66 WISE COUNSEL
The power of fams
BARBARA WAS VOTED MOST HELPFUL TRAVEL COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS. EACH MONTH SHE SHARES THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HER LIFE IN TRAVEL.
BARBARA.CHARLTON@
TRAVELCOUNSELLORS.COM T: 0845 0587 290
PHEW! It’s getting hot as I write this from my garden hammock! I recently returned
from a fantastic fam trip to South Africa, thanks to South Africa Tourism, South African Airways and Sun International. I fi nally got to visit the places I have been sending clients to for years and yearned to see for myself. Of course, nothing inspires confi dence more than being able to speak from fi rst-hand knowledge. My clients come back to me because they trust me, knowing I will only recommend what is right for them, but now I can add genuine experience to my recommendations.
KNOWLEDGE UPDATE It had been a few years since I last fl ew with South African Airways and I am happy to say that all the fl ights we took, both international and domestic, were a great improvement in terms of crew and meal standards. My visit to Cape Town was fabulous! We stayed at The Table Bay Hotel and were immediately fed the best high tea I have had anywhere – and I have notched up a pretty few! We went to the top of Table Mountain by a revolving cable car, and everyone got some great views of Robben Island and Camps Bay. We also spotted lots of dassies, small mammals that scamper among the rocks of Table Mountain. Oddly their nearest relative is said to be the elephant! To see them at their most active, suggest a morning trip. We also enjoyed a walking tour of the city, a visit to the colourful fl ower market and some amazing meals and wines. Seeing penguins sunning themselves on Boulders Beach was a personal highlight.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Moving on to Stellenbosch, we visited the romantic River Manor on the edge of town. This is a great place to stay because you’re able to walk into town and choose from a myriad great restaurants
to eat in – and sample the many locally-cultivated wines. In Franschoek we stayed at Le Quartier Francais, where they have a resident Michelin-starred chef who has judged on international Masterchefs! Even more satisfying than the amazing meals we enjoyed was joining Chef Margot Janse and taking breakfast to a local nursery. This project sees the hotel, restaurant and its patrons preparing or paying for breakfast for around 150 township children. It’s always lovely to see people putting something back.
SELL THE VALUE The cost of quality restaurants and fi ne wines in South Africa is really an absolute pittance compared to the UK. If you have clients who love fi ne food and wine but object to paying London or Paris prices for it, send them to South Africa! But my biggest tip would be to take as little as possible with you, so you can return with some of the wine, spices and other gifts on offer. After 10 days of over-indulgence my body was feeling as stuffed as my suitcase! In June I secured a £19,000 booking to California! Again, this is a testament to the power of fams. Last October I was lucky enough to go on my second fam trip to
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Barbara enjoys the unbeatable views on top of Table Mountain
"THE COST OF QUALITY
RESTAURANTS AND FINE WINES
IN SOUTH AFRICA IS AN ABSOLUTE PITTANCE!"
the Golden State. My clients had little clue as to what they wanted to see and do, but with the help of a detailed state map from Visit California and my own accrued knowledge we planned an exciting trip for two adults and four teenagers This included a Golden Gate cycle (which I failed at so miserably myself), beautiful Lake Tahoe and ranches near Yosemite and on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, where they will be sleeping in Tipi tents under the stars. The trip will end with some R&R in Las Vegas, to rest those saddle-sore bottoms before fl ying home. Meanwhile, let’s hope this California weather continues!
“The Maldives are perfect for families, so make the best of the weather over the Christmas and New
Year holidays” PETER DONLEVY, SALES & MARKETING,
“New Zealand is a great country to explore by car or campervan. Just 30 minutes from Auckland you can be in the open space of the Waitakere
or bay of Islands" HEATHER COULBOURN, TRAVEL 2
SHANGRI-LA VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA
“There’s a lot more to Oman than sitting on the beach. Spend a couple of nights in the interior, visiting the
markets for culture” HUGH FRASER, DIRECTOR CORINTHIAN TRAVEL
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