It`s summer time again

The words of that favourite song ring out in South Africa as we head toward 2010 and the forthcoming Soccer World Cup. Was it Mungo Jerry I think, In the summertime….”

Yes, summer in South Africa, winter is past us, not that by international standards this can be called winter, but I will no doubt hit the nail on the head when I say that most of those reading this will look back and agree that the last twelve months have been an uphill grind, it’s time for a holiday, whether your choice is Cape Town or Port Alfred; Poffadder or Plettenberg Bay, the time has come to cast your concerns aside and start planning. Let’s just get our minds right for a second, put everything into perspective.

As we come to the end of the year and look ahead into 2010, we seem to focus most of our energy on supporting our children as they prepare for exams, finalising our business activities and commitments for the last month or two of the year and are no doubt undertaking some summer repair and maintenance on our homes. Yes, it has been a tough period for most of us, battered by rates increases, Eskom tariff adjustments and the frustration surrounding incompetent leadership that we read about in the media. I recently read that the CEO of Eskom, a Mr Jacob Maroga enjoyed a 26,7% increase to his basic salary and earns a little less than R5m per year, this and other logic defying facts are enough to make one weep.

Notwithstanding this, South African’s are a determined nation, we are resilient and positive and we need to have faith that the leaders will learn from past mistakes and focus on service delivery rather than empty promises. After all, it only takes the return home from an international trip to realise that South Africa has got to be the best kept travel secret. Warts and all, we live in one of the most beautiful countries and are all blessed with the opportunity to share a holiday with our families in some of the most stunning locations at comparatively affordable prices.

Being as we are heading for our summer season, now is really the time to hunt down that special holiday destination, to plan a few days off from work and away from those home chores we’ve been avoiding. Start with the calendar, at the time of writing there are around 40 shopping days left until Christmas, the calendar this year allows us to take only six working days leave and end up with a twelve day holiday from the 16th to the 27th December, extend this to a few options on either side and you’ve found a gap for a family holiday.

It’s not too late, please visit our site and browse the thousands of holiday options available to you or give our specialist team a call on 0861 782972 and they will find a good value holiday to suit your personal requirements. Prices range from R800 per day, sleeping 4/6 persons and we have homes to suit all tastes and budgets.

I take this opportunity of thanking you all for your support, to wish all our clients and visitors a lovely summer season, please take care, drive safely and above all else, enjoy special times with those you love and those who love you.

Alan Hawkins
info@staysa.co.za