OVERSEAS TRAVEL- THE PROS AND CONS
Song: Africa by Toto
Earlier this month I was able to tick off a bucket list holiday to South Africa.
I went on this tour with my husband and with a critical eye as to what can make or break a holiday.
Our first stop was Sydney International Airport. We arrived 3 1/2 hours hours before the flight so decided to try one of the paid Lounges. We found ‘Plaza Premium Lounge’ which cost $69 each for 3 hours. It was clean and comfortable and included drinks and a variety of delicious freshly made food.
Our first stop was Singapore Changi Airport. It was a 4 hour stop over and by the time we boarded the next flight it was 12 hours without sleep and we were hoping to sleep well on the next flight to Johannesburg.
I probably slept for a few hours but 12 hours later when we arrived in Johannesburg I was feeling like I could sleep for a week. However, we had to stay on the plane for another hour then our final 1 1/2-hour flight to our destination Cape Town and only able to doze.
Arriving at Cape Town airport we had to make our own way to the hotel. As we waited for a taxi we met other people from the same tour so we pooled together and got a mini bus. It was a short trip to the hotel but too early to access our room so we headed to the hotel bar.
About 1 hour later the rooms were ready. We headed to reception and after chatting to the receptionist she decided to upgrade our room for no additional cost. We were on the 14th floor with a picturesque view of Table Mountain towering above Cape Town.
After a long hot shower, we set the alarm for 7pm in time for tea. It was 1 pm and approximately 30 hours without proper sleep. We both went into that beautiful, deep, no dreaming, anaesthetic sleep. I slept through the alarm Garry reset it for 6am. I woke feeling refreshed and hungry and eager to meet all the fellow travellers on the tour.
We met our tour guide a young, handsome, laid-back man who travelled with us the entire tour.
We had 3 delightful days in Cape Town. We toured Cape Town and the Cape wine region and tried the local Pinotage which was a lovely wine. We had a free day, so we opted for the hop on hop off bus. We visited the harbour, beautiful beaches, Camps Bay, Signal Hill and a cable car up to Table Mountain which provided magnificent views.
The tour left Cape Town, and we headed via the garden route with beautiful scenery and lovely places that we stopped at along the way. On day 6 we had our first animal encounter with lions, impala, wilderbeest, rhinos, zebras and giraffes at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.
The tour continued along the garden Route via Landkloof Valley, a visit to an ostrich farm which included ostrich steak for lunch, Storms River and another winery before we went back to Cape Town.
The next day was an early morning start. We flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg then a scenic drive to our accommodation just outside of Kruger National Park where we stayed for the next four nights.
The following three days were 4am starts. We travelled in open air 4 wheel drive vehicles. We encountered every animal imaginable, many walking in herds across the roads just in front of us. A spectacular sight was witnessing a pride of lionesses killing a buffalo and a crocodile killing and eating an impala. It was difficult to watch but at the same time spectacular and awe inspiring as we witnessed the reality of how wild animals survive within the food chain.
On our final day we travelled back to Johannesburg via Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes again beautiful scenery.
We made many new friends among the tour group and had a final farewell dinner. We packed for the last time to fly home aware of the 30 hours travel ahead of us.
Before the tour ended I asked the group if they would complete a questionnaire. Below is a summary of the responses.
- Average age 65
- Youngest couple 30 and 32
- Oldest male 77, oldest female 77.
- 13 couples
- 5 woman travelling alone
- 14 women travelling twin share
Everyone had previously travelled overseas. Most hope to continue to travel overseas at least until 80 years old however common factors that could deter future travel included:
- Heart disease, osteoporosis, hip, knee and joint problems, asthma, mobility, pain, gut health
- Cost of travel insurance over 80 years old.
- Worry of becoming sick while overseas and needing hospital treatment.
- Sitting too long in planes and tour buses.
- Inability to get much exercise when travelling on tours.
- Long days, early starts and late nights.
- Getting sick as 70% of the group picked up a stomach bug resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting for 24-36 hours.
Everyone responded that back at home they exercise regularly including:
- Yoga, golf and other sports, walking, hiking, gym, strength training, full body workouts, gardening, swimming, cycling, outdoor property work.
Additional comments included that the single travellers accommodation compared to twin accommodation was not always a good standard considering the high single supplement.
Most people like to travel by cruise ship or train and plan to travel more often in Australia if overseas travel becomes too difficult.
Overall, everyone agreed they enjoyed the travel experience to South Africa and would recommend it to family and friends.
The pros- It was an amazing holiday leaving everyone with lasting memories, new friendships and expanded learning which is so stimulating for the brain.
The Cons- Long travel times, mobility and other health issues, lack of time to exercise, getting sick on tour.
For myself I loved every moment of the trip. I was lucky and avoided getting sick, I did a few optional tours that gave me some exercise. I did agree its was a long, exhausting journey from home to destination. I was fairly fit before I started the trip but admit little time for exercise and the temptation of delicious food wasn’t good for my waistline. ( I might add there was always healthy options)
If I am to travel well into old age I will need to get back on track now that I am home, be consistent with exercise and healthy eating and monitor my health by having regular health checks. As I am passionate about looking after my brain health I want to be fit enough to travel for many years as travel has remarkable benefits for the senses, cognitive stimulation and overall brain health. So, the next trip is already booked for July 2025. Canada and Alaska!
Below is an interesting You Tube interview about how your brain reacts when you travel. Dr Michael Merzenich and Jeff Zimman.
Till next Time- ‘Keep on Rocking and Rolling’
Kim