You’ll Love These 7 Outstanding Dining Experiences in South Africa

On Monday, I touched on how South Africa is a trending summer vacation destination. A primary driver is the Rand to US Dollar exchange rate that is currently VERY favorable for American travelers. But that isn't the only draw, it just makes a bucket list trip more approachable. Today, I wanted to get into my favorite part about any getaway: THE FOOD! 

South Africa is known as the rainbow nation for its mix of citizens from different cultures. That diversity’s also reflected in the nation’s unique (and tasty) cuisine. With all that variety, it’s tough selecting the most essential South African dining experiences.

Today’s rainbow cuisine began with the traditional foods of Africans native to the country. The colonial powers of the Netherlands and Great Britain contributed their culinary preferences. Then new residents from countries including France, Germany, India and Indonesia brought their own distinctive flavors.

Here are 7 South African dining experiences that pay homage to those influences. At the same time, they offer thoroughly modern cuisine you’ll remember long after your trip has ended. 

Diving into a braai 

South Africans adore a good braai – or barbecue. It’s a beloved part of the culture and one of the must-have South African dining experiences. It even has its own holiday: National Braai Day, on September 24. It is kind of a big deal. I mean, a onesie....

The most popular braai meats are steaks; pork or lamb chops; and boerewors, a sausage of beef, lamb or pork. Boerewors, which means farmer sausage in Afrikaans, stems from a traditional Dutch staple. It’s seasoned with herbs like coriander, pepper, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Another braai favorite is sosaties, or kebobs.

Side dishes are important ingredients for a successful braai. Pap is a corn dish like polenta. It’s served alongside many foods in the country. Chakalaka is a spicy relish of tomato, grated carrots, green peppers, sliced onion, vinegar, garlic and chilies. Salads, especially potato, are popular accompaniments, too.

Surprise dinner at The Tasting Room

In the historic wine town of Franschhoek, you’ll find a restaurant that some say is Africa’s best. Foodies in the know make a pilgrimage to The Tasting Room, located in the beautiful Le Quartier Francais. You don’t know in advance what will show up on the surprise dinner menu. That adds to the fun and makes this one of the can’t-miss South African dining experiences.

The leisurely eight-course dinner by Dutch-born chef Margot Janse will be one of the most memorable meals of your life. Each course is an artistic – and delicious – masterpiece. Janse takes fresh local ingredients and applies creative techniques to them. The result: a unique mix of flavors and textures. Her innovations encourage diners to get involved with their food. That might be lifting a loaf of cornbread from the can it was cooked in, or smashing a sugar globe to expose the dessert underneath.

The menu changes constantly. But the experience might include a beet mousse filled with green onions, dill and cucumber ice and tender South African antelope with wild grains, sorghum, rainbow carrots and celeriac puree. Dessert could be a baobab mousse cake with coconut, honeybush tea and caramel. Whatever’s on the menu will be impressive.

Snacking like the locals 

When South Africans head to the pub or watch a rugby game, they crave two meaty snacks to accompany their beverages.

Biltong is a cured meat - think jerky. It’s flavored with ingredients such as pepper, coriander, brown sugar and vinegar. Biltong is like jerky, but with thicker slices of meat and different ingredients. Plus it’s never smoked – only air-dried.

Biltong is embedded in the country’s history. It was a mainstay of the Boers during their Great Trek into Africa’s interior in the 1830s. Almost two hundred years later, the snack is so popular that entire stores are dedicated to it.

Biltong is typically made with beef. Feeling adventurous? Try ostrich, chicken, fish or game varieties. And the pub isn’t the only dining establishment featuring it. South African chefs are getting creative with biltong. You might see it in a sandwich, topping a burger and inside savory cream puffs. You can even sample biltong-flavored potato chips.

The other snack staple is droewors - think slim-jims. The air-dried beef sausage is usually spiced with similar seasonings as boerewors, although you can find everything from green chili to spicy peri peri varieties. Like biltong, it doesn’t need refrigeration because it’s been dried. Also like biltong, adventurous types can try droewors crafted from different meats, including venison and ostrich.

High tea at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town’s grande dame of a hotel will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s gracious, historic and elegant. Its famed British-influenced high tea service is one of the South African dining experiences you won’t want to miss.

Take your time choosing a beverage from an extensive tea menu with selections from all over Africa and Asia. One fine option: the signature Mount Nelson Tea, blended from six varieties of tea including Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan and Ceylon. The special ingredient? Rose petals from the hotel’s garden.

Then a server will bring you plates of savory treats on a tiered stand. Enjoy everything from finger sandwiches with smoked salmon and egg salad to mini-quiches to mushroom empanadas. Go ahead and have seconds when they’re offered.

Afterwards, proceed to the dessert table. Fill your plate with universally loved treats such as chocolate cake and lemon meringue. Be sure to try the South African sweets on display. Melktert is a pie with a creamy milk, sugar and egg filling. Koeksisters are South African donuts. They’re so cherished that competitions have been held to find the country’s best version.

Sampling South African game

South African’s wildlife is abundant and varied. It’s easy to find game offerings (mostly farm-raised) on restaurant menus or at markets. Favorites include ostrich, wildebeest, crocodile and warthog. Several species of antelopes like eland, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and impala are also popular. Restaurants are putting their own spin on game offerings, including modern creations such as ostrich carpaccio.

Elegant dining aboard the Blue Train

To ride the Blue Train is to be transported into the golden age of rail travel. The elegance of that era is captured in the dining experiences on board. During your overnight journey between Cape Town and Pretoria, you will enjoy a memorable breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and formal dinner.

Both lunch and dinner are delicious multi-course feasts, prepared in the train’s tiny kitchen. Expect local products, from Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison to Knysna oysters. Creations such as cauliflower and truffle soup, vegetable tempura, springbok with fresh vegetables, and a flourless chocolate cake might be on the menu. Abundant South African wines accompany meals. All is beautifully presented: crisp white linens, delicate crystal, silver service and fine china.

After the elaborate dinner, enjoy a cognac and cigar (if you wish) in the wood-paneled club car before retiring for the night. You’ll have just enough time to digest before breakfast. 

Tasting Asian-inspired cuisine

Several national favorites derive from the flavors brought to South Africa from Asian arrivals over the years. One of the most beloved South African dining experiences is bobotie. It’s a delicious creation of ground meat, spices and raisins baked with a savory custard topping and served with rice and chutney. The meat is usually beef or lamb, but you’ll see creative takes offering everything from ostrich to venison. It’s described as a South African meat loaf or shepherd’s pie, but it’s in a class by itself.

Bobotie has been evolving since its origins in the early 1600s. Indonesian slaves (who spoke the Malay language) brought their cooking with them when they arrived in South Africa. Dutch settlers tweaked bobotie to their liking. In the mid-1800s, Indian arrivals added curry to the mix.

Bobotie is one core dish in Cape Malay cuisine. The cooking style is a uniquely South African blend of Asian dishes and other influences. Another Cape Malay favorite is bredie, a long-cooked stew with lamb or other meat and vegetables. Tomato bredie is a popular variation, although you’ll find versions starring vegetables such as green beans, pumpkin and cabbage. Its aromatic ingredients can include chili powder, paprika, garlic, curry, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and herbs.

One of South Africa’s favorite street foods draws on Indian influences. Bunny chow is a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curried meat, usually mutton, lamb or chicken. Not rabbit, despite the name. There’s a meatless version with kidney beans, too. You eat it with your hands, tearing the bread and scooping the curry with it. Hungry? Order a full loaf. Just want a snack? Get a half or quarter loaf.

Another Indian snack adored by South Africans is samosas. They’re fried or baked pastries with spiced fillings. When you bite into the typically triangular treat, you might find potatoes, peas, carrot and onions. Meat varieties come with ground beef, lamb or chicken.

Ready to plan your South African bucket list trip? Let's chat! I would love to take your specific needs and translate them into a perfect itinerary.

Trending: Summer Vacation Locations

European countries like Ireland dominated the Top 10 list of summer destinations

As summer approaches, my clients, for the most part, turn their thoughts to one continent: Europe. That’s what a new analysis of Virtuoso client booking data has also revealed. Eight European countries made the Virtuoso Top 10 list of this year’s most popular summer destinations. 

But when you look at the fastest-growing summer destinations, some surprising places emerge. True, Europe is prominent on the Virtuoso Hot 10 list. It’s summer, after all. But countries in other locales have picked up steam with luxury travelers compared to last year - and I am loving this trend! 

The Virtuoso Top 10 Summer Destinations 
The most popular international summer destinations based on bookings by Virtuoso clients for June to August: 1. Italy
2. United Kingdom (my #3)
3. France (my #1 this summer)
4. Spain (my #2)
5. Netherlands
6. Ireland 
7. Germany
8. South Africa
9. Greece 
10. Israel

Every year, Europe dominates the list of favored summer destinations. And in my experience, this is especially true because I specialize in Europe. Interestingly, though, Virtuoso’s overall sales to the continent are flat when compared to summer 2015. In particular, France has rebounded nicely. Led by travel to Paris, the country remains strong. But like Audrey Hepburn said, "Paris is always a good idea." 

Two European countries in particular are seeking spikes in popularity. Bookings to the Netherlands are up 38 percent this summer over last. That might be due to its lower average daily rate for Virtuoso hotels. Who doesn't love a good deal? 

Ireland is experiencing a 58 percent jump in bookings. Hotel rooms here are a relative bargain as well. Its ADR is 31 percent lower than the European average. Travelers visiting Ireland are flocking to Dublin and Galway in particular. They’re also heading to county Laois in the center of the country.

The Virtuoso Hot 10 Summer Destinations

The international summer destinations that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings.

1. Tanzania (up 98%)
2. Portugal (up 88%)
3. Ireland (up 58%)
4. Brazil (up 53%) - Olympics, anyone?
5. Mexico (up 48%)
6. Russia (up 44%) - the ruble is down, and conflicts were worrying, so we are seeing some pent up demand
7. Netherlands (up 38%)
8. Jamaica (up 28%)
9. Sweden (up 23%)
10. Poland (up 18%)

Tanzania has experienced a huge 98 percent growth in bookings this summer over last

Travel to Africa is trending. The African continent has seen a 15 percent increase in bookings from last summer. Tanzania is experiencing a huge jump, as travelers seek out its incredible scenery and diversity of wildlife. South Africa is also up from 2015. And this is because the South African Rand is down, way down, to the US dollar. Time to make that bucket list trip happen! Together the two countries represent 80 percent of Virtuoso travel to Africa.

Portugal bookings are also up significantly. Travel to the Azores is especially hot. The country’s hotel ADR is also favorable for travelers right now. It’s 58 percent lower than the European average. Of the European countries, Portugal is showing the strongest growth year over year. But Ireland, Russia, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland also rate slots on the Hot 10.

The Western Hemisphere takes three slots on the list of hottest summer destinations. Brazil is seeing a big boost due to the Summer Olympics August 5-21. It’s surprising to see Mexico and Jamaica on summer destination lists, as they’re typical winter travel hot spots. The countries are showing year-round appeal with inexpensive direct flights from the U.S. as well as reasonable hotel rates.

Where are you heading for your summer destination? Let's chat. I would love to discuss the many different options, some on this list - lots off! 

Get Outside, part II - or Why You Should Explore These 8 Top National Parks

On Monday I started my list of my favorite National Parks and today I continue with my Greatest Hits List. In recent years, my husband and I have spent a great deal of time in Colorado and have grown to love it. Of course, Yellowstone Park in our home-away-from-home, Wyoming, is our yearly go-to (along with the oft overlooked Grand Teton National Park, which really deserves its own post). 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for incredible alpine scenery

Just 1.5 hours north of Denver, Rocky Mountain attracts more than four million visitors each year for its incredible alpine scenery. It’s home to 72 peaks taller than 12,000 feet. 

You can’t miss a drive up the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, a winding path across the Continental Divide. It’s the highest continuous paved road in the country. You’ll see valleys, spruce and fir forests, snowcapped peaks and glaciers on your way up to 12,183 feet. An early summer treat are the wildflower meadows. 

Another popular drive is Old Fall River Road, opened in 1920. It’s a slow trip along a narrow, curving, largely gravel road to its highest point, 11,796 feet above sea level.

Wildlife abound over the park’s 415 square miles. Be on the lookout for moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk. The park also boasts 141 species of butterflies. Black bears, mountain lions and bobcats are much harder to spot, but they’re park residents as well. 

Get out on some of the park’s 355 miles of hiking trails. They range from an easy lakeside walk to the challenging journey up the 14,259-foot Longs Peak. 

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana

The first national park in the world, Yellowstone was designated in 1872. Mainly located in northwest Wyoming (with small portions in Idaho and Montana), the park attracts more than four million visitors a year.

Over its 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone houses the world’s most impressive concentration of hydrothermal features. There are more than 10,000 of them, including mud pots, hot springs and 300 of its famed geysers. The park’s icon is Old Faithful, a cone geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes.

Of course, Yellowstone offers other types of magnificent scenery. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is 4,000 feet wide and 1,200 feet deep. The grand peaks of the Rockies tower above the park. Boat around Yellowstone Lake, North America’s highest lake. Explore vast forests, including one of the world’s largest petrified forests formed by volcanic eruptions about 50 million years ago.

Yellowstone also has the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48. They include grizzly and black bears, deer, moose, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, wild horses, grey wolves, coyotes and pronghorn. 

picture 

Yosemite National Park, California

A shining star among the U.S.’s top national parks, Yosemite covers more than 1,000 square miles in east central California, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, particularly in the commonly visited Yosemite Valley. Every year more than four million visitors here take in its dramatic sights like the granite hills of Sentinel Dome (3,000 feet above the valley floor) and Half Dome (4,800 feet). Another granite landmark: El Capitan, a 3,000-foot cliff that’s one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the world. Its Dawn Wall may be the hardest rock climb on Earth.

Yosemite’s natural wonders don’t stop there. Its incredible waterfalls change character along with the four seasons. They include Yosemite Falls, North America’s highest waterfall at 2,425 feet. Visitors also delight in the groves of ancient giant sequoia trees and the glaciers, such as Lyell Glacier, covering 160 acres. The park offers plentiful hiking, rafting, fishing, climbing, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities. Deer are common sights, and bears and coyotes also inhabit the park.

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah is packed border to border with spectacular scenery.

Utah is a national park wonderland, but even so, Zion stands out. It’s the state’s first national park and its most popular, with 3.6 million visitors a year.

Located in southwestern Utah, the park’s 232 square miles include some of the country’s most scenic canyons, created thanks to a million years of flowing water. Massive sandstone cliffs in shades of beige, pink, orange and red surround you. Narrow slot canyons make for interesting hiking, including the narrowest gorge. It’s appropriately named the Narrows – up to 1,000 feet tall and only 20 to 30 feet wide at places. Waterfalls and springs maintain colorful hanging gardens. One thousand species of vegetation flourish – everything from pine and juniper trees to desert plants such as prickly pears and yucca.

Three park superstars are breathtaking. Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River, is nearly 3,000 feet deep at spots. The 287-foot-long Kolob Arch, perched high on a canyon wall, is one of the world’s largest freestanding arches. Angels Landing provides an incredible view if you can make it up 5,785 feet along a intimidating trail.

Planning Your National Park Adventure

You have heard of From Good to Great, right? The concept of transitioning from a good vacation to a great one that you feel is time and money well invested is a challenge. The execution of a fantastic National Parks vacation is more than packing up the kids in the station wagon and heading west.  As a professional travel advisor, I can help you build the perfect trip that takes into account the park's highlights during specific times of the year. I will also provide insight on where to stay, how to make the most of each day in the park, and what to do in the vicinity of each park. No more hangry arguing as you search for the closest McDonalds! 

Ready? Set! Let's start planning!

Get Outside!

Happy 100th birthday to America’s National Parks! And what a party it will be, with more than 300 million people flocking to these wonders each year. But with 59 national parks, how do you decide which ones to visit? In honor of National Park Week, here’s our roundup of 8 of the top national parks to explore - 4 today and 4 more later this week!

Acadia National Park, Maine 

Acadia National Park in Maine is famed for its rocky coastline and islands.

From October to March, the first daylight to reach the U.S. arrives at 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. A crowd gathers on the mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. When the sun appears over the horizon, they erupt in cheers. 

There’s plenty worth cheering about at this 47,000-acre site, one of America’s top national parks. Almost three million visitors a year take in its rugged shoreline, protected coves, rocky islands, spruce-fir forests, wetlands and mountains. See a variety of terrain on the 20-mile Park Loop Road, which takes you above the sea before veering through mountainous forests and valleys. Or hike on the 125 miles of trails, or bike along the 55 miles of historic carriage roads. 

Another stunning view is from Champlain Mountain. It’s a 6.5-mile hike to the top, where you’ll enjoy vistas of the Atlantic and Frenchman Bay. The park is considered premier birdwatching territory, and is also great for spying marine life such as seals, porpoises and even whales. For the best scenery, take a boat cruise or rent a kayak or canoe. 

Glacier National Park, Montana 

More than two million visitors a year head to Glacier, one of the top national parks, for its namesake 25 active glaciers, including Grinnell and Sperry. But you’ll discover so much more here. Take in the towering Rocky Mountains, scenic waterfalls, forests, meadows, and colorful wildflowers each spring. The park also features 762 deep blue alpine lakes, including Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake. See them up close from the deck of a classic wooden boat. Or do the work yourself by kayaking or canoeing. 

This one-million-acre park extends south from the USA-Canada border, and wildlife such as mountain goats and grizzly bears roam its vast plains. Head into its interior on the 52-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the Continental Divide. The narrow road twists and turns, offering spectacular views of the park’s dramatic peaks and valleys. Opened in 1933, it’s a National Historic Landmark in its own right. Follow it by car, bike or historic tour bus. 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 

Pictures can’t prepare you for seeing the Grand Canyon’s enormity in person

Everyone has seen images of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Grand it is – a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. But you’re still taken by its enormity the first time you stand on its edge. Join the more than five million people a year who venture to the Grand Canyon for this incomparable experience. 

Most people see the canyon from the South Rim. Yavapai Point, near the South Rim visitor area, provides a gorgeous view of the inner canyon, Bright Angel Canyon, and the Colorado River. But it’s worth the short hike down one of its trails on foot or by mule for a fresh vista. Even a mile or two, perhaps along the flat paved Rim Trail, makes a difference. 

For more adventurous visitors, enjoy classic whitewater rafting along the 277 scenic miles of the Colorado. The mighty river carved out the canyon’s multicolored layers; the oldest goes back a whopping 1.8 billion years. Admiring the canyon while on its floor is an unforgettable experience. And you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete. Anyone in reasonable health can enjoy it. 

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee 

It is hard not to be in awe of the quiet beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited of the top national parks, with more than 10 million people admiring its wonders each year. That’s partly because of the busy scenic highway that runs through the park. If you drive through quickly, though, you’ll miss the rest of its 522,000 acres. 

Instead, explore the park through its 584 miles of roadways. The ancient mountains are the main draw. Take in the views of seven states from the tower atop Clingsmans Dome. It’s the park’s highest point at 6,643 feet. 

The wildlife is also astonishing. The park houses more than 17,000 animal and plant species. Almost 95 percent of the park is forest, a quarter of that old growth. More than 1,500 flowering plants range from trillium and orchids to azaleas and sunflowers. The park also features more than 500 miles of fishing streams. 

Relics of Southern Appalachian culture survive in the park as well. It features one of the best collection of historic log buildings in the eastern U.S., with more than 90 structures including houses, churches and grist mills. 

That's enough for today! Tune in later this week for the other 4 National Parks on my MUST-DO list!

Just Fondue It, Already

What could be more Swiss than the Matterhorn? What is more Swiss than fondue?!

Put those two things together and you get the Swiss Food Festival! Inspired by a cheeselover's dream, and considering the events in Gstaad, Lucerne, and St. Moritz, the idea was born. Inspired by the collaboration and the motivation to enjoy the summer in the mountains, the Swiss Food Festival is becoming a very popular weekend on the Zermatt event calendar.

If you are thinking about heading to Switzerland this summer for your getaway (and living in Tennessee, being in the mountains during the sweltering summer heat sounds just about perfect), this is a great weekend to schedule around.

Friday, 12th August 2016 - An exclusive view behind the scenes in star kitchens.
Divided into smaller groups, you will be taken to the hotels Mont Cervin Palace and Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. After a brief introduction the real fun starts, as you discover the variety of offerings – behind the scenes and in the dining room. After about two hours you will switch to the kitchen of the other 5-star hotel. At 17 stations, you will see seasonal and regional delicacies prepared by the masters before your eyes – and then served to you with superb Valais wines!THE "Kitchen-Party" will complete your night.

Saturday, 13th August 2016 - Public event at Kirchplatz.
The day is yours: Enjoy an outing into the majestic mountain world or stroll along the “Fifth Avenue of Switzerland” and delight your senses with the regional products offered at the food stands. Highlight is the public event. Learn about, experience and enjoy the delicacies produced life and fresh.

Sunday, 14th August 2016 - Breakfast with a breathtaking mountain panorama.
In Zermatt, at the valley station to the Matterhorn glacier paradise, you mix your own breakfast drink and board the gondola where your breakfast table is set. During your ride with the Matterhorn-Express you savour a hearty breakfast, enchanted by the breathtaking panorama around the Matterhorn. At the stations Furi, Schwarzsee, and Trockener Steg additional specialities are served. A complete and unforgettable breakfast experience.

The Swiss Food Festival presents: Gondola fondue.
As the last sunbeams of the day light up the mountain peaks around Zermatt, you will be gliding past the Matterhorn, relaxing in a cable car gondola. Enjoy a homely cheese fondue, accompanied by a refreshing drop of Valais wine. This traditional main course is framed by a choice of first courses as well as various desserts and a local schnapps. The gondolas are prepared for 4 people. You are only two? You are welcome to share the gondola with another couple.

Then you can hang with this cool lady!

Change is good, right?

The strangest things force us to change. This week, our email servers had a catastrophic failure and we went 48 hours with no email contact. It is really strange how scary that is! But with clients traveling all over the world, we MUST stay connected.

We switched to Google for Business apps and with that change, I have reexamined my social network footprint. Blogging is hard, and must be thoughtful. Certainly, this new platform and new way of sharing will be an inspiration!

Speaking of change... Why not take this opportunity to think about changing YOUR scenery. Why, do you ask? Because Emirates is having a sale!

Emirates is offering amazing Economy Class fares to select destinations from all US gateways through its trusted travel partners (LIKE ME!) until April 18^th. Travel is valid through March 01^st, 2017. You won't want to miss these fantastic fares to some of the most popular destinations!

Terms and Conditions:

• Sale Period: April 15^th, 2016 through April 18^th, 2016
• Outbound Travel Period to select destinations: April 23^rd, 2016 through March 01^st, 2017
• All travel must be completed by March 08^th, 2017
• Offer is from all US gateway to select destinations
• Advance Purchase: Seven (7) Days
• Minimum stay: Seven (7) Days
• Maximum stay: Six (6) Months

Destination / prices starting from*:

• Dubai from USD774
• Mumbai from USD764
• Nairobi from USD854
• Bangkok from USD854
• Ho Chi Minh City from USD1004

*Advertised fares are inclusive of ticket taxes, surcharge and fees. Other restrictions may apply.  Fares and applicable rules are filed in your GDS and are subject to change until ticketed.

Emirates operates daily non-stop flights from New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington Dulles, Boston and Chicago along with flights three times per week from Toronto to Dubai and beyond. With extensive connections to the Middle East & India, the Far East, Australia, and Africa, discovering new lands or simply getting home has never been easier or so luxurious.

And now you can imagine being in India watching Cricket, not knowing the rules, and thinking, "THIS is hilarious!"