Secrets to a Happy Vacation

Does the thought of going on vacation inspire feelings of joy? It should! There are nine secrets to a happy vacation, according to the new “Road to Happiness Study”, which quantifies the connection between happiness and travel. Results of the study revealed some key elements of the happiest vacations.

Plan Ahead

When you plan ahead, you get a double benefit: better prices and more availability. A recent CheapAir.com report monitored 4 million flights and found that the average lowest fares surfaced 54 days before travel. And, according to the Road to Happiness Study, 90 percent of the happiest vacationers planned more than a month in advance, leaving plenty of time to savor the delicious pre-vacation anticipation.

Look Far

For vacation happiness, you must commit to actually going away, not going halfway on a staycation. According to the Road to Happiness Study, 94 percent of respondents found greater happiness when traveling far from home. And while the occasional weekend getaway might boost morale in the short term, 85 percent of the happiest, most memorable vacations occurred when people ventured to destinations beyond the United States.

Beat Stress

Vacation happiness comes from taking it slow enough to really be present, not zooming ahead to the next sight, activity, or meal. In fact, a whopping 88 percent of travelers reported that their happiest vacations were mostly stress-free. And a happy vacation has lingering benefits as well: 93 percent of respondents said that their happiest vacations boosted their energy at work after their return.

Befriend a Local

A place truly comes alive when you see it through the eyes of a local. Instead of relying on the same guidebooks or online reviews that every other visitor is reading, you get a personal connection and the inside scoop. In fact, the study suggests that this is actually a key to vacation happiness. Nearly 80 percent of travelers polled said that on their best trips, they had the support of a knowledgeable friend in the destination or benefited from the expertise of a local guide.

Splurge

Vacation is the right place to splurge. It takes such a significant investment of time, money, and effort to get you to your destination that it just doesn’t make sense to not take the special behind-the-scenes tour of Rome’s Colosseum or book the heli-tour in Hawaii because you want to save some money. This isn’t an argument for springing for the private jet, but you don’t want to regret passing up activities you may never have the chance to do again. In fact, of travelers surveyed, only 13 percent said the costs associated with a vacation hindered their overall happiness with the trip.

Seek Meaning

The happiest trips are those that spark something in your soul, feed your curiosity, or fulfill a lifelong dream. So next time you start planning a vacation, take some time to really consider your choice. Too many people default to popular or convenient destinations, without taking the time to consider which trips—even if they would take a little more time, effort, or money—have the potential to be life-changing experiences.

Seek Help When You Need It

For some, planning is as much a part of the trip as the journey. But for others, it can seem a bit daunting. You’ve got plenty of options that will make your vacation far more enjoyable right from the outset, including availing yourself of the services of our Travel Specialists who will tend to all of the details, so you don’t have to.

 

Manage Typical Stressors

According to the study, the top three barriers to happy travel are time-management issues, unfamiliarity with the destination, and transportation challenges. For a happier vacation, be realistic about your itinerary and don’t over-schedule yourself. This is a non-issue when traveling with us to South Africa, whether on a Cape Town tour or safari. Our itineraries are carefully planned to optimize your days and nights while also allowing for down time.

Go to Your Happy Place

If you want to find happiness on vacation, make sure you’ve chosen a destination that makes you happy. Find places full of the things you love, whether that’s art or nature … or exotic cuisine.

Need a little inspiration? Call us at 877-480-6881 or visit our website. In addition to affordable luxury South African Tours, we can help you with cruises, condos & resorts and customized travel worldwide.

 

The Road to Happiness Study was led by renown positive psychology researcher Shawn Achor in conjunction with Monograms Travel. Portions of this article were excerpted from “Nine Secrets to a Happy Vacation”, originally posted at smartertravel.com.

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Safari in South Africa

The Call of the Wild

Going on safari is definitely the experience of a lifetime. And in South Africa, there are a variety of game-viewing options… on foot, in open-air vehicles, even on elephant-back. No matter which you choose, the memories of life in the bush will stay with you forever.

Your wake-up call comes hours before sunrise so you can track leopards, lions, and other nocturnal hunters before the heat of day kicks in. After a quick cup of coffee, you embark on a three- to four-hour game walk or drive with a super-knowledgeable ranger and tracker – and let the sightings begin. You spot not just one elephant, but a dozen – from a playful baby to a two-story bull – and a regal gemsbok, with its slender, scimitar-like horns that may have inspired tales of the fabled unicorn. The roar of a male lion, a few yards from the safari vehicle, leaves you nearly breathless.

Return to camp for a fresh cooked breakfast followed by a nature walk with a ranger. After lunch, take a nap at the height of the midday heat or go for a swim. Then, following afternoon tea, you’re off on an evening safari drive that includes a stop for a sundowner, or a cocktail, to pass the sunset. Back at your lodge, enjoy dinner under the southern constellations, a completely different array of stars from what you see at home. Then it’s off to bed and dreams of the wildlife that you’ll encounter tomorrow.

Your safari holds even more marvelous surprises in store. Click here for your day-by-day itinerary!

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Why Hippos Don’t Eat Fish

We love this charming folktale and so do kids on safari. As the story goes, when God was giving each animal a place in the world, the pair of hippos begged to be allowed to live in the cool water which they so dearly loved.

God looked at them, and was doubtful about letting them live in the water: their mouths were so large, their teeth so long and sharp, and their size and appetites were so big, He was afraid that they would eat up all the fish. Besides, He had already granted the place to another predator – the crocodile. He couldn’t have two kinds of large, hungry animals living in the rivers. So God refused the hippos’ request, and told them that they could live out on the open plains.

At this news, the two hippos began to weep and wail, making the most awful noise. They pleaded and pleaded with God, who finally gave in. But He made the hippos promise that if they lived in the rivers, they must never harm a single fish. They were to eat grass instead. God said that they were to show Him every night, that they were only eating grass. The Hippos promised solemnly, and rushed to the river, grunting with delight.

And to this day, hippos always scatter their dung on the river bank, so God can see that it contains no fish bones. And you can still hear them laughing with joy that they were allowed to live in the rivers after all.

From: When the Hippos were Hairy and Other Tales from Africa: Nick Greaves

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Top 10 Experiences in South Africa

The lure of the exotic; the mysteries of the unknown, the confluence of cultures… South Africa has a universal, seductive appeal.

1.    Scenic splendor

South Africa has some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery in the world. Expect miles of golden beaches and unspoiled coastline; dramatic mountains and mountain passes; 19 national parks; game reserves teeming with big game and hundreds of birds; ancient forests; semi-deserts; oceans and rivers; rolling grasslands, and natural flower fields – all waiting to be explored.

2.    Winelands

South Africa’s vineyards have been producing some of the best wines in the world for more than 300 years. Wine regions stretch from the Western Cape to the Northern Cape, where you can sample wine at world-famous estates or little-known gems. Where there’s great wine, there’s also great food – so Bon Appétit!

 3.    Safaris

South Africa has some of the best and most accessible safari destinations in the world. You can luxuriate at a world-class private lodge and go on guided jeep, walking or elephant-back safaris.

4.     Kruger National Park

The size of Israel or Wales, Kruger is one of the world’s oldest and most famous game reserves and is teeming with game.

Here’s where you’ll find the famous Big 5: buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino.

 

5.    Struggle sites, rock art and historic battlefields

You can visit our top Struggle sites and museums and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest freedom icons in modern history, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Mahatma Gandhi. South African rock art is among the best in the world and historic battlefields abound.

 6.    Marine magnificence

Where else can a person sail beside a whale, or watch whale mothers and babies bask and roll; go eye-to-eye with different kinds of sharks; cage dive with great whites; be charmed by friendly penguins and leaping dolphins; experience some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world; watch giant turtles lay their eggs on deserted beaches; or see the hatchlings making their desperate run for the sea?

7.    Getting to know the locals

You can spend time in a city township you’ll be amazed at the activities and experiences on offer.

Spend some time at a Zulu cultural village, admire the intricate beadwork, metal neck rings and unique geometric mural art of the Ndebele people; enjoy the hospitality of a South African farm.

Take the opportunity to chat with the locals – South Africans are known for being warm, friendly and welcoming to visitors.

 

 8.    Outdoor rush

Gorgeous, sunny weather most of the time, spectacular locations, loads of mega-thrill adventures (including the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world), river rafting, abseiling, hiking, horse riding, hiking, paragliding and 4×4 routes – South Africa is known as the adventure Capital of the World.

9.    Indulge the senses

Relax and rejuvenate the South African way. Visitors will find health and wellness retreats – many of them globally award-winning – throughout the country.

Many use indigenous oils and ingredients to help clients de-stress and wind down – by the beach, in the bush, at a hotel, or wherever they are.

10.    Urban rhythm

Experience the unique rhythm of our cities when feeling the beat of live kwaito, hip-hop or jazz at a local nightclub, bar or township shebeen (tavern).

Be entertained in our theatres; play at our ritzy casinos; visit our unique museums and art galleries.

Shop in glitzy shopping malls or African craft markets; or dine in our fabulous restaurants.

Our itineraries highlight the best of South Africa. Click here to learn more!

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Luxury in the Bush?

But of course! You’ll spend the first several nights of your safari and bush experience at Dunkeld Country Estate, a luxury trout and game lodge in the charming hamlet of Dullstroom.

Located on the panorama route halfway from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, it is the ideal place to begin creating a lifetime of memories.  Situated in the heart of the highlands meander noted for its clear streams, lakes and scenery, here you’ll enjoy plush accommodations, sumptuous gourmet meals and fine wines.  The heritage of the estate has been preserved with the conversion of the century-old farmhouse into a wonderful restaurant.

You’ll witness some of the Lowveld’s most magnificent views while on a winding drive through pine and eucalyptus forests. This panoramic route is well known for its breath-taking natural features, such as the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Wonderview, and the Berlin Falls. You’ll reach Pilgrim’s Rest, a sleepy old mining town, which has been lovingly preserved since the gold rush and is now a National Monument.

Dullstroom is South Africa’s fly-fishing capital, and Dunkeld Country Estate boasts many well-stocked dams filled with brown, rainbow and golden trout, offering fly-fishing enthusiasts the enjoyment of quality angling time in pursuit of that perfect catch.

Other activities on the Dunkeld Estate are horseback riding for the more energetic guests, while ladies may choose to enjoy their time at the in-house spa. You’ll have an afternoon to venture to Dullstroom town, where you’ll enjoy lunch and shopping along the main road.

Your final evening at the Estate, you’ll be treated to a wine-tasting from a fine selection of red and white wines before experiencing a traditional South African boma-braai dinner.  The luxury doesn’t stop at Dunkeld, as you’ll transfer to the romantic Kapama River Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve.

In addition to heart-pounding sunrise and sunset game drives, you’ll enjoy spa treatments and hot air ballooning as well as such fineries as high tea, dinner under the stars and more. South African cuisine, often referred to as Rainbow Cuisine, is something to look forward to at lunch and dinner;  savor traditional African flavors with Pan-African dishes featuring local ingredients such as kudu or impala, meats rarely experienced in other cultures.

Go Touch Down Travel & Tours presents a one-of-a-kind safari experience.  For more information, visit http://gotouchdowntravelandtours.com.

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Marvelous Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga (pronounced mmm poomah LAHN gah) is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the oldest, largest and most famous game reserves in the world. It is also home to the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserve.

But it is also where you’ll find some of South Africa’s most dramatic scenery; more waterfalls than anywhere else in the country; mountains that cocoon Earth’s oldest life forms; the oldest dolomite caves in the world; colorful cultures; an exciting gold-rush past; friendly little towns, and adventure activities for the most adrenalin-hooked action junkie.

The province, which stretches east from Gauteng to neighboring countries Swaziland and Mozambique, owes its spectacular scenery to its geographic location: about a four-hour drive northeast from Johannesburg, the Drakensberg mountains drop down steeply from the grasslands of the Highveld escarpment to the subtropical Lowveld savannah below.

The edge of the escarpment is home to the high, scenic Panorama Route that traces the course of the powerful Blyde River and takes in some spectacular natural attractions, as well the historic village of Pilgrim’s Rest, where you can relive the heady gold-rush days of the 1870’s (and even pan for gold if you have time).

The Sudwala Caves

Four mountain passes wind down from the escarpment to a subtropical area of flourishing citrus and fruit farms, which then becomes 20,000 km of the Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga has an excellent infrastructure, with good roads that make self-driving easy, and lots of attractive small towns with restaurants and curio shops. It’s also South Africa’s top adventure center, where you can go river rafting, abseiling, climbing, quad biking, horse riding and mountain biking.

This marvelous destination is included on your South Africa Safari with Go Touch Down Travel & Tours.

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South Africa: The Rainbow Nation

An overview…

Roughly the size of Spain and France combined, or Texas, South Africa is situated at the very southern tip of Africa. The Atlantic and the Indian Oceans wash its shores and meet at Cape Agulhas – one of the only places in the world where you can witness two oceans meet.

People who have never been to Africa often think of it as a homogenous whole. In reality, according to the United Nations Membership Roster, the continent of Africa is made up of 54 very different and separate African states.

South Africa may be at the bottom of the continent, but it’s widely regarded as being top in terms of its superb infrastructure, legendary sunny climate, and its incredible geographic diversity – expect beautiful beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, sophisticated cities, quaint villages, historic battlefields, oceans, valleys, bushveld teeming with game, hundreds of species of birds, great and small semi-deserts, wide open spaces… and much more.

The country has nine provinces. Probably the best known to international visitors are the Western Cape, home of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands; Mpumalanga, famous for its spectacular scenery and the Kruger National Park; and KwaZulu-Natal, with its capital city, Durban, historic battlefields and wonderful beaches. The other six provinces – the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Free State – also offer their own unique sights and experiences.

South Africa, since its first democratic election in 1994 after which Nelson Mandela became president, is a fully integrated society of more than 50-million people with a rich, fascinating mix of cultures ranging from Zulu and Xhosa (pronounced koh-sa), to Afrikaans and English, all warm, welcoming people. There are 11 official languages – but don’t worry; nearly everyone in The Rainbow Nation understands and speaks English.

The easiest and most affordable way to experience the wonders of this intriguing country is with Go Touch Down Travel and Tours. 8-day, 7-night tours leave for South Africa every week.

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Safari Education – Animal Collective Nouns

Safari Education- Lesson 2:

Every month we will post some interesting information, facts or tips that we believe will only benefit our safari travelers. This can only help with your general knowledge and will make your journey to South Africa even more exciting. Below is a list of animal collective nouns that you may want to master:

• Apes = Troop
• Antelope = Herd
• Baboons = Troop, Flange
• Birds (Chicks) = Brood, Clutch
• Birds (Game) =  Brace, Plump, Knob, Volary
• Buffalo = Troop, Gang, Obstinancy, Herd  
• Cheetahs = Coalition
• Crocodiles = Bask, Float
• Dogs (Wild) = Pack
• Eagles =Aerie, Convocation
• Elephants = Herd, Memory
• Giraffes = Tower, Journey
• Hedgehogs =Array
• Hippopotamuses = Bloat
• Hyenas = Cackle, Clan
• Leopards = Leap
• Lions = Pride, Sault, Troop
• Monkeys = Troop, Tribe, Barrel, Carload, Cartload
• Ostrich = Flock
• Owl = Parliament, Stare
• Rhinoceroses = Crash, Stubbornness
• Spiders = Cluster, Clutter
• Turtles = Bale, Dole Nest, Turn
• Vultures = Venue
• Vultures (Circling) = Kettle
• Zebras = Dazzle, Zeal, Crossing, Cohorts, Herd

With Valentine just around the corner you may be looking for information on tours to South Africa. We suggest you call one of our group of  ‘Talented – Travel Consultants’ and book a vacation for the group of ‘Nagging – Wifes’ so that we can stop being referred to as a group of ‘Jerk – Husbands’.

Have fun, talk soon

Corporate website @ (www.TouchCorporation.com)

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Safari – Day 4, 5 and 6

Day 4, 5 and 6 is spent at Kapama River Lodge.

 

Kapama River Lodge is Kruger National Park’s largest private game lodge. The lodge with nearby water sources that attracts ambling visits from the area’s elephant and buffalo populations, serves rich specialty dishes, and combined with expansive views stretching the length and breadth of the Kapama Game Reserve and beyond, makes Kapama River Lodge an unforgettable camping experience that should not be missed!

 

For more information on Kapama River Lodge and Day 1, 2 and 3 of our 8 day Tour, visit > http://x.co/XTtW

 

Contact one of our Travel Consultants for a price and more details on this action packed and value for money Safari Tour. We have several small group tours scheduled from Sunday to Sunday during 2011… Now is the time to talk to us.

 

Go Touch Down Travel and Tours, operating in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and South Africa.

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The Bachelor’s adventures in South Africa

On February 28th, 2011 ABC’S hit TV Show,  The Bachelor, traveled to stunning South Africa.

Brad Womack and his three potential wives touched down in a wildlife fairytale. Surrounded by lion, elephant, zebra, vervet monkey, buffalo, leopard and cheetah they explored the Sabi Sands reserve, which links onto the Kruger National Park.

Brad’s date with Chantal was a morning safari. With their private game ranger, they set out for an unforgettable day together. All Brad wanted to do was see a lion, and within the first 10 minutes, that wish was granted.
This is how game drives work. The ranger will ask you which animal you want to see on your game drive and they will track that specific animal to make your dream holiday come true! Did you catch the other guide that was sitting on the hood of the safari vehicle? They do that for tracking the wildlife.

That evening with Chantal, she accepted the fantasy suite in a heartbeat! How awesome was that tree top hotel room at the Lion Sands private game reserve. Staying in the Chalkley Treehouse, they experienced the call of the wild literary just outside the rooms walls and star-gazing from your living room. That is the ultimate romantic holiday!

The next date was with Emily. WOW! Did you see the size of those African elephants? What amazing creatures. She was falling more in love with Brad by the minute. This Bachelor definitely has the advantage of such a beautiful country to show off his romantic side. After the Bush walk (which normally takes about 1 hour) they enjoyed lunch with elephants while playing in their waterhole. How adorable were those baby elephants? Emily finally confessed her feelings for the second – time around bachelor in the fantasy suite. She had her concerns due to her 5-year-old daughter Ricky (who is named after the late Nascar driver Ricky Hendrick) making her future with Brad an “instant family”. Brad assured her that he would be the best dad he could be if he chose her as his future wife.

Then, the rather hard to watch third date. Ashley. Poor girl. She was so career oriented that she just couldn’t say what Brad wanted to hear. Their connection and the spark that gained her a spot as a top contestant fizzled away quicker than the bonfire at their traditional Braai dinner (South African BBQ).
The date started off well with experiencing a helicopter ride to Blyde River Canyon. Despite her fear of heights, Ashley enjoyed clutching onto the brave Brad Womack during the  flight. Blyde River Canyon is the third largest in the world next to the Grand Canyon and Fish River Canyon. The couple touched down and enjoyed the scenery, locally known as Gods Window. Through dinner Brad asked too many difficult to answer questions and their miscommunication made their relationship move backwards. Despite the attempt of reconnecting in their fantasy suite, all that resulted was talk about mosquito nets.

When the evening of the rose ceremony approached, the videos from all three ladies helped him decide that he needed to talk to Ashley to see one last time if they could re-connect. After their private discussion before the rose ceremony he sent her home in a dignified manner.

The Bachelor is now down to two ladies whom both accepted the rose! Either Emily or Chantal will be the next Mrs. Womack.

Next week, you will see the wide variety of what South Africa has to offer. From safaris to cities, South Africa has everything you want in a once in a lifetime vacation! The finalists will be traveling to South Africa’s “Mother City”, Cape Town to meet Brads’ family. Cape Town is a shopping and entertainment Mecca! It had the privilege of being a 2010 FIFA World Cup city. What will the final two experience with Brad? Table Mountain? Whale watching? Wine tasting? Shark Diving? Anything is possible!

If you are thinking of taking the love of your life on a romantic vacation, or if you just want to know more about the places to see in South Africa, please contact us and we will happily assist you. Please feel free to phone us or fill out the form below!

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