Sometimes, all you need is a few days to catch your breath and refill your batteries. And when that happens, you don’t need to go any farther than over the English Channel. But if what you are looking for is to completely disconnect for a while and live differently for a week or two, then you should definitely head South, all the way to Johannesburg, South Africa. Here is why.
Johannesburg: The Best of Both Worlds
Many people start their destination selection by choosing if they want to spend time visiting a city or enjoying the great outdoors, whether it’d be in the mountains or at the beach. In the case of Johannesburg, it offers the advantages of both. Since there are regular flights from London to Johannesburg, it makes it an easy location to reach.
City Life
The capital city of South Africa is a city that has a lot of history, which can be discovered in parts through some of its cultural attractions, including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Nelson Mandela National Museum. Inside the Apartheid Museum, you will find 22 different exhibition areas, featuring artifacts, photographs, film footage and other media to illustrate the history of apartheid in South Africa. This is the perfect location to start to understand the life of Nelson Mandela and his struggle against Apartheid. It also offers a children’s exhibition, which makes it easier for the younger ones to discover this important historical man without losing interest, since the setting was especially thought for them. Once you leave the museum, its comprehensive and interactive experience will have provided the necessary insights for you to understand the history and legacy of apartheid in South Africa. You can continue to learn more on this theme by visiting the Nelson Mandela National Museum.
Natural Attractions
Johannesburg has a lot to offer to those who are looking to spend lots of time outside, in nature. For strong sensations, you won’t want to miss bungee jumping or a ride in a hot-air balloon, where you will witness the grandeur of South Africa’s land from the air. But two visits are a must when it comes to natural attractions, which are the Botanical Gardens and the Lion Park. In the latter, visitors can get an up-close encounter with lions and other wildlife. The visit partly takes place on foot as well as in a vehicle. Just the sight of rare white lions is a sufficient reason not to miss stopping by this park. The kids will love the very moment of the visit, especially when they find themselves in the unique playground that was built for them.
Entertainment
If you are looking to spend time entertaining yourself, Johannesburg is also the city that you should choose for your next long-distance destination. There, you will find a vibrant nightlife and various entertainment scenes featuring live music. In South Africa the sounds that you will hear will be a blend of Western influences and various African rhythms and melodies. But the most important musical genres are Zulu isicathamiya singing, harmonic mbaqanga, kwaito, jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. The city is also a great place to catch up on some shopping and to try new food.
Paris: The Perfect Getaway Break
Some things never change. Paris remains the city that fits perfectly with the definition of a great getaway destination for Brits. There are so many flights to Paris, that you won’t have a problem finding one for the upcoming weekend if you need a break now. And once you are there, you will be able to get your energy back, away from London.
There are so many reasons why you would want to hop on the other side of the English Channel. Looking to spend a romantic moment with your loved one? There is no place like Paris for a tête-à-tête in a café or in one of its famous restaurants. You can stroll through one of its exceptional parks, hand in hand, or enjoy warm croissants in the morning on the balcony of your hotel room.
You need cultural stimulation? You could spend the whole weekend inside the Louvres Museum and you still wouldn’t have seen half of its exclusive collection. If you are looking for something more special, out of the beaten track, take the time to visit Rodin’s museum, which used to be his house. This is a tour that you won’t ever forget, for so much beauty can rarely be found in a single location.
In two to three days, you will fall in love again with the City of Lights, wondering when you will get the chance to stroll its streets again. But no doubt, it shall be some time soon, right?
