Africa

Capetown. Source: aesta1

South Africa

One Christmas, we decided to go to South Africa. We decided on the idea way back in November and immediately booked our ticket thinking that Christmas with its own rush would limit our options drastically. So, we booked our flight, hotels, car and whatever else were needed for this Christmas holiday.

For the flight, I chose business but went for the cheapest advertised at Orbitz, a flight with Ethiopian Airlines thinking it was a member of Star Alliance. As we have never been in this airline before, my husband started to do his research and yes, it was at that time working hard to be part of the Star Alliance. The fact that Lufthansa was helping them made us feel more secure.

Capetown 2. Source: aesta1

I got a bit nervous about the airline but then shelved it in an easy hiding compartment in my thoughts. One day, lo and behold, I got an email from Orbitz that Ethiopian cancelled the flight and if I could make another arrangement. Almost just a week before departure, this was unnerving. I called up Orbitz and moved the flight to another day but each time, I decided on the itinerary and Orbitz moved to process it, the flight was gone.

And worst, I had been cut off three times, too, just when it was processing time. I finally took charge myself and went to Orbitz website and ended up booking a flight which was almost double the original price but in South African Airlines, a much better airline and the flight was direct to Johannesburg and then to Capetown.

Simons Town, South Africa. Source: aesta1

There was another hitch, though. What I could get through Orbitz site is a connecting flight to Capetown in late afternoon which meant a whole day wait at Johannesburg airport so another search to find out if there was still place in earlier South African Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Capetown.

Upon ascertaining this, another call to Orbitz and with a processing fee for the change, we would have an earlier connection. I spent so many hours and felt so much stressed. I knew though that I could go through different routes and with patience would get ourselves to South Africa.

The Penguins in Simons Town. Source; aesta1

I have learned my lesson. From now on, I would only book with airlines with sufficient number of planes and constant flights in my itinerary. Cheap is not good value. I could have gotten a much less expensive ticket in other airlines the first time we booked but I chose the cheapest and ended up going for the expensive flights in the last minute as these were the only ones with seats available.

Given that initial stress, we were determined to enjoy this holiday. Here are some of the fabulous places in Capetown and vicinity.

Zebras in a Safari Reserve in south Africa
Copyright:aesta1

Center on San People of Africa
Copyright: aesta1