It got me to thinking what it is, exactly, that makes some places so popular and desirable over those of others and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is largely to do with the number of boxes that get ticked and which feature large in the manner in which people tend to evaluate their holiday experiences. Whilst by no means an exhaustive (or even scientifically researched) list, experience tells me that the following fourteen items are the criteria by which most people tend to evaluate a destination that they’ve visited. It’s interesting therefore to note that South Africa probably doesn’t score very highly for items such as 1, 3, 4 and 9 below so must presumably make up for it by exploring very high in all 10 other categories — proving that no place is perfect!
- Proximity
- Accessibility
- Cost
- Safety
- Value for Money
- Scenery
- Food
- Culture
- Architecture
- History
- People
- Weather
- Quality
- Uniqueness
Although it takes about 14 hours to fly to South Africa (there being no direct, non-stop services) one needs to transfer via any number of hubs like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt and catch a 10-hour flight from there to Johannesburg or Cape Town. On the upside, there is little difference in time zone so one doesn’t suffer from jetlag upon arrival. Although not a cheap destination to get to, South Africa represents fabulous value for money and the quality of accommodation from guesthouses right up to de luxe hotels is just world class. And although South Africa is plagued by an unenviable reputation for its high crime rate, I have never experienced any issues during my visits there so neither should you, if you take reasonable precautions and follow local advice. If you are a foodie, then you will find yourself in foodie heaven and the scenery is just amazing — sometimes looking a bit like Ireland with its green rolling hills. Driving on the left also helps to reinforce that feeling too. Ultimately though, it’s invariably the people that make any holiday and you’ll find no friendlier or obliging South Africans (Black or White) who all love their country and are always proud to show it off to visitors to the country.
A trip to South Africa is never going to be cheap, particularly if you factor in the always obligatory two or three-night safari, but I can absolutely guarantee you that price will be the last thing on your mind as you explore this beautiful country that has so much to offer and which even occasionally feels like home!
