Live Like a Local – Page 6

Conservation in South Africa

April 2, 2014/in Adventure, Africa, Cape Town, Conservation, Destinations, Kruger National Park, Live Like a Local, South Africa, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wildlife /by Kelley

Environmental Consciousness on Tour with Swain Destinations
We travelers know that the reason we travel to destinations is because of the beautiful, well preserved environment. That is why it is important to travel with hotels, restaurants and tour operators that think about their footprint on the environment and do their best to help their surroundings. Swain Tours, a USTOA member, makes sure to only use hotel & activity partners that have conservation as a priority. See all the instances of conservation in South Africa.

Choose Your Own Adventure in South Africa

April 2, 2014/in Adventure, Africa, Cape Town, Destinations, Kruger National Park, Live Like a Local, South Africa, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Tour, Travel Guide /by Kelley

Freedom to have your Experience while on tour with Swain Destinations
You might think that being a tour means a strict schedule, group activities all the time and no chance to choose what you do. Well, that’s not the case on tours with United States Tour Operator Members.
My trip to South Africa with Swain Destination proved that the ultimate goal of the tour was for us to have our own best possible trip–so we added in more things, had spontaneous roadside stops and had some time for rest. It truly felt like our own trip, just a bit easier & better!

Luxury on Tour with Swain Destinations: South Africa

April 2, 2014/in Africa, Cape Town, Destinations, Kruger National Park, Live Like a Local, Luxury, South Africa, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Videos /by Kelley

From the second you get off the plane throughout the whole experience, USTOA member Swain Destinations, makes sure that comfort is on the menu. You don’t have to think while on tour–you can sit back and enjoy world renowned hotels, sip famed wines, taste gourmet meals and leave all the stress out of travel. From Singita Castleton in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve to the One & Only in Capetown, you experience only the best.

Learning from the Locals in South Africa

April 2, 2014/in Africa, Cape Town, Culture, Destinations, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Live Like a Local, Local Travel, South Africa, South Africa /by Kelley

Having experiences with the local make your trip that much more meaningful and that is why it’s amazing when a tour will allow you to see places, meet people and have experiences you couldn’t have otherwise. Visiting a township, meeting local craftswomen and trying local street food were all on the itinerary and more–and that’s why my trip to South Africa was truly memorable.

South Africa’s Food & Wine Scene

April 2, 2014/in Africa, Beer, Wine & Cocktails, Cape Town, Destinations, Food, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Live Like a Local, South Africa, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Videos /by Kelley

The Food & Wine of South Africa on tour with Swain Destinations
Food is a big part of my travels at least, and when I was heading off to South Africa, I was giddy with excitement as I knew this country was home to a burgeoning food scene and world renowned wines.
My tour with Swain Destinations made sure that we had access to the best of the best–the highest quality dishes handcrafted while in Kruger National Park, incredible wines right from the source in the Cape Winelands and meals at some of the best restaurants in Cape Town. Eat & drink up!

Egyptologists: The Best Guides

March 2, 2014/in Africa, Cairo, Destinations, Egypt, Egypt, Live Like a Local, Local Travel, Luxor, Nile, Videos /by Kelley

It made all the difference that we had extremely bright Egyptologists with us at every site. They made sure to explain all the important parts in a way that was easy to understand and they never tired of all our questions. I learned so much more on this trip than I ever learned in school because of their skills. It truly makes the Egyptian experience come to life.

Hanging Out with Egypt’s Locals

March 2, 2014/in Africa, Cairo, Destinations, Egypt, Egypt, Live Like a Local, Local Travel, Luxor, Nile, Tour, Travel Guide /by Kelley

For me the best part of travel is getting to learn about a new place through it’s people. I was amazed at how USTOA member Abercrombie & Kent agreed with that sentiment and made sure that we had many opportunities to meet & interact with true locals. Communicating with them and sharing laughs, foods and stories is truly the magic of travel.

Kelley’s Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent

March 2, 2014/in Africa, Cairo, Destinations, Egypt, Egypt, Live Like a Local, Local Travel, Luxor, Nile, Tour, Travel Guide, Videos /by Kelley

One of the most storied histories in the world, Egypt has long been a popular destination for it’s history, it’s culture and of course, it’s amazing pyramids & temples. Egypt needs to be on every person’s bucket list–see why this country changed me.

Cruising the Nile River

March 2, 2014/in Africa, Cruise, Destinations, Egypt, Egypt, Live Like a Local, Luxury, Nile, Tour /by Kelley

USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Cruising the Nile with Abercrombie & Kent
The Nile is one of the most incredible places that I’ve ever seen and getting to experience while on board a luxury cruise with USTOA member Abercrombie & Kent, was a personal highlight of my visit to Egypt. You could see the heart of Egypt from the deck and jump on & off at various important stops, like the Temple of Dendara, Valley of the Kings as well as Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Shopping in Egypt’s Local Markets

March 2, 2014/in Africa, Cairo, Destinations, Egypt, Egypt, Live Like a Local, Luxor, Nile, Shopping /by Kelley

The tombs aren’t the only Egyptian places full of treasures–one of my favorite parts of the journey was getting to stop at markets & workshops to discover the local crafts, jewels and spices. Luxor Market, a rug cooperative and Giza’s market were a sensory overload and I had to take more than a few treasures home with me.