CAPE TOWN

Over the past few months I have been writing about the different places to visit around the world. Going from either one tropical paradise to the next or to one of the major metropolises in the world. Don’t get me wrong when I say this, they are all beautiful and amazing countries in their own way but still to this day there is no better place to visit/live other than the mother city of Cape Town. 

Cape Town is special in many different ways and has an attraction or an activity for everyone. There is something to capture the attention of every visitor or resident of this beautiful city. Beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, world-class surf and a thriving inner city life and of course Table Mountain one of the natural wonders of the world. 

Everyday is different in the mother city, whether it’s the south Easter casing havoc through the City or a picture perfect day without a breath of wind in the air. For the younger market there is no better place to visit than Cape Town, with beautiful people overflowing the city, nightclubs that can rival the top of Europe and America.

However when it comes to the younger crowed, Cape Town is best known for its massive amount of outdoor festivals that stretch throughout the summer months. From 24 hour Psychedelic trance parties to 4-day music festivals situated throughout the breathtaking wine land region. 

Visiting the Cape from any foreign country can be a reasonably cheap expense as long as you don’t blow your entire bank account on the world class shops and entertainment that can be had in and around the Cape. 

If you are an ocean enthusiast like I am then Cape Town has something that no other place in the world has. The ocean here has a very diverse lifestyle because at the tip of cape point is where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meat to create a bountiful and unique ocean life.

To truly experience what the waters of Cape Town are capable of is to go and enjoy a great white cage diving experience where you can see this ultimate predator in its natural habitat in a safe and spacious cage.

I can sit here and explain to you in detail about all that this beautiful country has to offer but I feel that it will be a waste of time because my words will never live up to the standards of Cape Town. You have to see it for yourself!

Well this has been fun peeps but this will be my final post for the rest of the year, but stay safe over this festive season, travel far and live long and prosper.        

        

MAURITIUS

Far away from the barren and hostile environment of Las Vegas, we now travel to the tropical paradise of Mauritius. This remote and incredibly wild island is not what people have a perception of, before going there it sounded like I was going to an island built for people that are walking on their last legs. However, I was mistaken in a big way, the island seems to have something for everyone, lounging on the beach being lazy for the old people and a boat load of activities for the younger visitors. 

When going to any tropical destinations you have to remember that depending on the season you visit, there is a large chance that you will encounter a monsoon/cyclone while you are here. If you do not enjoy the idea of walking through waste deep water in the streets, trees blowing out the ground, huge and powerful waves then winter is not your time to visit. During the summer months the beauty of the island is truly revealed, whether it’s the vibrant coral reef systems, crystal blue waters and beautiful warm sunny days then this island will blow you away. 

During peak season the beaches and streets are overflowing with tourists soaking up the sea and sun, nevertheless there is always the fat Eastern European man who parades up and down the beach in his banana hammock blinding people in his path. In case you were curious, I don’t consider it rude to let someone know that he is making people feel nauseous because of his fat roles and the fact that he is in a Speedo, don’t be afraid to tell the man. 

 

There is more to do than just soak up rays on the beach, there is a never ending list of activities that you can participate in on the island. Quad biking through the mountains, deep-sea fishing, any water sport activity you can think of, skydiving and some of the best coral reef and wreck dives the world has to offer. The list can honestly continue for at least another page but its best to leave some possibilities up to your imagination. 

When the sun sets then that party begins, although the clubs here are different to Thailand or Bali they are still more than enough. The best place to have a good party is an area called Grand Baie. This is where all the best and biggest clubs on the island are. This area is perfect for bar hopping, with over 10 bars practically next door to each other why would you want to stay in one place. The entrance in to most clubs is minimal and if not that then it may not cost you a cent to get inside. A few tips with these clubs, make sure you are dressed like a human instead of a beach bum, these clubs have a certain dress code and if you don’t dress to it you are not getting in anywhere. All the other rips will apply to any other club, watch out for drunk guys attempting to cause trouble showing off their male dominance, but most of all be nice to the doorman, if you are not then well there is a possibility you won’t be getting in.

All in all Mauritius is a beautiful and memorable island and definitely a place that I would visit over and over again.  

LAS VEGAS

In many aspects, Las Vegas is almost identical to our previous Ibiza but in many ways, they are the polar opposite to each other. The beautiful ocean and breathtaking country side has been replaced by bright flashing lights, swimming pools, casinos, strip clubs and mile upon mile of completely open and barren desert. The Nevada desert is one of the driest and most hostile environments in the world and in many aspects the desert relates to the city. If you do not have the right skills and knowledge Sin City will chew you up and spit you out just like its unforgiving desert.

While driving down the strip be sure to keep your jaw firmly in place because everything to do with Vegas is a jaw dropping experience. The amazing casino’s, beautiful lights, ordinary and extraordinary people flood the streets day in day out hoping today will be the day that there luck changes. However, traveling on a student budget makes it tough to live in the hotels that you see in the movies, your place is downtown, but no need to stress its equally as good. As a student, you could have more fun downtown than in Caesers Palace, MGM or even the Bellagio. 

Students flock downtown for the good atmosphere, cheap drinking and gambling and most of all mixing with people that are looking for the same experience as you are. Downtown is perfect for amateur gamblers with the tables low buy in compared to the bigger casinos, also drinking eating and sleep could be half the price of up town. Before coming here just make sure you are 21 or I can promise you, you are going to have a horrible holiday. The legal drinking and gambling age in Las Vegas and all of America is 21 and in a place like sin city where drinking and gambling is everything, you really need to be 21.

Las Vegas obviously has a lot more to offer than just gambling. During the day be sure to visit some of the hotels beautiful pool areas that are surrounded by beautiful people soaking up the sun. If that gets boring don’t you stress, Gondola rides, indoor skydiving, shooting ranges and even pole dancing lessons are some of the few things possible while in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, Vegas would not be what it is without all of its shows, from magic to Cirque du Soleil, and when that gets boring why not take a walk into the hundreds of strip clubs, bars and casinos scattered around town.

Some nights here may seem better than others, just be sure not to get married. The wedding chapels here do not care if you are one drink away from the hospital, if you are there asking to get married, you will get married. You could wake up in the morning legally married to a stripper that you fell in love with the evening before, you may be one of those people that doesn’t think this would happen to you but when you see how often it happens you will be in for a shock.  

Now go till all your sins have been swallowed by this incredible city. Just don’t expect to come home rich.  

IBIZA

Moving far away from Australia to the beautiful island of Ibiza south of Valencia Spain. Ibiza is not just a beautiful and rocky countryside but also the party capital of the world, where many people young and old travel year round to experience the atmosphere.

On a daily basis this beautiful island is over flowing with beautiful beach bodies, famous music artists and actors and parties that start on the beach during the day and end in some of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

As with all places with beautiful beaches, fancy places and rich people Ibiza is an expensive place to visit if you are a student. If you are planning a trip to Ibiza then make sure to save up as much money as possible because Ibiza is a place where you do not want to have to budget your money. You want to be able to drink, eat, sleep and do what you want when you want.

The main attraction that most people have to the magical island of Ibiza is the clubbing. There are more bars and clubs here than Thailand could even dream of. The clubs here can rival if not beat the clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. Sophisticated and a very big party.

Pacha is the Islands most exclusive and high roller club and with a cover charge of 50 to 100 Euros and a beer starting at 10 Euros each expect your bank card to be weeping in your pocket by the time you have put the club to your back. This exclusive club is not for every tourist off the beach but if you are one of those people who enjoy seeing celebrities, then this is the club you must visit.  

On the other hand, if you are looking for the best atmosphere, the most popular of all the super clubs and which does not make you feel as if you are paying the national debt then Amnesia should be your club of choice. Every night there is a festive affair and when you have DJ’s like Deadmau5, David Guetta and Skrillex often stopping in for a few hour set, you know you are in for a true club atmosphere.

Even though the party scene is the best in the world, make sure not to get to caught up in the dance scene. The old parts of the city may even be better than the newer with the old architecture, history and friendly locals that make the country the spectacle it is.

The beaches are constantly busy and are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its hard rocky cliffs that surround the island and the party/hippie atmosphere that the island has, Ibiza really is an amazing holiday destination. 

But do not only take my word for it, do your research and visit this breathtaking island and you may never want to leave but your bank credit will tell a different story.  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Moving south from Bali to Sydney, Australia is a short and cheap commute that young and old people do on a regular occasion. Sydney is the largest and oldest city within Australia and has been rated as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. Sydney is packed to the brim with history, culture, and energy and has some of the most breath taking coastlines the world has to offer.

Sydney is jam packed with exciting things for you to do during the day and after the sunsets. Sydney is not only a fashionable and high-end city but also a place for the adrenalin junky with some of the best surf, skate parks, motocross and the list just goes on and on.

Walking through the streets of Sydney you can feel the vibrations of the city whether it’s the happy attitude of the locals, the beautiful weather or the immaculate city centre. Making your way down to the beaches, your eyes are truly spoilt with beauty. With its crystal blue waters, powder white sand and world class surf and surfers ripping it out in the warm water.  Within Sydney is two of the worlds most well known man made structures which are both wonders of the world. Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge, two places that you have to grace with your presence while you are there to witness the beauty first hand.

While the sun is shining the beaches are littered with locals and tourists soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach bum look, atmosphere but when the sun is gone and the city lights are shining the city, and the people transform. Guys and girls putting down the beach attire, picking up their fancy clothes and hitting the clubs. The nightlife in the city is very vibrant but make sure to keep these tips with you always.

1. Make sure to stay at the place where you are planning to do your drinking. If you get too intoxicated, the clubs will not let you in or they will kick you out.
2. If you are attempting to get into some of the more sophisticated clubs then make sure to not only be in a group of guys. The bouncers will let anyone in if they have enough ladies with them. 
3. If you want to drink cheap and be surrounded by, young travellers like yourself then stick to the backpacker’s area near Bondi Beach and Kings Cross where the prices are reasonable and the people are friendly.

Most of the pubs/clubs will close between 11pm – 3am so be sure to make the most of your night while you can before your night as it could have an abrupt end.

All in all Sydney is a beautiful city and the rest of Australia is no different, getting more beautiful the further North you go. A fun and festive place is reasonable on the wallet and can give you a lifetime of memories. Take my advice and give Australia a visit. 

KUTA, BALI

Moving away from Vietnam and Thailand to the beautiful islands of South East Asia and the beautiful city of Kuta on Bali, Indonesia. Kuta has been a common traveling destination for young Australians because of its easy and cheap commutes from the mainland of Australia to the smaller surrounding Islands. With its long extensive coastline and world-class surf. Kuta, Bali is a tropical paradise.

However, this tropical paradise has more to offer than just a relaxing time on the beach or some water splashing into your face in the surf. However, with Bali’s ever increasing popularity the island of Kuta is constantly under construction and being developed. It seems chaotic and overcrowded but somehow amongst the kayos, this beautiful place somehow works and if you do not believe me, then you can ask all the thousands of happy visitors.

The 5 km stretch of glistering crystal blue water and white as powder sand is by far one of the best beachfronts in Bali. Lounging on the beach with a view of some of the best surfers/body boarders tearing it up in the waves is always an exciting way to shorten time. But just make sure to at least attempt to ride a wave while you are there because you may never see or attempt to ride a wave this perfect ever again.

Getting around the town is simple unless you decide to pick up a scooter to ride while you are there. If you get a scooter, make sure to be accustomed to the rules of the road if there are any. Similar to Vietnam the roads in Bali are jam packed to the brim filled with scooters dodging and weaving in and out of traffic barely missing oncoming riders. Just be sure that you are able to be responsible for your actions because almost 90% of people that ride a bike in Bali leave with what is known as a Bali tattoo, which is a huge graze on your body caused by falling off your bike.

Once the sun has set, Kuta is transformed into a party town with thousands of people hopping from bar to bar in the area where everything goes down at night called Jalan Legian. This is where most tourists will flock to at night time to have a good time. Don’t go on your own but have a party buddy with you at all times.

In many ways Bali is very similar to Vietnam and Thailand but in many aspects it is completely different. The locals are not as friendly and as helpful as I expected but sometimes these things just happen and you cannot let that spoil your time.

Bali is a beautiful place and an experience that I would recommend for anyone who has thought of going there. Go to Bali, get a tan on the beaches, catch a nice wave and have the time of your life.    

   

THAILAND

Moving further north from Vietnam you will find a popular holiday destination known as Thailand. Thailand has been a popular meeting point for young and old travelers from all over the world because of its cheap living, many islands with crystal blue water and white sandy beaches.

Start your trip in the capital Bangkok where the atmosphere is totally different to the islands. While walking through the City, you see how most of the local population lives and how similar it is to the townships of South Africa. However, amongst all this poverty lives a thriving city, filled with smiling faces and honest people.

The temples that are on the river show you some of the most attractive architecture the world has to offer. Taking a boat trip around the rivers of Bangkok offers you a unique view of the city, visiting the floating market, seeing the monitor lizards swimming in the river thinking they are crocodiles and most of all just embracing the beauty that surrounds you.

When you visit Bangkok there are a few things that you have to experience yourself. Go to the main temple to see the Jade Buddha which is the largest solid piece of Jade stone known to man which has been carved into the shape the Buddha. I must recommend the tigers of the Buddhist Temple. The Buddhist monks live amongst the tigers as we do with our dogs and cats. It will change your entire view of these animals. The animals are very tame and there is a completely harmonious relationship between the monks and the big cats.   

Moving away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the more tropical paradise setting is the best part of Thailand. Before visiting the smaller more intimate islands, make sure to stop at Phuket for a few nights. Phuket is a thriving town with one of the biggest party scenes in the whole of Thailand, with one entire street that makes Long Street in Cape Town seem like some small time alley way. The entire street is dedicated to the enjoyment of the foreigners. You can get lost there for hours on end. With every step there will be someone offering you either a suit, tattoo, cheap clothes, drinks specials or even the unwanted attention from some Lady Boys, depending on the time you are there.

While walking down the street make sure to know where your destination is otherwise, you may end up somewhere that is to disturbing for your eyes to handle. I am talking about lady boy alley, and if you are not concentrating it could be your worst nightmare. While in Phuket there will be something offered to you constantly called a “ping pong show”, if you have a strong stomach the maybe go for it but if not then make sure to never enter the room unless you want you mind to be scarred for life.  I will however leave the rest to your imagination but you have been warned! Once out of the highly populated area’s you will truly discover the beauty of Thailand.

From Chailong harbor in Phuket it is a 50 minute ferry trip to the beautiful and festive Island of Phi Phi. With the constant flow of tourists Phi Phi is a thriving islands with dive schools all over and hundreds of beach bars spread out over the beaches.

There are two separate beaches on Koh Phi Phi, there is Koh Phi Phi Don, which is a more built up area, and then there is Koh Phi Phi Leh where they filmed the movie “The Beach”. Maya Beach/Bay is a very popular tourist destination for tourists so they can go home and gloat about standing on the actual beach where the film took place. You can’t stay here for long but there is an option for a small amount of people to camp over for the night which will cost you about 2300 Baht.

However, if you are looking for something more than beautiful beaches then there are two specific Islands just for you.  Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is where the full moon and black moon parties are held every month. People from all over the world convene on a small island once or twice a month to enjoy one of the most surreal trance/beach parties the world has to offer.

Then there is Koh Tao with its two separate islands joined by a small walkway of sand that breaks the water’s surface, during low tide and that along with its beautiful beach bars and bungalows you may never want to leave. As the sun begins the set, the beach lights up with activity as tourists flood the beach bars and the locals provide the entertainment with their fire shows. Some of you may have seen Poi or fire dancing before but here in Thailand they show you how this unique tribal styled dance should be done.

Thailand is a very different country and a somewhere that you could never compare to any other country around the world. There are more and more people going there every year and I would recommend that you should become one of them before the country changes into something different.