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The Instaglammers
You can’t beat Thailand for a glam, Instaworthy, bang for your bucks’ holiday. Don’t forget the selfie stick.
“Of all the places I've visited in South East Asia I reckon Thailand's the best pick for female travellers,” says Leigh van den Berg, a Capetonian blogger at lipglossismylife.com living the Instaglam life in Thailand for the last four months.
“I've always felt incredibly safe and, because Thailand's tourism industry is very well established, most people speak English and you have easy access to any product or service you could want,” says van den Berg.
Top tips: “Free Wi-Fi is abundant but it's best to buy a 'tourist SIM' at the airport that gives you unlimited 4G Internet access. It's super cheap and gets set up for you within minutes. This way you're never out of touch and can use your phone as a GPS to get around on foot.
READ MORE: Why do some millennials lie about their holidays pics?
“While it's perfectly safe to walk around on your own, day or night, I recommend downloading an app called ‘Grab’ for longer journeys and days when it's too hot or pouring with rain. It's Thailand's version of Uber and, surprisingly, costs less than tuk-tuks and metered taxis. A 10-minute trip is about R30,” says van den Berg.
The foodies
Want to travel with your taste buds? Food tours are becoming increasingly popular and give the foodies a chance to eat, drink and Instagram #lunch #travel #blessed together.
Top pick: Kickstart your gastronomic adventure in the hottest culinary destination of the moment, Melbourne Australia, on Trafalgar's Food and Wine Discovery tour.
The party animals
If your idea of the perfect getaway includes partying from dusk till dawn with your besties, then a cruise is just the ticket. Dance the night away in the onboard clubs while days can be spent lounging next to the pool.
Top pick: Try a cruise. Departing from Cape Town or Durban, in a matter of hours you could be sailing to sunny Mozambique or Mauritius. With onboard entertainment, activities and food included (and special drinks packages on offer), these cruises make for a great value-for-money girls’ weekend away.
READ MORE: 5 reasons why a cruise ship is a better holiday option
The luxury divas
Appreciate the finer things in life? A luxury river cruise in Europe is for you.
Top pick: Voted the number 1 river cruise line in the Travel and Leisure 2018 World's Best Awards, a Uniworld cruise ensures you’re not settling for anything but the best. Channel your inner Frenchwoman on this 8 day Uniworld cruise taking in the best châteaux, vineyards and scenery France has to offer.
READ MORE: By 2022 you’ll be able to holiday in space for a mere R134 million
The solo travellers
Just because you prefer travelling solo doesn’t mean you can’t find your travel tribe along the way. “You can meet so many people when you're travelling alone. Be open to chatting to locals or fellow travellers at the airport, hotel or when you're out exploring,” says Tarryn Liddell, a South African who has visited 34 countries, many of them on her own.
Top pick: Europe is almost a rite of passage for the solo female traveller. Hop on a Busabout tour which gives you the best of both worlds – the ease and safety of travelling in a group and the chance to do what you want when you want.
Top tip: “Buy a portable charger, so you don’t need to worry about running out of battery when trying to find your way. Also, it’s a personal choice but I don’t drink much when I’m travelling solo. I like to know I’m in control and know how to get back to my accommodation,” says Liddell.
READ MORE: There's no need to be afraid of solo travel: 3 countries you can visit on your own
The adventurers
Heart racing, adrenalin pumping… if that sounds like your dream holiday, then you’re an adventurer. And the most epic holiday for the South African female adventurer? Skiing.
Top pick: Hit the slopes for an incredible two weeks in the Austrian Alps with other young and fun adventurers on Sure Travel's Contiki skiing package. You’ll never forget the magic of falling snow or the icy wind rushing past as you whizz (or tumble) down the slopes. And for those aching legs après-ski, there’s a hot tub calling your name.
The city gals
If you’ve watched (and re-watched) every Sex and the City episode, hop on over to New York.
“It’s the ultimate city. How many songs have been written about New York? The concrete jungle where dreams are made. What I loved about it was the energy - you really can feel the go-go-go of the city in your bones,” says Natalie Roos, a travel blogger at tailsofamermaid.com who recently made the most of every minute of her 36 hours in New York.
READ MORE: Where to next? Lorna Maseko is having the time of her life in France
Top tip: “Plan ahead. Decide what you want to see and do, and then check Google Maps to build your itinerary around what’s close together,” advises Roos. “Stay as vigilant as you would in SA. If you’re travelling alone, keep your friends back home in the loop about your movements,” are Roos’ safety tips for solo female travellers.
“Don’t wait for the perfect time to travel. Don’t wait for the perfect boyfriend to travel with. If you have a dream to go somewhere or see something, you just have to do it!” says Roos.
We couldn’t have said it better.
If you're looking for great travel deals or more info on any of the escapes we talked about, head over to Traveller24.
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