The New Year Issue

Enthusiastically welcoming 2022.

After the emotional rollercoaster of 2021, I hope we are headed for happier times in 2022. In particular, I trust travel bans are behind us. The omicron peak is behind us here in South Africa and life is close to normal.

In general, I feel optimistic that 2022 will be a kinder year for everyone. I am looking forward to family reunions, returning to normal travel personally and professionally, and welcoming clients to South Africa in an uninterrupted fashion.

I don’t know about you, but at the beginning of a new year, I love to plan and dream about the holidays I will take in the upcoming 12 months. This year I have a few big trips in mind, as well as a number of smaller getaways planned. My husband has left the flexible but stressful world of entrepreneurship for a job in a big corporation and so optimising leave days around public holidays will become an important part of our planning. It reminded me of one of my best negotiations.

I once negotiated 60 days of leave per year for a 10% reduction in salary. It was a lot of time off, and it allowed me to pursue my greatest passion – travel, and was certainly one of the best things I’ve done. Unfortunately not all employers are so flexible, and most people have to optimise limited time off. I have found that those with the least leave days are the most discerning about how they spend their precious time off. Get in touch if you would like help planning a holiday, big or small, in 2022!

I’ve just returned from some much needed family downtime in Cape Town. We spent a few nights out at Tintswalo Boulders, a perfectly located hotel for the beach, penguins and seeing the Cape Peninsula. Our friends from the UK joined us and we enjoyed the hospitality of the staff, the views from the balcony and pool, and the sumptuous food. It’s perfect for families or couples and as an overnight stop on a peninsula tour.

Happy travelling in 2022!

Diana