This is an annual event. My mother in-law’s birthday marks our annual trip to visit my wife’s parents. We have been going almost every since we have been married. And, each year, something happens along the way. Her folks’ home is only a few hours away by car. However, something even occurs to make each one memorable either in preparing for the trip, the travel itself, or upon arrival. This time we planned ahead.

For example, the last few times we made the trip there was some type of accident that occurred. On our very first trip, actually, we got a flat tire. Another trip, we lost our gift. Actually, we think we got robbed as we pulled over at a convenience store to get some coffee. We had left the car on to keep it warm. This last time, I broke my black sport watch. I was pulling our luggage through the door and I had my hand in the door frame for support. She slammed the door and luckily it hit my watch, which shattered.

As a result, on my birthday this year, I received a shiny new men’s sport watch. The watch is stylish and advanced in design. It can also take a few licks. For this year’s trip, we packed the day before and stored our luggage in the car the previous night. For the gift, we had the store send it directly to her parents. To top it off, I took our car in for a tune up a few days ago. In addition, we signed up for a membership to a twenty four hour car service that provides immediate service.

Clearly, we were well prepared. However, there is always something. We also prepared our coffee in the morning and packed it into cozy travel mugs. Given our experience on the road, we also mapped out a safe and efficient route. Our journey was planned, we were prepared, and we set off with high hopes.

The first portion of the drive involved suburban driving. We were then going to use the expressway to get to her parent’s town. This would encompass a bulk of the driving time. The distance from our home to her parents was about one hundred and twenty miles.

Upon reaching the freeway, we noticed that it was mostly empty. There were a few other cars, but the traffic was very light. It was an early morning on a weekend. Most of the other drivers seemed to be in a similar situation as us, either coming or going from some leisure destination. One truck seemed to be in quite a rush. He was evidently a skier as he had skis hooked up to the roof of his truck.

We were traveling within the speed limit and the truck with the skis was more aggressive. The driver seemed to be swerving in and out of lanes. I guess he missed his ski time or was late for some other event. In either case, the truck sped up and passed us. After a few minutes, we saw this dark object approach our windshield. It was roundish in shape and as it came closer we were able to make it out more clearly. It was a giro ski helmet.

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A holiday in South Africa could be loads of fun. Especially when the Northern half of the world is suffering under a thick layer of snow, South Africans are relaxing on wide open beaches enjoying the African sun. South Africa is also one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world and perhaps the only one offering first world facilities at third world prices.

Self-catering holidays are very enjoyable and affordable options when you visit South Africa. The country has numerous top quality resorts where there’s fully fitted chalets for rent a prices that you will never find in the Western World. Our family recently rented chalet near the resort town of Hermanus in the Southern Cape which even had the latest model delonghi oven in the modern kitchen!

There’s a variety of car rental firms at Cape Town International Airport. You will need a credit card to rent a car from all of them, although in town there’s a couple that rents out older cars for cash. Always check out the car’s body in the presence of a company representative. Otherwise you will be liable to pay if they find scratches or dents on the car when you return it.

If you’re traveling with a baby, try to get a car that’s fitted with a britax car seat. This will not only ensure baby’s comfort, but also his safety. The additional cost of this is minimal compared to the advantages to be gained from having it.

Then head out of town with the N2. On the way you will pass the seaside towns of Strand and Gordon’s Bay on your right, before ascending Sir Lowry’s pass. There’s a lookout point at the top of the pass from where you have a magnificent view of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay right below you. On the other side of the mountain you will enter corn and apple country. There are many apple farms producing for the export market near the town of Grabouw.

A hundred kilometers from Cape Town you will enter the lovely seaside resort of Hermanus. Here you can find numerous self-catering resorts. Settle in and start to explore the beautiful surroundings. There are many restaurants overlooking the ocean near the town square. There’s also a flea market where you can buy clothing and artifacts made by local artists. You will also run into hawkers walking around offering watches for sale. I once bought a men’s sport watch from one of the that lasted exactly three days!

If you don’t have fun in the Hermanus area, you have only yourself to blame. The scenery is beautiful, the people are great and the numerous restaurants mean you can eat out at a different place every day. There are also boat trips and a visit to one of the surrounding towns is very interesting.

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