Chat to Us

Linda Auer

A South African living in the UK

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories General

A South African living in the UK

What my husband literally said to me the other day; “You can take me out of South Africa but you cannot take the South African out of me.”

As grateful as we are to have had the opportunity to immigrate and to set up our new lives living here in England, we will not be able to accept the fact that lunch is called dinner and dinner is called tea. Naartjies don’t exist, circles are referred to as roundabouts and robots are man-made human-like creations, and not in fact traffic lights.

A few things you’ll miss, you’ll accept and you’ll be thankful for:

  • The food! You know you’re missing a braai when you find yourself outside next to the weber, trying to light the briquettes when it’s 2 degrees and you’ve got three of your K-Way jackets on. The bacon is somehow thicker and can be mistaken for a small pork chop and those fancy deboned, and skinless chicken thighs are a cheap and affordable cut which I highly recommend as a staple during your weekly Aldi grocery shop.

  • Schooling is different. The children learn to read and write at a very early age so if you are considering leaving South Africa with a child in primary school, it helps to make sure you focus a little on organising extra lessons beforehand. You then start hearing people talk about their GCSEs and A Levels and realise that you should probably start getting in with the crowd and read up on what those are, so you don’t fall behind too.

  • Do it yourself. Everyone seems to be major pros at doing those Covid self-test kits on themselves at home which really makes me appreciate all the assistance I once had when needing to have a Covid test done in South Africa. I’m sure it is a popular mistake made by many South Africans in the UK, when you arrive at the petrol station and awkwardly wait patiently for some assistance to fill up your car and then realise that the only person that will be refueling your car is in fact you. Plus that embarrassing moment at the grocery store when you quickly learn that not only do you need to pack your own groceries yourself but you need to pack it all up quick and in record time before the person behind you starts to judge you for being a slacker.

  • The change of wildlife and animals. Foxes and hedgehogs become the new norm and pheasants become the new hadeda. You tend to find yourself having to do a double take whilst walking past a field of wooly Alpacas and Shetland Ponies.

  • Learn your imperial system. It’s important to know how many kilometers there are in a mile and that when you weigh something you’ll be referring to stones and pounds. The plugs here are weirdly square shaped, and this is the one and only option.

  • Houses are small, less is more. The space you had back home feels like a luxury in comparison however once you learn to adapt, it can be rather refreshing. Also, smaller homes mean less to clean and maintain because in case you weren’t sure, the upkeep and cleanliness of your home is now all up to you.

  • Transporting goods is expensive. So, Facebook marketplace has a lot of items for free… Free as long as you can collect them yourself, you become the removal company so if you’re looking for a quick smart job opportunity then here you go, you can thank me later.

Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >
RECENT POSTS

Travelling with a friend

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories General

Travelling with a friend

Have you ever been on a road trip with your best friend? I mean a proper road trip, not just a quick weekend away.

Over the past 6 months I’ve been on the most incredible adventure with my best friend. Even though I felt like there’s nothing I don’t know about him, this road trip definitely ensured that we know everything there is to know about each other.

When we think about a road trip, we tend to glamourise it (or is that just me?). Like back in school when you went on holiday with your family and you were listening to someone else’s music and staring out of the car window imagining you’re in a music video. Okay, I know I’m not the only person who did this… 

Well, over these past 6 months we’ve travelled all over South Africa to find the best destinations, hidden gems and to see first-hand if a facility is up to Go Adventure’s standard. The truth is, the first two months were fun and felt like an action-packed adventure, but then month three came along and it reality hit me. We’ve been in each other’s space for 2 months now. 24 hours a day.

How to Keep Sane While Travelling with a Friend (from someone who learned the hard way):

  1. Pick the right friend (Imagine they only listen to Nickelback.)
  2. You don’t have to do everything together, work in some of that “me” time. (It could be as easy as sitting by the pool, reading a few pages in the bath, going for a walk)
  3. Communication (State your boundaries, maybe you’re not as enthusiastic for a Chatty Cathy at 6am. Remember, you’re sharing this trip with someone else, they may have different expectations than you.)
  4. Respect (Don’t be kak, be lekker. Make sure you don’t get so comfortable with them that you lose your manners.)

The top 4 tips are from our experience and personally, I don’t think you’ll get better advice than that. Communication is key in all relationships. Don’t be scared to say you need to be alone for a bit, your friend might surprise you and be grateful because they also need some alone time.

Respect each other by understanding when someone wants to be alone or respect their choice in not wanting to do a certain activity. If your friend doesn’t want to do something, don’t try and make them feel bad by “joking”. It will eventually just end up in a fight.

I hope this helps you and your future adventures with your friends.

Have a great roadtrip story to share? Email info@goadventure.travel

Go Adventure!

The Dynamic Duo

RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >

Travelling abroad with a mental illness

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories General

Travelling abroad with a mental illness

Why is this not a topic that’s discussed more often? Mental health has definitely become a bigger topic than it used to be, however we still don’t really talk about it as often as we do about other disabilities.

Do you want to know what question gets me every time? “How can you feel depressed when you’re on holiday?” People, you do know that depression isn’t a choice, right? You don’t just wake up one morning and think to yourself that it’s a great day to feel empty. Yes, empty.

I can only speak from personal experience, having bipolar can be the most interesting rollercoaster of your life. Without the right medication you can have days where you are completely fine, but then the next moment you feel broken, alone and heavy. Trying to get out of bed feels impossible or you might go into hypermania and feel like nothing is impossible. But hey, you can always pop a pill and then be okay, right? Nope, some people don’t necessarily react well to the meds. You won’t have those “mood swings” however you will feel emotionally numb. Trying your best to portray the correct emotion for certain events, but not feeling any emotion.

While travelling you might have “escaped” your reality for a couple of days, but mental illness doesn’t take a holiday and I feel like it’s time we address this.

How can I cope with mental illness during travelling:

  • Verbalise your emotions. My biggest struggle was raising my hand and acknowledging that I’m not okay.
  • Be sure to surround yourself with a supportive structure. Ask a friend to go for a walk with you.
  • Never be ashamed to cry. Stop telling yourself that you don’t have a “real” reason to cry. You do not need a reason to let out emotions.

How to support someone with a mental illness while travelling:

  • Just be there. Sit with them or go for a walk, but be there, allow them the time to feel what they are feeling without the expectation of having them try and explain why they are feeling down.
  • Don’t say “Things could have been better.” / “It will pass” / “It’s all part of God’s plan” / “Cheer up” / “You have a great life and always look so happy?”
  • A simple hug goes a long way.
  • Respect their emotions and don’t compare it to something you went through if you don’t have a mental illness. I understand that you think it might help, but it really doesn’t.

 

Yeah, I know that mental illness is a touchy subject, and everyone deals with it differently and that this is only my personal experience and advice, but I would love your opinion on this.

How do you cope with a mental illness? If you don’t have a mental illness but a friend or loved one has, then how do you cope with it?

Go Adventure!

Linda Steynberg

RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >

Travelling abroad with a child

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories General

Travelling abroad with a child

Travelling abroad in itself requires a lot of energy and patience, and when you factor in a child, it requires a whole lot more plus a couple glasses of complementary aeroplane wine courtesy of that good old drinks trolly.

Let’s take a moment to thank the person who thought of placing TV’s on the back of every aeroplane seat. Even if you aren’t all pro technology for your kids, you all of sudden support the idea that watching Garfield is beneficial to your child’s health because let’s be honest, you probably won’t be able to entertain your little jetsetter with colouring in and sticker books for the entire 16 hour long trip. But hey, if you’ve ever been able to achieve that then I completely admire you and you rock.

 

A few tips I have for travelling abroad with a child:

  • Pack spare clothes for both your child and most importantly, you. Accidents happen; drinks spill, food drops and the side effects of travel sickness are a real deal.
  • Snacks. Enough said right? If you have a grazer like mine you’re almost always guaranteed a more pleasant time when there are snacks around, but let’s try and make them healthy ones; sugar and a confined space on a plane probably will not go down so well.
  • Communication. Unless you’re halfway through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, it’s generally helpful for your child to understand your plans so that they can grasp what is actually happening and what’s up next on the agenda. During your flight, watch the gps provided on the TV’s; it maps out the route of the plane in the air and is a great topic of conversation. On the plus side too, you’ll probably fly over a place that you’ve never heard of and learn that Kazakhstan does actually exist and isn’t a fictional place from the movie Borat.
  • Try your best to travel as light as you can. It’s just so much easier in general having less hand luggage. Also when you have an exhausted child who is refusing to carry their own backpack during a layover, you’d be wishing that you’d just packed all that unnecessary hand luggage in one of your main suitcases. Less is more, trust.
  • Remember to make the whole trip an adventure. It’s not everyday you get to experience this with your child so try your best to really make the most of it.
  • Also if you haven’t already bought your child Trump cards do so. They’re light to carry and an absolute lifesaver for any child at any point during your journey, except if you beat them.
RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >

Camping 2023 – Koningskop Campsite

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories Dynamic duo road trip, South Africa

Camping 2023 – Koningskop Campsite

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Koningskop campsite in the beautiful Western Cape near Citrusdal. Linda and I, along with our 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, went on a 3-night adventure with our friends Andrew and Zelni. As we approached the campsite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking views of the towering mountains and rolling hills.

Andrew and Zelni had already had their stand set up by the time we arrived, so we quickly put up our tent and made ourselves comfortable, ready to explore the area. One of the highlights of the weekend was the hiking trails that were available in the surrounding area. Andrew, myself and Olivia decided to tackle the Koningskop hike, which was a challenging but rewarding experience. The trail took us through some stunning scenery, and the fresh air and exercise did wonders for our spirits.

We weren’t lucky enough to spot any wildlife along the way, such as baboons and antelope which can be found in the area. Another highlight was the opportunity to see the bushman paintings that are located at the top of the mountains created by the San. The paintings were fascinating, and we spent some time exploring the sites and learning about the history and culture of the indigenous people who created them. Of course, one can’t travel anywhere with Andrew and not crack open a beer along the way. There are not many better places to sip on a Black Label than at the top of the Olifant’s River mountains.

Back at the campsite, we enjoyed spending time around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and catching up with our friends. We also took advantage of the on-site facilities, which included a dam with a  and a well-equipped playground for Olivia and even a super tube slide leading into the water (Olivia wasn’t tall enough this time around to play on that). One of the things that I loved about Koningskop was the sense of tranquility and seclusion that we felt there. Despite being only a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, we felt like we were a world away from the stresses of everyday life.

In terms of amenities, the campsite had everything we needed, including clean ablution facilities and a well-stocked shop where we could buy groceries and supplies. The staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful, making our stay even more enjoyable. All in all, our trip to Koningskop was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish for years to come. The stunning scenery, the challenging hikes, and the fascinating history of the bushman paintings all combined to make this a truly unique and special place. I would love to try out their 4 x 4 trail on my next visit, as I believe it is quite challenging. I would recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in the heart of the Western Cape.
RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >

Western Cape road trip | Day 5

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories Dynamic duo road trip, South Africa

Western Cape road trip | Day 5

Day 5 | 31 December 2022

Karoo Bush Camp (Van Wykdsorp) to Bontebok National Park (Swellendam)

Linda, Olivia and I were up early again. We were very keen to explore the area so we put our hiking shoes on and sat Olivia in the backpack and off we went to find a hiking trail. However, due to heavy rainfall in the area over recently, the path that led to the trails was now a swamp. We weren’t about getting our shoes muddy on this occasion. So instead we opted to walk around the Karoo Bush Camp and see what we could find.

There was a camper nearby who had an amazing 4×4 caravan setup. Definitely something I would love to do if I had the time (and money). He had one of those overlander trucks. #goals We also found a path leading to a lookout point above the campsite which had beautiful views of the valley.

When we got back to our campsite we had to start packing up. That’s when I realised that our camping fridge had stopped working. It looked like it was just a blown fuse, so I replaced the blown one with a new one. When  I connected the plug again, there were sparks and a flame inside the power supply of the fridge! Needless to say, the fridge had died. If it had only lasted a few more days, it would have been great. Now we were about to head to a campsite at Bontebok National Park for 2 days, and the fridge would definitely have been useful there.

The route we took to Swellendam was around 200km mostly on dirt roads. We left Karoo Bush Camp at 10am and arrived at Bontebok National Park at 17h30. Along the way we took a lunch break at a river crossing and all had a dip in the fresh water. We also got stuck behind a herd of cows being herded by a 10 year old girl. Her brother was trying to fix their quad bike which had broken down. Unardo happily towed it back to their farm.

Bontebok NP doesn’t have a shop where you can buy supplies such as firewood or ice. So we took a drive into Swellendam to stock up. We were staying at this camp site for 2 nights ( a welcome relief after travelling for 5 days from one place to the next). Arriving quite late in the day meant that we wouldn’t have much choice in finding the camping stands, let alone trying to find 3 stands together for our group. Bontebok NP is owned by SANPARKS, and you need to pre-book your accommodation through them before arrival. So we had 3 stands booked, but it is on a first come, first served basis. Luckily for us though, we did find a section of the camp that had 3 stands together, and we were able to set up our campsite.

About a 300m walk away from our site there is a river. There are stands near the river, however you need to walk up a hill to get to the ablutions, which didn’t seem too appealing. Linda, Olivia and I ninja’d at around 9pm. We pretty much take any opportunity to sleep that we can nowadays. I set my alarm for 23h45 as there was too much FOMO, seeing as everyone else was sitting around the campfire and chilling. I managed to encourage Linda to not carry on sleeping and get up before midnight, so that we could pop some bubbly and celebrate the new year. 2022 was done, and we are looking forward to a busy and prosperous 2023 for Go Adventure. We were in bed again at 00h15…
RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

VIEW ALL POSTS >

Road tripping with a 10 month old baby

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories Dynamic duo road trip, South Africa

Road tripping with a 10 month old baby

The wife’s perspective

If you’ve read @Uwe’s post about our latest adventure, you’ll know that we’ve been on an epic road trip covering 45 mountain passes. You would also have read that the men planned this trip so there were some logistics that might have been somewhat overlooked . We ended up driving an average of 7-hours to 8-hours a day which meant we tend to get to the next campsite late in the afternoon or early evening. So, to all the men out there planning their families next road trip, please keep the following pointers in mind:
    • Ensure you’ve factored in at least a 1-hour break every max 3 hours. Your little ones need to stretch their bodies, have some milk or eat (if they’re on solids).
 
    • Arrival time at your campsite should not be after 4pm. Let’s be real, you need at least one hour to setup your tent, get the bedding sorted and find your kitchen utensils & food crates. Dad’s, prepping your babies food does take some time.
 
    • Keep the baby changing mattress nearby along with a small necessity box filled with nappies, wet wipes, bum cream & sunblock.
 
  • Have a cooler nearby for access while driving. Those emergency snacks do come in handy when your baby is getting a bit feisty. This will give you at least an additional 30minutes to find an appropriate spot to pull over and attend to your little one.
We always tend to overpack for those “just in case” situations, but then you end up with a bakkie full of unnecessary items you need to offload just to get to the camping chair at the back.

So, here’s a list of the essentials you actually need for your baby:

    • Their camping cot & mosquito net to stretch over the cot.
 
    • Camping foldup table which is big enough to use as a changing station and small enough to fit in the tent next to the cot.
 
    • A flask for boiling water. This would make getting the midnight or early morning bottle much easier.
 
    • A quick and easy fold up pram that takes minimum space. You use this pram as your feeding chair as well.
 
    • A container that’s big enough to fit your baby bottles in. Once the bottles are washed, pop them in here and cover with boiling water. This allows the bottle to sterilise and stay clean from dust.
  Ladies, if you’re going to go on a road trip and only camp one night per site, you don’t need your exercise clothing. Packing, unpacking, setting up and doing it all with a baby on your hip is more than enough of a workout! It’s those items that end up way at the back of the bakkie taking up unnecessary space. Most important advise, camp with friends who love kids and don’t mind taking your baby while you setup or get their food sorted. It really does take a village. At the end of the day, the adventure was 100% worth it. Let us help you plan your next adventure and add these personalised tips for your trip. Ditch the admin and Go Adventure! Linda Auer
RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

Car hire is easy to book with go adventure

Posted on Posted by Linda Auer Categories General

Car hire is easy to book with go adventure

Thrilling Travelling with Car Hire is Easy to Book with Go Adventure

Being immersed in travel, Go Adventure can offer intrepid explorers, thrill-seeking adventure enthusiasts and subdued laid-back relaxers flight and accommodation packages to suit your individual requirements. Going one step further, we also offer the option of car hire giving you the freedom to explore and travel at your own pace.

Is Car Hire Without a Credit Card Possible?

One of the most frequently asked questions our travel agents receive is whether car hire is possible without a credit card. As much as we would like to offer you this option, we can’t. Car hire companies in South Africa and other countries, such as Zanzibar and Mauritius, require credit cards to secure rental deposits in the event of any additional expenses that have not been included in the initial booking, such as additional driver fees and an excess deposit in the event of an accident or theft. What you can enjoy by securing your car rental through Go Adventure is a travel partner that can offer car hire through reputable car rental companies at reduced rates. You can also enjoy the benefit of full insurance cover, unlimited mileage, and flexible rental period options. We can further provide you with car rental packages tailormade to your specific travel itinerary. “The journey of a hundred miles starts with a single step,” so take that step with Go Adventure by including car hire in your flight and accommodation booking.

Offering You the Freedom to Explore

From coast to coast, South Africa offers travellers the most magnificent landscapes, unique cultural diversity, and breathtaking sites. Go Adventure’s self-drive packages together with your choice of car hire affords you the freedom to explore at your leisure soaking in vistas that may otherwise pass you by, discovering hidden gems and changing your course at a whim.

From Luxury Spas to Tented Camps

Our experienced travel planners can pre-plan your accommodation packages and car hire on your behalf allowing you to travel comfortably between destinations whilst visually feasting on the sites along the way. From two nights of ultimate relaxation at a luxury spa in the heart of the city, you can travel to the comfort and simplicity of tented camps along the vast plains of the African wilderness for 4 days.

Along South Africa’s Natural Coastline

Take a road trip from Gauteng to the rolling hills and snow-capped peaks of the iconic Drakensberg mountain range where nestled in a secluded valley, the luxurious Cathedral Peak Hotel awaits. Book a flight to Cape Town, where, upon arrival, you can hop into your rental car and journey through magnificent wine country to a boutique hotel in Franschhoek for a two-night stay. Just a short drive away from your lodgings is the Cape Winelands where you can tantalise your taste buds with some of South Africa’s best wines. For Go Adventure, your getaway begins when you book with us and, for you, it begins when you arrive at your destination and get behind the wheel of your hired car. All you need to do is plot your course, pack the snacks and head out on the open road.

Are You Looking for Adventure, Relaxation or Both?

If your ideal holiday finds you flying across vast oceans and getting to know travellers from all walks of life, then perhaps our guided packaged tours are more to your liking. Our Contiki and Costsaver tours in Thailand will have you experiencing vibrant street markets and lush green landscapes with like-minded travellers. If the only thrills you seek extend to relaxing on pristine beaches while enjoying panoramic vistas, then our island getaway packages to Bali, Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Zanzibar will land you in the lap of ultimate luxury and tranquillity. Whether your travels find you appreciating the splendour of South Africa’s natural beauty or further afield in the “Land of Smiles”, “Spice Island” or where Blackbeard once hid, Go Adventure’s travel planners are ready to book your trip.
RECENT POSTS
Picture of Linda Auer

Linda Auer

Sitemap

Top Destinations

Contact Info

Accolades

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 Go Adventure. All Rights Reserved.

×