TravelbuddiesLifestyle- TravelbuddiesLifestyle
- Women's Group Tours in South Africa
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As best friends and travel buddies, we know that solo travel isn’t for everyone. This is particularly true for women our age (50 something and beyond) who have specific comfort preferences, safety concerns and a need to build new social connections.
Small group tours are ideal for people who enjoy exploring new places and look forward to the idea of meeting new like-minded friends.
Although we were lucky to have met each other more than 10 years ago, we know that finding a travel buddy that enjoys the same experiences as you, is not as easy to find. Therefore, we invite you to become our travel buddy on our small group tours.
In this article, we share with you the benefits of joining our small group tours designed for women who crave social interaction and travel experiences.
Reasons why some women prefer not to travel alone
- Safety concerns for solo travellers: safety is most people’s biggest concern when travelling to unfamiliar destinations. Moreover, travelling solo can be daunting when you need to do all the planning.
- Social connection: small group travel can be more fulfilling because you can share experiences. Having a travel buddy enables you to enjoy experiences with someone who enjoys the same things as you. And, you always have someone who can take photos of (and with) you.
- Travelling solo requires a lot of planning, while joining a small group trip removes the anxiety of not thinking of everything. Thus, joining a small group allows you to focus on having fun and live in the moment.
- Trying new activities alone for the first time can be overwhelming at times. Having a travel buddy gives you the confidence, support and encouragement you need to try new things.
Top reasons to join our small group adventures
- Handpicked experiences and top destinations tailored for women who want more from life than just breathing. We have travelled to more than 37 countries together and are thus ‘street smart’ when it comes to travelling to destinations. We learned over the years what most women dislike about travelling and therefore know our way around most of the obstacles, such as waiting at the airport for hours before a flight, or having a seat next to a stranger.
- Meet like-minded ladies who are likely to become life-long friends, like us. Our small group girls trip will introduce you to women who share your interest and enjoy sharing laughter and fun activities.
- Enjoy flexibility and freedom with our small group trip. Even though our trips have structured itineraries it is flexible enough to allow you some me-time time. We can rearrange activities (at short notice) to deal with unforeseen circumstances such a weather, traffic or unplanned closures of venues.
- Get guidance from locals with expert knowledge. Between myself and Petra, we can speak four languages (English, Afrikaans, German, Danish). In addition, we have learned through our many travels how to handle unforeseen events and logistic. Because our tours are to places we have visited many times over the last couple of years, we are confident is saying that we have expert knowledge and experience of the local cultures. Petra and I both have properties in Cape Town so, we know our way around it pretty well. You can therefore rest assured that you are in good hands.
- Rediscover your confidence in meeting people and travelling independently. Our small group tours will give you the security you need to experience new things within a supported and caring environment.
- Make time for self-care and do things that enhance your well-being. Joining an all-women group tour allows you to share wellness experiences with like-minded women. For example, participating in a wine tasting experience, or a spa treatment is much more fun with a group of girlfriends than doing it alone.
By now, you are probably asking, where do I sign up? But before we get to that, you may want to know a few more details about our group tours.
What makes our small group tour unique?
Our trips include unique, cosy and classy accommodation with aesthetic appeal, at affordable prices.
We do all the planning so you can focus on enjoying a stress-free trip. For example, we arrange all your transportation (including local flights), meals (we prepare the food or pre-book restaurants where needed) and pre-arrange the best time slots for each activity.
What are your responsibilities in terms of a small group tour?
You need to apply for a visa (where needed). Although we can assist and advise you on how to complete the required documentation. Petra understands the visa process as she worked for an embassy.
You need to book your long-haul flight to the starting point of the trip (for example, a flight from Munich to Johannesburg).
We can advise on the most cost-effective ways to get to the starting point of the trip. This may include advising you on the best airline to use. Because we often fly, we know most of the airlines and can assist you in finding the best deals.
You need to take out medical insurance (although this is often included when you purchase a flight with your credit card). We can advise you where to get top-up insurance if you wish to have that.
What you can expect from our women's group tours in South Africa?
Our group tours are limited to six ladies (besides us) per trip ensuring an exclusive experience and chance to build lasting friendships.
If you value your privacy, we have options to choose between staying alone in a room (at an additional cost) or sharing it with a travel buddy.
Besides offering unique activities and experiences, you are not compelled to participate in any activity.
We share with you unique experiences such as sundowners at a secluded spot in Kruger, a traditional picnic at an unfenced spot in Kruger, a picnic at a boutique wine farm or sundowners on a pretty beach in Cape Town.
We have experienced drivers who will prioritise your safety and comfort.
Petra and I will personally meet you at the airport to start your trip. You will never have to take a taxi or Uber, or even public transport from your arrival airport. Our rates include your transport in luxury mini vans.
What is the duration of the small group trips?
Our trips range from 6 day trips to 12 day trips.
What is the most popular small group tour on offer?
Our 11 nights trip to Cape Town and Kruger National Park is our flagship trip.
We have travelled expensively to these destinations and know everything there is to how to give you an unforgettable experience.
What is included in the trip price?
- All local flights in economy class. For example, your flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town or vice versa.
- Minimum two meals a day. It may include either a breakfast or brunch or dinner. Although we encourage participation in organised lunches and dinners, you may be excused from these events to have a dinner on your own (at own cost).
- Entry fees and group activities. For example, your daily conservation fees at Kruger, VIP tickets for Table Mountain, open-vehicle game drives in Kruger, wine paring experiences in Cape Town, wine trams, etc.
- Accommodation on a sharing basis. A single-room supplement will be charged if you wish to stay on your own.
- Transport from the moment we pick you up at the arrival airports to when we escort you to your departure flight after the trip.
What is the criteria to join our women's group tours in South Africa?
You need to be in good health.
You must be eager to experience new things and meet new people. It is to your advantage to be open-minded towards doing things differently than you would normally on your own.
Most of our tours are ladies only trips to ensure you can have fun in a safe environment. We may introduce couples trips later on depending on the demand.
What if you booked an activity (such as a night game drive) and you do not want to participate, will you receive money back? No, because all activities are pre-paid for you prior to our trip. Thus, you will not receive compensation if you decide not to participate.
What is the itinerary for this Cape Town and Kruger Trip?
Please send an email to bernie@travelbuddieslifestyle.com or petra@travelbuddiesliefstyle.com, and we will send you the preliminary itinerary.
Read about the destinations you will visit
Learn how to take beautiful photos with your cellphone
We did a cell phone course with iPhone Photography School.
Plan your safari outfits here
Bellabarnette has stunning khaki outfits for your trip to Kruger. We buy several of our outfits from them as they deliver anywhere in the world.
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Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra
