#WhenWeTravelAgain

#WhenWeTravelAgain

When you begin a new year you do so with a blank slate. You put down your resolutions, your hopes and dreams and of course the things you’d like to achieve over the next 365 days. Like most people 2020 was the year when perfectly laid plans came to a grinding halt. But we do have the chance in 2021 to press the reset button, and in doing so I have one massive wish – to travel again freely. This is not a pipe dream or an unrealistic fantasy. It is a reality that will come to fruition in the very near future now that we have a vaccine to help us fight this disease.

But where to go once the vaccinations are administered and our borders open?

All things Irish

I married my soul mate before Covid 19 and its harsh realities hit. So for that I am truly grateful. This leads me to my first ‘must-see’ on my #TTCTop3 and that is Ireland. My husband is of Irish decent and I would love to explore the Wild Atlantic Way with him when next we can travel. Insight Vacations has a beautiful new trip called Undiscovered Ireland, which is a 13-day Country Roads exploration of all things Irish and it looks exceptional.

I can’t wait to stay at the gorgeous Carton House, once a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria’s, located in Kildare Parkland. Paul and I are complete foodies so I just know the cooking demo and dinner at the hotel’s gastropub will be right up our alley. I’m also super keen to see my hubby try his hand at one of the world’s oldest sports – hurling. This 3000 year old national past time is difficult to define but I see it as a cross between hockey, rugby (tackling of a sort is allowed) and lacrosse. It is an ancient and much revered game.

Battlefields, the Berg and Zulu Beading

My next item on my #WhenWeTravelAgain bucket list has to be one of Trafalgar’s Near Not Far local trips, Battlefields and the DrakensBerg. I have been fortunate to travel across my home country quite extensively but this is one region that I’d really love to explore in detail. Not only will I get to experience this beautiful part of South Africa, I know that by travelling locally I will make a difference through supporting the local artists, weavers and travel lodges that desperately need assistance right now.

I’m looking forward to visiting a Basotho village to learn more about their traditions, beliefs and songs. I’m also going to try my hand at beading when we visit Ilala Weavers. This small family-owned business specialised in handcrafted Zulu beadwork so I hope I can live up to their incredible standards.

The Battlefields will be artfully uncovered by a local guide and historian who will take us back in time with visits to two significant Zulu Battlefields: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. The epic battles between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom will be shared with compelling stories and interesting facts. Did you know that at Rorke’s Drift 150 British soldiers and troops fought for 11 hours to hold off an attack from nearly 4000 Zulu warriors? I wonder if any artefacts are still on those Battlefields?

Land of Ancients and Awesome Artefacts

To round off my #TTCTop3 I would love to return to one of the first places I travelled to many years ago, the ancient land of Egypt. If all goes to plan The Travel Corporation’s Uniworld river cruising brand is launching a brand new ship on the River Nile this year and I would love to treat my husband to a trip on the S.S. Sphinx. The 12-day Splendours of Egypt and the Nile is a true bucket list trip where the land of the Pharaohs and the mystical gods they served will be on show. This trip starts and ends in Cairo and I believe a visit to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum (many years in the making) will be on the cards. This new museum is also set to be unveiled to the public in 2021 and will house the treasures of Pharoahs such as Tutankhamen, Amenhotep and Rameses plus many other historical artefacts spanning the lifespan of one of the worlds’ oldest countries.

Sail Away with Me

Onboard the S.S. Sphinx life will be like that of an Egyptian queen or king. With every meal catered for, visits to 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the services of an Egyptologist to bring the adventure to life, glamorous and gorgeous state rooms to retire to and so much more. What a wonderful way to see Egypt and the Nile.

 How We Tread Right

I truly cannot wait to travel again but when I do I want to be sure that I travel with purpose and #MakeTravelMatter. I’m very excited that TTC will be offering a plethora of Make Travel Matter experiences across all their travel brands. Whilst India is not on my 2021 list it is on my personal top ten. By visiting India with Insight Vacations on their Classical India with Nepal our guests can visit the incredibly inspiring Sheroe’s Café to support women who have been victims of acid attacks but refuse to give up and are fighting for a better life.

Well-being Front and Centre

Personal safety is the new Black and I am super stoked with all the well-thought out wellness protocols that my company, TTC, has put in place to ensure that all our guests are well looked after. From a dedicated Well-being Director onboard our tours, to the $300 million peace of mind promise that guarantees our client’s hard earned money is safe with us, I am so proud of all the initiatives we’ve inaugurated to make travel as safe as possible.

Please play your part in keeping everyone safe. Wear your mask, sanitise and stay home until we can safely travel and socialise again.

What’s on your #TTCTop3 list for 2021? I’d love to hear from you and know where you’d like to travel #WhenWeTravelAgain.