Paula De Caires – Travel Consultant

Email address: paula@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Answers:

1. 9 Years in Travel.
2. Spain - Malaga - Toured the whole of Malaga.
3. My favourite place in Malaga was Mijas - a small town just outside Malaga. It’s ideal for tourists as there are lots of small shops filled with souvenirs and restaurants serving traditional Spanish food. The town is very ancient boasting features such as the bull fighting rings and old cathedrals. I enjoyed Malaga as there are quite a few things to do even though it is a small city; things like the night life, markets, restaurants and beaches will be sure to make your trip a memorable one.
4. paula@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Adette Briedenhann – Travel Consultant

Email address: adette@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Answers:

1. 11 Years in Travel.
2. My favourite holiday was when I travelled to Mauritius.
3. We stayed at Le Mauricia, I recommend it to anyone. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We rented a vehicle for the day and drove around Mauritius and saw various hotels. We experienced the West is Best logo. The beaches are beautiful on the East side, but the wind was terrible. As soon as we drove into Grand Baie the wind calmed down and the sun was as hot as ever.
   
   We enjoyed the snorkeling – it was great to see the multi coloured fish swimming around my hand, to see the coral reefs and to experience the warm ocean water. Those that don't like the idea of snorkeling can go for the glass bottom boat. You will drift over the coral reefs and the fish will entertain you; all this while not getting wet.
   
   We did various water sports, things you will not normally do, but now had the time for it, and we enjoyed every moment. The only down side was that I cut my foot on the rocks. They are as sharp as a razor and there I was watching my hubby trying to do windsurfing, while I was sitting high and dry on the beach. From there on I advised all my clients to take old takkies or old slip on shoes with when doing water sport. I did not want them to learn this lesson the hard way like I did.
   
   The food in Mauritius was magical. We enjoyed a full buffet breakfast every morning and my favourite was all the fresh fruit and freshly baked croissants. Lunch was not a necessity as the breakfast was more than enough. For Dinner we enjoyed full buffet again, serving everything your heart could desire.
   
   We drank cocktails, splashed around in the water, enjoyed the sun and saw the sparkling sea. All was complemented by the laughter of the other guests.
   
   Our holiday ended too soon and we were back in the Gauteng cold. At least I had a tan to show off while everyone else was white.
   
   I would definitely recommend Mauritius to anyone as this is a value for money destination. The seven night package is too short; I would recommend going for at least ten nights as you will be able to unwind better and relax into the island’s way of living. Sheer bliss!
   
   My trip to Mauritius has made me better equipped to assist clients.
4. adette@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Natasha van der Westhuizen – Travel Consultant

Email address: natasha@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Answers:

I have been in travel since 1999 and have loved every single minute of it. If I look back over the years, I have learned so much and will definitely not trade my profession for anything else in the world. There are lots of challenges but most definitely amazing experiences!

One of my favourite travel experiences was my educational to Spain. A cultural and historical paradise! Madrid, Barcelona and Sitges were included into our itinerary. We stayed at the Gavinet Hotel in Madrid. You definitely have to experience Spanish cuisine. Amazing tapas, a variety of dishes served one after the other. Must sees in Madrid include the Real Madrid Stadium, where David Beckham was based (no need to be a soccer fanatic); the Royal Palace with around 2 600 rooms and the Reina Sofia Museum which at the time had a Picasso Exhibition. This was the first time ever that all of Picasso’s work was exhibited under the same roof. The same as any other European city Madrid also has an underground. This is a safe and inexpensive way to get around the city.

Barcelona was a fantastic city with lots of beautiful buildings! We stayed at the Fira Palace Hotel as well as the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel which is situated close to the Barcelona Airport. Places you definitely have to see are the Cathedral De La Santa Creu situated in the Gothic Quarter decorated in gold and antiques. Do not miss a visit to the Casa Batllo which was originally the home of Gaudi but is currently owned by the people who make Chuppa Chups lollipops. Sagrade Famlia cathedral which was one of Gaudi’s unfinished works, more than 120 years later and this cathedral is still a long way from being completed. La Ramblas is the main street and extremely popular for shopping where you will be surrounded by thousands of people and lots of professional mimes to entertain you. For all champagne and wine lovers a visit to the caves Codorniu is a must. The Spanish make the famous caves (pronounced “kava”) also known as champagne.

Sitges is a small village 35km south of Barcelona and is absolutely worth a visit. Sitges is known for its carnival, great weather and busy night life. It is also famous for being gay friendly. This little village with its narrow streets has a beautiful beachfront with lots of restaurants where you can eat lots of seafood and white wine. Spain should definitely be on your list of countries to see!

natasha@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Marsha Venter – Travel Consultant

Email address: marsha@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Answers:

1. 11 years in travel.
2. My two favourite destinations were an Educational to Malaysia in 1999 and my Contiki Educational in 2007.
3. The Malaysia Educational was my third educational. I knew very little about the destination so I didn't know what to expect. We spent time in Kuala Lumpur, took short 20 minute domestic flights to the islands Penang and also Langkawi. Langkawi is a very non commercial island –completely duty free. The scenery is beautiful and ideal for a real beach holiday. Penang was more built up - a bit of city with the beach. They had lovely markets just outside the beach hotels so you could walk around and shop without going too far.
   
   Kuala Lumpur was a typical busy city but with lots of shopping centers, markets and temples. The buildings are very pretty with a lot of gold. There were a lot of people everywhere with cars and motorbikes! The great thing about the shopping is the fact that you can barter with shopkeepers and market stalls. We also had a very nice group of agents on this trip which always makes it more enjoyable.
   
   My second favourite was the Contiki Educational in September 2007. It was always my dream to see Paris and this educational was from Paris to Rome. We were in Paris for two nights; centre France for one night, Lucerne for one night, Florence for two nights and Rome for one night. Paris was amazing; I have always wanted to go there.
   
   On the first night they took us on a bus tour of Paris. We also went up the Eiffel Tower. There are flashing lights on the Eiffel Tower that light up hourly. Because we were there during the Rugby World Cup they lit up the Tower with green and yellow lights. The view from the top is spectacular although I would rather suggest seeing it in the day as you can see much further.
   
   The queues are a nightmare but if you're part of a tour group like Contiki, Trafalgar or Insight you can join a separate queue and get in quicker! The next day we walked around on our own for the entire day and visited the Louvre where I saw the Mona Lisa and the Notre Dame during a Sunday service. We also took a walk down the luxury shop-lined Champs-Elysees before going to the Arc de Triumph but didn't go in as the queue was too long! We walked along the River Seine for almost an hour and realised that maps can be deceiving – Paris is BIG!
   
   I would never recommend hiring a car in Paris as the streets are very busy and they easily bump cars in parking spaces to make more room. Using the metro is a much safer and easier option.
   
   On the Sunday night they took us to a show at the Moulin Rouge which was a good experience. The area is a bit dodgy and the food wasn't that good for the price paid but the show was excellent. There are two shows I recommend the earlier show and a taxi ride as soon as you exit the theatre. They warn you of pick pockets all over Europe but in areas like these it's better to be safe than sorry. I would have loved to spend more time in Paris but will have to go back someday.
4. marsha@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Lilanie Janse van Rensburg – General Manager

Email address: lilanie@zorgvliettravel.co.za

Answers:

1. 17 Years in travel and 3 Years at Wits Technikon - Tourism Diploma.
2. Travel become a dream and passion at an early age. Driving past Johannesburg International Airport and seeing Old Peter Stuyvesant adverts on the big screen at the movies. I wanted to travel and see the world. Go to a tropical paradise, cities that never sleep, ski in Austria and also visit Disney World. This is the reason why I decided to pursue a career in travel. I have been blessed to see cities, countries and sights I will never forget. My favourite city is Buenos Aires (Argentina). Known as The Paris of the South, Buenos Aires boasts modern buildings, palaces and tranquil parks. The city also has enchanting neighborhood areas, bustling shopping streets, antique markets, restaurants and open air cafes. I stayed in the five star Hotel Madero in Puerto Madero area. It is just outside the busy city centre – a wonderfully inviting and modern hotel.
   
   In every shop you hear Tango music playing creating that special atmosphere and charm in the city. I had the privilege of visiting an area called Le Boca. Here the streets are filled with street performers dancing the Tango or playing traditional musicals, outside restaurants, arts and crafts. It was magical.
   
   It was very interesting to visit Evita's Tomb in the Recoleta Cemetery, this is not a normal cemetery – it is very spooky. People were put to rest in tombs built like little houses.
   
   We enjoyed a visit to one of the Gaucho Ranches which included lunch and a cultural show. Argentina is well known for good inexpensive wine and excellent quality red meat cooked to perfection. Popular dishes include empanadas (minced meat with puff pastry) and lorco (port and maize stew).
   
   I also went to a Tango / Dinner show which was incredible. The Tango is such a passionate dance; this was an unforgettable evening. Places to visit in Buenos Aires include the Teatro Colon, Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, boat drive on the Tigre and Parana River.
   
   After spending three nights in Buenos Aires, we flew to Iguassu. Iguassu is one of the most visited places and borders between Argentina and Brazil. The Iguassu Falls are one of the most spectacular sites I have ever seen. The power and beauty of these falls is something I will never forget. We stayed at the four star Sheraton International Iguassu Hotel. I would recommend this hotel for anyone going either to Argentina or Brazil for at least one night.
   
   Other countries I have visited include: Chobe Marine in Botswana, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Namibia, China (Yunnan Province), Kuala Lampur and Langkawi, Bali, Morocco (Casablanca and Marrakech), Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai, London, Ireland (Dublin), Zurich, Rio De Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls and Walt Disney World in Orlando.
   
   One of my other favourite experiences was a Caribbean cruise on the Freedom of the Seas. The cruise departed from Miami and included the following ports of calls (San Juan - Puerto Rico, Charlotte - St Thomas, Philipsburg-St Maarten). This was so much fun and value for money. This is ideal for couples or families who want to see more than one city or country and do not want to unpack or travel by road and air.
   
   
3. lilanie@zorgvliettravel.co.za