Outbound Winter Travel: Holiday Packing Is A Competitive Sport

by SFT | Jul 8, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News

Planning a holiday is exciting, especially when it involves getting out of St Francis Bay during the depths of winter.  Holiday packing, on the other hand, is an entirely different discipline. Somewhere between deciding what to take and trying to zip the suitcase shut, otherwise sensible people begin making some extraordinary decisions. We stop packing for the holiday we’re actually taking and start packing for the holiday we imagine we’ll have.

That’s when things become interesting.

Holiday Packing For The Person You Hope To Become

Holiday packing has very little to do with the destination. Instead, it reflects our optimism. We pack for the fitter, more organised and more adventurous version of ourselves that seems certain to emerge the moment we arrive. A week at the coast suddenly requires hiking boots, running shoes and enough exercise clothing to train for a marathon, despite the fact that the nearest we’ll get to cardio is walking to the coffee shop.

Books are another reliable giveaway. Many of us pack three, convinced we’ll finally find time to read. The reality is rather different. One book is opened, a few chapters are read, and then it spends the rest of the holiday acting as a bookmark for the bedside table.

Then there are the chargers. Nobody really knows what half of them belong to anymore, but leaving one behind feels strangely irresponsible. Add an extension cord because holiday accommodation never has enough plug points, a rain jacket “just in case”, and a jersey for those cool evenings that rarely materialise, and the suitcase begins to take on a life of its own.

The Holiday Packing Reality

Eventually the holiday comes to an end and the unpacking begins. That’s when the evidence is impossible to ignore. The formal shirt never left its hanger. The emergency jacket stayed folded. The hiking boots enjoyed a relaxing break at the bottom of the suitcase, while the expensive running shoes returned home looking suspiciously new.

The holiday photographs tell the real story. In almost every picture, we’re wearing the same three T-shirts we packed first. They were comfortable, familiar and exactly right from the beginning.

Perhaps that’s the real lesson about holiday packing. We don’t pack for the people we are. We pack for the people we’d quite like to be for a week. Somehow that version of ourselves always seems just one more holiday away.

The strange thing is that none of this changes our behaviour. Next time we’ll still pack the extra book, the backup jacket and the mysterious charger that probably belongs to a phone we no longer own. Because hope, it turns out, takes up surprisingly little room in a suitcase.

Want to pack for your next trip? Check in with St Francis Bay Travel Agency The Travel Collective

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Visiting Victoria Bay and other Weird Nooks and Crannies Of The Garden Route During The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro

by SFT | Jun 23, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa. It is also one of the strangest. Visitors arrive expecting beaches, forests, surf and holiday towns. Those things certainly exist. What they don’t expect is that every town seems to have developed its own peculiar personality disorder.

Nowhere illustrates this better than Victoria Bay.

Victoria Bay is a magnificent accident hidden at the bottom of a steep valley where the sun only remembers your existence sometime around 10:30 in the morning. It has one of the best right-hand point breaks in the country, a beach that looks like it belongs on a postcard and a microclimate that appears to have been designed by somebody with a dark sense of humour.

On a recent winter morning I was standing on the beach wearing what can only be described as my entire wardrobe. Four jackets, and a beanie. The wind was blowing down the valley with conviction, the sea looked horrible, and the handful of surfers checking the waves all wore the expression of people who had made several poor decisions in a row.

Around this time a fisherman arrived from Mossel Bay. He stepped out wearing shorts and a T-shirt. We got chatting.

“Mosselbaai is baie warm,” he explained in Afrikaans, by way of justification for his complete lack of winter clothing.

Unfortunately for him, Mossel Bay was more than forty kilometres away and therefore of little practical value. Within minutes he was visibly freezing. He had no jersey, no jacket and, judging by the increasingly desperate look on his face, no backup plan. Realising that endurance alone was not going to solve the problem, he gathered his fishing gear and marched purposefully towards the tip of the point, the one place in Victoria Bay where the sun arrives slightly earlier than everywhere else.

Adin Masencamp, Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro, Victoria Bay. Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League

The Victoria Bay Climate

For reasons known only to meteorologists and minor deities, Victoria Bay has developed its own weather system. While George is enjoying a pleasant morning and Mossel Bay is apparently basking in tropical conditions, Vic Bay spends much of winter manufacturing refrigerated air and firing it directly down the valley at the innocent. Until mid-morning the beach remains trapped in shadow while everyone stares hopefully towards the eastern headland waiting for the first patch of sunlight to appear.

Then, almost without warning, the entire place changes. Jackets come off, coffee is abandoned and surfers paddle out. The same people who were contemplating moving to Durban an hour earlier suddenly begin telling everyone what a magnificent day it is.

This is how this place traps you.

The Wilderness Roadworks

No visit to Victoria Bay is complete without passing through the Wilderness roadworks. Most people refer to them as roadworks, which implies an eventual conclusion. There is very little evidence to support such optimism.

Entire generations have been born, completed school, raised families and retired while waiting for sections of the N2 to be finished. The remarkable thing is that the project doesn’t seem to be getting smaller. It appears to be expanding. What started as roadworks around Wilderness has gradually spread eastwards. Every year fresh stretches of highway appear to fall under its influence. Barriers multiply, temporary lanes emerge, stop-go signs appear in new locations and dust settles over previously untouched territory. The latest evidence suggests the project is now extending its reach towards Sedgefield, although nobody seems entirely certain where it will stop.

The Karatara Theory

Sedgefield is lovely. The beaches are lovely, the lagoon is lovely, the forests are lovely and the people are lovely. In fact, Sedgefield is so relentlessly pleasant that it occasionally feels as though somebody has edited out all of life’s rough edges.

Perhaps that is why nearby Karatara continues to occupy such an outsized place in local folklore. Tucked away on the edge of the forest and wrapped in enough history and mystery to support a thousand stories, Karatara has become the default explanation for anything on the Garden Route that nobody can quite explain. The continuing expansion of the Wilderness roadworks? Maybe Karatara. Victoria Bay being colder than that thing we don’t talk about? Possibly Karatara. Perfectly sensible conversations taking unexpected turns somewhere between Wilderness and Knysna? Almost certainly Karatara.

The people of Karatara are, of course, entirely innocent. Yet there is something reassuring about knowing there is a small settlement tucked away near the forest that can absorb responsibility for mysteries that refuse to be solved.

The Cosmic Undertow

Wilderness has always attracted a particular type of person. If you were searching for a place to disappear for a few years, reconnect with the universe, start making pottery, write a novel, discover yourself, discover someone else or discover an entirely new dimension, Wilderness would be a logical destination.

During a recent visit I found myself at a gathering that was perfectly pleasant and yet faintly unnerving. Nobody was doing anything wrong. Everyone was friendly. Conversations were polite. People smiled often. Yet there was something in the eyes of many of those present that suggested they had seen things or perhaps experienced realities unavailable to the rest of us.

The feeling is difficult to explain because it isn’t madness, eccentricity or counterculture. It is something subtler than that. You find yourself talking about ordinary subjects such as surf, weather, property prices or rugby, only to realise that the person opposite you appears to be operating from a completely different set of assumptions about existence itself.

Perhaps that is Wilderness’s greatest achievement. In a country where most towns feel broadly familiar, Wilderness retains a faint cosmic undertow. Everything appears normal on the surface, yet every now and then you catch a glimpse of something deeper moving beneath it.

The undertow is particularly noticeable at braais. At some point during the evening somebody will produce a guitar and everyone will begin singing a song with a tune you recognise immediately. The difficulty arises when you realise that none of the words make any sense. Sometimes the lyrics are in code. Sometimes they appear to be in another language entirely. Occasionally they seem to originate from another civilisation, yet everyone joins in with complete confidence. If Bennie and the Jets was suddenly performed in Upper Klingon, most attendees would simply nod appreciatively and ask for another verse. It;s not enough to make you leave. Just enough to make you take a long pull on the nearest Zamalek, drag on a Styvie Red and nod to the person next to you in quiet acquiescence.

 Herolds Bay, George, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)

Herolds Bay

Herolds Bay presents another mystery. Every house appears occupied, every driveway contains expensive vehicles and every balcony contains outdoor furniture, yet nobody seems to be there.

You can drive through on a perfect afternoon and encounter almost no one. The houses stare silently out towards the ocean as if awaiting instructions, giving the entire suburb the curious feeling of being permanently populated and completely deserted at exactly the same time.

 Herolds Bay, George, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)

The Good Life

The truly irritating thing about the Garden Route is that, despite all evidence to the contrary, it is incredibly easy to love.

Victoria Bay itself produces genuinely excellent waves when the swell arrives. The point can turn on and deliver long, mechanical walls that make average surfers feel competent and good surfers look unfairly talented. Across the region there are enough quality waves to keep most surfers occupied indefinitely, which is probably why so many of them never leave.

The Pottery has somehow become one of those rare venues that gets everything right. It hosts surf events, functions, gatherings and post-heat debriefings with equal ease. The coffee is good, the atmosphere is good and there always seems to be somebody interesting standing around discussing either surfboards, business, rugby or all three simultaneously.

The local SPAR deserves its own chapter. The Garden Route, however, appears to have quietly assembled one of the finest supermarket networks in the country. You walk in looking for milk and leave forty minutes later carrying imported cheese, craft biltong, a magazine, a steak, three pastries and a renewed faith in retail.

The region also knows how to get behind its own people. When there is a rugby match on, a major surf contest is running or one of the local heroes is doing something noteworthy, the entire area seems to come alive. Names such as Sean Holmes, David Pfaff, Steven and Forest Hair, Suede Schalkwyk and countless others are woven into the fabric of the local surf scene. There is still enough small-town DNA here that people genuinely care when one of their own does well.

For a while you find yourself completely seduced by it all. The waves are firing, The Pottery is humming, the local SPAR continues its improbable assault on retail excellence and the Garden Route starts to feel like one of the best places on earth. Then somebody invites you to a braai in Wilderness and, just as you are settling comfortably into the joie de vivre of the place, you notice a man in the corner giving a thousand-yard stare to a bowl of potato salad.

 George, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)

Coming Back

Despite the freezing mornings, the valley winds, the prehistoric roadworks, the mysteries of Karatara, the cosmic undertow of Wilderness, the invisible residents of Herolds Bay and the occasional average burger, people keep returning.

The reason is simple. The Garden Route remains one of the most spectacular places in South Africa. Victoria Bay itself is absurdly beautiful. The wave is world-class, the scenery is ridiculous and the ocean is magnificent. Every strange little quirk somehow becomes part of the experience.

You arrive intending to stay for a few days. You leave slightly confused, mildly unsettled, but definitely coming back.

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How To Escape A St Francis Winter Without Crossing Half The Planet

by SFT | Jun 17, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News

There comes a point every St Francis winter when you wake up, look at another week of wind and cold water and think: later for this jol. This piece explains how to escape, even for just a few days.

The nice thing about living at the bottom of Africa is that escaping winter does not require a military operation. A few hours on an aeroplane can replace beanies, jerseys and weather forecasts with warm water, room service and the sort of climate that reminds you why humans invented holidays in the first place. Better still, some of the most interesting destinations sit right on our doorstep, scattered across the Indian Ocean like convenient excuses to avoid another cold front.

Mauritius Knows What It Is

Some destinations spend decades reinventing themselves. Mauritius has never felt the need.

The island understands its role perfectly. People arrive tired, slightly overworked and carrying more stress than they realise. A few days later they find themselves eating long lunches, reading books they brought six months ago and wondering why they don’t travel more often. The beaches are excellent, the service is generally polished and the entire operation runs with the quiet confidence of a place that has been hosting visitors for a very long time.

That is not to say Mauritius lacks substance. Drive inland and the scenery changes quickly. Mountain peaks rise unexpectedly from the landscape, roads wind through sugar cane fields and small villages offer a glimpse of life beyond the resorts. Still, there is no shame in spending most of the trip horizontal beside a pool. Mauritius has accommodated that approach for generations.

Bali Has Grown Up

Many South Africans still talk about Bali as though it were a backpacker destination populated entirely by gap-year students and Australians on scooters.

That Bali still exists. However, another version has emerged alongside it. Over the last decade the island has become one of the most sophisticated tourism destinations in Asia. Exceptional villas, private chefs, wellness retreats and carefully curated travel experiences have become part of everyday life. More importantly, much of it remains surprisingly affordable when compared to equivalent experiences elsewhere.

There is also a practical consideration. Airlines have adjusted routes and pricing repeatedly over the past year and travellers willing to keep an eye on fares have occasionally found remarkable value through Dubai. Those opportunities come and go, but they are worth paying attention to.

Reunion Refuses To Behave Like A Typical Island

Reunion is one of the most overlooked destinations within easy reach of South Africa.

Part of the reason may be that it refuses to fit neatly into any category. It is tropical, but also mountainous. It is French, but unmistakably Indian Ocean. One morning might begin beside the sea. By afternoon you could be standing on the rim of a volcano staring into a landscape that looks as though it belongs on another planet.

Reunion may be the only tropical island where sitting beside a heated pool all afternoon can be legitimately classified as sensible risk management. The island’s sharks are famous enough that many visitors happily exchange ocean swims for French lunches, volcanic scenery, excellent wine and the sort of comfortable resort chair that encourages long periods of reflection. Or non-reflection, depending on what you’ve packed for the trip.

It is also French, which means nudism is the norm and people are often naked on beaches and around pools, but nobody honestly cares one little bit about someone’s extra skin in the sun.

Zanzibar Lives By Its Own Rules

Some places seem permanently in a hurry. Zanzibar is not one of them.

The island moves at a pace that feels increasingly rare. Stone Town remains one of the most fascinating urban environments on the East African coast, with narrow alleyways, carved doors and enough history to keep curious travellers occupied for days. Beyond the town, long beaches and warm water create an environment that encourages people to stop checking their phones every ten minutes.

After a few days in Zanzibar, the urgency of normal life starts to look slightly ridiculous. Meetings, deadlines and inboxes continue to exist, but they feel very far away.

Mozambique Rewards Effort

Mozambique asks a little more of travellers than some destinations. In return, it often gives more back.

Parts of the coastline still feel wonderfully untouched. Roads are not always perfect. Plans occasionally change. Things sometimes happen on Mozambique time. Yet those small inconveniences are also part of the appeal. The country retains a sense of authenticity that has disappeared from many heavily developed tourism markets.

For South Africans, Mozambique offers something increasingly valuable: space. Space on the beach. Space in the water. Space to think. In a world where almost everything feels crowded, that alone can justify the airfare.

How To Escape

One of the great myths of travel is that you need weeks away to justify leaving.

Most people don’t.

Five days can be enough to reset the clock. A few mornings without alarms, several afternoons without obligations and a handful of dinners that do not involve discussing work can work wonders. The trick is leaving before another month disappears while you are still talking about doing it.

St Francis will still be here when you get back.

Hidden Gems Of The Garden Route Worth Exploring

by SFT | Jun 11, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News

© @gumboot.camera

The Garden Route is famous for its dramatic coastline, indigenous forests and world-class holiday towns. However, beyond the well-known attractions lies a collection of hidden gems that reward those willing to slow down and explore.

While destinations such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay often grab the headlines, smaller places continue to offer some of the region’s most memorable experiences.

Victoria Bay: Small Cove, Big Character

Tucked between George and Wilderness, Victoria Bay remains one of the Garden Route’s best-kept secrets.

Known locally as Vic Bay, this small coastal village centres around a beautiful bay and a famous right-hand point break. Surfers have long regarded the wave as one of South Africa’s most consistent and user-friendly points.

However, you do not need a surfboard to enjoy Victoria Bay.

The sheltered beach is ideal for families, while the surrounding cliffs provide spectacular ocean views. In addition, the compact nature of the village creates a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from modern city life.

As a result, visitors often arrive for an hour and stay for the entire day.

Herolds Bay Offers Coastal Beauty

Herold’s Bay © Kody McGregor

Just a short drive from George Airport, Herolds Bay combines convenience with natural beauty.

Although many travellers pass nearby, relatively few take the time to visit this charming seaside village.

The beach sits between rugged cliffs and offers excellent swimming conditions during summer. Meanwhile, the elevated viewpoints provide some of the most impressive coastal panoramas on the Garden Route.

Golf enthusiasts also know the area well. The nearby cliffs overlook sections of the renowned Fancourt golf estate, creating a striking contrast between ocean and fairway.

Furthermore, Herolds Bay’s quieter pace makes it an ideal escape during peak holiday periods.

Discover The Road Less Travelled

The real appeal of the Garden Route lies in its smaller destinations.

Places such as Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay remind visitors that memorable travel experiences do not always require large crowds or famous landmarks. Instead, they offer authenticity, natural beauty and a chance to reconnect with the outdoors.

Whether you are searching for a secluded beach, a scenic viewpoint or a peaceful afternoon by the sea, these hidden gems deliver in abundance.

So, the next time you travel through the Garden Route, consider taking a detour. You may discover that the region’s greatest treasures are the places that rarely appear on the front cover of a brochure.

Sometimes, the best parts of the Garden Route are hiding in plain sight.

Europe Is Calling: Skilled South Africans Offered Up To R97,000 A Month and Free Flights and VISAS and Rent Inecntives

by SFT | May 25, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News