Taking top spots and exploring small towns

25 July 2025 | View in browser

There's a sense of magic that comes with travel that opens our eyes to the beauty and wonder that the world has to offer no matter the season. So, this week we're exploring the beauty of some of South Africa's small towns and what they have to offer for warming winter getaways.   We explore Barrydale's quiet charm amidst the excitement of the Five Arts Weekend with Oliver Keohane and prepare for an earlier than expected trip to see Namaqualand's wildflowers following reports of the blooms early arrival this year. We also go on in search of some of the country's best winter markets.   While we embrace the magic, we also turn our attention to the responsibilities that we have as tourists as we witness the shocking events that recently took place during the wildebeest crossing in the Serengeti National Park and brace ourselves for Greece's implementation of a "sustainable tourism fee" for cruise passengers. TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Until next week!

Namaqualand's wildflower season arrives ahead of schedule   Namaqualand's wildflower season has arrived earlier than expected, with blooms already recorded in parts of the Northern Cape. Read more

Cape Town takes the crown—and this world traveller agrees Imagine having seen 167 countries—places few of us even dream of—and then bringing that global perspective to one of South Africa's most iconic cities. That's what makes this travel influencer and vlogger, Chris of Authentic Traveling, so compelling as an authority on Cape Town. Read more

Beauty in Barrydale and the Art of Everything   On a mid-winter's weekend, to the backdrop of Barrydale's quiet, charming streets and horizons of Cape Fold Mountains, the Karoo Art Hotel came alive with the excitement of the Five Arts Weekend. Read more

WATCH: Guide enraged as wildebeest injured and likely die trying to cross Serengeti river   A safari guide's viral video filmed in Serengeti National Park has sparked widespread concern over unethical behaviour during one of nature's most dramatic spectacles — the Great Migration. Read more

Greece rolls out cruise passenger tax to tackle overtourism   As of Monday, July 21, a new "sustainable tourism fee" has been implemented for cruise passengers disembarking at ports across Greece.  Read more

The best winter markets in South Africa for food, fire and local finds When the mercury drops, South Africa's markets turn up the heat. Think steaming mugs of coffee, woodfire aromas in the air, and rows of stalls bursting with baked treats, preserves, and handmade crafts.   Read more

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