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SAA expands its routing into South America:

SAA has announced that it will introduce flights between Johannesburg and Buenos Aires from April 8 next year.

The flights will be twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays using an A340-200. The flights will depart Johannesburg at 09h50, arriving in Buenos Aires at 16h30. SAA says it will add a third service on Fridays from July onwards.

The airline says it has experienced strong demand on its Sao Paulo route and that Buenos Aires will build on the success of this route. A statement from SAA says: “Negotiations are also under way with airlines, Lan Chile and Aeromexico about future co-operation”.

I belive this is great news for South American travellers and will be just in time for the World Cup 2010!

Recently I attended the opening of this fantastic new Guesthouse in Johannesburg
and wanted to share it with you:

www.theashford.co.za

The Ashford : A Resting Place for the Weary Traveller

Nestled in the quiet tree-lined suburb of Parkwood in Johannesburg,is a fresh and sparkling new addition to the business bed and breakfast market.

Conceived by Megan Prawde, a travel agent for many years and now running her own travel agency from the guesthouse, The Ashford offers guests a welcome reprise from busy office dialogue, the stress of the boardroom, and the hustle and bustle of airports.

At first glimpse of The Ashford, guests are greeted by a classic, expansive patio which wraps itself generously around the entire house, creating a cool and breezy space away from the harsh Highveld sun. Central to the reception area is a beautiful atrium which spreads light throughout the guest house, all day long. The architecture, as a whole, speaks of luxury without being ostentatious, is practical and efficient without being cluttered, and offers a warm, friendly and tasteful space.

The Ashford has five double rooms with bathrooms en-suite, and includes all the facilities necessary to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. All rooms have doors which open up onto the shaded patio, and all have DSTV and tea and coffee facilities. An English breakfast is served every morning and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee in the dining area is seldom absent.

For the workaholics, the business centre offers access to telephones, wireless internet and a computer, and a small gym is available for the traveller who cannot live without an injection of endorphins! A 24-hour security patrol is in place, and parking is secure.

The guest house, like The Ashford team, has a wonderful, sunny disposition about it, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from far-flung places, as well as domestic travellers who happen to find themselves in Johannesburg – whether for business or pleasure.

We have just come back from a couple of days in the *Berg* and have had an awesome time. I would like to share this little sleepy hollow of a great place that seems like some sort of a time warp that gives you an awesome, beautiful resort nestled in the beauty of the berg. On the outset and looking around you will be forgiven for thinking this place is for *elder* folk who would like to travel back in time to a resort that has jumped out of the 1960’s. There must be over 60 rooms and suites at this wonderful resort. They have various lounges for families and people who do not want to be distubed. They have a great Cave for a bar , games room ,”Cinema room”  and kids room. Generally the rates includes all your meals where you are fed 3-5 course meals 3 times a day. Kids have there own room and they have some wonderful nannies who look after the under 6’s during meal times.

I have not even mention the activities this great place offers!

This place gets a thuumbs up!

THE British High Commission has put the final nail in the coffin of the ever-popular Working Holidaymaker Visa, confirming that from November 27 this visa will fall away and be replaced by the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), which South Africa will not be participating in.
The YMS falls under the UK’s new visa regime which comprises five tiers covering various skill levels, each with different qualifying criteria. It is modelled on the points-based system used by Australia.

Although the YMS offers similar opportunities to the Working Holidaymaker Visa, the British High Commission has confirmed that South Africa will definitely not be participating in the scheme at the outset.

“We made the South African government aware of the introduction of the new scheme some time ago but they have not, as yet, expressed an interest in participating,” said Apsara McNaught, spokesperson for the British High Commission.

*Read more about the impact of YMS  in the December 2008 edition of TIR.

The French consulate turns to working on an appointment basis:

Recently it has popped up that I realize that people are not aware that they need to be at the airport before flight leaves. Got an email today and I quote:

“The  flights leaves (For USA) at 19h05 would you advise I start check in at 18h30?”

OK I can understand how this misconception can happen however do not let it happen to you. Flights are full these days and with the potential of been *bumped* as well you really need to check in as early as possible. I would advise for international flights that you begin checkin at least 3 hours prior to departure. For domestic flights at least an hour before check in.

While we are on the subject let me add, if you are in the line and you have an hour to go before take off bring it to the attention of the check in staff that you have less than an hour. The reason for this is that most airlines actually close the checkin counters an hour before take off.

Do not miss your flight get to the airport early regardless of traffic etc make it a habit and catch that flight, the problems that arise from missing flights and the cost involved is crazy so be aware and on time.