Travel and holiday guide

Welcome to the southern tip of Africa. Here, two great oceans meet, warm weather lasts most of the year, and big game roams just beyond the city lights.

This is where humanity began: our ancestors' traces are still evident in fossilised footprints 80 000 years old, and in the world's oldest rock paintings.

Today, South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa, the most advanced, broad-based economy on the continent, with infrastructure to match any first-world country.

Two-thirds of Africa's electricity is generated here. Forty percent of the phones are here. Twenty percent of the world's gold is mined here. And almost everyone who visits is astonished at how far a dollar, euro or pound will stretch. Welcome to the Republic of South Africa.


What's the weather like?
Summery, without being sweltering. In Johannesburg, the country's commercial capital, the weather is mild all year round, but can get cool at night. Durban, the biggest port, is hot and sometimes humid, a beach paradise. And in Cape Town, where travellers flock to admire one of the world's most spectacular settings, the weather is usually warm, though temperamental. If you're visiting from the Northern Hemisphere, just remember: when it's winter over there, it's summer over here. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen; leave the mackintosh at home. South African Holiday Guide




Will I get to see wild animals?
You won't have to go far to do so. An hour's drive from such urban jungles as Pretoria and Johannesburg, you can see lions, elephants, buffalo and hundreds more species in their natural environments.
One of the world's first wildlife conservation areas was South Africa's Kruger Park, more than a century old. Today it is part of a single broad conservation area that spans private and public game parks and stretches across national borders into neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

There are other reasons for visiting South Africa too: like golden beaches, some of the world's best surf, spectacular scenery ranging from mountains to deserts, eco-systems found nowhere else in the world, an opportunity to experience African culture first-hand - and one of the least expensive holiday destinations you'll find.

Jamaica lies in the heart of the Caribbean Sea around 100 miles south of Cuba. Though just 146 miles long and 51 miles wide, the landscapes in Jamaica range from high mountains and rainforests inland, to white sandy beaches at the coast - this is a lush tropical island that has delighted visitors from afar for hundreds of years.


The most surprising aspect to this idyllic island is the totally relaxed pace of life. It's true that the Jamaican hotels carefree way is world-famous; it's just that it's impossible to understand just how laid-back everyone is until you've actually visited! It's a wonderful moment when you realise that this stunning island is going to live up to all your expectations.

Of course the main reason people come to Jamaica is for those breathtaking tropical beaches. All of the main resorts are on the coast, and all offer great facilities, lots of activities and friendly locals. Imagine a tropical beach scene with shallow waters, gentle waves and palm tree-fringed sands... well, that's Jamaica!

Montego Bay
Perhaps the most famous of Jamaica's resorts. Nowadays in Montego Bay you'll find mostly modern developments with an excellent range of international jamaican hotels, bars and restaurants - though you'll often turn a corner and encounter some breathtaking 18th and 19th century architecture from those turbulent historical times.

Negril
There's less bustle here than in some of Jamaica's resorts, because Negril has traditionally attracted artist and musician types. So the rural feel has been maintained, apart perhaps from modern developments at the rugged West End, where you'll find a fine selection of bars, jamaican hotels, restaurants and clubs. Beach lovers will find the Seven Mile Sands aptly named.

Ocho Rios
A well-established, purpose-built resort, right in the middle of Jamaica's north coast makes Ocho Rios a perfect base if you want to explore many of Jamaica's attractions. Added are a good range of international restaurants, low key nightlife attractions and a variety of craft markets and duty free shops.


Runaway Bay
This truly relaxing resort is set on a quiet stretch of coastline, with an easy going atmosphere. There are a number of sandy beaches nearby

Falmouth
A typical Jamaican holiday guide village set on white sandy beaches with a selection of craft stalls and souvenir shops and a weekly market. Falmouth was designed by British settlers, based on the UK town of the same name.

Braco
Attracting beach lovers and sun worshippers, Braco stretches along the water's edge between Falmouth and Runaway Bay - putting both within easy reach for shopping and sightseeing. With no 'centre' as such, its sandy shoreline is hemmed by quality hotels offering varied facilities for sport and leisure. A good choice for watersports enthusiasts.

Tax free zones, modern lifestyle, amazing real estate and multicultural environ makes Dubai an alluring abode for expatriates and local alike. Dubai offers unlimited opportunities and a sense of security not seen anywhere else in the world. Gowealthy.com offers an array of interesting and detailed articles on living and working in Dubai from Real estate to the culture and the life style. Read and find out more About Dubai.

Although known mostly as a summer holiday destination, Bodrum is becoming increasingly popular with visitors in the other seasons. The reasons are many, but probably foremost is the chance to enjoy its attractions more intimately by avoiding the hubbub of high season. Unlike many holiday resorts Bodrum does not close its shutters at summer’s end but continues an active though less frenetic life of its own. The colorful bazaars are open on their scheduled days, temperatures pleasant and local people have more time for each visiting guest.