Luxury Tours with Exclusive Experiences
Welcome to Travel Buddies Lifestyle – where luxury travel meets adventure! If you’re a sophisticated traveler, especially a woman aged 40–70, who craves exclusivity, hidden gems, and authentic experiences, you’re in the right place.
We specialize in small-group, high-end tours that avoid the usual tourist traps and overcrowded attractions. Instead, we take you on extraordinary journeys through South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, where you’ll enjoy insider-only moments like private bush picnics, authentic African meals prepared by us, and sunset braais in secluded locations. We know these destinations inside out, and we create experiences you won’t find in any guidebook.
Our travel blog is your go-to source for real, unfiltered travel insights. No sugar-coating, just honest reviews and expert tips to ensure you never waste your time or money on overrated destinations. We share exclusive travel deals, personalized itineraries, and firsthand stories from the road so you always know what to expect.
Ready to travel with us? Join our next exclusive tour or subscribe to our newsletter for VIP access to our latest adventures! Follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration and insider travel tips.
Luxury Hotels & Lodges Seeking Elite Exposure
Are you a luxury hotel or lodge looking to connect with high-end travelers who value exclusivity and premium experiences? Travel Buddies Lifestyle offers a unique content creation and marketing partnership that puts your property in front of affluent, experience-driven travelers.
We have worked with prestigious brands like Four Seasons, Rovos Rail, and Anantara Hotels, and we are always looking to collaborate with luxury destinations, boutique lodges, and high-end travel experiences that align with our audience’s interests.
Why Partner with Us?
✅ Direct Access to High-End Travelers: Our followers aren’t just dreamers; they are discerning travelers ready to book their next luxury escape.
✅ Authentic Storytelling: We create compelling blog features, high-quality videos, and engaging social media content that bring your property to life.
✅ Long-Term Collaboration: We believe in building lasting partnerships, understanding your brand’s essence, and showcasing it to the right audience.
✅ Social Media Takeovers: Need a boost? We can manage your Instagram & Facebook, revamping your profile and creating attention-grabbing content to enhance your online presence.
Want to take your property’s exposure to the next level? Let’s collaborate and showcase your luxury experience to travelers who can’t wait to book! Reach out to us today—let’s create something unforgettable. 🚀
Meet Travel Buddy, Dr Bernie van der Linde
Hello, I’m Bernie!
Hi, I’m Bernie—editor, freelance travel journalist, and professional adventure-seeker behind Travel Buddies Lifestyle! I have an insatiable love for travel, motorsports, and academics (yes, I’m that person who actually enjoys research). My mission? To turn our adventures into stories that inspire you to pack your bags and see the world—preferably sooner rather than later!
Home base is a stunning golf estate in Johannesburg, where I live with my husband, Shaun. He’s a retired racing driver, an entrepreneur, and the reason I have an extensive knowledge of fast cars and engine talk (whether I wanted it or not). When life gets a little too busy, we escape to our holiday home in Melkbosstrand, where the biggest decision of the day is whether to walk on the beach before or after coffee.
As a proud mom to two professional racing drivers, Kelvin and Sheldon, who live and compete in Germany, I’ve mastered the art of watching motorsports while pretending to stay calm. Between their races and my role as the Principal of BMT College, where I put my Ph.D. in Business Studies to good use, life is anything but boring. Digital marketing strategies, academic writing, and creative storytelling are my playground—and I love every bit of it.
When I’m not working or traveling, you’ll probably find me behind a camera trying to capture the perfect shot, on the padel court proving that age is just a number, or catching up with friends over a glass of wine (because hydration is important).
Speaking of friends, I’m lucky to have Petra, my travel-loving bestie, who shares my passion for exploring the world—preferably with a great itinerary and even better company.
My motto? “Fill your life with adventures, not stuff. Have things to tell, not stuff to show.” And trust me, I live by it! Through Travel Buddies Lifestyle, I hope to inspire you to live fully, travel often, and create stories worth sharing.
Now, where to next? 🚀🌍
Bernie's unique skills and accomplishments
- Principal and CEO of Business Management Training College – an online business college in South Africa.
- Lecturer in Marketing, Social Media and Content Creation.
- PhD in Management Studies, UNISA.
- Member of the International Travel Writers Alliance. Press card membership number: ITWA10927
- Member of IFWTWA – (International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association) Press Card Number 0887.
- Ex Officio Commissioner of Oaths.
- Master Practitioner with SABPP.
- Social media account manager for various Instagram and Facebook pages.
- Website designer.
- Amateur photographer (photographic course completed through DPC presented by world-renowned Danie Bester).
Meet Travel Buddy, Petra Top
Hello, I’m Petra,
Hi, I’m Petra—the adventurous half of Travel Buddies Lifestyle and your go-to expert for all things travel, languages, and adrenaline-fueled experiences!
I call Altusried, a charming town in Germany’s Allgäu province, home. Here, I live with my husband, Hans, who happens to be a highly respected motorsport team manager (meaning there’s no shortage of high-speed conversations in our house). Our two incredible kids, Silja and Lars, keep life exciting—and ensure there’s always a reason to plan our next trip!
Adventure isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am. Whether I’m skiing down fresh powder, uncovering hidden travel gems, or diving headfirst into a new language, I thrive on the thrill of discovery. Learning languages isn’t just about mastering words for me—it’s about unlocking cultures, building connections, and occasionally impressing waiters in foreign countries with my order pronunciation.
With over 30 years in the fast-paced world of motorsports, I’ve had the privilege of meeting fascinating people from all over the world, each with their own incredible stories. This whirlwind of experiences has shaped my love for travel, and now, I get to share that passion with you!
Since August 2024, I’ve been working full-time as the sub-editor of Travel Buddies Lifestyle Online Magazine, where I help bring our adventures to life. And from 2025, I’ll be your German-speaking tour guide on our exclusive Small Group Tours—because the only thing better than exploring the world is doing it together!
So, ready for an adventure? Because I certainly am! ✈️🌍
Petra's unique skills and accomplishments
- From 2022 to 2024, I was involved in an Electric car project for a well-known manufacturer in Germany.
- I am working full-time on developing our travel website, which includes uploading content, designing the pages, adding affiliate links and creating SEO-friendly headlines and content.
- English to German content translator.
- Trained Bank Clerk and Hotelier.
- Member of the International Travel Writers Alliance
- Press card membership number: ITWA10928
- Member of IFWTWA – International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
- Social media account manager for various Instagram and Facebook pages.
- Amateur photographer, online photography course with Benjamin Jaworskyj, cellphone photography courses with Emil Pakarklis and Clifford Pickett.
Do you want to work with us? Please complete the form below.
