LUXURY VACATIONS AND TRAVEL, LLC

luxvacationsandtravel@gmail.com
                 512-910-7148
Blog Post

Visiting Africa

Jan 27, 2019

5 Must-Dos On Your Trip to Africa

The second-largest continent on Earth is becoming one of the most-frequented travel destinations for adventure seekers. Africa is chock-full of exciting things to do, from safaris and pyramid tours to sunbathing and swimming with sharks. When you visit, there's no doubt you'll find something to give you an adrenaline rush.

Here are five of our faves:

Wildlife Safaris

Most people immediately think of lions and giraffes when they imagine their African trip, and there's no shortage of them in the wild. You'll come face-to-face with tons of animals, including gorillas, leopards, elephants and cheetahs. (Or as face-to-face as you can safely get.) There are multiple ways to spot these majestic creatures, whether on self-drive safaris, via a hot air balloon, game vehicle, or even on foot.

Best places to view specific animals include:

- Etosha National Park, Namibia – Cheetahs, black rhinos, and other big cats

- Chobe National Park, Botswana – Endangered species, such as wild dogs, cheetahs, and brown hyenas

- Kruger National Park, South Africa – Big 5 spotting: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo

Ancient Egypt

While some people venture to Africa for the animals, others come for the history, and Egypt has no shortage of that. Transport back in time to Ancient Egypt with a camel ride to the Pyramids of Giza. Stand beneath the Great Sphinx. Explore the various temples sprinkled throughout cities dating as far back as 1500 BC. Visit grand palaces, and get lost in the fascinating Mummification Museum, an underground museum full of ancient artifacts in Luxor.

Egyptian musts include:

- The Temple of Karnak - The largest ancient religious site in the world

- The Valley of the Kings - Home to 62 tombs and burial chambers of pharaohs, including King Tut

- The Nile River - The longest river in the world

Rainforests

Another African staple is its rainforests, replete with dense jungle vegetation and exotic animals. Dubbed the world's 'lungs,' these precious global natural treasures cleanse the planet's atmosphere of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, while replenishing its vital oxygen supply. Witnessing its breathtaking beauty and critical purpose firsthand is the chance of a lifetime.

Several rainforest musts include:

- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – See rare mountain gorillas and other awe-inspiring natural wonders.

- Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Congo – Home to exotic birds, apes, and forest elephants

- Kakum National Park, Ghana – Experience the only canopy walkway in Africa.

African Beaches

Although they're probably not the first things to come to mind when you think of Africa, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are here. Whether you're looking for the high tides of West Africa, the fun crowds in North Africa, or the tranquility and luxury of South Africa, it's all here.

Some of our favorite African beach activities include:

- Hanging out with penguins – Yup. Both Boulders Beach and Seaforth Beach in Cape Town are home to sunbathing penguins.

- Humpback whale watching in Madagascar – Sante Marie Island is perfect for seasonal whales, along with picturesque diving among coral gardens.

- Relaxing in luxury – Unplug at the ultra-luxurious private islands of the Seychelles.

Culinary Tours

There's no better way to get to know a continent than trying the local cuisine. No matter which country you choose, culinary tours will likely bring you to local markets to shop for ingredients, learn about local recipes, and practice techniques, along with experiencing tons of tastings and dining experiences!

Some of the best destinations for culinary tours include:

- Morocco

- Cape Town

- Johannesburg

We aren't surprised that Africa is one of the most-visited continents in the world. There's just so much to do, see, and eat! It’s for sure a bucket list trip.

Travel Insurance

By Angela Lindsey • 20 Feb, 2022
Should I or should I not purchase travel insurance? That is the popular question these days. Whenever you purchase plane tickets, cruise tickets, or book a hotel, you are usually asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. Due to the purchase of travel insurance being an additional cost, many travelers usually opt out of it. It is often thought of as an unnecessary add-on like extended warranties and generally considered not worth it.

Let Me Upgrade You

By Angela Lindsey • 14 Jan, 2022
When planning a client's trip, we always consider all the information given to us for a full personalized experience. This includes a client's budget. Every attempt is made to operate within the limits of the budget and still provide an amazing and unforgettable experience. But, it's a proven fact that a super tight budget forces you to miss some great vacation experiences. The next time you are creating your vacation budget, consider some of these small and affordable upgrades that are sure to improve your all-around vacation experience.

Preparing For The Unexpected

By Angela Lindsey • 02 Dec, 2021
Preparing for the unexpected is an important part of taking trips, and as a Travel Advisor, working hard to stay on top of situations that might affect your health and safety is an essential aspect of my job. Here are 3 travel preparation recommendations.

Waiting On Your Passport?

By Angela Lindsey • 13 Aug, 2021
According to the State Department, the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months. This means that passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time prior to the pandemic. The State Department website indicates the dramatic delays are the result of COVID-related issues…not to mention the drastic uptick in travel which is causing a high demand for passports. If you need to renew your passports immediately, unfortunately you are no longer able to book last-minute appointments online. The State Department announced this change on July 22nd, 2021. For emergency appointments, you can refer to the table on the “ Get It Fast ” passport section of the State Department’s website.

Get Ready For Travel

By Angela Lindsey • 19 Apr, 2021
Demand for future travel is increasing and will likely outpace supply, even as more options reopen. One of the most important preparations for future travel is ensuring you have the appropriate travel ID. You don’t want to arrive at the airport for your long-awaited vacation, only to be denied boarding because of an identification issue! Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently 10-12 weeks, or 4-6 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.* Even flying to U.S. destinations, you need to be ready for the new REAL ID requirements going into effect on October 1, 2021. What should you know about getting your IDs ready to travel? I’ve highlighted a few key points.

Planning Romantic Road Trips

By Angela Lindsey • 05 Mar, 2021
Road trips are back at the top of travel lists, as more people opt to explore the United States. For couples, taking a road trip together offers a chance to reconnect and make new memories together. If you’re a honeymooner, celebrating your anniversary, or first-time travel partners who are considering a road trip, here are some ideas to help you find romance on the road. As a romance specialist and one who loves and values romance in my personal life, I have tested all of these. Navigating Together On a road trip, navigating is part of the fun. Tracing the route, taking an impromptu detour to see a roadside attraction, and refueling at a locally-owned diner, are reminders that the journey is as important as the destination. My husband and I took a road trip to visit family and on the return trip, we mapped out a route to make a stop in Mississippi to celebrate our anniversary. We ate at local restaurants and checked out a few attractions. Oh, you didn’t think I was going to skip out on the beach did you? Yes, we spent a little time on the beach, enjoying the amazing views and sunsets.

Top Travel Trends For 2021

23 Dec, 2020
It’s no secret that we are dreaming about our next vacation. For many of us, 2020 meant delays and/or cancellations of our long-awaited vacations. After the stressful and challenging year, we’ve all been through…we need a change of scenery. With a percentage of next year’s vacations already in the books, the year’s travel trends and must-visit destinations are starting to emerge. Whether they are barbecue enthusiasts or book lovers, the below lists of locations, near and far from home, are a perfect starting place for 2021 vacation inspiration!

Wellness Travel

By Angela Lindsey • 17 Nov, 2020
Turmoil, challenges and stress…nothing could more accurately sum up 2020 than this. Canceled events, working from home while homeschooling, higher health risks for going out in public, job loss, etc. are all reasons why 2020 has been extremely stressful. All the stress has taken a toll on our mental health. With all the turbulence this year has brought, travelers are focusing on ways to enhance their wellbeing. This includes physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

Romance on a River Cruise

By Angela Lindsey • 30 Jul, 2020
Though travel to Europe is on hold for the moment, we know that many travelers are eager to visit its cities again. Thinking about the experiences of European travel will help you look ahead and inspire your future vacation. Those of us with a passion for travel often daydream about the cities and places we want to visit someday. And in these daydreams, we think about the person we love most and traveling the world with them. For couples who dream of checking off destinations around the world together, there’s a way to see and do more with your vacation time: take a river cruise! River cruising is one of the best ways to visit multiple cities without the stress of travel days, unpacking and repacking, or getting lost trying to find your hotel. From panoramic suites, themed excursions, and incredible itineraries, river cruising is the ideal vacation for couples looking for a romantic trip through Europe and beyond.

Helpful Travel Apps

By Angela Lindsey • 30 Jul, 2020
 Travel is one of the fastest growing industries. Stay organized and prepared with the following travel apps. Mobile Passport - Allows you to upload your passport and fill out customs forms on your phone to speed you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 30+ airports and cruise ports. PackPoint – alleviates the stress associated with packing. Advises you of what to wear based on where you’re going, length of your stay, projected weather and activities you’re planning. Waze - Live maps include voice-guided navigation to easily guide you. You get community-based data on traffic jams and other information so that you can find points of interest like the cheapest gas stations and the fastest routes to your destination. Trail Wallet – A tool that allows you to organize and track your travel expenses.
More Posts
Share by: