Slow Travel is Trending — How to Embrace It in Joburg

TRENDING
Slow Travel is Trending — How to Embrace It in Joburg

South Africans are leading a global movement toward mindful, restorative travel. According to a Flight Centre survey, 83% say travel boosts their mental wellbeing — the highest worldwide. Instead of rushing through busy itineraries, more travelers now prioritize slower, restful escapes that focus on relaxation and reconnection.

In the fast-paced city of Johannesburg, slowing down is easier than you think.

Sleep-focused city stays

Hotels that offer deep rest are in demand. Sanctuary Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s former home in Houghton, provides a peaceful boutique experience with cozy rooms, tranquil gardens, and nourishing meals at its Insights restaurant. For a more urban option, Sandton Sun and Towers delivers spacious rooms with blackout curtains and plush bedding, perfect for mixing work, play, and rest.

Nature retreats nearby

Just 30 minutes from Joburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a sanctuary for slowing down. FARMHOUSE58 offers minimalist rooms, guided nature walks, yoga sessions, and screen-free evenings for true relaxation. Cradle Valley Guesthouse near Muldersdrift features peaceful gardens and a quiet dam, ideal for restorative midweek breaks.

With 86% of South Africans prioritizing slower travel in 2025, Joburgers can rediscover the joy of stillness and truly recharge.

BIG NEWS
TSA Fast-Tracked for Families? Finally.

Airport security with kids: the real-life version of a boss battle. But fear not—TSA’s rolling out a new program that might actually help (we’re shocked too).

• “Families on the Fly” is TSA’s new initiative making airports slightly less chaotic for parents.

• Dedicated family lanes are being tested at select airports (hi, Orlando, Honolulu, and more).

• Discounted PreCheck for families is coming soon—less laptop juggling, more sanity.

• TSA agents = friendlier? They're getting hospitality training to better help with strollers, bottles, and baby meltdowns.

• Who qualifies? Anyone flying with a kid under 12—grandparents and older siblings included.

🛫 It’s only in testing mode for now, but it could be the upgrade airport families didn’t know they needed. Or at least, deserved.

DESTINATION…
Top European Cities to Visit This Fall 🍂

Fall in Europe? Chef’s kiss. The crowds thin, the temps chill (but not too much), and everything just feels a little more local. September and October are the shoulder season months you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner — all the dreamy dinners, golden coastlines, and culture, minus the heatstroke and herds of tour groups.

Here’s where to go while the vibe is just right:

• Rome still dazzles, but you won’t melt into the cobblestones. Festivals, wine harvests, and 75°F days? Yes, please.

• Dubrovnik drops the cruise ship crowds, but keeps the sunshine and sea. October’s Good Food Festival is a delicious bonus.

• Lisbon is in full festival mode — think live fado, rooftop cocktails, and coastal day trips you can still pull off in flip-flops.

• Budapest turns golden and cozy. Thermal baths, wine festivals, and riverside strolls make it the ultimate low-key luxe city break.

• Prague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen are serving peak fairytale energy: golden leaves, candlelit cafes, and actually affordable hotels.

Want more? Seville’s sipping wine and dancing flamenco, Zürich’s breathing alpine air (and chocolate), and Nice is still sunbathing — but with better dinner reservations.

🧳 Pro tip: Some beach bars and ferries shut down late October, so check hours. Book ahead for festivals and foodie events — shoulder season still draws a savvy crowd.

This is your sign to trade in your pumpkin spice for piazzas and Prosecco. 🍂✈️

MEDS ABROAD
Think Twice Before You Pack That Sudafed 😬💊✈️

Packing meds for your next big trip? Before you toss Benadryl into your carry-on like it’s no biggie, think again. Some common U.S. meds are major no-gos overseas—and we’re not just talking about the fun stuff. Here’s the pill-sized rundown before you get flagged at customs.

• Sudafed? More like Sudafed-up. Pseudoephedrine (hello, decongestants) is banned in Japan and Mexico.

• Benadryl & buddies (aka diphenhydramine) are restricted in places like Japan and Zambia.

• Codeine = contraband. It’s treated like a controlled substance in the UAE, Japan, and others—even with a U.S. prescription.

• Pill organizers look sus. Keep meds in original packaging and bring prescriptions + a doctor’s note.

• Do your homework. No one wants their vacation to end in a customs office interrogation.

👉 TLDR: Meds that are chill in the U.S. can get you in serious trouble abroad. Plan ahead, label everything, and don't assume TSA rules apply worldwide.

EXPLORE MORE
✈️ Your Next Free Flight Is Just One Card Away

100,000 reasons to pack your bags.

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This offer won't last forever — secure your bonus before it's gone:

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CRUISE
The Cleanest Cruiser? It’s Not Who You’d Expect!

Forget Carnival—this year’s sparkling sanitation champ is Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), proving that cleanliness really is next to seaworthiness. The CDC dropped their 2024 cruise inspection scores, and NCL’s fleet wiped the deck with seven ships scoring a perfect 100. Here’s the scoop for your next ocean escape:

• Seven Perfect Scores: NCL leads with seven ships earning flawless marks in surprise CDC inspections (no “clean-up crew” allowed).

• Tough Standards: CDC inspects everything—from kitchens to pools—to keep norovirus and nasties at bay.

• No Diapers Allowed: Yes, Norwegian bans swim diapers in pools—talk about taking sanitation seriously!

• Industry-Wide Improvement: Other big names like Royal Caribbean and MSC also scored high, but none topped NCL.

• Check Before You Cruise: CDC posts inspection results online, so don’t just pick by the buffet—pick by the spotless!

So, if you want your cruise clean enough to eat off the deck (but maybe don’t), Norwegian’s your go-to. Bon voyage and bring hand sanitizer!