Way down in the southern most tip of Africa, lies one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. When the sun is shining, it is stunning. A picturesque city framed by the famous Table Mountain, white sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Over 1000 meters high, Table Mountain towers over beautiful colonial buildings. The waterfront is decorated with brightly painted facades and the gorgeous coastline is framed by high cliffs making it one of the most magnificent in the world.

The waterfront is the place to be in this town, with the most happening place being the V&A. It is teeming with life from hosting performances on its outdoor stage to listening to buskers sing folk tunes on the sidewalk. Fine dining can be found as you sip world class wine on a patio and one can shop at the many boutiques or take a break inside the impressive mall. it is here that you will find the jumping off point to Robben Island. Not to be missed, you can catch a ferry to see where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for so many years.

The half hour boat ride will make you think of what little hope prisoners must have had as they were taken to isolation. Surrounded by frigid shark infested waters, freedom was within their sights, but escape was impossible. The guides are former inmates who make the experience that much more gripping as they tell personal stories of their time there. These men are true heroes. It is amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish from behind bars. They planned and schemed and somehow managed to get messages to their followers which eventually brought an end to Apartheid.

You will see Nelson Mandela’s tiny cell in the maximum-security wing, the quarry where he chipped away with crude tools and where the secret meetings took place. How anyone could survive this way for years on end is a testimony to the strength and determination of these brave men.

Once you have taken in all of the sights that Cape Town has to offer, take a drive south. One of the most famous drives on earth is right outside of town. Chapman’s Peak is a drive that is both a thrill and beautiful. Highway is carved right into the side of giant cliffs. It is a journey you will always remember.

Most people head to Simon’s Town where you can view penguins in their natural habitat. This seaside village has made an entire industry out of these guys, but they have protected them from exploitation and harm. Walk along the lovely boardwalk to the viewing platform where you can watch the penguins play in the surf and bask in the sun.

One of the most famous Capes on earth is just a little farther south. A place of myth and legend, The Cape of Good Hope is not to be missed. There is a train that will transport you to the top which is a blessing since you are going up to the top of one of the highest sea cliffs on the planet. There are boardwalks and paths to explore giving you different views of the sea and even the old lighthouse keepers quarters are in tact.

Cape Town is a must see for anyone that visits South Africa. It has everything you could possible want from the continent. Big Game drives, world class diving and award winning winery’s. If you are looking for and adventure destination or simply a relaxing vacation, it can give you whatever you are looking for in your travel needs.

In the most Southern Point of Africa you can drive down winding road, sip champagne on a boat cruise at sunset and watch as majestic mountains watch over the massive cliffs. The best areas here to visit are Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Hermanus.

In the southern part of South Africa, the Garden Route, travelers can learn some history search for a lonely elephant or wander through magical forests. In Mossel Bay, tourists can hear the tale of Bartholomew Dias and rocky travels through stormy weather at the Cape or search for the last elephant in Knysna forest. Last but not least, visitors can partake in an interesting visit with colorful and playful ostriches.

Namibia holds visitors captivated with the silence of its wide open desert. In Sossusvlei, tourists will find the tallest dunes in the world. Silhouetted against the beautiful backdrop of the orange blanketed sand dunes, visitors to the Dead Vlei can experience the wonder of ancient, skeletal Camel Trees. To enhance your journey, partake in a relaxing drive to Swakopmund as the ever-changing dunes protectively encircle you.

Tucked away somewhere in Africa lies an ancient waterfall, cascading a blanket of liquid dreams onto a gorge as old as time. Anyone wishing to experience more waterfalls should fly to Livingstone in Zambia where the Victoria Waterfalls await.

When in Zambia, one cannot leave without experiencing a visit to the Chobe National Park. There visitors are enchanted by more elephants than any one man could have ever imagined existed. Become mesmerized by a boat ride across the Chobe River; you’ll never want to leave.

Paradise can be described as the tropical islands located in the Indian Ocean. Calm, warm waters, white beaches, colorful sea life and coral reefs will have you believing that there is no other paradise. Travelers will definitely want to put a visit to Mauritius on their list as well as snorkeling at Portuguese Island where you can learn of the times of the Sultans in Zanzibar. The tranquility is amazing. For a little bit of local flavor, stop by Inhaca.

Kruger National Park offers up the Big five and most dangerous of the animal kingdom. A slow, drive down dusty roads can bring you face to face with lions hunting, hippos sleeping in water or elephants playing at a watering hole.

Make sure to partake in the other wonders offered by Kruger National Park as well as viewing panoramic landscapes, potholes carved through time and canyons that stretch for miles in Graskop, Sabie and Pilgrims Rest.

Art lovers are sure to be in heaven with a visit to the little Town of Clarens in the Free State Province of South Africa. There, a feast of Africa’s best artists will captivate you as you lazily explore all it has to offer while sipping wine from a farm in Stellenbosch.

The perfect holiday awaits every man at Mozambique on the East coast of Africa. Unspoiled beaches offer up tranquil liaisons or the fun and excitement of diving and fishing.

So, take in the splendors first, then come back for more.

There was a time when flight booking had limited options. You had two choices. You could call the airline, or contact your travel agent. Today, however, the Internet provides travelers with many more alternatives, and those options can save you a bundle, too boot. Still, despite the ease of use and potential savings, there are some important things to keep in mind when booking your flight.

Traveling from point A to point B is simple, and because of that, booking your flight on the Internet is advisable. In addition, it will probably save you money. There are times, however, when the Internet is not your best bet. Just because it’s a no-frills airline, doesn’t mean it’s right for you, and it definitely doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. A piece of good advice is to do a little homework beforehand. If you want to be a shrewd shopper, you need to educate yourself and know all the facts.

Take the time to research. If you know what your flight costs through the airlines, then you will recognize it when a bargain comes your way. Do not be afraid to search for the best deal possible, but be attentive as you shop around. Sometimes, those inexpensive tickets are non-refundable, and should your plans change, there well may be a hefty charge involved in altering your flight plans. Make sure you check out the other options, as well. Will a cheaper fare allow mileage accrual or standbys? Will they allow you to upgrade? Before you purchase that low-priced fare, make sure you have answers to all your questions. Read the regulations and stipulations before you commit your money. If you have the option to, plan your flight ahead of time. A minimum of twenty-one-days, on advance tickets, usually means lower fares. Consequently, the earlier you book that flight, the better. Take advantage of the various comparative-shopping engines available online. They can provide quick and easy price comparisons, and allow you to make the most advantageous decision.

Planning ahead is always a smart way to fly. A twenty-one-day advance reservation, generally means you can plan on a lower fare, so book early. Use one of the many comparative-shopping engines available online, as well. They are quick and easy to use, and they can provide price comparisons that allow you to make well-informed decisions about what’s best for you.

Flexibility is paramount if you want to save money. If you can work a Saturday night into your itinerary, as a general rule, you can lock in a lower fare. Check out the nearby airports, too. If you are willing to make a thirty or forty minute drive, you just might save a bundle on your ticket.

The time of year you travel is a factor in flight prices. Off-season travel is almost always your best the choice, as rates are often higher during peak times, like holidays. Even going for the shoulder season, which falls in between peak and low periods, will help save money on your flight. Then there’s the day of the week you travel. That’s important, also. Mondays and Fridays are peak business days, so the cost of a flight could be much higher, and weekends cost more, too. Even the time of day you fly is a consideration. Choose an ‘inconvenient’ time, say very early morning, or a red-eye flight, and you could end up saving on your fare. If you want a great deal on your next flight, do some research and pave the way to save. Be flexible. Plan your trip ahead of time. Research your options, and save some money.