I took this picture in Eswatini while on a walking safari. I was able to get really close using an inexpensive Canon Oneshot. Perhaps i was as close as 25 yards. It was my most memorable experiences and this picture is one of my favorites.
Destination Africa! Let’s plan. Now is the time and there will be no better time than now. If there’s lesson I’ve gotten out of this pandemic, it is that you must be patient and flexible. To that end, we should plan our lives accordingly. We can do the things that we need and want to do if we are ready to adapt.
Yes, the pandemic is still a thing and it’s a thing getting worst instead of better. We are seeing our numbers, the infection rate, increase daily. Maybe you can blame the recent elections and political upheaval for that. Will the vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna save us? We are living a cliff hanger for a true to life reality show that just does not end!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I think “we” should know how to survive in covid-19 world. The information is simple — social distance, wear a mask, wash hands, and avoid large crowds, especially indoors. Now that we know how to survive, we need to learn to continue to live. Plan your African vacation.
Go to my website check out my offerings. Travel well!
Are you dreaming of an unforgettable journey to South Africa? Your journey starts with booking your airfare. Now is the perfect time to book your ticket with unbeatable flight deals from top airlines!
My table below summarizes the 5 top airlines with the best prices, shortest flight duration and the fewest stops. For as low as $1,231, you can embark on an adventure with British Airways or Ethiopian Airlines, offering the best value for your money. With comfortable seating and excellent service, your trip to South Africa will be as enjoyable as your destination.
If the shorter travel time is paramount for you, Delta Airlines offers a nonstop flight for just $1,819 with a swift 16-hour duration—perfect for those who want to get there faster and without layovers.
Table 1: A quick look at the best fares
Airfares are always changing. So this is our look at the May – June time-frame for planning. Yes, time is rapidly approaching. But here’s an under-appreciated fact, if you live near an International Airport like Hartsfield in Atlanta, any place in the world is merely a long commute. Check your budget and make a commitment. Africa is waiting for you!
If you haven’t heard, Morris is celebrating his 60th in Jamaica. He’s invited family and friends to celebrate with him in Jamaica at the Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate his 60th birthday and many have made their reservations are ready. I am planning to attend also however, I had to put an individual twist on this trip. I will be traveling as a single rather than a couple and the Royal Caribbean is not the resort for me. If you are feeling a similar vibe and you are excited about going to Jamaica, I have an option I’d like to share.
I have chosen an alternative to Sandals Royal Caribbean, the Hotel Riu. The Riu and Sandals are Neighboring properties in Majee Bay. Here’s my comparison. The Riu a little more flexibility in terms of pricing for an individual. As you know, the Sandals is five star, all inclusive, adult, and only couples retreat. Hotel Riu is 4-star, all-inclusive adults only however, the hotel quotes stay per person. See Table 1 for some estimated quotes. My quotes with include the airfare unpublished which are available through my travel site.
Even so, let me warn you of some limitations. Royal Caribbean is a closed resort only accessible to guest. It is designed to be more easy leisure and intimate. The Riu is a more populous place, like a cruise ship– on the beach. I’m okay with this compromise. I may not be able walk over and to take shots at the bar with Morris on his birthday at the Royal Caribbean. However, we can make it work. We will be in Jamaica.
Beaches & Golf
5 Day 4 Night (Oct 20 – 24, 2022)
Offer
Individual $
Couple $
Hotel (only)
926
1278
Hotel +Airfare Unpublished Rate
1699
2549
Okay- golf is Morris’ game and this is the plan—I will challenge his skills on a Jamaican golf course! There are two popular courses in the area, the White Witch and the Cinnamon Hill. Let’s take a mid morning tee time. The green fees will be around $125 per golfer. Go to my website & up if you’re interested in golf
Perhaps we will plan some additional outings that will bring us together. The ATV safari in and the community of Montego Bay are fun. It will be other way to get together and enjoy Jamaica at the same time.
If you don’t know already, I am a travel agent, the African Specialist. You can visit my website Ingqondo.travel to find out more about my service and let me know that you were interested in booking. I will be able quote with or with airfare included.
Some general information about DIY planning. Jamaica from Atlanta Hartsfield airport is about a 2 1/2-hour flight. Direct flights are a bit pricey; Delta is about $800, round trip. If you don’t mind spending a couple additional hours at airports then American or JetBlue may have the best rates coming in at about $500 and $600. That may stretch your travel time to about 4 to 6 hours, accounting for at least one layover.
Looks like bookings are filling up so fast so be decisive in the upcoming weeks. Let’s go to Jamaica!!!
I checked Delta’s website this morning and noticed that they’ve added an interactive map of ticket prices to destinations around the globe. Of course, we’ve heard the news, that domestic travel is booming. Vaccinated people are feeling comfortable getting on planes again. You know me–I focus particular attention to Africa. Highlight Johannesburg South Africa, $899 USD. THIS IS A BARGAIN. A ticket to Joburg generally set me back $1500! Get your dream vacation to Joburg locked in.
We are still planning but here is the situation. The vaccine roll out appears to be creeping along. We are learning every day about covid-19 new variances as new mutations are discovered. Our great hope of getting through this pandemic in 2021 is running into obstacles. The road ahead continues to be tumultuous as we search for some normalcy.
Can we travel safely? Well, we must! We have adapted to traveling safely to the grocery store, supermarkets, and destinations in between. We are presented with that same challenge every time we walk out of our home. The challenge is the same for that plane ride or any public transportation modal. More of the same with additional precautions.
If you are boarding an international flight now, a negative Covid-19 test result is required. Let me share a bit of wisdom: The PCR analysis is very accurate. Because you are not sick and have no symptoms, the certificate has even stronger validity because you’ve quarantine for 3 to 5 days before getting tested. Also, everybody else in your company (on that plane) has done the same. But, do not let your guard down. You will continue to socially distance and wear your mask.
As we endeavor to enjoy our leisure time, this is the new reality. Time is fleeting and life goes on. Travel well!
Air travel during the pandemic – it is the worst of times and the best of times. My picture – I’m on a long hauler to Amsterdam, courtesy Delta Airlines. The plane is a 737-300 with a passenger capacity of nearly 400. As you see, I have an aisle to myself. It was great!
It appeared that the plane was double staffed with flight attendants. The service was excellent. Feeling safe, I think that there is no airline better in this category(pandemic air travel) than Delta.
Follow my blog and I will share more about current air travel in the days to come.
