Traditional dhow boat with red sail on a sunny Zanzibar beach in Tanzania.

Zanzibar: Where History, Culture and Island Beauty Meet!

On 23 October 202624 October 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Destinations, Exotic Holidays, News, Planning, Travel Reviews, Travel TipsLeave a comment

Discover Zanzibar beyond its beautiful beaches, from the historic streets of Stone Town and fascinating spice plantations to lush forests, coral reefs and rich culture.

Having visited Zanzibar many times since the late 1990s, I have a particular affection for this fascinating island off the coast of Tanzania. While its palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and beautiful resorts are reason enough to visit, Zanzibar offers so much more than a tropical island escape.

For anyone who loves history, culture and discovering destinations with a story to tell, Zanzibar deserves a place on your travel wish list.

Stone Town: Where Zanzibar’s Story Unfolds

Whether you choose a fabulous beach resort on the east, north or west coast, it is tempting to spend your days enjoying the sunshine, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean and simply unwinding. But I would always encourage you to set aside time to explore Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, a maze of narrow, winding streets reveals centuries of Swahili culture and the influences of Arab, Persian, Indian and European traders who shaped the island’s unique character. Ornately carved wooden doors, historic merchant houses, former palaces and imposing forts offer glimpses into a fascinating past.

Yet Zanzibar’s history also has a darker side. A visit to the former slave market and the nearby Anglican Cathedral is a moving reminder of the island’s role in the East African slave trade and the efforts to bring this tragic chapter to an end.

Spice Plantations, Jozani Forest and Coral Reefs

Beyond Stone Town, there are more experiences to discover. Visit a spice plantation to see, smell and taste the cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and other spices that earned Zanzibar its reputation as the Spice Island.

Nature lovers should make time for Jozani Forest, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, while the island’s surrounding coral reefs offer wonderful opportunities for snorkelling and discovering colourful marine life. And, of course, there is always the pleasure of returning to your resort to relax beside the ocean, enjoy a spectacular sunset or savour the flavours of fresh island seafood.

Beach Days With a Little Exploration

My advice? Combine the pleasures of a beautiful beach holiday with a little exploration. Zanzibar’s appeal lies in this wonderful balance of relaxation, rich cultural heritage and memorable experiences.

If you are dreaming of an Indian Ocean island escape, I would love to help you find the Zanzibar that suits you best. Explore my selection of Zanzibar experiences at Ocean & Safari, and we can shape a holiday with as much, or as little, exploring as you wish.

Yours in Travel,
Lindsay Quail

Is Zanzibar worth visiting for more than the beaches?

Absolutely. The beaches are lovely, but Zanzibar also offers Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with spice plantations, Jozani Forest and coral reefs. Adding a little exploration to your beach days makes for a far richer holiday.

Zanzibar Holiday: Swahili Beats and Island Classics🏝️ 🌴☀️🏖️

Some places stay with you long after the journey ends, and for me Zanzibar is one of them. Whether you are planning your own island escape or simply dreaming of one, I hope this playlist captures a little of that relaxed Indian Ocean spirit. Press play and let the island set the mood.

Explore More Playlists →

Explore the serene beauty of Namibia with a winding desert road under a vast cloudy sky.

Discover the Extraordinary Beauty of Namibia

On 9 September 20269 September 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Destinations, News, PhotosLeave a comment

Namibia is one of those rare destinations that, no matter how many times you visit, always reveals something new.

A land of dramatic contrasts, it combines vast untamed wilderness, surreal landscapes and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife.

brown sand dunes under blue sky during daytime — Photo by Dimitri Simon on Unsplash

From the towering rust-red dunes of Sossusvlei and the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable.

Add the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, the atmospheric ghost town of Kolmanskop, and the opportunity to cruise the Chobe River alongside herds of elephant, and you have all the ingredients for a truly remarkable African adventure.

gray and black elephants at daytime — Photo by Sergi Ferrete on Unsplash

Namibia is wild, beautiful and wonderfully different – a destination that deserves to be discovered.

I can highly recommend a Namibian adventure, having visited this extraordinary, hauntingly beautiful country many times since the early 1980s, camping in Sossusvlei and the Fish River Canyon, stayed many a night in the coastal town of Swakopmund, visited Etosha countless numbers of times and driven along the Caprivi Strip staying in lodges on the Kwando River and in Katima Mulilo where the Zambezi River reaches the Caprivi Strip. There is truly nothing like a Namibian holiday!

Explore my selection of Namibian travel packages for your next Southern African adventure →

Press Play

No Namibian adventure is complete without the right soundtrack. From the reggae rhythms of the late, great Ras Sheehama to the kwaito beats coming out of Windhoek, Namibia’s music scene is as varied as its landscapes, and just as often overlooked. This playlist is a celebration of homegrown Namibian talent, tracks that capture the spirit of the country as vividly as its dunes, wildlife and endless horizons. Press play and let the desert come to you.

Full length of stylish woman in elegant outfit carrying baggage and surfing smartphone while standing near glass wall of airport

eSIM or Local SIM Card: Which Should You Choose?

On 29 July 202614 September 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Budgeting, Communication, News, Planning, Travel Information, Travel TipsLeave a comment

Do I need to unlock my phone to use a local SIM card abroad?

Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked from your home network before a foreign SIM will work in it. Most South African providers can unlock a phone on request once your contract terms allow it.

Can I use an eSIM and my regular SIM at the same time?

Yes, most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, so you can run your South African SIM and a travel eSIM side by side.

Which is cheaper, an eSIM or a local SIM card?

It depends on the destination. Local SIMs are often cheaper for data-heavy trips to a single country, while eSIMs tend to work out better value across multi-country itineraries.

Will my phone number still work if I use an eSIM for data?

Yes, as long as your physical SIM stays in the other slot, calls and messages to your usual number will still come through, though international rates may apply.

Staying Connected Without the Stress

Landing in a new country and realising you have no signal is one of those small travel panics we’ve all felt at least once. These days you’ve got two solid options for staying connected abroad: an eSIM or a local SIM card. Both work well, but which one suits you depends on how you travel, what device you’re carrying and how much fuss you’re willing to deal with at arrivals.

If you read our earlier post on international roaming versus eSIMs, you’ll know we’re big fans of ditching pricey roaming charges altogether. This time we’re going a step further and putting eSIMs head to head with good old physical SIM cards.

A woman uses her smartphone while commuting on public transportation. — Photo by Mathias Reding on Pexels

What Is an eSIM, Exactly?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of popping in a physical card, you download a data plan straight onto your device, often before you’ve even left home. Most phones from the last few years support eSIM, though it’s worth checking yours does before you rely on one.

What Is a Local SIM Card?

A local SIM is the traditional route: a small physical card you buy once you land, or sometimes in advance, that slots into your phone and connects you to a local network. It’s the tried and tested method most of us grew up travelling with.

eSIM: The Pros

Set up before you fly, so you land already connected
No queuing at the airport kiosk after a long flight
Easy to switch between countries if you’re doing a multi-stop trip
Keeps your South African SIM in the other slot, so you don’t lose your home number

eSIM: The Cons

Not all phones support it, particularly older models
Setup can be fiddly if your hotel wifi is your only backup while you sort it out
Prices can vary a lot between providers, so it pays to compare

Local SIM: The Pros

Often the cheapest option for data in that specific country
Widely available, from airport kiosks to corner shops
Simple and familiar if you’d rather not deal with apps and QR codes

Local SIM: The Cons

You’ll need an unlocked phone
Fiddling with a tiny SIM tray after a long flight is nobody’s idea of fun
If you’re hopping between countries, you may need a new SIM at every border

Hand holding smartphone displaying a GPS map application with location data. — Photo by George Sultan on Pexels

Which One Should You Choose?

If You’re Travelling for a Short Trip

An eSIM is hard to beat. You land, you’re online, and you’ve saved yourself a trip to a kiosk when all you want is your hotel bed.

If You’re Visiting Multiple Countries

eSIMs win again here. Regional data plans covering several countries mean you’re not hunting for a new SIM every time you cross a border.

If You Want to Keep Your South African Number Active

This is where eSIM really shines, since it lets your local number keep working in one slot while your travel data runs in the other.

If You’re Heading Somewhere with Patchy Network Infrastructure

In destinations where local networks are more reliable than international eSIM providers, a local SIM bought on the ground can sometimes give you better coverage. It’s worth a quick check before you decide.

A breathtaking view of Cape Town's cityscape with the iconic Table Mountain in the backdrop during sunset.

From Cape Town to the Wilderness: A Story Worth Telling

On 25 June 202619 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Destinations, News, Travel StoriesLeave a comment

When John Mulder, Operations Manager at Cape Tourism, reached out recently with a simple question, “If you could tell visitors just one thing about your business right now, what would it be?”, I didn’t expect my answer to take me quite so far back.

But here’s the thing about Cape Town and the Western Cape. The magic isn’t new. It’s layered.

My clients and friends who visit from the US, Ireland and the UK have all said that the Mother City, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and beyond the Breede River have been beyond their wildest expectations. That never gets old to hear. I’ve lived in Cape Town since 1977 and it still stops me in my tracks.

A Career That Started With Something Extraordinary

Way back in 1977, long before the travel businesses, I was working with an events management company called FACT, Festivals and Conventions Trust, headed by a remarkable Canadian named Bill Mounsey, who taught me so much in those formative years.

We organised major events during what were, it must be said, very dark days in South Africa’s history. And one of those events changed me completely.

The First World Wilderness Congress

The 1st World Wilderness Congress (WILD1) was held on 23–28 October 1977 in Johannesburg, a pivotal moment in global conservation that introduced the wilderness concept as a critical, international issue. Founded by the incredible and iconic Ian Player, it brought together 2,500 delegates from 27 countries to promote the protection of wild nature.

Ian Player’s mentor, Magqubu Ntombela, was equally present in that story, a man of extraordinary wisdom and grace.

I was hugely privileged to get to know both Ian and Magqubu on many a wilderness walking trail. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

View of lush green hills and a viaduct in South Africa's countryside. — Photo by Angel Cristi on Pexels

Why This Still Matters

Promoting South Africa and the Western Cape is a huge joy and privilege, and it has been since those very early days. The country has a way of getting under your skin, of surprising you, of exceeding expectations even when you think you know it well.

That’s exactly what I tell my clients. And it’s exactly what John’s question reminded me of.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Cape, or exploring South Africa more broadly, I’d love to help you plan something truly memorable. Reach out to us, we’ve been doing this for a long time, and we genuinely love every moment of it.

The Cost-Saving Value of Using an eSIM When Travelling Abroad

On 23 June 202619 June 2026 By Yours in Travel, Lindsay QuailIn Communication, News, Travel Information, Travel TipsLeave a comment

Why should I use an eSIM when travelling abroad?

Using an eSIM saves money abroad by bypassing expensive home carrier roaming fees and giving you direct access to local prepaid data rates. It protects you from unexpected bill shock with fixed upfront pricing, allows you to keep your physical home SIM active for important 2FA banking texts, and saves you from the hassle and high prices of airport SIM vendors.

When travelling abroad, especially as a solo traveller as I very often am, staying connected is mandatory, and what a bonus it was when eSIMs became the norm for international travel back in 2018.

I must confess that I only started using an eSIM in 2022 when embarking on a Mediterranean cruise. What a saving, and what a pleasure to stay connected at a fraction of the price, instead of briefly switching international roaming on and off to check emails and WhatsApp messages, or purchasing a local SIM soon after arriving at my foreign destination.

So it’s no surprise that using an eSIM saves money abroad by bypassing exorbitant home carrier roaming fees, which can run into hundreds of Rands. It provides direct access to localised prepaid data rates, protecting you from “bill shock” while keeping your physical home SIM safely in your phone to receive important texts and calls.

Key Advantages of Using an eSIM Abroad

Several key advantages make eSIMs a highly cost-effective choice for international travel:

Bypass Roaming Fees

Traditional international roaming can cost R200 to R350 per day, or charge astronomical rates for data usage (R200+ per megabyte in some cases). eSIM data plans are often 80 to 90% cheaper, with fixed prepaid packages, like those found on Airalo (my preferred eSIM), usually starting at under R100 for basic allotments.

No Bill Shock

Because you buy a specific amount of data upfront, such as 5GB or 10GB, at a fixed price, you cannot accidentally exceed your limit and get hit with overage charges.

Maintain Your Home Number

Unlike swapping physical SIM cards, an eSIM lets you keep your regular SIM card active in your phone. This means you can still receive 2FA (two-factor authentication) texts for banking, or get emergency calls, while using the eSIM strictly for cheaper mobile data.

Avoid Airport Traps

You can purchase, download and install an eSIM while sitting on your couch at home or in your hotel. This saves you the time, hassle and potential tourist markups of tracking down a local SIM card vendor at the airport.

Close-up of a hand using a smartphone displaying a map for navigation. — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Getting Started

I highly recommend using an eSIM, and if you plan to do so, it helps to check that your smartphone is carrier-unlocked and compatible.

Many of the eSIM service providers, such as Airalo, Holafly and Nomad, assist in estimating how much data you will need for your upcoming trip, and assist in checking if your specific device supports eSIM technology.

The Pros of Using an eSIM

Strong speeds
Easy setup
Great support
Excellent pricing
Data-only simplicity

The Cons of Using an eSIM

Might not be worthwhile for ultra-light data users
Data options for some countries (such as the UK) start at 20GB plans

I would highly recommend using an eSIM for your next international trip. I’m happy to assist in walking you through the easy process to install your eSIM.