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. 

VIETNAM

Vietnam is a beautiful country filled with history, culture and a country still recovering from the Vietnam War. Even though the war ended in 1975, the country is scattered with the ruins of the fallen. Some of the buildings are still rubble and the thousands of live mines that litter the shoreline are still a threat to the country.

The capital Saigon is a thriving 3^rd world city with millions of occupants and just not enough room to hold them all. With its super high humidity and along with the congestion of the city Saigon is not an ideal place to stay in for too long unless you enjoy the feeling of claustrophobia.

The true beauty of Vietnam lies along the coastline and the small surrounding islands. One of these many places is the town of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is a small fishing village with amazing locals, beautiful beaches and a festive nightlife.

Vietnam is possibly the cheapest place to visit in the world, a beer will cost you R5 and a hotel room could cost you R1000 for an entire month. The food is also something to be excited about, its cheap unique and will rival some of the best restaurants in the streets of Paris.

During the day in Nha Trang you will never get bored, with all the cocktails you want at a beach bar called Sailing Club that at night transforms to a festive night club. When partying becomes too much to handle then take a trip along the largest cableway system over the water in the world to a magical water park and resort called Vin Pearl.

Make sure to visit this beautiful place but if you go there during the monsoon season make sure to bring your water wings because you will be swimming down the streets rather than walking. Even though it is raining and the sun is far away it is still to warm for long pants and shirts. However, during the summer months it is hot, hot, hot the beaches are crowded with tourists and the town is humming with activity.

The nightlife around Nha Trang is a buzz of excitement with every bar competing with the other to draw in the passing tourists. From the If Not Why Not Bar and their low prices on buckets to Guava and their free pool, no matter where you go there are always cheap deals and handfuls of tourists making the most of it.

However, make sure not to get completely engulfed by the atmosphere of Nha Trang and be sure to make your way up north to Ha Noi and Hoi An. It will take you just over 10 hours on a night train to get to Ha Noi and it is recommended. The Islands just of the coast of Ha Noi are some of the greatest marvels of Mother Nature. While on your boat trip around the islands stopping and swimming in different destinations make sure to enjoy a beer at one of the bars while watching the sunset on the beautiful horizon.

Vietnam may not be your first choice for a holiday destination but I can assure you that it will be the greatest decision you have ever made. Enjoy the full beauty of this amazing country before it becomes too commercialised.

Leave Europe behind and experience Asia 

SINGAPORE

The next stop on our journey is the modern and culturally rich environment and city Singapore. Singapore is a completely new city, with its skyscrapers towering over the city, modern technology and innovative ideas. Singapore is the only place in the world that has managed to change the harbour from salt to fresh water, no one knows why the engineers did it, but they did.

   

Singapore is filled with many marvels of modern day architecture with some of the most mind melting and eccentric buildings in the world. With every turn of your head you will see huge buildings attempting to touch the underbelly of the sky, it makes Dubai look inadequate. The one true marvel of architecture here in Singapore is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino. Its not only one of the most unique buildings I have ever laid eyes on but it is also the second most expensive casino and hotel in the world. Stretching over three 55-story hotels is the one hectare sky terrace placed on the rooves holding everything together. When it is a nice day, make a plan to enjoy a cocktail and a swim on the roof of the sky bar.

However, this is not the only marvel to Singaporean modern architecture. Along with the Marina Bay Sands, there is the Singapore Opera House, the museum, the Ion and almost every other skyscraper on the island. The Ion is any shopper’s paradise, situated on the main road known as Orchard Road where people with the money congregate.  It stretches four floors underground and then four floors up, with the entire front of the building layered with flat screen advertising boards, you expect something spectacular, and it is. Within the mall, you will find every conceivable is shop and a food court that accommodates everyone’s taste buds.

However, the food court of the ION is not the only place you should visit for some good food. There is a fast food restaurant in Singapore that makes the most delicious burgers that my taste buds have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. This magical land is known as Wendy’s. To my knowledge there are only two places where you can enjoy Wendy’s, Canada or Singapore and from personal experience, I would prefer to go to Singapore than Canada.

Singapore Zoo offers you something truly unique and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see nature at night. Singapore Zoo offers tours that take place at night. The carts take you all around the zoo showing you the behavior of wild animals at night, also allowing you to walk around on your own.

This is not the only unique experience that Singapore has to offer, depending on when you are visiting you may be lucky enough to watch the Singapore Grand Prix. The Grand Prix takes place through the streets of Singapore over a weekend period. There are only two places in the world that offers a Grand Prix through the streets of the city, Singapore and Monte Carlo.      

When the sun is out the City becomes a hub of excitement and in a city with so much culture there is nothing better to do than to wander through the streets. China Town is where you will find the older more traditional Singaporean buildings and extraordinary China Town and food markets. Walk into the underground food market and witness something truly unique. Turtles, eels, catfish, frogs, lizards and the worst of all shark fins scattered all over the market with the locals frothing at the mouth to get their hands upon this acquired cuisine. The smells in the air that surrounds the market is enough to make most people feel a slight sense of nausea.  

The East Coast Walkway is one destination that everyone must visit at least once while you are there. During the day its always nice to walk down the beach splashing in the water but at night then you can truly experience what its really about. Looking out over the ocean you will see a floating city, a series of ships stretching as far as the eye can see. Singapore has the second busiest harbour in the world and is constantly visited by incoming and outgoing ships 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Singapore offers something for every visitor. It is a clean, rule-ridden (for example chewing gum is banned) city that creates a very good atmosphere, everyone does their part, and it makes a big difference to the country. It is by far one of my top 3 travel destinations to date and will recommend it to anyone.

DUBLIN

Dublin, Ireland is in many respects very similar to Scotland with its kind and caring locals, its old history but also very different to any other destination in the world. Dublin is jam packed with history and culture, from the historic buildings to the Guinness factory to even the famous swimming spot known as the “forty foot”.

Although like every other city, it does seem to have its flaws. The nightlife in Dublin is definitely something that you must experience, with girls in high heels and short skirts on every corner even though it is roughly 12 degrees outside. It seems they are just impervious to the cold or just mad. However, make sure not to stare because the boy toys are hot on their heels willing to fight you for any little comment or glance. The guys are rather harsh on the eyes and are very quick to the trigger if you are not from there, it seems that there is a decent amount of local ruling the roost in some parts of town.

With this being said there is a lot more to Dublin than just the nightlife. With the cobbled streets and old infrastructure, just walking around the streets of Dublin is a history tour on its own. In the middle of the city is the first and oldest ever university in the world, called Trinity College. There is more to this college than just simple education. Within the campus is a library that holds a specific book called the book of Kells. The book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript gospel book that is written in Latin. The book contains the four gospels of the New Testament together with a number of various prefatory texts and tables.

The Guinness factory is an amazing experience, I never knew before my visit  there how much goes into making Guinness compared to any other beer. The amount of time that goes into making a perfect Guinness is more than double the usual and they use only the freshest ingredients. While there you walk around looking at all the parts of the old factory and the sheer size of all the machinery is a true marvel. At the end of your journey, you can enjoy the freshest pint of Guinness you will ever taste in the sky bar that overlooks the whole of Dublin and the Guinness factory.

The only downside to visiting Dublin is how expensive it is, especially if you are traveling on student budget, a beer will set you back about 8 Euros, If you think you can go there and spend minimal cash then think again. The smaller counties around Dublin are far cheaper and just as much fun.

A must for all visiting Dublin, according to local lore, is to jump off the rock into the ocean at a famous spot known as “Forty Foot”. I visited Dublin in the middle of summer and noticed that everybody around me was wearing wet suits, but I nevertheless jumped in wearing just a pair of board shorts. I have never experienced water that cold before in my life.

While visiting Dublin wander around an area called Dalkey and possibly bump into Van Morison, members of the Edge, Bono or Enya who all have estates in the area.  

Dublin is an interesting city to visit and the locals all very friendly and willing to help you. If it is good weather you are looking for you are in the wrong place but if you just want fun while absorbing some history.  Dublin should be on your list of places to visit.

SCOTLAND

Next up on the holiday destination list is the incredibly cold and wet country of Scotland. Some may never think that Scotland would be a suitable destination to travel to as a student, but you will be in for a treat.

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in my life, with its mind-blowing castle on the hill overlooking the city and big park and cemetery situated in the middle of the city. There is a special atmosphere there, people are not bothered with the weather they just get on with their daily lives as happy as ever, which influences you and automatically your mood has been lifted. However, something lurks in the outer edge of Edinburgh that happens once a year where people from all over the world congregate. T In the Park.

T In the Park is a music festival that takes place on the outskirts of Edinburgh where some of the greatest and strangest people go to from all around the world. There is an incredible vibe at the festival, but with close to two hundred thousand people that is to be expected.

In Cape Town we only have the chance to see a very small number of big foreign acts coming to our city maybe once a year, but at this music festival you will see some of the biggest names in music today over a 3 day period. The live acts get better and better and so does the venue. You may encounter some of the famous Scottish weather as I did when I was there but don’t let that get your spirits down. All you need to do is glance to your left and right and see the amount of fun that people are having around you, also just think about where you are and what you are doing and suddenly the mood changes.

Just make sure to keep your eyes on the crowds, when you begin to gaze into the corners of the venue you may wish you never did. Some of the Scottish females that decide to go to the bathroom in the open may be one of the most disturbing sights I have seen in a long time. Not because they are using the walls as the bathroom but because they are not even attempting to cover up, they just stand to the side, drop their trousers and do their business. It really is not a welcome sight.  

It is not a cheap event to attend (R3000.00 for the cheapest entry ticket, where you bring your own tents) but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be surrounded by such big acts and so many people all in the same mind set as you, all there just to have fun and enjoy the music. The concert is incredibly well organized and you will find everything you need even stations where you are able to charge your phones at a small fee.

Scotland has a breathtaking countryside and more history than you could ever expect. There is so much to do within the city that you are spoilt for choice. From all the pubs and historic buildings to modern day shopping that rivals the best in the world.

I would recommend Scotland to everyone and anyone because it is not what people would expect of it. It is a hidden gem in a cold and gloomy place. There are many places to visit but this is one to add to the list. Now go, book your tickets and enjoy your trip.    

AMSTERDAM

Now where do I begin to explain what there is to expect and do while you are visiting Amsterdam. Obviously, you all have heard about the “red light district” and all of the “coffee shops” where people bear witness to the unfamiliar legal world of prostitution and Marijuana smoking. This is going to be a little different; instead of telling you to go there and get loose, I will try to send you on a different path that will change your original stereotypical views on Amsterdam. You will see this beautiful town for what is really is.

Amsterdam has more to offer than some might first think, it is filled with history, whether its in the canals or the leaning structures in the older districts around Amsterdam, there is more history and culture than you think.

Amsterdam is filled with galleries, cathedrals beautiful flower markets, especially the tulips, canals (Amsterdam is known s the Venice of the North), gorgeous houseboats, there is even a houseboat for stray cats and some of the most interesting history in the world. People our age often go to Amsterdam for one reason and one reason alone, to get drunk and partake in some of the legal but illegal acts that Amsterdam has to offer. Also to ad to the list the shopping within the city is some of the best in the world and actually surprisingly reasonably priced.

There are some things you must do while there like taking a canal boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam. This is a beautiful and interesting trip to do because the boat conductor will explain all the history that is around Amsterdam and one of the best parts about the boat ticket, is that its hop on hop off so you can come and go as you please. While on the boat ride you have many options of places to go, I would recommend the van Gogh museum to anyone and everyone. Another museum not to be missed is the Rijksmuseum where you can see Rembrandt’s famous Nachtwacht (Nightwatch). There is even a museum at Schiphol Airport. While on the canal tour you can hop off at the Anne Frank house where she and her family hid away in an attic for the duration of the Second World War to avoid deportation to German concentration camps. Feel you have had enough of culture then visit Heineken Brewery for the “Heineken Experience” where you will be taken on a tour through the brewery all the while tasting the most delicious and fresh beer than you have enjoyed in your entire life. Finally the Amsterdam Park, Vondelpark it’s a great place to wander around for the day when the hub of the city becomes too much and on a nice day there really is nothing better to do in Amsterdam than that.

Above all of its beauty it still is a crazy place to go on holiday and because its Europe it is expensive. You will pay top money to have a good night out and to have a good sleep but it is worth it. The supermarkets there offer incredible deals on food and drinks so that is always an option when deciding where to eat.

Amsterdam is a city everyone must visit when traveling Europe. It has history in every stone and possibly more attraction to teenagers than any other place in the world and with good reason. If you get the opportunity, use it and enjoy – just watch out for the bicycles!    

London

There are many popular travel destinations in the world when you are a student, but the most popular is London. There is a pull to London, with its big city life, better shopping, better partying and a completely different environment to that which we have here in South Africa.

I was recently in London and I have to say, I can truly understand the attraction to London that people have. There is something for you to do everyday. You can go see the sites that you are surrounded by day in day out, shop until your bank card starts to weep from overuse in your pocket and after that you can wet your lips and appetite at some of the best Pubs, Restaurants and clubs that the world has to offer.

The only one problem being there as a student is probably the shopping, eating, drinking and almost everything else you can think of. You see so much incredible technology, clothes, art, it just seems that everything there is better, but you can’t afford it all which takes a toll because you want to buy everything but you just can’t do it.

If you can let go of the money issue then you are in for a great time. The clubs there are from a completely different class than the ones we are used to around town, but if your are spending R90 odd rand on a beer you would expect it to be nothing less than exceptional.

One of the best parts about traveling around London is the public transport. All you need to do is buy an oyster card and traveling around is easy. You can use this card for the buses and the trains. Trains and buses are running all the time so there is no need to take taxi’s around town, but try to avoid using taxi’s because they charge you an arm and a leg for a 5 minute journey.

There is however more to London than just partying and shopping, there are some of the most amazing sights you can see all around the world. I would recommend a few spots to anyone that is visiting London. If horror movies and the thrill of being scared is your thing then London Dungeons is for you, there may be a big queue but I can promise you it’s worth it, it takes just over 2 hours but what an exciting 2 hours that will be for you.

Second recommendation would have to be St Paul’s Cathedral because of it’s history and sheer beauty. There is a spot there called the whispering hall where you stand on the second floor and if you whisper into one side of the wall then someone on the other side of the building will hear you, you have to see it to believe it.

And then of course there are the other common spots to go visit, like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, London Tower, Camden, Brighton, Big Ben and of course Buckingham Palace.     

   

London is a great place to visit, it truly has something for everyone but don’t forget to take your rain jacket because it seems to rain all the time in London no matter the season.

First Post

Growing up in the modern age of today, we are constantly reminded of the big Metropolis cities around the world, weather you see them on TV or in advertising, the idea of a new destination is always lingering in your head. . Ever since these beautiful images of foreign lands have been imprinted in your brain you have been left with the same conclusion, “ I need to travel the world and see all this for myself”   

No matter who you are or what you do, the world of travel has a grip on your mind and you can’t get it away. Many people are different, some may want to see the big inner cities while some other people might be interested in adventurous side of travel and want to visit the rural lands. 

There are many options to choose from depending on your financial situation. If funds are low then Europe or America may not be the best destination for you, but Thailand or Vietnam may be. No matter where you go, you can always live on a budget and if you know the tricks of the trade then life is a breeze, but if you enjoy as many luxuries as possible, then budget travel will not suit your style.

No matter what your interests are, you all feel that magnetic pull that the exciting world of travel has upon you.

For the next 11 weeks I will be writing about a few of the places you should travel to while you still have youth on your side. This blog will become your guide and a helpful insight into some of the places you should visit while you are young and adventurous. The best part about seeing the world and it may seem a bit cliché to say but its all about the journey and not the destination.

I will be back next week with the first destination on your student bucket list.