Known as the Mother City of South Africa’s, Cape Town is quite possibly the most beautiful city in the world due to it having both seascape and mountain scenery with a national park right at its core. A fusion of Africa and Europe, Cape Town offers up its heritage, scenery, and outdoor adventure lifestyle scene to everyone who visits.

Cape Town calls itself the most cultured city in South Africa, it’s debatable, but it was named the world’s design capital in 2014 so for sure you’ll meet creative entrepreneurial types in this unique city. As well as being an up and coming digital nomad destination, Cape Town is also making itself a tech hub and the art and fashion scenes are blossoming. Areas that were once no-go zones for visitors are now vibrant districts with coffee shops, bookshops and art galleries.

The internet speeds might not be as fast as at home but this doesn’t stop digital nomads from making Cape Town their base. There’s a growing nomad/expat community and the city has a regular Meetup Group. Fiber internet is being installed and is already available at most of the co-working spaces and the 4G coverage is also fairly reliable unless you happen to venture into one of the cities dead zones around Table Mountain.

South African people are friendly and hospitable and English is widely spoken so don’t be put off by the media-hyped talk of crime – You’re as likely to be a target for pickpocketing in London as you are in Cape Town. Just be sensible and use caution, especially if you’re a solo-female traveler, don’t venture out at night alone and don’t flash your valuables around.

Cape Town has so much to offer those who love exploring the great outdoors… Beaches, hiking and biking trails, gardens, wildlife, wine trails, paragliding from Lion’s Head, surfing, scuba diving, even shark cage diving. If that sounds a little too strenuous for your liking you’ll be glad to hear that picnicking is a popular pastime and the city also has a wealth of cultural sites to visit. Of course, a visit to Cape Town would not be complete without a ride up Table Mountain in a cable car!

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Many have lamented the difficulty of summing up the magnificent Cape Town using words alone. Cape Town has long been celebrated as one of the coolest, edgiest cities in the world, an unbeatable mix of sprawling urbanity and majestic natural beauty, with a world-renowned cultural scene and ravaged history. Its many and distinctive neighborhoods range from the picturesque seaside town, to the inner-city artist’s paradise, to ancient districts of historical significance. While the public transport connections around and outside of Cape Town can admittedly leave something to be desired, it is possible to secure a city bus pass and use the public bus system; it’s usually recommended, however, that you secure transport of your own if you really want to see this fantastic city. Just remember to decide who’s driving before you embark on that wine tour!

[Top Pick] Woodstock:  A mecca for street artists, the very hip area known as Woodstock is a hive of creativity, with some of the finest street art in South Africa adorning its outside spaces. It doesn’t stop there, however; Woodstock offers a wealth of co-working spaces, artist’s lofts, workshops, and galleries, mostly around Albert Road. The district’s innate creativity even infuses its eating and drinking options, with the long-standing Neighborhoods Market offering an excellent range of craft beers and artisanal food.

[Second Pick] Cape Town City Bowl: The City Bowl is Cape Town’s CBD and the pulse of this exciting city. Running through it are the infamous Long Street and Bree Street, renowned for their constant buzz and hum, bustling movement and action. The CBD is of course all about business; but if you wait for the sun to go down, ties removed and briefcases put away, you’ll discover a whole new side of Cape Town.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront: More of a tourist attraction than a residential neighborhood, the Victoria &  Alfred Waterfront is home to an eclectic mix of high-end luxury designer stores and local African goods and crafts. Workshops, exhibitions, and live shows are a regular occurrence. There’s also an aquarium, as well as a plentiful number of upmarket hotels, restaurants, and apartment blocks.  

Camps Bay: Possibly Cape Town’s most well-renowned suburb, Camps Bay boasts an impressive array of luxury mansions overlooking the ocean, a stunning beach elegantly lined with palm trees, and a fun nightlife scene. Beach Road in particular is a medley of restaurants and beachside bars-turned-clubs that go well into the night.

Bo-Kaap: The former Malay Quarter of Cape Town is one of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Located on the slopes of Signal Hill and distinguished by its brightly-painted flat-roofed houses, Bo-Kaap has been identified as Cape Town’s first Muslim community. As such, the area is home to some very old, very beautiful mosques contrasted with authentic 18th-century architecture on the bay-side of the hill.  

Hout Bay: This unique seaside town owes its popularity to a number of factors, not least its spectacular natural beauty. Its great location works in its favour too, as a favourite past time for locals and visitors alike is a drive or a cycle along Chapman’s Peak for some stunning bay views. Hout Bay also has a distinctive heritage that can still be seen in its working harbour and Mariner’s Wharf. At the weekends, the Bay Harbour Market serves enticing street food and offers live music and local crafts too.

Gardens: The inner-city suburb of Gardens showcases the chic, urban side to Cape Town life. The activity never stops around the boisterous gardens, which is largely due to the infamous Kloof Street, home to some very cool art galleries and quality restaurants and pubs. You can also find the oldest repertory cinema in South African here, and even a spot for a great afternoon tea if you’re in the mood.

Muizenberg: For a more relaxed beach-side location, try Muizenberg on the False Bay coast. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, this seaside suburb is also home to one of the most famous beaches in Cape Town, the infamous Surfer’s Corner. A paradise for water sports enthusiasts, the beach has gentle tides and comparatively warmer waters which makes it perfect for old-timers and newcomers alike. There are cafes and shops along the waterfront, with many shops offering all kinds of activities from paddleboarding to scuba diving.

Observatory: Often fondly abbreviated to ‘Obs’, Observatory is famous for being the most ‘bohemian’ of Cape Town’s eclectic neighborhoods. It’s home to the Lower Main Road, which is a veritable hub of thrift shops, quirky bars, and casual eateries, along with some great nightlife too. The area was named after a local observatory, which still hosts open nights for intellectual talks, discussions, and tours.

Kalk Bay: Kalk Bay is a smallish village whose main road runs parallel to the bay, making for some spectacular ocean views. It’s also only seven kilometres away from Muizenberg, but there’s plenty of things to do, eat, and see in the bustling Kalk Bay. It has a working harbour, which adds some colorful and iconic fishing trawlers to an already picturesque scene, and which also makes for some great seafood at the many restaurants nearby. There’s also lots of cafes that afford some prime spots for a bit of people-watching, as well as art stores and thrift shops. The town can get busy, especially at the weekends and during summer, so it’s often a good idea to make reservations in advance.

Sea Point: Famous for its seaside promenade, Sea Point is situated on the other side of Signal Hill overlooking Three Anchor Bay. Sea Point has an 11-kilometre stretch of beach and is usually considered to be a great area for families, both visiting and local, as there are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in, such as swimming, play parks, and bicycle paths. There’s also a great selection of upscale restaurants and trendy apartment buildings.

Long Street: Running through down the centre of the city, through Cape Town’s City Bowl all the way to Kloof Street, Long Street is a showcasing of true street culture. There are plenty of shopping options to peruse by day, while at night the area takes on a life of its own, with funky bars and bouncing clubs going until the small hours. This means that the area can get noisy, of course, so it’s worth looking into accommodation options nearby.

Bree Street: If you’re looking for somewhere to eat before hitting the action of Long Street, visit Bree Street and its many excellent bars and restaurants first. The two famous arteries of Cape Town run parallel to each other, and Bree is often considered to be the quieter of the two. It’s no less kooky, however, and won’t fail to surprise and entertain.

How to Get a Visa to Cape Town

Choosing the correct South African visa for your visit is essential if you want to remain legal while you live, work or study in South Africa. The guidance on this page will provide you with information on visa types and requirements so you can apply for the correct visa before you travel

First, let’s look at which nationalities do not require a visa to travel to South Africa before we dive into the various options that are available for those who require a visa.

Types of South African Visas

Visa Exemption

If you are a passport holder from a list of territories including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia and the United States, you do not need to obtain a visa to stay in South Africa for up to 90 days. Agreements have also been made with several other countries whose nationals are permitted to travel to South Africa for between 30 and 120 days.

There are conditions attached to these agreements which can be found on the South African Department of Home Affairs Government website where it states that the list of visa-exempt countries is subject to change without notice.

Visitor’s Visa

A Visitor’s Visa may be issued to those who do not fall into the visa exemption categories and allows stays in South Africa of up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must be visiting South Africa solely for business or tourism purposes, to visit friends or family, to join a spouse or child who is in South Africa on a work visa or study visa, to attend a conference, provide charitable services, receive medical care, or to conduct research.

Your local South African embassy or consulate will ask you to provide documentation as part of the application process such as;

• Valid passport with at least one clear page
• Completed Form BI-84
• Two passport photographs
• Statement of your purpose for travelling and your proposed length of stay (supporting documentation should be included)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
• Visa payment

If you are travelling with children and they are under the age of full legal responsibility, you may need to submit additional documents such as birth certificates and proof of financial sustenance for the duration of your stay in the country.

Once you arrive in South Africa, you will need to evidence a flight ticket which shows your eventual exit from the country and your yellow fever certificate if your planned trip involves travelling through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.

Study Visa

If you would like to study at a recognised educational institution in South Africa, you can apply for a Study Visa which permits you to remain in the country for the duration of your studies. The only caps placed on the length of the permitted study are a) eight years for primary school education and b) six years for secondary school education.

This visa can be applied for at your local South African embassy or consulate by filling out a Form BI-1738 and supplying the following documents;

• Passport (must have 30 days validity beyond visa expiry)
• Evidence of financial sustenance i.e. bank statements or travellers’ cheques
• Cash deposit equal to the cost of a flight home
• Health cover for the duration of stay
• Letter of acceptance from an institute of education
• Police clearance from any country you have resided in since the age of 18

Additional documents are required for those under the age of 18 such as written consent from parents or guardian approving your stay in South Africa, details of individuals who will act as the student’s guardians in South Africa and a letter confirming their guardianship.

Business Visa

If you’re considering investment opportunities in South Africa, you must apply for the South African Business Visa. This type of visa can be issued for one of two purposes;

1. Setting up a new business
2. Investing in an established business

In either case, you will be obliged to contribute a certain amount of capital which is decided by the Minister of Trade. However, this amount may be lowered if the industry being invested in falls into any of the following categories;

• Chemistry and bio-technology
• Clothing and textile manufacturing
• Agro-processing
• Tourism
• Crafts
• Automotive manufacturing
• Information and communication technology
• Metals and minerals refinement

To apply for this visa, you will need to obtain a certificate from a chartered accountant who is registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants stating that you have met the specific financial and investment obligations set out by the Minister of Trade, and that at least 60% of staff employed by the company are South African citizens or permanent residents of South Africa. Other legal documents may be required as part of your application, as well as police clearance and a yellow fever certificate.

In addition to all the above documents, if you are making an application for an existing business in South Africa, you are required to submit a temporary residence application form along with financial statements for the preceding financial year and the contribution to the national interest of the Republic.

Work Visas

South African Work Visas are only issued when South African nationals with sufficient skills cannot fill the employment position. The length of stay granted for this visa varies depending on the type of work that is it being applied for.

There are four types of South African Work Visa;

1. General Work Visa
2. Critical Skills Work Visa
3. Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
4. Corporate Visa

Applications for each of the four visas require their own set of financial, medical, academic, and legal obligations, and should be applied for at your local South African embassy or consulate where you can find additional information. All work visas permit a maximum stay of five years.

Other South African Visas

• Retirement Visa – To be eligible to apply for the Retirement Visa, you must be in receipt of a pension and meet all the financial requirements laid out in the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).

• • Exchange Visa – The Exchange Visa can be issued to individuals under the age of 25 who wish to undertake cultural, economic, or social exchange programs in South Africa.

• Medical Treatment Visa – To apply for the Medical Treatment Visa, you must provide evidence of your medical treatment in South Africa as well as proof of finances.

• Relative’s Visa – A Relative’s Visa may be issued to an individual who is an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa, subject to financial assurance.

For more information on the above visas or any other visa mentioned in this article, please contact your local embassy or consulate where staff will be able to give you the most current information regarding your trip. Remember, visa requirements and regulations are subject to change at any time without notice.

How to Extend Your South African Visa

If you travel to South Africa on either a Visitor’s Visa or on the Visa Exemption rule, you can apply to extend your stay for up to 90 days. You can apply in person at the local Department of Home Affairs or you can hire an immigration practitioner to file the application on your behalf (this is normally a much faster process).

You will need;

• Completed Form BI-1739
• Letter of motivation for the extension
• Proof of financial sustenance for the duration of the proposed extension
• Passport with at least two blank pages and a validity beyond the proposed stay
• Plane ticket showing your exit from South Africa before the extension period is over

All applications should be made 60 days before the original visa expiry date.

Overstaying Your South African Visa

Overstaying a visa in South Africa is treated very seriously. Immigration no longer issue a fine for overstays; they go straight ahead and ban the offending individuals from entering South Africa for up to five years. During this time, you will not be able to apply for a visa or a residency permit.

It is important to know exactly when your visa expires, and to know all the necessary information on extensions and renewals that correspond to your visa.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town can be enjoyed at any time of year with warm to hot temperatures almost all of the year but the amount of rainfall varies so you might want to factor this into your visit. The Summer months of January to December are the busiest time of the year due to the glorious hot weather so the best time to visit if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds is Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November).

December-February: This is the Summer season in Cape Town and the busiest season for tourism, especially in December and January when people visit over the Christmas and New Year holidays. During January the South African summer school holidays also take place which adds to the hustle and bustle. Expect hot, dry, sunny days, the temperature peaking in February. Do be aware that a short-lived but strong south-eastern wind (known as The Cape Doctor) is common at this time of the year and can blanket the city in cloud. December is a time of festivity with Christmas markets and Christmas concerts taking place followed by western-style New Year celebrations. The famous Cape Minstrel Carnival (otherwise known as the Kaapse Klopse Festival) is held annually on the 2nd January, this fun, colorful event sees minstrel bands marching through the city streets decked out in delightful costumes.

March-May: Autumn in Cape Town can be very unpredictable but the lower temperatures and lower visitor numbers make it an ideal time to visit. The temperatures start to drop slightly in March and there’s a refreshing sea breeze, the end of April officially being the end of the dry season with night time temperatures feeling chilly. Autumn is the wine harvesting season and many wineries open their doors to allow people to participate in gathering and pressing the grapes. Autumn is a busy time for holidays and festivals, Easter being a big celebration with multiple public holidays. In March the Cape Town Carnival, the International Jazz Festival, and Infecting The City, a free visual arts festival, all take place.

June-August: It might be Summer in Europe and North America but it’s Winter in Cape Town, these months being the quietest in terms of visitor numbers though this is the best time to visit if you want to go whale watching. The temperature drops though the city never gets snow due to its coastal location. Cold winds and heavier rainfall should be expected, especially in June and July although by most international visitors standards Winter still feels pleasantly warm! In July Cape Town Fashion Week takes place whilst August is celebrated as being ‘Women’s month’ with a variety of events taking place to celebrate the power and talent of women past and present.

September-November. In September Winter changes to Spring, the temperatures rising steadily towards the end of September. During these months Table Mountain is alive with flowers which makes for a beautiful sight for nature and outdoors fans. Rainfall generally lessening from October but November signals the return of the south-eastern winds. In October, in the suburbs of Cape Town, a Diwali Festival takes place – This bright and beautiful event has been growing bigger every year since it began in 2009 and fills the city with light and joy quite literally. October is also the month when the charity fundraiser International Kite Festival takes place to raise awareness of mental health illnesses.

Best Festivals in Cape Town

Cape Town is the second biggest city in South Africa and is well known for its mountain scenery and beautiful beaches, but it offers much more than that. Whether you’re interested in art, food, wine or South African culture, Cape Town will provide you with an event that will immerse you fully

Origin Music Festival (January) – Original Music Festival is a 3-day outdoor party that will give attendees a weekend of psychedelic visual experiences through alternative fashion, artworks, and international trance music.

Up the Creek Music Festival (January) – Another 3-day music event that features the best South African music. Visitors will be able to enjoy this festival along the banks of the Breed River and should come prepared to enjoy the water!

Alien Safari Masqued Ball (February) – Visitors will be able to enjoy international trance artists on the sea-side in a more intimate event than what would be provided by a commercial psy-calendar. Both local and international DJs and producers will be there to keep the stage alive.

Wynberg Family Festival (March) – This 2-day festival is the biggest community celebration of the year. Visitors will be joined by over 15,000 others and can expect over 20 local artists, DJs and entertainers as well as a variety of more than 80 local and international food stands, trucks, fashion, stalls, gadgets, electronics, ice cream and more!

Paradise Springs (March) – Paradise Springs is a 3-day pool party that offers visitors 9 swimming pools, 3 dance floors, a slide, jacuzzis, bars, lounges and a lot more. There will also be a list of music artists to keep the guests entertained.

Italian Festival (March) – This Italian Festival is a 2-day celebration of Italian food, wine and lifestyle. It is ideal for families looking for a break away from the usual and all are welcome to take part in grape picking and stomping. There will also be a chance to enjoy live music that features jazz and Italian music.

Knysna Literary Festival (March) – This annual festival celebrates South African literacy and aims to expose specially hand-picked authors. Visitors will not only be able to enjoy hearing these authors’ works but also attend debates and workshops.

The Barleycorn Music Festival (March) – The Barleycorn Music Festival aims to promote Cape Town’s best local folk musicians. All are welcome to celebrate Cape Town’s homegrown at this family-friendly event.

Durbanville Plaasfees (March) – This farm festival is guaranteed to give families a great day out to celebrate everything about farm life. Durbanville Plaasfees is a fundraiser for community development in the surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy raptor and snake demos, sheep shearing, farm food, tractors and farm animals.

Greenpop Reforest Festival (March) – Every March Greenpop Reforest Festival brings people together to plant over 5,000 trees. After planting the trees (and having a shower!) everyone is invited to a forest party. Visitors should bring a tent as this is an overnight event.

Cape Town Carnival (March) – Cape Town Carnival is a city-sized festival that focuses on celebrating the community and diversity through art, music and dance. Visitors will be able to enjoy local food and drinks as well as a 2km parade featuring around 2,000 performers from many different cultural groups.

South African Eco Film Festival (March) – This film festival aims to present thought-provoking films to the audience to start a conversation about environmental issues and themes.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival (March) –  Jazz musicians will come from all around the world to entertain at the fourth largest jazz festival in the world. This festival aims to bring together jazz lovers and present the opportunity to discover new material and artists.

Easter Vortex (March–April) – Easter Vortex aims to create a circle of dreams to celebrate trance dance rituations. Visitors will be invited to join in on a weekend of connectedness, togetherness, happiness, peace and love.

Cape Town Electronic Music Festival (April) – This is a 3-day electronic music festival that features over 5 stages. In addition to the music, visitors will be able to attend workshops held for both aspiring and experienced DJs.

Burger Festival (April) – The Burger Festival celebrates burgers paired with cocktails, wines, beers and a whole host of entertainment. It is a family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music, a beer garden, wine tasting, artisan, a kids friendly area and much more.

Afrikaburn (April) – Celebrated in the Karoo desert, this festival is about returning back to basics and letting go of material goods and racial inclusion. At this festival, attendees will be able to reclaim some essence of human nature to try and make the world a better place.

South African Cheese Festival (April) – Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide selection of cheese, ranging from bold to mild flavours, while also listening to lively music. This cheese festival is also perfect for families where there will be a Wilde Fruit Juice Kiddies Corner, providing fun and games by professional entertainers.

Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival (April) – This 2-day festival provides visitors with a unique opportunity to tailor make their own experience. Expect award winning wines, the finest local foods and plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment.

Cape Town Big Band Band Jazz Festival (May) – The best bands from Western Cape Town and jazz enthusiasts gather at the Baxter Concert Hall every year to celebrate talented Jazz students.

Into the Wild Woodlands (May) – Into the Wild Woodlands is a trance festival that invites the best DJs to close the summer season with a 14-hour music party in the forest.

Cabernet Franc Carnival (May) – This event is perfect for those who really know and love their wines. Visitors will be joined by around 300 other wine lovers to taste and buy the best South Africa has to offer.

Cape Town Marimba Festival (June) – The Cape Town Marimba Festival was created by the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival and Woodworks Marimbas who are involved in the development of African music on the marimba. Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of different performances from marimba groups.

Encounter Film Festival (June) – Encounter is a feature documentary festival that showcases emerging documentary producing and their filmmaker partners from African countries. Visitors will be advised that all who are participating must speak proficient English to enjoy the 6-day workshop.

Phoenix Festival of Fire (June) – The Phoenix Festival of Fire uses fire and the bird of fire to celebrate the next nature cycle. Visitors are invited to celebrate their new born spirit while enjoying music from talented local acts.

National Arts Festival (June–July) – This festival is used to celebrate the culture and creativity of the South African people. Visitors should expect theatre, ballet, comedy, jazz, orchestras, art galleries and more.

Francofesty (July) – The main purpose of this festival is to bring all different kinds of people and cultures together. It especially wants to focus on creating chances for young people who are less privileged. Visitors should expect music, poetry readings, book presentations, donations, art exhibitions and more.

Woodstock Winter Beer Festival (July) – This beer festival is growing in popularity every year. Focusing on uniquely crafted beers that offer a twist to the traditional taste, it is a chance for visitors to experience something new.

Knysna Oyster Festival (July) – This pick and pay festival takes place over a 10-day period and offers oyster enthusiasts or oyster curious a chance to try some of the best oysters in South Africa. Not only an oyster event, this festival also focuses on sport and lifestyle where visitors can take part in more than 100 different activities.

Moving Around Cape Town

Public transport in Cape Town is extensive with multiple options to choose from including buses, trains, and a variety of taxi options whether you need to get across the city, to the outer suburbs or as far away as Johannesburg.

Taxi’s, Rikki’s, and Rideshare Apps – There are two types of taxi service in Cape Town; regular metered saloon cars fitted with a yellow taxi sign that you can hail on the street or order by phone and fixed-price black cabs (they look like the London Black Cabs) known as Rikki’s. The rikki can only be pre-ordered and often stop to pick up other passengers hence the cheaper price but both are available 24/7. If you want to be able to order a ride with an app, Uber is available in Cape Town and there are some local rideshare apps too with Africa Ride and Zebra Cabs plus the relaunch of Taxify.

Bus – There are two bus companies in Cape Town; Golden Arrow and MyCiTi. Golden Arrow have been in operation for 150 years and have more than 1,000 yellow buses operating 1,300 routes primarily serving the outer suburbs. To use this bus company use the yellow bus stops on the side of the road or go to the Golden Acre bus terminal. MyCiTi buses are blue and cover a limited number of urban routes including to/from the airport but do not extend to the Southern suburbs. MyCiTi buses use dedicated bus lanes and have modern free-standing bus stations in the middle of the major roads, main stations are Civic Center, Adderly, and Thibault. You can only use a rechargeable MyConnect card to pay for MyCiTi buses. These new buses are the first step towards an integrated rapid transport network in Cape Town.

3 companies have the monopoly on long distance intercity routes connecting Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Queenstown, and all the other major cities, these are InterCape, TransLux and Greyhound. A new long-distance bus terminal is currently being built but in the meantime, most long distance buses stop at the railway station.

Train – The Cape Town railway station is primarily used by commuters traveling to the suburbs on the government subsidized Metrorail network. Several lines connect the city center with outer suburbs and trains run from 6am until 8pm or 9pm depending on the route. The Southern Line route is of most interest to travelers, this being the most scenic route running between Cape Town and Simon’s Town stopping at coastal villages and leafy suburbs on the way. Other routes connect the city to the districts of Bellville, Kapteinsklip, Chris Hani, Wellington, Muldersvlei, Strand, Bellville, Retreat, Eersterivier, and Kraaifontein. Long distance trains travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg and there are also special historic trains to Pretoria and East London.

Plane – Cape Town International Airport is located approximately 20km from the city center and serves both international and domestic flights from its interconnecting terminals. With flights operated by British Airways, South African Airways, KLM, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and many more the airport has direct flights throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Minibus – Otherwise known as a Combi, these are similar to the songthaew services in Thailand but with a little extra comfort. The minibuses travel on predetermined routes often from the city to the suburbs, carrying 14-16 people, but sometimes many more. They’re popular with locals as they are the cheapest way to travel but because they stop anywhere on the route to pick people up or drop them off, journey times can be long. Be sure to check the final destination before getting in, routes are on the dashboard and the driver will hoot if he has space.

Author

Tal Gur is a world traveler and personal development enthusiast. An adventurer at heart, after trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, Tal spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey continues as a location-independent blogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, and coach. Tal’s published two books: One Year to Freedom, a 1-Year Roadmap to Living Life on Your Own Terms; and, his most recent book and bestseller, The Art of Fully Living – 1 Man, 10 Years, 100 Life Goals Around the World.