
Are you in the mood to treat yourself to some Gouda, brie or blues? Well, the cheesy food festival returns to Stellenbosch this year. Once again this festival will allow you to celebrate amazing world-class local and international cheeses and delicious wines; special attention is made especially to the artisan and boutique cheese makers. This yummy festival is all about craft, creativity and eating cheesy treats!

Date: 27 April
Time: 10:00 – 18:00
Venue: Sandringham Farm
Price: Free – R130

Do you know what you’re doing this weekend? Choose from festivals to delicious foods, be sure to catch some of these events in Cape Town this long weekend.

Visiting Cape Town this weekend? Book in at 808 Cartwright for an affordable, self-catering apartment. Need a shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle today.

Written By: Christine Romans

Hangover cures from around the world

If you are a keen traveler and you’re planning your next trip, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to know what the best local hangover cure may be. You never know if you’re going to end up at one of the neighbourhood hangouts or parties. So be prepared for the next day!

United Kingdom: Bacon Sandwich
This sandwich has got it all – carbs, grease and animal fat! It is basically the holy trinity of hangover cures and many British folk swear by it. They recommend that the bacon sandwich is best served with sauce and in the comfort of your own bed. Even scientists at the University of Newcastle support the effectiveness of the age-old treatment, and I may not be a scientist, but bacon never fails to make anyone smile!

Alternative – Another long time British hangover cure is a full English breakfast which includes bacon, sausage, eggs, black pudding, fried bread or toast and plenty of baked beans.

Japan: Pickled Plums
Pickled Plums or otherwise known as Umeboshi is believed to help digestion, liver function and prevent nausea. These seriously sour plums deliver a punch in the mouth, but they are one of Japans favourite snacks. If you can manage to scoff one in the morning when you wake up, you will soon be on the road to recovery.

Alternative – Get your kidneys back online with the Japanese Gatorade called Pocari Sweat. It rehydrates you and replenishes your supply of potassium and magnesium.

China: Green Tea
You may think that green tea is only for the super health conscious, but in China this herbal hangover cure is an absolute favourite for those suffering from a hangover. Some people in China even claim that it can prevent cancer, treat multiple sclerosis and stop Alzheimer’s disease.

Alternative – Congee is a well-known dish in China, it’s basically just a rice porridge that is believed to help by rehydrating those with a hangover.

Germany: Pickled Herring
People in Germany prefer to get over their alcoholic binges by eating some pickled fish, the main ingredient in the snack called “rollmops”. The preserved herring fillets are wrapped around gherkins or onions and served as part of Katerfrühstück (hangover breakfast) which is thought to restore all your lost electrolytes.

Alternative – Stollen is a German fruitcake that contains dried fruit and marzipan, it is often covered in powdered sugar or icing sugar. The sweetness is meant to help restore your blood glucose levels.

Mexico: Shrimp Salad
When you wake up in Mexico feeling like death, this plate of zingy Mexican salad called “Vuelva a la Vida” (return to life) will sort you right out! It is made with prawns, lime, onions and tomatoes and plenty of Mexicans swear by it.

Alternative – If you can’t find a salad go for the Mexican tripe soup, it consists of beef stomach (gag) in a broth with a red chili pepper base. It is believed to stimulate the senses and clear your head.

Poland: Pickle Juice
The best thing to glug down in Poland is some chunky pickle juice and get rid of that hangover right away. This juice consists of nothing more than vinegar, water and sodium, however it is a great way to rehydrate the body after a heavy night out.

Alternative – Milk kefir is a fermented milk drink that is made from kefir grains, it apparently gets rid of your hangover, but there could possibly be a better solution.

South Africa: Ostrich Egg Omelette
The traditional dish in South Africa for an unpleasant morning after is an omelette made of an ostrich egg. The egg is so huge that it is equal to 24 dozen chicken eggs – so it’s good to have a mass of hungover friends to share it with.

Alternative – If you can’t manage to get hold of an ostrich egg, a popular local hangover cure is to drink Sparletta cream soda. It will definitely rehydrate you plus the colorants and preservatives will scare off the hangover.

If you're suffering the morning after the night before, then check out these tried and tested hangover cures from around the world. From carb-fests to pickle juice there's bound to be something here to bring you back to life.

Are you planning on visiting the beautiful Mother City in the near future? Book in at 808 Cartwright for an affordable, self-catering apartment with amazing views. Need a shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle today!

Written By: Christine Romans

How to save money on travel

Do you want to keep more cash in your pocket when you decide to plan an exciting weekend getaway with your family or friends? Well, here are five tips for keeping more cash in your pocket…

1. Travel during the off-peak. Always try and be flexible about your travel date. Peak and off-peak days are different depending on where you are going and when. Days that are considered off-peak are as early as a week or two before holidays and several days afterward. Try and catch an early morning or late evening flight to get the lowest rates.

2. Grab up discounts. Check multiple sites, routes, airports and days, and simply ask for the best rates. Some airlines will offer you discounts if you are a student, senior citizen, or military and government employee.

3. Go online for airfare deals. If you take the time to register with airline websites, you will receive email notifications about specials and discount rates.

4. Take advantage of travel packages. Look into package deals. You can save a huge amount of money by booking airline tickets along with a hotel room or rental car. Expedia, Club Travel and Travelocity are some good places to start looking.

 5. Consider skipping the hotel. Staying at a bed and breakfast or self-catering apartment can be a much cheaper alternative to a hotel. If you are planning to travel to Cape Town, 808 Cartwright is a great place to check out, it is a luxurious, affordable self-catering apartment with amazing views of the Mother City.

It would be great to travel more often without breaking the bank, so try these simple tips and you could save money next time you decide to go on holiday.

Do you need a reliable, fast shuttle service with friendly, efficient staff to take you to and from Cape Town International Airport? Contact Airport Shuttle in Cape Town today.

Written by: Christine Romans

Flyers beware of altitude sickness

Imagine you are on your flight, traveling to your holiday destination, then all of a sudden you begin to sway, feel light-headed and dizzy and your legs begin to tremble… No, it’s probably not that burger you ate before boarding. Chances are you are experiencing altitude sickness.

Warning Signs
When you get to about 6,500 feet, the oxygen becomes thinner, and if you are not used to it, you could find yourself in the beginning stages of altitude sickness. Your body takes time to get used to the reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. The lack of oxygen in your blood can cause…

- Nausea or vomiting
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy

How to Avoid Getting Altitude Sickness
Before you get on your flight, make sure you've had a good night’s sleep, and it never hurts to wash your hands to avoid nasty germs. Drink water and avoid alcohol; water helps you stay hydrated while alcohol adds to dehydration and jet lag.

When you know the trip is going to be long, make sure to move around a lot. Take a quick walk up the aisle and stretch your legs. Not only will this help with altitude sickness, but it can help you avoid developing deep vein thrombosis.

Altitude sickness isn't just for climbers it seems, some people can also get it during a flight! Make sure to follow these easy steps to avoid getting it.

Give Airport Shuttle a call for an affordable and reliable shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport. Need a comfy, self-catering apartment with amazing views of Cape Town? Book in at 808 Cartwright today.

Written By: Christine Romans