Travelling for business can take its toll on you, even when your jet-setting ways have helped you close great deals and realise some big business dreams. If you find yourself needing to dig deep for inspiration as you carefully pack your suitcase one more time, we’re here to help. GET SET AND GO “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” – Saint Augustine of Hippo Setting off to meet new clients, discovering new ideas or attending a conference so you can learn a little more about the business realm you’re passionate about is good, not only for you, but for your business too. Expanding your knowledge base and being exposed to new innovations, and learning how another country or city tackles similar problems your business may face, can only do you and your company good. Travel often, and you’ll read many a page from…
You’ve booked the meetings, scheduled the time, and you’re heading to the big city of gold. It’s exciting because you’re presenting that next big idea but the expense of visiting Johannesburg is making quite a dent in your expense account. Here’s the good news – that business trip to Gauteng no longer needs to be expensive. We’re here to help with these tips and tricks for your next trip. SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE Many of our domestic airlines are constantly innovating to try and attract more people on to their airplanes. One of the most popular ways that they grab our attention is through flash sales or seasonal price adjustments. While you may want to cut down on the number of email newsletters you subscribe to, don’t ditch the ones from airlines, because that’s the best way to hear about online ticket sales. If you can, book your flights well in advance too, or…
You’re headed to Gauteng to close that deal and maybe meet a new investor or two. But it’s not the bustle of Johannesburg you’re heading towards, rather, it’s the wide range of business opportunities in Tshwane that have your attention. If staying close to South Africa’s capital city is what you need, then schedule to spend a few days in Centurion. 1. HOTELS IN CENTURION Road Lodge Centurion makes for a convenient and cost-effective base when you’re doing business in Tshwane. It’s located right within Centurion Gate Centre, which makes shopping a breeze and finding a coffee shop to meet up with people even easier. If you’re settling in for a lunch meeting, or looking to enjoy a nightcap, you’ll find Rhapsody’s right there. With everything from sushi, seafood, steaks and more on the menu, you’ll get your fill while you talk business over a beer. 2. AN EASY DISTANCE FROM…
As warm as our country is, winter can have its moments in certain provinces. If you live in one of our chillier areas, you’ll know this all too well…for those lucky coast dwellers, be prepared to learn. Whether you plan to take the family away during the school holidays in July, or are driving instead of flying for business, these tips will make sure that your car (and you!) is ready to roar onto the roads without a hitch. CHECK THOSE WINDSCREEN WIPERS This is true for all seasons (especially since summer in South Africa tends to be our rainy season), but it’s incredibly important on long drives that your wipers are ready to swish away anything the weather and the roadside throw at your windscreen. Make sure that only the edge of your wiper blades touch your windscreen – your wiper blades shouldn’t be any closer than that or…
It might be one of Africa’s richest square miles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bargain or two – especially when it comes to satisfying those cravings after a long day of getting your piece of the riches. We believe that affordable should never be boring, so here’s our list of Sandton restaurants that will make your mouth water and your wallet jump for joy… 1. CHAPLIN’S GRILL RESTAURANT TYPE: GRILL AVERAGE MAIN COURSE PRICE: R100 WEBSITE: WWW.CHAPLINSGRILL.CO.ZA A real meat lover’s paradise, Chaplin’s Grill offers everything from the juiciest cuts of beef, to snails on grilled mushrooms. Perfect for a business lunch, or a leisurely lunch with friends out on the covered terrace. Another added feature is the showing of Charlie Chaplin movies out on the terrace – creating an atmosphere experienced nowhere else. 2. CAPE TOWN FISH MARKET (SANDTON) RESTAURANT TYPE: SEAFOOD AVERAGE MAIN COURSE PRICE: R100…
Do you tend to avoid the Mother City during South Africa’s “cooler” months? Scared that the infamously strong wind will blow away your sunglasses and cheery attitude as you walk off the plane? We’d like to paint a very different picture for you… of a Cape Town ready to welcome you in with the perfect activities to fill your days and surprisingly warm waters. REASON #5: THE WHALE WATCHING Since July to September is prime calving season for the whales, they will be out in a flurry. Take a scenic drive along False Bay or to Hermanus and take in the beauty. You should be able to make a few sightings from the shore, but for the ultimate experience, hire out a boat or kayak to get up close. Not quite in the winter months, but there’s also the annual Hermanus Whale Festival at the end of September, with performances and stores…
Going somewhere you haven’t been before and don’t want to be too surprised? We’ve got some hints and tips to share with you that will have you walking off that plane as confidently as if you’d just landed in your hometown. Confidence in your surroundings should not be underestimated. The success of your trip can be determined by how calmly you are able to find your meeting spot, over being a nervous wreck. Checking out your destination for a potential holiday also gives you assurance that the area has everything you want from a relaxing retreat. CHECK OUT A MAP This one might be obvious, at least from a directions point of view, but Google Maps also has street view and a collection of photos from the area. These will give you a very good idea of where you need to go, as well as what your destination looks like. Not…
You’re going on a quick business trip next week, or you’re taking the kids to see Cape Town for the school holidays – the trip is already costing enough, do you really want to add insurance on top? Yes. Yes you do. Every trip should be taken on its own merits for what you should look for in your insurance, but imagine you have an accident and need to stay in hospital for a week, or your briefcase is stolen? These are the things that don’t happen often, but when they do, your insurance will be a lifesaver. CHECK YOUR MEDICAL AID If you are already on medical aid then you might assume you’re covered no matter where you go in South Africa. We suggest reading your fine print before boarding that plane – you want to be sure you are covered for your trip, how much and under what circumstances. If you aren’t covered, then…
A change in routine, like staying in a different city for a few nights, can knock any healthy living you’ve managed to follow off the ledge. But with a little bit of preparation, you can keep up the great work on your health while you keep up the good work out of town. STEP 1: KEEP UP THE EXERCISE At first glance it may seem difficult to keep up any sort of exercise routine while out on the road, especially if you have meetings and functions until all hours. But there are a couple of solutions at your disposal. If you are a runner or walker at home then you’ll be itching to get out on that road and explore the area, so ask the front desk for the best routes and times to go out. If you’re more of a gym bunny then most hotels offer an on-site fitness room (we know we do!), or you…
What does freedom mean to you? Yes on a fundamental level it’s all about our equal human rights, but we want to get a bit philosophical with you for a moment… To travel is to find your home wherever you go. That need is what spurred on the building of the first City Lodge Hotel, and is what keeps us expanding to new “homes”. We understand that type of freedom. FREE TO SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE Ever noticed how giving yourself a little distance can put things into perspective? When you travel – no matter how far you go – the little things start to nag less and it’s easier to focus on what’s actually important. Anything from seeing how others live in a different area, to discovering a new way of doing something that you never would have known about had you stayed put – all these little by-products of travel allow…