What??? A pay-what-you-can luxury safari lodge in South Africa?…

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Elephants are frequently sighted on safaris.

When we encountered this article about this pay-what-you-can safari lodge in South Africa, we couldn’t resist sharing it here today. With their photos, we share this exciting news with those who would love to visit a safari lodge but find the cost prohibitive. For many, the airfare alone makes a safari trip unaffordable; however, with the potential for reduced costs associated with staying in a safari lodge that includes daily game drives, the overall cost is significantly less.

From today’s issue of Travel & Leisure online magazine here:

“This Luxury Safari Lodge in South Africa Just Launched a Pay-What-You-Can Program

Few & Far Luvhondo is making transformational travel more accessible—without sacrificing sustainability or style. By Katie Nadworny, Published on August 29, 2025

Three elevated lodge buildings surrounded by trees with a hilly landscape in the background
Exterior view of the Cliff Suites at Few & Far Luvhondo in South Africa. Credit: Jemma Wild/Few & Far Luvhondo

Travelers dreaming of a luxury South African safari but think it’s outside their price range may be in luck thanks to a new pay-what-you-can initiative aimed at helping visitors engage with their surroundings.

It’s all thanks to Few & Far Luvhondo, a carbon-negative safari retreat in South Africa’s Limpopo province, which launched the reservation system as a way “to challenge the old ways.” The limited program opens the lodge “to anyone who needs it, regardless of budget.”

To participate, travelers must complete an application that covers their dates, the number of guests, their reasons for being drawn to the property, and their financial capacity. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

“Travel isn’t a frivolous indulgence—it’s a vital act of connection,” Sarah Dusek, a co-founder of Few & Far Luvhondo, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “It nurtures our well-being, strengthens global empathy, and fuels the preservation of our planet. We launched this initiative with the belief that when you truly experience a place, you begin to care—and when you care, you naturally want to give back.

“By removing cost as a barrier, we’re making transformative, purpose-led travel more accessible without diluting its impact,” Dusek added. “Today, true luxury isn’t just comfort or exclusivity—it’s a conscious choice. It’s choosing responsibility, choosing connection, and choosing to leave the world better than you found it.”

Safari vehicle and people near a river in a rocky hilly landscape in South Africa
Guests on a Game Drive in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo.Jemma Wild/Few & Far Luvhondo

The luxury property, which was opened by the founders of the popular glamping brand Under Canvas, features six tented cliff suites in South Africa’s Soutpansberg Mountains, surrounded by UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Guests are treated to over-the-top amenities, including private plunge pools and expansive decks for spotting wildlife, along with sustainably minded design features that highlight locally sourced eucalyptus wood.

Bespoke activities beckon from guided nature walks and scenic e-bike rides to excursions to Mapungubwe National Park, where you can spot elephants, leopards, wildebeest, lions, and more. In October, the lodge plans to open a solar-powered cable car, offering a unique way to take in the landscape and wildlife that call the area home.

Few & Far Luvhondo also offers the opportunity to become a conservationist for a day, including participating in a veterinary visit or helping the carbon sequestration team plan for the establishment of shrubs, trees, and grasses.

The luxury experience is extended to dinners where you can feast on five-course tasting menus in the lodge restaurant or enjoy a torch-lit meal under the stars out in the bush.”

Should any of our readers have an opportunity to visit this luxury safari lodge, please write to us about your experience.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 30, 2015:

This cockroach was in the living room with us in Trinity Beach, Australia.. We scooped it up with the dustpan and put it outside on the grass. Immediately, it ran back toward the open door to the house. Picking it up a second time, Tom took it out to the rainforest in the backyard. We’d expected to see more insects in the house in Australia, and although we’ve seen quite a few, there haven’t been nearly as many as there were in Kenya and South Africa. As we were warned, flies are rampantly preventing us from keeping the doors open. There are no screens in the house, except for two small windows: one in the living room and another in the bedroom. For more photos, please click here.

What did we do on yesterday’s “busy day?”…

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Norman was walking through the garden, comfortable around impalas.

Yesterday morning, I had an appointment with Doc Theo to get enough refills for the next 12 months. Most people think they can only get a three-month supply of any prescription. However, that is based on insurance requirements to which pharmacies and doctors in many countries adhere.

When one pays for prescriptions out of pocket in South Africa, I can obtain a full year’s supply of my medication (or more if required) based on when we’ll return, after which I can have everything refilled with a new visit to Doc Theo.

Based on our future plans, we believe that we’ll return to Marloth Park next July, leaving me with a few months’ cushion in case our plans change. Also, I already have about two months’ worth of medications available, taking me even further out than necessary.

This young male kudu wandered through the garden.

In the US, I don’t have a prescription plan since it made no sense to pay for one when I could only get a three-month supply at any time. Additionally, the cost of medication in South Africa averages about 80% less than in the US, and in some cases, even more. Why pay more when I don’t have to?

Also, I’d made a list of drugs we’d need if we became ill on the cruises. The cost of consulting the ship’s doctor for a flu or virus can range from $500 to $ 1,000 or more, depending on whether tests or prescriptions are required. Sure, travel insurance may recover some of these costs, but we’d prefer not to have to deal with filing insurance claims while traveling, if possible.

Doc Theo wrote prescriptions for us for various antibiotics, covering “cruse cough,” Norovirus, and other conditions. He explains I can send him a WhatsApp message at any time for advice on which medications to take and how to treat any potential issues. He will also advise us if he feels we need to see a doctor at any time.

Giraffes are stopping by almost daily. Our treetops must be tasty.

In addition, he prescribed medication for use with our portable nebulizer and two EpiPens, as both of us are allergic to bees. We’ve had these in the past, but they expire after a few years, whereas the remainder of the medications can last much longer.

He examined me and said all seems good, except for the awful allergies I am experiencing now, for which I am on a few medications, which hopefully won’t be needed once we leave the bush. We shall see how it goes in Spain. Once out to sea, I shouldn’t have any allergy symptoms.

Also, he gave me a booster for polio, which has been seen in Spain recently. Next Tuesday, Tom will receive his booster, as he didn’t have enough supply on hand, but he will get it by then.

In advance, I had alerted Eugene, the owner of the pharmacy in Komatipoort, to all the necessary medications to ensure they were on hand. We dropped off all of the prescriptions at the pharmacy after the doctor’s appointment and will pick everything up next Tuesday when we return.

We were unable to identify this pretty blue bird with a long tail.

Next Wednesday, I will post the total cost for all of these medications.

We spent the remainder of the day back at the house, enjoying the wildlife and a lovely dinner. Later in the evening, we streamed a few shows and relaxed in the bedroom. It’s been warming up well into the 90°F, 32 °C range, and a respite in the air-conditioned bedroom is always a relief.

Tonight, we’ll return to Jabula after missing last Saturday night since we went to a party at Daphne and Neville’s lovely home. No doubt, we’ll have yet another great evening.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 29, 2015:

A seagull amid flight in the breeze while at the Great Barrier Reef. For more photos, please click here.

Today’s world travel news across the boards…

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Chewy, with a few oxpeckers on him.

Some mornings, the headlines feel like departures on an airport board, flashing destinations, delays, warnings, and unexpected bargains—all calling us in different directions. Travel news is never just about flights or hotels; it’s about the rhythm of our wandering lives, the choices we make when the world opens a door or quietly slides one closed. Today’s stories tell us just that: where the gates are wide, where turbulence is brewing, and where travel is quietly reinventing itself before our eyes.

Let’s start with the kind of news that makes travelers sit a little straighter. Etihad Airways has announced up to 30% off on routes across Asia and Africa this autumn. For those who wander often, discounts like this are not just numbers on a booking screen — they’re invitations to explore. A whisper from the airline saying, “This is the season to move.” Etihad’s sale comes at the right time, a reminder that, despite everything going on in the wider world, opportunities to explore are still alive and waiting. For nomads, it’s the kind of headline that makes you open a new tab and start running searches for destinations you hadn’t yet considered.

But across in Malaysia, it’s less about bargains and more about planning. AirAsia has issued a travel advisory ahead of Malaysia’s 68th National Day. During the last days of August, skies around Kuala Lumpur will be crowded with flypast rehearsals and celebrations. For anyone landing or taking off during those times, expect delays. It’s not dramatic news, but it is practical—and travelers know how minor disruptions can ripple through an itinerary. A reminder here: sometimes travel news isn’t about the spectacular, but about those hidden hours lost between gates, rehearsals, and celebrations we hadn’t accounted for.

A few zebras stopped by yesterday.

Further south, the story takes a financial turn. Flight Centre, one of Australia’s biggest travel agencies, reported a near 10% drop in profits, linked partly to an 11% fall in travel to the United States. Why does this matter for the ordinary traveler? Because when big agencies wobble, it often points to shifting patterns in how and where people are choosing to go. The U.S. once felt like the ultimate safe bet for international tourism. Now, with rising border tensions, unpredictable political shifts, and higher costs, some travelers are looking elsewhere. For those of us who keep moving, this kind of trend hints at something more profound: that travel itself is becoming less about old favorites and more about exploring alternative routes, new hubs, and fresh destinations.

Interestingly, though, across the Pacific, another narrative is emerging. Despite predictions of a U.S. tourism slump, the expected collapse never happened. Domestic travelers stepped in. Luxury hotels remained full. High-end stays and experiences kept the industry afloat, even as budget travel faltered. In other words, travel didn’t disappear; it just shifted hands. The wealthy traveler, undeterred by costs or politics, continues to travel, while others hesitate. This paints a picture of an increasingly divided travel world, one where resilience is reserved for those with deeper pockets.

And then, looming like a storm cloud over all these stories, are concerns about climate. Heatwaves in southern Europe, wildfires licking at Mediterranean coasts, and rising travel costs have sparked a new round of questions: Is the carefree foreign holiday coming to an end? Not because we no longer want it, but because the world can no longer afford to give it so easily. For full-time wanderers, this is not abstract. It’s real. We’ve seen routes canceled due to smoke, accommodations shuttered because of floods, and rising insurance costs that make you pause before clicking “book.” It forces us to rethink not only where we go, but also how often and at what cost, both financially and environmentally.

We don’t honk or make any noise for them to move. This is their home, and we are visitors.

And yet, while some things feel like they’re fading, others are being reborn. The package holiday, once thought of as old-fashioned and on the decline, is suddenly making a comeback. Companies like TUI and Jet2 are seeing surging bookings as travelers seek reassurance in a world of uncertainty. It’s not hard to see why. With strikes, wildfires, and constant headlines of instability, there’s something comforting in paying for a single package where someone else absorbs the chaos. Even younger travelers—who once sneered at such trips in favor of DIY backpacking—are starting to embrace them. Peace of mind, after all, has become its own kind of luxury.

Taken together, today’s travel news paints a picture of contrasts. On the one hand, airlines are luring us with irresistible discounts. On the other hand, delays and disruptions remind us that logistics can trip us up. Agencies struggle, but destinations prove resilient. Climate change challenges the very idea of endless, carefree wandering, while the packaged holiday of old rises like a phoenix for a new generation.

For those of us who have built a life around moving, all of this matters deeply. We are the ones who feel airline sales like a tug at the heart, who adjust our plans around flight delays, who notice the shift when a giant like Flight Centre falters. We’re also the ones who walk through wildfire-scarred landscapes and ask ourselves whether our joy of travel justifies the carbon trails we leave behind.

Giraffes moved out of our driveway when we intended to drive to the little market.

But perhaps the real beauty of travel news is not just information, it’s a reflection. Every headline forces us to consider not only what’s happening in the industry, but what’s happening within ourselves. Are we willing to shift toward more sustainable ways of moving? Are we comfortable with luxury defining resilience? Do we trust in packages again, or still prefer our freedom?

Ultimately, world travel news encompasses more than airlines, advisories, and profits. It’s about how human beings continue to yearn for movement, even when the world tells us to slow down. It’s about the bargains that remind us the horizon is still reachable, the delays that remind us patience is part of the journey, the crises that remind us to tread lightly, and the comebacks, like package holidays, that show how even old habits can find new life.

So today’s board of departures may flash with contradictions, but perhaps that’s the essence of modern travel. It is no longer straightforward. It is layered, fragile, resilient, and constantly changing, just like us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 27, 2015:

The Great Barrier Reef covers 344,400 square kilometers (132,972 square miles) in area. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…What is a coolcation?…Where to travel for a coolcation?…

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Sometimes, crocs look like they are smiling.

For as long as I can remember, travel has been painted with sun-drenched postcards: palm trees swaying, sparkling turquoise seas, and endless stretches of white sand. The world has told us that paradise is hot, humid, and full of cocktails with tiny umbrellas. But lately, more and more travelers have begun to turn the compass needle in another direction. They’re swapping bikinis for cozy sweaters, air conditioning for crisp mountain air, and heat waves for soft mist curling over icy lakes. This is the rise of the “coolcation,” a holiday that celebrates the chill rather than escaping it. And if you’re wondering where in the world you could wander for such a refreshing escape, the options are more enchanting than you might expect.

The first place that comes to mind is Iceland. There is something transformative about stepping into a land where fire and ice coexist so harmoniously. In Reykjavik, you can sip hot chocolate in a snug café while the wind howls outside, and within hours, you’re soaking in a geothermal lagoon as snow flurries dance around your shoulders. A coolcation here is more than just a holiday; it’s an immersion in raw nature, from glaciers that gleam like diamonds to waterfalls that thunder into icy pools. Instead of slathering on sunscreen and insect repellent, you’re pulling on a woolen hat, watching the northern lights paint the sky in green and purple strokes. Iceland reminds us that sometimes warmth is not found in the temperature but in the awe of what surrounds us.

Another destination that belongs on any coolcation list is Norway’s fjord country. Imagine sailing between towering cliffs draped in mist, where small villages cling to the edges of the water as if trying not to slip into the sea. Summer here is gentle, never scorching, often cool enough for a jacket, and winter, while harsher, carries its own magic. There’s a certain comfort in stepping into a wooden cabin after a day of hiking or skiing, where the smell of a crackling fire mingles with cinnamon pastries. A coolcation in Norway invites you to slow down. You’re not rushing to the beach; you’re watching reflections ripple across still waters, or listening to silence so profound that it humbles you.

All of the animals get along at the waterhole.

Then there’s Scotland, a country whose weather has long been the butt of jokes but is now finding itself at the center of the coolcation trend. The Highlands are windswept and wild, with lochs that mirror the ever-changing sky and castles that seem to grow out of the mist itself. Edinburgh, with its cobblestone streets and cozy pubs, feels like a sanctuary when the drizzle begins to fall. A coolcation here isn’t about perfection; it’s about atmosphere. You wrap your scarf tighter, order a bowl of steaming soup, and let yourself feel the comfort of the gray skies. Somehow, Scotland teaches you that melancholy can be beautiful, that moodiness in the weather doesn’t dampen your spirit but deepens it.

If you’d prefer something farther afield, New Zealand’s South Island offers an invigorating coolness almost year-round. The mountains here look as though they were sketched by an artist with a flair for drama—sharp peaks dusted with snow, valleys carved by ancient glaciers, and lakes so blue they seem unreal. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and it’s easy to see why: skiing, bungee jumping, and hiking all flourish in the brisk alpine air. What makes a coolcation here special is the clarity—it’s not just about escaping heat but about breathing air so crisp that it clears the fog of daily life from your mind.

Even closer to the poles, Canada’s Banff and Jasper National Parks promise an escape that feels almost otherworldly. In summer, wildflowers peek out along icy trails, and in winter, frozen lakes turn into playgrounds for skaters. A coolcation here is about grandeur—the Rocky Mountains rising like stone guardians, wildlife wandering freely, and the comforting ritual of pulling on layers before heading out into the chill. Something is grounding about it all. You realize, in the hush of snowy forests, how small your worries are compared to the sweep of the landscape.

Of course, coolcations don’t always require remote wilderness. Cities like Copenhagen, Helsinki, or even Berlin in late autumn make for refreshing escapes. They’re not beach destinations, but their charm lies in hygge cafés, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and the kind of cultural richness that feels amplified when you’re tucked in from the cold. In these places, the coolness slows you down, encouraging you to savor experiences rather than race from one attraction to the next. A coolcation in a city feels like slipping into a rhythm that’s more human, less hurried.

A yellow-billed stork and a heron are sociable at Sunset Dam.

At the heart of it all, the allure of a coolcation lies not just in temperature but in psychology. When the world grows hotter, both literally and metaphorically, we begin to crave spaces where our bodies and minds can breathe. The chill of the air gives us permission to rest, to reflect, to find coziness in simplicity. Packing for a coolcation means wool socks instead of flip-flops, novels instead of snorkels, and an openness to embrace the slower joys of travel.

So, where in the world should you go for your coolcation? The answer is simple: anywhere that invites you to step out of the swelter and into the refreshment of cool air, whether it’s a misty fjord, a snowy peak, or a gray-skied city street. The beauty of a coolcation is that it doesn’t promise perfection. It promises authenticity, the kind of travel that wraps you in a blanket instead of baking you under the sun. And perhaps that is the truest form of luxury: finding joy not in constant sunshine, but in the gift of cool, quiet, restorative space.

We have been fortunate to experience coolcations, even when they weren’t planned as such. As former Minnesotans, cold weather is familiar to us, although Tom particularly doesn’t care to travel to countries where it snows. But I don’t mind. I still cherish the cozy feeling of snow falling in a pretty place. Maybe that works for you as well if you decide on a coolcation.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 26, 2015:

At Rusty’s Market in Cairns, we were shocked to see the reasonable price on this exquisite arrangement at only AUD $20, USD $14.20. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…What is a coolcation?…

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Another giraffe comes to call.

Over the years of travel, we’ve noticed that trends come and go. Words appear in glossy travel magazines, only to be forgotten by the time the next season rolls around. Yet every so often, a term emerges that really makes sense in today’s world. Right now, that word is coolcation. At first glance, it sounds almost playful, as though someone took “vacation” and added a bit of breeze. And in many ways, that’s precisely what it is, a journey into cooler places, away from the heat, the sweat, and the relentless sun that so many travelers have grown weary of.

For decades, the great escape was always toward warmth. People dreamed of sandy beaches, sun loungers, and turquoise waters. Travel posters lured us in with images of palm trees swaying under endless summer skies. But times are changing, and with the rise of climate shifts, extreme heatwaves, and wildfires scorching places once thought of as idyllic paradises, more and more travelers are deciding that it’s not the sun they crave anymore. It’s a relief. It’s comfort. It’s cool air on their cheeks instead of blistering rays on their shoulders.

A coolcation is precisely that…a holiday deliberately spent in a cooler climate. Instead of rushing to Spain’s Costa del Sol in August, travelers are now looking north to the fjords of Norway or the mountains of Scotland. Instead of sweating it out in crowded city streets in midsummer, they are wandering along Iceland’s black sand beaches or sitting beside a misty Irish loch with a hot mug of tea. The appeal is obvious: less sunburn, fewer crowds, and a gentler pace that comes with breathing crisp, fresh air.

For full-time nomads like us, the idea of a coolcation resonates on an even deeper level. We’ve experienced both extremes—days when the sun felt like a punishment, and others when the sharp bite of winter made us long for a sweater pulled tight around our shoulders. What we’ve come to realize is that “perfect weather” doesn’t always mean sunshine. Sometimes, perfection is stepping outside without being knocked back by oppressive heat. Sometimes, it’s being able to walk without constantly searching for shade or gulping down bottles of water. A coolcation, at its heart, is about restoring that balance between adventure and comfort.

Nathan, Nina, Natalie, Nola, and Nora are shown in this photo.

There’s also a psychological shift at play here. Traditionally, vacations were sold as escapes from cold, dreary winters. But summers are no longer always the reward they used to be. They can be dangerous, stifling, and overwhelming. For many, the thought of taking precious holiday time only to swelter in 40°C (104°F) heat is no longer appealing. A coolcation becomes less of a luxury and more of a survival tactic by choosing destinations where relaxation is possible, where nights are restful, and where sightseeing isn’t dictated by the need to avoid the hottest part of the day.

I think what makes the concept even more beautiful is how it reintroduces travelers to places often overlooked. The Arctic Circle, once reserved for the most adventurous explorers, is now becoming a summer retreat for those wanting a reprieve from soaring temperatures. The highlands of Europe, whether in Switzerland, Austria, or even the Pyrenees, are seeing renewed interest. Rural Canada, the rugged coastlines of New Zealand, and even Alaska are drawing travelers in not just for their scenery but for their cool, breathable air. Suddenly, the world’s “edges” are being celebrated as sanctuaries.

Of course, it’s not only about the weather. Coolcations often bring with them a different rhythm. Instead of lying by a pool, travelers are hiking, cycling, and exploring landscapes where the very air feels restorative. Meals are heartier, not rushed in search of relief from the heat. Fireside evenings, even in summer, add a layer of coziness that sun-soaked resorts can’t replicate. There’s a slower intimacy in these trips when conversations linger longer, books are read without distraction, and time feels stretched, not squeezed.

There’s also a growing sense of responsibility tied to coolcations. With rising awareness of sustainability, many people are questioning the environmental impact of flying halfway across the world for a suntan. Shorter flights northward or inland, closer to home, are becoming more attractive…not just for the lower temperatures but for the smaller carbon footprint. A coolcation doesn’t have to mean crossing an ocean; it can be as simple as trading in a beach town for a nearby mountain cabin.

When I think of the best memories we’ve gathered from our years of travel, many of them weren’t formed in the blazing sun. They were shaped in the coolness of misty mornings, wrapped in sweaters, sipping coffee on a veranda where the mountains hid behind soft clouds. In Antarctica, the cool weather, familiar to us from living in Minnesota, wasn’t unpleasant but rather refreshing.

So while the word itself may be new, the idea has always been there…an instinctive pull toward cooler climates when life gets too hot to handle. Perhaps the rise of the coolcation is less about trends and more about common sense, a return to balance in how we travel and how we care for ourselves.

My favorite kudu, Bossy, stops by with family members.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s a reminder that joy doesn’t always need to be baked in sunshine. Sometimes, happiness is found in the shiver of a breeze, the comfort of a blanket, and the quiet thrill of discovering that the world is just as beautiful—if not more so when it’s cool.

The cool winter in South Africa these past few months was delightful, and now, once again, we are experiencing the familiar heat of South Africa’s often high temperatures in spring, fall, and summer.

Tomorrow, we’ll share where to travel for your coolcation. See you then.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 25, 2015:

From Rusty’s Market in Cairns, Australia: fresh greens appear to be a little higher priced than the grocery stores, but they are primarily organic. For more photos, please click here.

Best credit cards for travel…Fabulous braai and house party last night!…

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A francolin (Frank) came to call, and he didn’t run away when we tossed him seeds. We’ve never had a resident Frank at this house.

From Travel & Leisure online magazine here:

This Is the No. 1 Travel Credit Card for 2025, According to a New Report

From no-fee favorites to premium perks, J.D. Power’s latest study reveals the cards cardholders love and which ones fall short. By Michael Cappetta, published on August 18, 2025

Rewards credit cards can lead to points for things like free airline tickets or hotel stays, and a new report reveals the ones that travelers love most.

American Express ranked as the top issuer in overall customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. That was followed by Bank of America and Capital One. Chase Bank—which is known for its popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card—along with Discover and Wells Fargo, ranked as the next three. Each of the top six came in above the industry average.

John Cabell, the managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power, said in a statement increases in overall satisfaction are being driven by “cardholders with higher financial health scores and no revolving debt—especially those using cards with points/miles rewards programs and annual fee cards.”

We hope he’ll return and stay with us for a while.

On the opposite end of the spectrum were Credit One Bank, Premier Bankcard, and FNBO, which ranked as the lowest in overall customer satisfaction.

To determine its rankings, J.D. Power surveyed more than 37,000 credit card customers between June 2024 and June 2025.

When it comes to the best rewards credit cards without annual fees, the Capital One Savor Rewards Card, the Citi Double Cash card, and the Discover It Student Cash Credit Card ranked as the highest.

Among co-branded cards without an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express card, the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi card, and the Apple Card took the top three spots in overall customer satisfaction.

Many travel and rewards credit cards have annual fees to help offset the numerous perks and opportunities they provide to customers. Within this category, The Platinum Card from American Express took the top spot, followed by the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card, the American Express Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The cards may be costly (Chase just raised its annual fee on the Reserve card to $795), but the perks can also be lucrative for travelers and shoppers. American Express Platinum cardholders, for example, receive access to more than 1,400 airport lounges, $200 in annual Uber credits, and a $300 credit to Equinox gyms, among other things.

For frequent flyers, American Airlines’ Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard was the top-ranked airline co-branded card.

But all these rewards did come at a cost: more than half of survey respondents were described as “financially unhealthy” and carried credit card balances.

“There was a significant increase in the number of financially unhealthy cardholders and those carrying revolving debt in early fielding of the study,” Cabell said in the statement.

Norman’s horns became tangled in some branches. He carried them around for one day, but on the second day, they were gone..He didn’t need any more stress while recovering from his broken leg.

Beyond credit cards, J.D. Power also looks at other travel-related industries, including the top travel apps and websites. In that 2023 ranking, the company found Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue had the highest customer satisfaction for airlines, while World of Hyatt, Choice Hotels, and Hilton Honors took the top spots for hotels.”

We have some of the cards as mentioned above, but we’ve avoided American Express since we’ve found it is not accepted in many instances due to vendors’ higher processing fees. In some cases, the processing fees are charged back to us at the time of purchase, and we’re not willing to pay those fees.

On another note, last night we attended an enjoyable braai/house party at Daphne and Neville’s lovely home, not far from us. The ambiance, the food, the dart games, and the musical entertainment were over the top. We couldn’t have had more fun! Thanks to our great hosts for this fantastic and memorable event at their home in the bush!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 24, 2015:

From Rusty’s Market in Cairns, Australia:  Pandan leaves from the Pandan Plant are used to make these beautiful, fragrant bouquets. As quoted from the owner’s written material: “The leaves are used in Southeast Asian cooking as well in making th “flowers” which act as a repellent to roaches. In addition, Pandan leaves are said to possess medicinal benefits containing tannin, glycosides, and alkaloids. The scents emitting from the flowers last a week and may be used as a freshener in cars, homes, or washrooms.” For more photos, please click here.

Oh, what a night!…

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When we walked into Jabula last night, we were thrilled to see friend Lee, whom we met through Rita and Gerhard. It was great to see him. We invited him to dinner on Wednesday night.

Gerhard and Rita, dear friends whom we met years ago through our site, have visited Marloth Park many times. We became fast friends and have stayed in close touch regularly. They visited us a few times while we were in Lake Las Vegas, including surprising me on my birthday a few years ago.

We have it on our itinerary to see them when our fourth cruise ends in Seattle in May 2026. They live nearby in Vancouver, Washington, USA.

Soot from the sugarcane burning often flies through the air and lands on all outdoor surfaces in Marloth Park. Sugarcane burning is a common pre-harvest practice, particularly in regions like South Africa and parts of the US, where it’s done to remove excess leaves and trash, making manual or mechanical harvesting easier. While this practice improves harvest efficiency, it also has drawbacks, including environmental and health concerns.

We met Lee several years ago when he visited Marloth Park to see Rita and Gerhard and experience the bush with us. He has returned several times since. We’ve spent several social events with Lee over the years, and we were thrilled last night when we walked into Jabula and he was waiting for us. He’s here for one month.

While the conversation was lively and animated, Lee explained that he’d gone to Bali and stayed at the same holiday house we stayed in for four months in 2016. He chose that house after Rita and Gerhard stayed there, following our example. We are always thrilled when our readers follow our lead and share the great experiences we’ve had and shared online in our posts.

But the best part is making dear friends from our readership, many of whom we’ve stayed in close touch with. Without a doubt, we’ve continued to see Rita and Gerhard more than any others, and our mutual bond is close and meaningful.

There was a little more water in the Crocodile River after a few hours of light rain.

When Lee told us he bought the house next door to the house we rented (and Rita and Gerhard also rented), and invited us to come stay at any time. We’ve often talked about returning to Bali, and this may be the perfect opportunity.

While we were giddy from the exciting conversation, I had a great idea. What if Rita and Gerhard could join us in 2026, and we all could stay at Lee’s house, which has three bedrooms and a guest cottage, plenty of room for all of us!

A few years ago, during dinner at friends Kathy and Don’s house in Marloth Park, Rita and Gerhard shared their experiences of attending Oktoberfest in Germany in considerable detail. At that time, I told Tom I’d love to have that experience someday, attending the event with Rita and Gerhard, who are from Germany but are now both US citizens. The prospect of going to Ocktobefest has been on my mind since then.

A Big Daddy kudu was standing on a hill in Kruger. We don’t see many kudus when we drive through Kruger National Park. But we see plenty in our garden.

AS it turned out, Lee explained he purchased a “table for ten” for Oktoberfest, and we can join him anytime. We all agreed how fun it would be to attend this exciting event together in October 2026, and also visit Bali. Within minutes, we had Rita and Gerhard on the phone on WhatsApp while we simultaneously agreed that these are “must-dos” for the five of us.

Then, the surprise of all surprises, Rita and Gerhard, known for their surprises, confessed they are coming to Marloth Park on September 3, bringing Rita’s mom from Germany, putting aside their desire to surprise us this time. We are so excited. They rented a house from Louise and made her promise to keep the secret, which she did!

Gosh, these upcoming three weeks in Marloth Park will be exciting! Lee wil join us on Tuesday night for Quiz Night, as well as coming to dinner on Wednesday, and we’ll see Rita and Gerhard soon. On top of that, another of our readers, Christine, and her partner will be joining us at Jabula on September 12, which will likely bring the total number of attendees to more than just the four of us. We leave Marloth Park for Spain on September 14.

Wow! What an exciting night!

Today at 2:00 pm, we are heading to Daphne and Neville’s home for a braai and the South African Springboks rugby game, another fun event in the bush.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 23, 2015:

Not the most flattering photo of us. But, we couldn’t resist including a photo of us while in Australia, tasting the Mimolette cheese we’ve written about today, known for its “mites’ that live on the outside of the cheese as it ferments. The US has concerns over “bugs” on cheese. See the post here.

A delightful evening with old friends…An amazing escape for a beloved wild animal…

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When Lisa put a plate of yogurt on the perch in her veanda, six bushbabies came to enjoy the treat. It was a treat for me to see them.

It had been quite a few years since I got together with Deidre, the director of Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre, with Lisa, formerly referred to as the bushbaby caregiver. at Lisa’s home, a few kilometers from here.

Arriving at 4:30 pm as planned, Lisa and I had a few minutes to catch up while we waited for Deidre to arrive, after finishing her busy workload, caring for lost, injured, or ill wild animals in and around Marloth Park with a passion and dedication hard to match.

As the sun was setting at Ngwenya.

Deidre arrived with friend Karin, and the four of us enjoyed beverages and an endless stream of fascinating discussions about Marloth Park and its amazing wildlife, and the issues faced by the rescue center treating old, injured, and sick animals.

Of course, we discussed Norman at length, and when Deidre credited us for “saving Norman’s life” based on the video Tom took about ten days ago, which we sent to her. She and the vets had determined that Norman would be euthanized the next day. After reviewing our video, they determined he was doing better and appeared to be improving on his own, and the next day’s euthanasia was off!

The sunsets over the Crocodile River are always stunning.

Whew! We were both so happy to hear this. When Tom returned to pick me up, he joined the four of us on the veranda, and Deidre told him this story. He was also thrilled to hear that his video saved Norman’s life.

We also discussed Nathan’s injury to his horn, and with so many animals in the bush with horns, apparently, this is a common injury. Deidre and the vets agreed Nathan should heal without incident. That was a huge relief to hear as well. Tom enjoyed the lively conversation with the women, and then we headed home for dinner.

Deidre invited us to visit the rescue center next week, and we’ll write a comprehensive story with photos of the animals in her care afterward. We can hardly wait. The centre is not open to the general public due to the risk of diseases carried by humans. Without a doubt, we’ll be wearing face masks.

A kudu mom and youngster, of course, are looking for pellets.

Back at the house, we sat indoors to have a nice dinner I’d prepared in the morning, and before we knew it, it was time to wander off to bed, to stream one episode of a series, and eventually nod off for a good night’s sleep, which we both accomplished.

At 4:00 pm today, we’ll head to Jabula but stop at the Marloth Park Info Centre to see Louise and Danie for a few minutes. We won’t be going to Jabula on Saturday night since we’re invited to a braai at Daphne and Neville’s home, our teammates on Tuesday’s Quiz Nights. It will be another fun weekend.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 22, 2015:

As we approached Rusty’s Market in Cairns, Australia, we knew we were in for a treat. The counter at Fetish for Food is one of many international markets within the vast farmers’ market. For more photos, please click here.

The dentist performed a miracle!..No crowns needed…Fantastic evening with dinner guests!…

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Our boy, Chewy, is hanging out in the garden, as usual, even in the middle of the night.

Yesterday, I had a dental appointment to prepare two molars for crowns, both of which broke in the same week. I was fully prepared for the process and the subsequent cost of about ZAR 8000, USD $451. Knowing this was a bargain compared to what we’d pay in the US next May or June, and annoyed with the feeling of the broken teeth in my mouth, I’d decided to get this done before we leave in a little over three weeks with no qualms about the cost.

When Dr. Jones, a highly experienced woman dentist, checked my two teeth again, she suggested repairing them instead of going through the process of a crown, based on my age, heart condition, and use of blood thinners. She’d try to accomplish such a lofty goal, and if she ran into problems, she’d revert to the original plan of two new crowns.

Since I am allergic to some anesthetics used in dentistry and unfamiliar with the one she uses, I opted to go without the injection and tough it out. At times, it was painful, but she was careful and made every effort to make it comfortable for me. It took 90 minutes of lying in the chair with my mouth open. Finally, when she was done, we were pleased with the result, paid the bill, and headed back to Marloth Park, relieved it was done.

Bossy, my favorite female kudu, also visits during the night, lucky to find a few pellets. That is Norman in the background.

However, what shocked us the most was the bill, as shown below:

The above bill for the repair of both of my broken teeth was ZAR 973.90, USD $55.03! In referencing different options for broken teeth, Dr. Jones opted for #4 below. My newly repaired teeth feel normal and comfortable.

There are a few alternatives to getting a crown, depending on why your dentist recommended one (to strengthen a weak tooth, cover a damaged one, or improve appearance). Some of the main alternatives include:

1. Dental Filling (Composite or Amalgam)

  • Best for: Smaller cavities or areas of decay.

  • Instead of covering the whole tooth, the dentist removes the decayed part and fills it with composite resin (tooth-colored) or amalgam (metal).

  • Limitation: Not strong enough if the tooth is severely weakened or cracked.

    Giraffes visiting before sunrise.

2. Inlays and Onlays (Partial Crowns)

  • Best for: Moderate decay or damage, where a filling isn’t enough but a full crown may be too much.

  • These are custom-made pieces (usually porcelain or composite) bonded into the tooth.

  • They preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown.

3. Veneers

  • Best for: Front teeth that are chipped, slightly damaged, or discolored.

  • A thin porcelain or composite layer is placed on the front surface of the tooth.

  • Not as strong as a crown—mainly cosmetic.

4. Tooth Bonding

  • Best for: Small chips, cracks, or minor cosmetic fixes.

  • A tooth-colored resin is sculpted onto the tooth and hardened with a light.

  • Quick and less invasive than a crown, but less durable.

    Zebras were hoping for some pellets. We complied.

5. Extraction + Replacement

  • If the tooth is too damaged, sometimes it’s removed and replaced with:

    • Dental Implant (very durable, feels like a natural tooth)

    • Bridge (uses surrounding teeth for support)

    • Partial denture

6. No Treatment (Monitoring)

  • Sometimes, if the damage is minor or only cosmetic, a dentist may suggest simply monitoring the tooth until intervention is necessary.

After three hours, we returned to the house and got to work prepping for last night’s dinner guests, Carol and Colin, arriving at 4:00 pm. It was a lovely evening with lively conversation, commiserating on our love of the bush, the wildlife, and the scenery, and tidbits of our mutual world travel experiences.

An elephant is searching for food on the dry riverbed.

This afternoon at 4:30, Tom will drop me off at our old friend Lisa’s house, the official injured bushbaby caregiver and host of “Movie Night in the Bush,” joined by our friend and director of Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre. Several times, in years past, the three of us got together to share wildlife stories and enjoy sundowners. I’m bringing a nice bottle of white wine to share.

Tom will pick me up around 6:00 or 6:30 pm. We already made tonight’s dinner, and it will only take a few minutes to get it ready when we get back to the house.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 21, 2015:

In Australia, we spotted many parasitic plants growing on trees, which is a fascinating way nature provides for a plant that must “borrow” nutrients from thriving trees of many varieties. For more photos, please click here.

Now, Nathan is injured…Winter is ending…The heat is on!…Insects and snakes returning!…

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When Norman’s family stopped by yesterday afternoon, we noticed that Norman and Nina’s son, Nathan, had a horn injury. We took today’s photos and sent them to Deidre at Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre to check him.

It was sad to see that now Nathan, Norman’s son, also has a serious injury. Here’s what happens when this type of injury occurs:

Of course, the outcome depends a bit on the species of antelope and the extent of the injury.

  • Horn anatomy: Antelope horns (unlike deer antlers) are permanent structures. They are made of a bony core that is an outgrowth of the skull, covered by a keratin sheath (similar to our fingernails).

  • If the horn sheath breaks off: Sometimes, the keratin sheath can be knocked loose or cracked. This can be painful, but if the bony core remains intact, the sheath may regrow or heal over time.

    It surely must be painful.

  If the horn separates from the skull (the bony core breaks): This is far more serious. Since the bony core is part of the skull, damage usually exposes living bone and blood vessels. The animal can suffer from:

    • Heavy bleeding (the base of the horn is well supplied with blood).

    • Risk of infection (flies and bacteria can quickly invade exposed bone tissue).

    • Chronic pain or weakness in the horn structure.

    • In severe cases, the animal might not survive if infection or blood loss is extensive.

      There’s no way to determine how this happened to Nathan. It’s so sad to see him this way.

  • Wild antelopes: In nature, such injuries often become fatal if severe, since the animal is weakened and vulnerable to predators. However, minor cracks or partial separations might heal on their own, though the horn could grow misshapen.

  • In managed reserves or farms, A veterinarian may trim away damaged horn, clean the wound, and apply antibiotics. Some horns can continue to grow normally after partial loss if the growth tissue at the base isn’t destroyed.

We can only wait and see what the vets decide to do, if anything. We have seen these types of injuries on other wild animals, and they’ve fully recovered in time. We will report here when we have an update.

On another note, it appears that winter is over in South Africa, although it doesn’t officially end until September 21. I’ve started wearing insect repellent again now that it’s warming up, after noticing a few mosquitoes. Also, soon, we’ll be on the lookout for snakes, which are plentiful in Marloth Park.

For the first time in several months, when we left Jabula on Friday night, we heard the loud sounds from tree frogs in the pond on our walk to the parking lot, reminding us of summers in the bush.

At first glance, we thought he had dirt and mud on his face. Upon closer inspection and through the photos, we could see he definitely was injured. His right horn looks as if it is partially detached from the base.

This coming Saturday, the weather forecast predicts highs of 102°F, 39°C. With the humidity here, it will be uncomfortable, but we’re used to it, as we are used to the vast array of insects and the prospect of slithering snakes. We’ve spent more time in Marloth Park in hot weather than we have in the short, cool winters.

The timing has worked well for us to depart in mid-September. In future visits, we’ll strive to be here in the cool winter months. With the flexibility we enjoy as home-free world travelers, this is easy for us to arrange.

Tonight is Quiz Night, and our friends Carol and Colin, whom we visited last evening for sundowners at their lovely home overlooking the Crocodile River, are joining our group of four. It will be a lot easier for us when we have the help of four others to achieve a higher score than we’ve had the past two weeks, when it was only the two of us. Six brains are certainly better than two!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 19, 2015:

The most venomous Australian snake: the Inland Taipan or Fierce Snake
(Not our photo). The Inland Taipan or Fierce Snake is reported as the most venomous snake in Australia. For more photos, please click here.