We’re back…Our friends leave tomorrow…The most economical countries to visit…

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Three kudus, eating lucerne under the tree in the garden.

As we consider where we may travel after we attend grandson Miles’ graduation in Minnesota in May 2026, costs are always a consideration. With inflation escalating worldwide, we find ourselves digging a little deeper to find countries suitable to our criteria for quality vacation homes that appeal to our desires at a cost we can comfortably afford.

The Most Economical Countries to Visit in 2025

Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the most memorable adventures can be found in places where your money stretches further, allowing for more extended stays, richer experiences, and less stress about your budget. In 2025, these countries stand out for offering incredible value while still delivering on beauty, culture, cuisine, and comfort.

Our boy Norman is so handsome. We love him.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam continues to be one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. For just a few dollars, travelers can enjoy delicious street food like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels. Public transportation and motorbike rentals are affordable and efficient. Highlights include exploring the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and experiencing the vibrant chaos of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Georgia (the country)

Georgia is rapidly gaining popularity for its mix of mountain landscapes, ancient churches, warm hospitality, and affordability. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this small nation offers budget-conscious travelers a taste of wine country (it’s one of the oldest wine regions in the world), hearty food, and scenic towns like Tbilisi and Kazbegi. Public transport is cheap, and many homestays include meals, making it easy to experience local culture.

Impala Broken Horn and bushbuck Chewy go head to head in the garden.

3. Mexico

Beyond the well-known resort towns, Mexico offers a rich tapestry of affordable travel experiences. Colonial cities like Oaxaca and Guanajuato are filled with charm and history, while the Yucatán Peninsula offers beautiful beaches and cenotes at reasonable prices. Street tacos, fresh fruit, and traditional meals are incredibly cheap, and local buses and collectivos help cut transportation costs. In 2025, the exchange rate continues to be favorable for foreign visitors, making Mexico a solid budget destination.

4. Albania

Often overlooked in favor of nearby Italy or Greece, Albania is a hidden gem for travelers seeking Mediterranean beauty without the price tag. The Albanian Riviera offers stunning beaches, turquoise water, and traditional seafood meals at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Cities like Tirana and Berat are filled with history and color, and the cost of food, transport, and lodging remains exceptionally low.

What is this large green fruit on a sparse leafless tree?

5. Nepal

For lovers of mountains and spiritual experiences, Nepal offers breathtaking scenery and affordability. Trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp can be done on a tight budget, especially when staying in teahouses along the way. Meals, lodging, and guides are reasonably priced. Even in Kathmandu and Pokhara, daily expenses can remain low while still enjoying temples, lakes, and local cuisine.

6. Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. It’s a land of surreal landscapes—from the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni to the high-altitude city of La Paz. Food is hearty and affordable, accommodations range from hostels to mid-range hotels, and inter-city buses are inexpensive (though often long and bumpy). Despite some challenges with infrastructure, Bolivia rewards the budget traveler with unforgettable sights and adventures.

Norman fluffs up when he spots a Big Daddy nearby.

7. Morocco

Morocco offers a fascinating mix of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Budget travelers can wander the souks of Marrakech, hike in the Atlas Mountains, or sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert. Street food and local restaurants offer flavorful meals for very little, and riads (traditional guesthouses) provide cultural charm at a good value. Trains and buses connect major cities affordably and efficiently.

While luxury destinations have their appeal, there’s something gratifying about discovering the world on a budget. These countries prove that with thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy incredible experiences without spending a fortune. Whether you crave natural beauty, cultural immersion, or mouthwatering cuisine, the world is vast—and wonderfully affordable in 2025.

Check out the length of the horns on this Big Daddy.

We’ve been to three of the above countries, Vietnam, Mexico, and Morocco,  and have considered the others as possibilities for the future.

We’ve had a fantastic time with Kady and Rich. Tomorrow afternoon, driver Wayland will pick them up in the early afternoon to make the 80-minute drive to the Mpumalanga/Nelspruit/Kruger Airport to begin the long journey back to their home in Florida. They’ve only recovered from jetlag in the past few days, and they’ll begin again with jetlag returning to the US.

Today, Kady and I are going to lunch for “girl time” at Giraffe at noon while Tom and Rich head to the Crocodile River to see what’s happening across the river in Kruger.

That’s it for today, folks. Sorry, we missed you yesterday.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 13, 2015:

Double Island in Australia made us curious as to what it would be like to visit. For more photos, please click here.

Impala invasion after lucerne delivery…

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Three male kudus with varying horn sizes, from Big Daddy to Medium Daddy to Little Daddy, are attempting to share the lucerne this morning.

This morning, a bale of lucerne arrived after we’d ordered it yesterday at Daisy’s Den. Only moments after it was laid on the ground by the delivery guy in the usual spot by the tree, impalas surrounded it. They are hungry too. The bush is dry and brown with few natural food sources for the wildlife.

The rains won’t come until fall, when once again the bush will be lush and green with plenty of vegetation for the wild animals to eat. It’s going to be a long winter for them. Although many disapprove of feeding the animals, we, amongst the majority of Marloth Park citizens and visitors, can’t bear to see the animals starve to death.

The kudus were enjoying the lucerne.

They must only be provided with food that causes no harm to their digestive systems, but pellets, lucerne, and certain fruits and vegetables are acceptable. However, they should not be fed most human foods, such as corn, potato chips, pasta, crackers, bread, and sweets. Consuming such foods can be life-threatening to them.

Impala (Aepyceros melampus) are among the most abundant and iconic antelope species in South Africa, especially in places like Kruger National Park and other game reserves. Their behavior is shaped by their need for survival in an environment filled with predators and seasonal changes in food and water availability. Below is an overview of their typical behaviors:

Social Structure and Grouping

Impalas are highly social animals that typically live in structured groups. There are three main types of impala herds:

  1. Breeding Herds: These consist of females and their young, led loosely by one or more adult females.

  2. Bachelor Herds: Groups of young or adult males not currently holding a territory or harem.

  3. Territorial Males: During the rutting season (typically around March to May), dominant males establish and defend territories, attempting to gather harems of females for mating.

These herds can sometimes contain dozens to over a hundred animals, especially in areas with plentiful resources.

Big Daddy was monopolizing the bale of lucerne.

Feeding Behavior

Impalas are mixed feeders, which means they both graze on grass and browse on shrubs, leaves, and fruits, depending on seasonal availability. This dietary flexibility helps them survive year-round in the varied South African landscape.

They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, spending the heat of the day resting in shade.

Anti-Predator Behavior

Impalas are prey to many large carnivores such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. As such, they have developed keen senses and survival strategies:

  • Alertness: Impalas are constantly vigilant and rely heavily on sight, sound, and smell to detect threats.

  • Stotting or “Pronking”: When startled, they often leap high into the air, sometimes over 3 meters high and 10 meters long. This behavior may confuse predators or signal fitness to discourage pursuit.

    • Big Daddy was particularly enjoying himself.

    Group Safety: Living in large groups helps reduce individual risk, as more eyes and ears are available to detect danger.

Breeding and Mating Behavior

During the rut, dominant males become highly territorial and aggressive. They engage in loud vocalizations (deep grunts and snorts), scent-marking, and head-to-head clashes with rivals. Mating occurs in this period, and females give birth about six to seven months later, typically in November or December.

Female impalas often give birth at roughly the same time, which may overwhelm predators and increase the chances of calf survival—a strategy known as synchronized birthing.

Lots of female kudus and youngsters.

Vocalizations and Communication

Impalas communicate using various vocal sounds, such as:

  • Snorts: To alert others of danger.

  • Grunts and bellows: Used mainly by males during the rut to advertise dominance.

  • Bleating: Calves bleat to call for their mothers.

They also rely on body language—tail-raising, ear flicking, and postures—to convey alarm or social status.

Impalas returned for more lucerne.

Habitat and Range

In South Africa, impalas thrive in savanna woodlands, especially where there is a mix of open grassland and bush. They require access to water and prefer habitats where they can quickly escape into cover if threatened.

Interesting Behavioral Traits

  • Impalas often associate with other species, such as zebras or wildebeest, which enhances mutual predator detection.

  • During dry seasons, they can survive on less water by switching to more browse-based feeding.

  • They groom each other, particularly in bachelor groups, which reinforces social bonds and helps with parasite removal.

    The impalas came by and left depending on what other animals stopped by that might pose a threat.

Impalas may seem commonplace on a safari, but their social dynamics, agility, and constant alertness make them one of the most fascinating and adaptive creatures in South Africa’s wild landscapes.

With the new bale of lucerne here today, which is already almost half gone, we’ll be hanging around today and will head out to Jabula around 5:00 pm. There’s another rugby game on the monitors at Jabula tonight, so we won’t be able to sit in the bar, but we’re happy to dine on the veranda like we did last night, having a delicious dinner and lively conversation.

Lucerne is a rare treat for impalas, who are often too shy to approach humans this closely.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 12, 2015:

We fell in love with the pelicans in Australia for their beauty, grace, and movement. For more photos, please click here.

More wonders in the bush with Kady and Rich…Only four more days until they depart…

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This is the thick-tailed busybaby that walks the veranda railing at Jabula, enjoying the bits of banana the staff leave for him.

Today’s main photo is of a thick-tailed bushbaby, which few have ever seen. Every weekend when we dine at Jabula, we see this elusive nocturnal animal when the staff places a piece of banana along the railing to attract their nighttime visitor.

Guests are always in awe of seeing this special creature, and phones are busy attempting to take a photo of this difficult-to-capture, fast-moving animal.

Here is some detailed information about the bushbaby, at least twice the size of the tiny bushbabies:

The Thick-Tailed Bushbaby: A Nocturnal Acrobat of the African Night

The thick-tailed bushbaby (also known as the greater galago), Otolemur crassicaudatus, is the largest of the galago species and one of Africa’s most captivating nocturnal primates. With its oversized eyes, expressive ears, and extraordinary leaping ability, this elusive creature has adapted beautifully to life in the treetops. Found in wooded areas, forests, and savannas across eastern and southern Africa, including parts of Kruger National Park, the thick-tailed bushbaby is both mysterious and marvelously equipped for life after dark.

Giraffes in the garden.

Weighing between 1 and 2 kilograms and measuring up to 75 cm in length (including the tail), the thick-tailed bushbaby is significantly larger than its more diminutive cousins. Its long, bushy tail not only helps with balance when leaping between trees, but also serves as a visual identifier. The body is covered in dense, woolly fur that ranges in color from gray to brown, allowing it to blend effortlessly into the treetop shadows.One of the bushbaby’s most striking features is its enormous eyes, perfectly adapted for night vision. These primates are entirely nocturnal, and their sharp vision is complemented by acute hearing, thanks

their large, mobile ears. Bushbabies can swivel their ears independently to detect the faintest rustle of leaves or insect movement, giving them a near-surreal awareness of their surroundings.

Their diet is varied and omnivorous. Thick-tailed bushbabies feed on fruits, tree gum, insects, small birds, and even eggs. They are particularly fond of the sticky exudate produced by acacia trees, which they harvest by gouging into the bark. This makes them vital to their ecosystem, as they help with seed dispersal and control insect populations.

The magic of giraffes in the garden continues to amaze us.

Social by nature, thick-tailed bushbabies often live in small groups, although they forage alone. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, ranging from sharp barks and grunts to eerie cries that echo through the night. These calls serve to establish territory, alert others to danger, or locate one another in the dense forest.

Their locomotion is another marvel. Thick-tailed bushbabies are powerful leapers, capable of jumping over 2 meters from branch to branch using their strong hind limbs. On the ground, they move with a bounding gait, but they’re much more agile and comfortable among the trees. Their hands and feet are equipped with opposable thumbs and grooming claws, which aid both in movement and personal hygiene.

Despite their adaptability, thick-tailed bushbabies face several threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation and the expansion of human settlements continues to shrink their natural range. In some regions, they are hunted for bushmeat or captured for the illegal pet trade. However, they are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to their relatively wide distribution and ability to live in both protected and modified environments.

Big Daddy stops by several times a day.

For those lucky enough to hear a thick-tailed bushbaby’s calls on a warm African night, or to glimpse its wide eyes in the beam of a flashlight—it’s a magical reminder of the life that thrives while the world sleeps. Agile, intelligent, and adapted to the night, the thick-tailed bushbaby is a quiet yet vital part of Africa’s nocturnal ecosystem.

On another note, in four days, on Tuesday, July 15, Kady and Rich will begin the long trek back to the US. The layover time in London has been reduced from nine hours to seven, which helps a little. We’ll be anxious to hear how they are feeling once they return. It’s never easy, but it seems that going from east to west is a little better with time gained as opposed to lost.

Last night the four of us had dinner at Ngwenya Resort enjoying the meaty buffet and its wonderful offerings. This all-you-can-eat buffet with delicious meats and side dishes is ZAR 200, US $11.22. With our drinks, tax and tip the total bill was ZAR 807, US $45.28.

We’ll be sad to see Kady and Rich leave but, Tom and I will easily roll back to our usual active lives in the bush with our human and animal friends. As always, life will be good.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 11, 2015:

Ironically, one of our favorite wild animals at the Cairns Tropical Zoo was the Dingo, looking familiar to us as a domesticated dog. However, Dingos are wild animals, and many attempts to domesticate them have failed. For more photos, please click here.

A rare and special sighting in Kruger National Park…Quiz Night results…

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This was the first time in a long time that Tom and I had seen a jackal. Read the information below about jackals.

Jackals in Kruger National Park: The Clever Canids of the Savanna

In the vast expanse of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary, jackals may not be as imposing as lions or as majestic as elephants. Still, they are among the most fascinating and adaptable creatures in the park. With their sharp wits, resourcefulness, and eerie calls that echo through the bush at dusk, jackals play a vital role in Kruger’s ecosystem.

There are two species of jackals found in Kruger: the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus). Both are members of the dog family and are known for their cunning nature, often likened to foxes or coyotes in behavior and appearance. The black-backed jackal is the more common of the two and is easily recognized by the dark saddle of fur running down its back, which contrasts sharply with its rusty-colored body. The side-striped jackal, less frequently seen, has a grayer coat with light stripes running along its flanks.

The jackal was searching back and forth for food.

Black-backed jackals are highly visible in open savanna areas, particularly during early morning and late afternoon. They are vocal animals, often heard before they are seen. Their haunting, high-pitched howls and yelps serve as a form of communication with family members and a warning to rival jackals. Visitors to Kruger often hear their calls at night, part of the park’s wild, nocturnal soundscape.

Jackals are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will eat almost anything available. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, reptiles, fruit, and even the leftovers from predator kills. They are excellent scavengers and are often seen trailing behind larger carnivores, such as lions and hyenas, in hopes of snatching scraps. Despite this, jackals are also skilled hunters in their own right and can take down small antelopes, especially when hunting in pairs. Their intelligence and adaptability allow them to thrive in both open plains and more wooded areas.

It was exciting to see several Cape buffaloes and elephants at the Verhami Dam, which we’ve seldom seen.

One of the more fascinating behaviors of jackals is their monogamous pair bonding. A male and female will form a lifelong pair and defend a shared territory. They often raise their pups together in dens, with both parents actively participating in feeding and protecting their young. In some cases, older offspring from previous litters may remain with the family to help raise the next generation, a trait more commonly associated with social species, such as wolves.

In Kruger, jackals play a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance. By scavenging carcasses, they contribute to natural sanitation and help limit the spread of disease. Their predation on rodents and insects also controls populations of potential agricultural pests.

Though jackals are abundant, they often go unnoticed by tourists, who are more interested in spotting the Big Five. However, for those who take the time to watch these intelligent creatures, jackals offer an intriguing window into the subtleties of life in the bush. Their interactions, vocalizations, and social dynamics reveal the complexities of survival in a challenging environment.

What a fine view of an adult and two young giraffes against the backdrop of the pretty sky.

Side-striped jackals, more elusive than their black-backed cousins, prefer areas with thicker vegetation and are primarily nocturnal. They are less vocal and more solitary, rarely seen during game drives. Yet, their role in the ecosystem is just as important, and spotting one is a rare and rewarding experience for any wildlife enthusiast.

In a landscape dominated by giants, jackals remind us that intelligence, adaptability, and cooperation are equally powerful tools for survival. Observing them in Kruger is a testament to the park’s biodiversity—not just in size and spectacle, but in the subtle, everyday lives of its quieter residents.

We spotted this elephant near the road close to the Verhami Dam in Kruger.

Last night, we headed to Giraffe Pub & Grill for Quiz Night, and although we didn’t win, we came in fourth place and won back the per-person entry fee of ZAR 30, equivalent to US $1.68. It was such fun to play, and we will return on our own next Tuesday, the day that Kady and Rich leave to return to the US.

Tonight, we are going to braai and stay in for the evening. They are having a great time, and it’s been delightful to share the wonders of the bush with them. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 9, 2015:

Interesting decorations and vegetation growing in the yard of a house in our area of Trinity Beach, Australia. Notice Fred Flintstone on the left in the photo. For more photos, please click here.

Introducing our friends to a lively night at Jabula!…Tourist transportation hazards…

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Last night, we had a fantastic evening at Jabula.

Last night couldn’t have been more fun. We arrived at Jabula a little later than usual. We wouldn’t have been sitting at the bar, given the vast number of sports enthusiasts watching the rugby game, so we headed directly to our assigned table on the veranda.

The service, the food, and the ambiance couldn’t have been more perfect, even amid the vast, rowdy crowd. The staff provided exemplary service and food. Thanks to Dawn and Leon, Corrine, and all the staff for a superior experience. We even got into the exuberant dancing on the dance floor to the lively popular music after the game ended. What a fun place to share with our friends.

On another note, here’s an important article that may be of interest to our readers who rent portable personal transportation while traveling.

From Travel & Leisure at this link:

“Major Tourist Destinations Have a Hidden Transportation Hazard That Leaves Travelers and Locals Vulnerable—What to Know

Are micromobility devices a growing safety crisis? By Staff Author, Published on July 5, 2025

  • E-bike and scooter injuries have surged, according to researchers at UCSF.
  • Many tourist cities are restricting the use of micromobility devices due to an increase in accidents and safety concerns.

The newest travel hazard in cities might be something you aren’t expecting at all.

Electric scooters and e-bikes are ubiquitous throughout many cities worldwide, and they aren’t inherently dangerous. But the sheer number of them, combined with the potential for serious accidents, makes them a real and serious travel hazard for visitors.

The setting sun was a perfect backdrop for some photos.

A 2024 study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that injuries from e-bikes have doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, and injuries from scooters have risen by 45 percent annually.

“This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift but also underscores an urgent need for added safety measures,” co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, a chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology, said in a statement on the UCSF website. “There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to micro-mobility vehicle use, but structural changes must be taken to promote safe riding.”

In response, many major tourist destinations, including New York, Madrid, and Paris, have taken steps to ban or severely limit e-scooters, while others are on the verge of becoming scooter-free. Often, e-bikes and e-scooters behave in ways around pedestrians that put both riders and walkers at risk of injury.

Though serious injuries are rare, they do happen. In 2024, a woman was severely injured in West Hollywood when she was hit by a motorized scooter, suffering a fractured skull and brain swelling that required hospitalization. An American man in Sydney nearly died after being hit by an e-bike that was being ridden in an area where it was not permitted. He needed emergency brain surgery and spent weeks in a coma.

We had a fabulous time with Kady and Rich.

And most run-ins between people and micro-mobility devices go unreported. Many more people have close calls or are injured by speeding scooters, and these experiences can make people nervous in cities, which in turn affects tourists. Tourists can also be responsible for close calls, as they rent e-bikes and scooters to joyride around unfamiliar cities, leading to potential accidents. Riders of e-devices might feel unsafe riding on main streets alongside cars but then become a hazard to pedestrians on sidewalks. Designated scooter lanes can be helpful, but they are not always available.

“As micro-mobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical,” corresponding author Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS, the Taube Family Distinguished Professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, said on the UCSF website. “By doing so, we can harness the full potential of micro-mobility to create more sustainable, healthy, and safe urban environments.”

Today, we’ll stay in and enjoy the bush, along with an excellent homemade meal. Perhaps we’ll play cards, and without a doubt, the conversation will be lively and animated.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 6, 2015:

The house we rented in Phuket, Thailand, was built around its private pool. For more photos, please click here.

Another stunning day in the bush with friends…WiFi security at airports…

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Rich took a selfie of us.

Last night, the four of us went to Jabula for Kady and Rich’s first experience at our favorite restaurant. They loved the environment, the bustling crowds, and, of course, the food. We had another fine evening together in the bush.

The following article appeared in my search results this morning, which I found imperative to share with our readers.

Mr. Bushbuck and Nathan, Norman’s son, got into a little scuffle in the garden.

From Travel & Leisure Magazine:

“This Is One of the Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes You Can Make at an Airport, Experts Warn

Travelers may want to think twice before connecting to free airport Wi-Fi. By Greg Iacurci Published on June 17, 2025

Cybersecurity experts are aligned that travelers should avoid public Wi-Fi at airports. Please continue reading to learn why it’s such a significant risk and how to access the Internet safely while traveling.

While cruising an airport’s public internet network may feel like a convenience, criminals can easily exploit those networks to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting travelers, experts warn.

“It’s definitely among the worst things you can do at an airport,” Matthew Hicks, a cybersecurity expert and associate professor of computer science at Virginia Tech, told Travel + Leisure.

We had offered them food, but they were at odds about the territory.

Public Wi-Fi is a shared internet connection, often over an unsecured network. Users are therefore vulnerable to hackers, who can intercept data like credit card details or account passwords, and install malware onto consumers’ devices, according to experts.

About 40 percent of Americans have had their data compromised while using a public Wi-Fi network, according to a recent Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 workers who regularly use public internet. Yet, 23 percent of users said they think public Wi-Fi is entirely safe, and another 43 percent said it’s somewhat secure, the Forbes survey found.

Anything you do on airport Wi-Fi should be something you’d be comfortable with the rest of the world knowing about.

— John Breyault

Because travelers often have ample downtime before flights—and may be in an area without cellular connection—airports are a common access point for public Wi-Fi, Hicks said.

Consumers reported losing more than $16 billion to internet crime overall in 2024, a record high and a 33 percent increase from 2023, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A zebra is taking a rest in the garden.

Personal data breaches were among the top three most common complaints received by the FBI, it said. “As nearly all aspects of our lives have become digitally connected, the attack surface for cyber actors has grown exponentially,” B. Chad Yarbrough, operations director for the FBI’s criminal and cyber unit, wrote in the Bureau’s annual internet crime report. “Scammers are increasingly using the Internet to steal Americans’ hard-earned savings.”

Be careful of fake Wi-Fi networks.

Scammers also often try to trick travelers into logging onto fake Wi-Fi networks, John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud at the National Consumers League, a consumer advocacy group, told T+L.

The four of us at Mugg & Bean, including our friends Rich and Kady, in Lower Sabie, when another diner offered to take our photo.

Someone trying to connect to the O’Hare Guest Wi-Fi network may unknowingly access another—perhaps “O’Hare Guest 2” or “Chicago Airport Wi-Fi”—controlled by a criminal. “Make sure [the network] is the one run by the airport, and not someone setting up a honeypot,” Breyault said.

In 2024, the Australian Federal Police charged a man for allegedly establishing one of these so-called “evil twin” networks to steal people’s personal data. He did this at airports in Perth, Melbourne, and Adelaide, among other places, AFP reported.

Accessing the correct network will “eliminate most of the real attackers,” Hicks said, adding that travelers can ask airport personnel if they’re unsure.

Many kudus and impalas were in the garden, including Mac, our resident impala.

How to safely use Wi-Fi at the airport

Using your cell phone to establish a personal internet hotspot is among the safest ways to access the web in an airport. This simple step will reduce the number of attackers to “near zero,” according to Hicks. That’s because it’s a private cellular connection instead of an open Wi-Fi network. “You’re not sharing that connection with everyone else in the airport,” Breyault said. “Your data will be much safer in transit.”

If that’s not available, experts recommend using a device with a “virtual private network” or VPN, which is an encrypted connection that offers an additional layer of security. Hicks’ best advice is to buy one from a reputable, U.S.-based company.

Travelers should ultimately avoid logging into financial, email, social media, or other sensitive accounts over airport Wi-Fi, Breyault noted. “If you’re just checking the weather, that’s one thing,” Breyault said. “If you’re checking your bank account balance, that’s something different.”

“Anything you do on airport Wi-Fi should be something you’d be comfortable with the rest of the world knowing about,” he said.”

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 5, 2015:

Viking Mekong Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review | CruiseMapper
We booked the Viking Mekong, the river cruise, to tour Vietnam and Cambodia in 2017. For more, please click here.

Part 4…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Happy Fourth of July to our US family and friends…

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An elephant family strolls along the banks of Sunset Dam.

Happy Fourth of July to all of our family and friends in the US. Here’s some information about this holiday for our international friends.

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule.

What is the Fourth of July all about?

On this day, Americans honor the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence, drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson, boldly asserted that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A lone male elephant searches for food.

How Americans Celebrate

1. Fireworks:
The night sky lights up across the country with fireworks displays—both community-organized and backyard shows. The tradition is tied to John Adams’ wish that the day be celebrated with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”

2. Parades:
From small towns to big cities, patriotic parades featuring marching bands, veterans’ groups, community floats, and flag displays are a common sight.

3. BBQs and Picnics:
Families and friends gather for barbecues, cookouts, and picnics. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, and apple pie are classic fare.

4. Patriotic Displays:
The American flag is everywhere—on clothing, homes, cars, and public buildings. People often wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism.

5. Music and Concerts:
Free outdoor concerts featuring patriotic songs, such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America,” are held in many cities.

Black Ibis birds pecking for food on the Crocodile River.

 Cultural and Emotional Significance

Beyond the celebration, the Fourth of July is a time for Americans to reflect on the country’s founding values: freedom, democracy, and resilience. It’s a day filled with both pride and gratitude for the freedoms many Americans enjoy.

However, in recent years, it has also become a moment for some to reflect critically on the nation’s history, including issues of racial inequality, colonialism, and the evolving meaning of independence in a diverse society.

Interesting Facts

  • The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times every Fourth of July in honor of the 13 original colonies.

  • Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island is a quirky tradition watched by millions.

  • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration and former presidents, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted.

Whether it’s about fireworks over the National Mall, a backyard picnic with loved ones, or a quiet moment of reflection, the Fourth of July is an integral part of the American identity.

We spotted hundreds of hippos in Kruger National Park.

May all of our family and friends who celebrate this memorable holiday have a safe and meaningful day.

Last night, the four of us headed to Ngwenya Lodge for dinner at the Fiera Restaurant. The views over the Crocodile River were spectacular, the ambiance inviting and appealing, and the food was indescribable – very delicious for a buffet.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 4, 2015:

The Cattana Wetlands in Australia offer excellent expansive views. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…

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A turtle on the injured back of a hippo at a waterhole in Kruger National Park. We realize this doesn’t look like a hippo, but it was without a doubt.

Kady and Rich prefer to spend time on our veranda rather than embarking on tours or long drives through Marloth Park. Kady tends to get queasy riding on the uneven, potholed dirt roads, which ruins the experience. Instead, they are content to watch the wildlife in our garden that arrive in a steady stream, dine out in one of the restaurants in the area, and enjoy our homemade dinners, such as the one we had last night.

A Cape buffalo snoozing in the sand.

We had delicious, well-seasoned lemon pepper chicken flatties, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and a Greek salad. While the flatties cooked on the braai, the four of us played the card game Five Crowns and enjoyed sundowners on a perfect-weather evening in the bush.

After many late nights, we all went to bed by 10:30, and Tom and I managed to sleep for at least eight hours. Feeling much more lively today than we did yesterday, we had only gotten five hours of sleep the previous night.

A face only a mother could love.

Today, at 3:00 pm, we’re leaving for Ngwenya to watch wildlife on the Crocodile River and then have the buffet dinner in the restaurant around 6:00 pm. The food may not be quite as good as what we’ve had at our past dining experiences since they arrived last Saturday, but the ambiance makes up for that.

Then again, tomorrow and Saturday, we’ll be making our usual visits to Jabula for dinner, and we’re excited to share the fun times and great food we always love at the lively bar and restaurant,  as well as commiserating with owners Dawn, Leon, and their manager, Corrine.

Elephants were gathering on the shore of Sunset Dam. We kept an eye on them and they eventually crossed the road, our second such sighting in one day.

Kady and Rich haven’t completely recovered from jet lag. Combining that with all of our fun late nights, they tend to sleep in while Tom and I are out on the veranda early in the morning. Tom is always outdoors an hour or two before I am, since I stay in bed longer and then shower and dress at the start of each day.

Kady and Rich said this will be the first time in their lives they have been outside the US on the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday, which is celebrated tomorrow. No, there are no fireworks here in Marloth Park for two reasons: one, the fire hazard in the dry bush is high, and two, there are very few Americans here.

Mom and youngster.

This has been our lives for almost 13 years since we began traveling the world in 2012. I think there was one time that we happened to be in the US during the Fourth of July, and we celebrated the occasion with family.

When holidays, celebrated in the US, occur while we are in other countries, we don’t mind at all. We’ve grown accustomed to letting those dates pass without the usual fanfare. It’s all about embracing where we are at any given time rather than hanging onto the past.

Enjoy more of our Kruger photos. We’ll be back tomorrow with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 3, 2015:

Holloways Beach in Cairns, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Oh, What a Night!…Welcoming friends to the bush!…

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A trail cam photo of a genet ready to pounce on the leftover piece of filet mignon from last night’s dinner.

Buying a bale of lucerne was a great idea when Karen and Rich first walked into the house and saw a forkl of kudus standing at the veranda, especially an impressive Big Daddy, the size of which we hadn’t seen lately.

Their journey was long and exhausting, as we’d warned them, but they managed to get four hours of sleep on the second red-eye flight from London to Johannesburg after the unbearable ten-hour layover. Sheer exhaustion helped them to sleep sitting up in the uncomfortable airplane seats.

Young kudus are pretty adorable, as are the adults.

We’d expected them to need a nap and time to recover before dinner. Still, they were both so enthused about being here and enjoying the wildlife, and our lively conversation, that we all stayed up until midnight, sitting outdoors at the table on the veranda, bundled up in hooded sweatshirts and jackets in the cool 55°F, 13 °C weather.

We’d had a fantastic night commiserating about the events in our lives over the past few years, since we’d last seen each other in The Villages, Florida, in 2023. Of course, Karen and I stayed in close touch regularly, over the almost 13 years since we began traveling the world.

When the driver drove them through the park on the way to our vacation home, they saw many animals, including giraffes, along the road. Then, when they arrived at our house, a bevy of various species graced us with their presence throughout the remainder of the afternoon and the evening.

Many kudus came to call after Tom spread the lucerne in the garden. They ate the lucerne but also waited at the veranda’s edge for pellets.

No words can describe how exciting it is to share the wonders of Marloth Park with friends or family, especially those who have never been to Africa before. It’s a never-ending thrill ride of sheer awe and appreciation for the magical world around us, seen face-to-face like never before.

One can certainly see photos and watch videos of wildlife that take one’s breath away. However, nothing compares to seeing the animal’s attentive gaze into our eyes, creating an indescribable connection that is never expected.

Trail cam photo of zebras munching on lucerne.

It’s almost 10:00 am, and they are both still sleeping. When they awake, I plan to make mushroom, cheese, and onion omelets for all of us for a late breakfast, after which we will plan our day and evening. Neither of them is interested in embarking on any tours.

We’ll go to the river, visit Kruger National Park, and take a guided night game drive with dinner in the bush. This will allow them to experience many of the local restaurants we enjoy, especially Jabula on Friday and Saturday nights. They’d prefer to do whatever we enjoy doing while living in the bush, perhaps even joining us at Quiz Night on Tuesday.

No doubt, we’ll all have a great time as we share this magical place with friends we’ve loved and enjoyed for many years.

Be well.

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

The sidewalk along the beach in Palm Cove, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Today, our friends arrive!…Excited to see them and share this wonderland with them…

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Several impalas in the garden.

Over the past 36 hours, I’ve been texting back and forth with Karen, providing support as they’ve had layovers on their way to South Africa. They had an over ten-hour layover in London, more than we had with nine hours almost two weeks ago when we returned to South Africa from the US.

They have just arrived in Joburg with a three-hour layover and will then fly on Airlink to Mpumalanga/Nelspruit/Kruger Airport. They should arrive here in about five hours.

Given that it takes almost two full days to travel from the US to South Africa and back, we’ve often discussed how few Americans we’ve met in the bush over the years. Considering that travelers from the US spend almost four days traveling to and from South Africa, it’s no wonder that we rarely encounter Americans in Marloth Park.

Often, Americans book their flights and accommodations through a travel company; they rarely know about Marloth Park and thus promote it. On rare occasions when we meet Americans, we often ask them how they discovered Marloth Park. In most cases, it was through someone they knew who had been here.

Three of four giraffes in the garden.

Additionally, when Americans visit this general area, they typically end up booking one of the tented camps in Kruger National Park, which offer a range of accommodations from luxury to basic, with options in between. Typically, they spend three to five days in Kruger and then take off for tours in and around Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Alternatively, if they have time constraints, such as returning home for work or other obligations, they may stay for a total of ten days and then return to the US.

Of course, many of our readers and friends who have come to Marloth Park after reading our posts have stayed for extended periods, like us. However, we’ve never known anyone who has spent as much time in Marloth Park as we’ve, other than those who have purchased homes here and become permanent residents, including South Africans from various locations and citizens of different countries who have come here and fallen in love with it.

Here was the fourth giraffe looking for anything to eat that may have fallen on the ground.

Here’s an updated overview of how many Americans travel to various countries each year, including South Africa:

U.S. International Travel Statistics

🔹 Overall U.S. Outbound Travel

  • Nearly 100 million Americans traveled abroad in 2023, similar to pre-pandemic levels (~98 million in 2019).

🔹 Popular Destinations (U.S. Visitors per Year)

Destination Annual U.S. Arrivals
Mexico ~39 million (2023)
Canada ~10 million (2023) estimated from monthly ~2M
United Kingdom ~5 million
France ~5 million
Germany ~4 million
Italy ~4 million
Spain ~3.8 million
Japan ~3 million (2024)
South Korea ~1 million
Dominican Republic ~3 million (pre‑COVID estimates)

  • In 2023, 353,975 Americans visited South Africa (Jan–Dec) — a 35–40% increase from 2022 news24.com+14sanews.gov.za+14www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au+14.

  • In 2024, the U.S. remained South Africa’s top overseas market, with 372,362 arrivals, up 5.2% from 2023. (Source: sanews.gov.za, +4gov. za, +4travelandtourworld. com)

  • Little birds pecking at seeds that fell from the birdfeeder.

Regional Summary

  • North America (Mexico + Canada): ~50 million U.S. tourists annually.

  • Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain): ~20 million.

  • Asia (Japan, South Korea, others): ~4 million.

  • South Africa: ~0.37 million in 2024, ranking among the top long-haul destinations from the U.S.

  • Caribbean & Central America (Dominican Republic, etc.): ~3 million.

Key Insights

  1. Nearly 100 million Americans travel internationally each year.

  2. Mexico and Canada are the dominant destinations, with approximately 50 million U.S. visitors combined.

  3. Europe draws around 20 million, led by the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

  4. Asia is gaining, with ~4 million, including around 3 million to Japan.

  5. South Africa, as a long-haul destination, welcomed ~370,000 Americans in 2024.

  6. Dominican Republic attracts around 3 million U.S. tourists annually.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more and will continue to post while Karen and Rich are visiting.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 28, 2015:

This was one of our favorite spots, located on William Esplanade in Palm Cove Beach, Australia, since the colors reminded us of the village in Placencia, Belize, from so long ago. For more photos, please click here.