"We Came Back More in Love… and Slightly Sunburnt” Reviewer:  Carla & Ruan, Pretoria East Trip Vibe:  Romantic Adventure (with SPF regrets) “We booked Thailand because we wanted a romantic escape. You know… long walks on the beach, sunset cocktails, spiritual connection, the usual Instagram highlight reel. What we did not expect: Negotiating scooter rental fees like we were trading sheep at an auction Buying elephants-shaped pants we swore we’d never wear Breaking up and reconciling twice in one day because someone (Ruan) couldn’t read the map Best part?A Thai lady on Phi Phi Island told us we ‘look like TV couple’. We don’t know if she meant romantic drama or trash reality show, but we’ll take it.” Relationship Status After Trip:   Still together. Still wearing elephant pants. Sunburn Status:  Fully laminated. Shedding like lizards. Will pack SPF 9000 next time. “Found Myself. Lost My Passport.” Reviewer:  Tiaan, 27, Johannesburg Trip Vibe:  “Eat, Pray, Love” but more “Eat, Pay, Nap” “I traveled alone to ‘find myself’.I found: Spring rolls A newfound respect for budget airlines A tattoo I can’t explain I made friends with a German guy named Sven who convinced me to take a boat trip at 06:00.That was the day I discovered: I am not a morning person But I am someone who eats noodles for breakfast now Also lost my passport for 34 minutes. Thought I’d become a permanent resident. Already planned my Thai name: Tiang . ” Existential Clarity Level:   7/10 — still doesn’t know his life purpose, but knows exactly where to find the best pad thai on Earth. T-shirt Purchased:   “SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT.” Naturally. “Our Kids Tried to Adopt a Monkey.” Reviewer:  The Smith Family, Benoni Trip Vibe:  Organized Chaos “We wanted a wholesome family holiday. Sun, sea, culture. Reality included: Children bargaining for coconut ice cream like Wall Street brokers A monkey stealing Dad’s sunglasses (RIP Ray-Bans) Our 5-year-old asking if we can ‘take the elephant home because we have space in the garden’ The hotel kids club became our religion.We have never believed in anything more strongly than those 3 hours of daily childcare.” Parental Mental State on Day 3:   Somewhere between zen  and feral . Will they return?  Yes. With leashes. For the children. Not the monkeys. Whether you go as a couple , a solo explorer , or a family unit with questionable emotional stability , Thailand delivers: Sunsets that look like they’ve been Photoshopped by someone who got a bit too excited Food that changes your personality permanently Markets where you will buy things you will never wear again but also can never throw away Stray cats who judge you but softly And memories that become stories your friends will hear 47 times If you're considering a trip to Thailand, we have one piece of advice: Just go. Come back sun-kissed, noodle-fed, scooter-trained and emotionally transformed. You deserve your elephant pants era.  🐘 www.toerinjoutaal.com

There comes a point in every relationship when you realise that you’ve debated every possible Netflix series, eaten at every restaurant within a 20-km radius, and know exactly how your partner likes their toast (burnt but with confidence). That’s when it’s time to do what every sane couple should do: travel together. 1. Because Google Maps Can’t Save You From “The Turn-Left-Here” Argument There’s nothing like navigating a foreign city to truly test your communication skills. You’ll discover new things about your partner—like how they become a passionate cartographer when you miss an exit, or how “trust me, I know a shortcut” is the universal phrase for “we’re lost, but let’s pretend it’s an adventure.” 2. Because Romance Is Easier When You Don’t Have to Do the Dishes At home, you might fight about who’s cooking dinner. Abroad, the biggest decision is between pasta or pad thai. Suddenly, life feels simpler, your partner seems cuter, and even jet lag looks good on them. 3. Because Sharing a Tiny Hotel Bathroom Builds Character Nothing says “commitment” like brushing your teeth two inches away from someone who’s trying to squeeze into a towel. Travel teaches patience, tolerance, and the fine art of pretending you didn’t hear the hairdryer fall into the sink. 4. Because Adventures Are Funnier Together You could ride a camel alone, but who would take the photo when it inevitably spits on you? Every misadventure becomes a shared story—like the time you ordered “mild” curry and discovered that your definition of mild differs dramatically from that of the entire nation of India. 5. Because You’ll Fall in Love Twice Once with each other—and once with the world. Watching sunsets from new horizons, getting lost in ancient streets, or sharing a cheap bottle of local wine under foreign stars reminds you that love isn’t just found at home. It’s found in the moments that make you both laugh until you cry—or cry until you laugh. 6. Because Travelling Together Is the Ultimate Compatibility Test Forget horoscopes or love languages. Try assembling a tent together in the rain. If you both survive, congratulations—you’re soulmates and  seasoned travellers. The Moral of the Story Travelling with your partner is the best mix of chaos, comedy, and connection. You’ll come home with new memories, inside jokes, and at least one photo where one of you blinked—but you’ll also come home stronger, closer, and already planning the next trip. Because love, like travel, isn’t about the destination—it’s about who’s sitting next to you on the plane when it gets delayed. www.toerinjoutaal.com

Planning a romantic getaway to Zanzibar? Discover the funniest and most unforgettable things couples do on this tropical island — from scooter adventures and sunset dhows to spice tours gone wrong. Why Zanzibar Is the Ultimate Couples’ Playground If you think Zanzibar  is all about perfect sunsets and picture-perfect romance, think again. It’s also about missed turns on scooters, sunscreen negotiations, and seafood surprises that make you question your life choices. Still, for couples looking for laughter, love, and a little chaos served with coconut water — Zanzibar is unbeatable. 1. The Great Sunscreen Showdown Nothing says “romantic holiday” like your partner applying SPF 50 while you insist, “I never burn.”Fast forward an hour and one of you looks like a prawn on a braai. Lesson learned: true love is when they still call you “babe” even though you’re glowing like a traffic cone. Travel Tip:  Always pack reef-safe sunscreen — and humility. 2. Scooter Adventures and Minor Breakups Hiring a scooter feels like the ultimate island freedom… until you realize the road has more goats than signs. Zanzibar’s winding lanes will test your navigation skills, trust, and bladder control. By the time you reach the beach, you’ve survived potholes, poultry, and possibly a few relationship debates. But hey — what doesn’t kill you makes the Instagram caption better. 3. The Spice Tour That Spices Up Your Relationship Every couple thinks, “Let’s do something cultural!”Cue the Zanzibar Spice Tour : two hours of heat, humidity, and your guide explaining the romantic history of cloves while you melt into the soil. But when he crowns you “King and Queen of Spices,” it’s suddenly the best tour ever. (Also, free coconut water = forgiveness.) 4. Sunset Dhows & Group Therapy Online photos promised a private sunset cruise .Reality? A crowded dhow with 17 other couples, one ukulele, and someone proposing way too loudly. But when that sun dips below the horizon and the ocean turns gold, your partner reaches for your hand — and you realize paradise doesn’t need privacy, just the right company. 5. Seafood Roulette: A Love Story You wanted “authentic Zanzibar cuisine.”You got grilled octopus with extra personality. As you politely chew, your partner’s laughter makes it all worth it. You toast to bravery, romance, and a shared decision that tomorrow’s dinner will definitely be pizza. 6. The “Let’s Move to Zanzibar” Phase After three days of beaches, coconut cocktails, and zero deadlines, one of you says,“Let’s stay forever.”Suddenly, you’re Googling “how to open a smoothie bar in Zanzibar.” Spoiler: it’s a short-lived dream — usually ending the moment Wi-Fi drops or it rains during your perfect  beach day. But it’s a dream worth having. 7. The Real Zanzibar Moment The truth is, it’s not about the perfect itinerary. It’s about that quiet second — bare feet in warm sand, waves whispering, and laughter that drowns out the world. You’ll return home sunburned, sandy, and completely in love (again). Because Zanzibar has a way of turning chaos into connection — and misadventures into memories. Final Thoughts: Paradise With Personality Zanzibar isn’t just a romantic destination  — it’s a relationship adventure disguised as a beach holiday. Come for the turquoise waters, stay for the stories you’ll tell for years. Because when you can laugh together through scooter detours, spicy sweat, and lost flip-flops — you’ve already found your happily ever after. www.toerinjoutaal.com

They say love is about patience, laughter, and pretending not to notice when your partner takes 10,000 photos of the same coconut. In Thailand, you’ll need all three — and maybe a few deep breaths. From waterfalls to karaoke bars, this tropical playground has countless ways to test your chemistry… and your ability to share a mosquito repellent bottle without fighting. 1. The Great Hotel Buffet Strategy Battle Breakfast buffets in Thailand are where relationships are truly tested. One of you piles up every pastry like you’re prepping for a famine, while the other insists on “starting light” — then steals your bacon anyway. By the time you reach the omelette station, you’ve both silently judged each other’s plate choices and reached unspoken peace over pancakes. 2. A Visit to the Cat Café (Because You Said You Weren’t a Cat Person) Thailand’s cat cafés are adorable — unless you’re the one who swore you “don’t like cats.” Ten minutes in, you’re cradling a purring furball like it’s your firstborn while your partner films the evidence for future blackmail. Congratulations, you’ve just had your first joint custody moment. 3. The Great Island Hopping Adventure Ah, island tours: the perfect chance to see paradise — and test your ability to coordinate snorkel masks. One of you dives in gracefully like a movie star; the other surfaces spluttering and spitting out half the Andaman Sea. But when you both spot a rainbow of fish beneath you, it’s impossible not to grin through the goggles. 4. The Scooter Selfie Debacle Yes, you rented a scooter — but this time, it’s not about the driving. It’s about that  selfie. One of you insists on getting the “wind in the hair” shot while the other is focused on not crashing into a pineapple truck. The result? A blurry masterpiece featuring one terrified face and one half-sunglass. Frame it. It’s art. 5. The “Cultural Show” Date Night You thought it was a quiet dinner. It’s actually a full-blown traditional Thai dance performance — complete with drums, costumes, and a random sword fight. You’ll clap politely, smile through confusion, and argue afterward about which part was the plot. But it’s a night you’ll both never forget (or fully understand). 6. The Great Market Maze Thailand’s night markets are the definition of sensory overload — sizzling food, flashing lights, and endless stalls selling things you didn’t know you needed. One of you disappears to “just look around” and reappears 40 minutes later with lanterns, fried bananas, and a questionable T-shirt that says “Same Same But Different.” True love is pretending that’s fashion. 7. Karaoke Night Gone Wrong (and Right) It starts with one cocktail and ends with both of you dramatically belting out “My Heart Will Go On” to a room of amused strangers. The locals cheer, someone records it, and suddenly you’re an overnight sensation in a Phuket bar. No one hits the high notes — but you hit new levels of confidence (and volume). 8. The Jungle Trek that Turned into Couples Therapy You wanted adventure. You got sweat, bugs, and a realization that your partner’s sense of direction is pure optimism. Still, somewhere between slipping on a muddy slope and sharing a granola bar, you rediscover teamwork. Nature — 1. You — slightly bruised but still adorable together. 9. Thai Boat Tours and Relationship Rowing You rent a longtail boat and think, “How romantic!” until you realize one of you has zero upper-body strength. Cue the finger-pointing, unhelpful advice, and mild splashing war. But once you find that hidden lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs — it’s suddenly all worth it. (Mostly.) 10. The “Mystery Fruit” Challenge Thailand’s markets are filled with alien-looking fruits — spiky, slimy, or neon pink. You make it a game: one picks, one tastes. Some are delicious; others taste like perfume and confusion. Either way, it ends in laughter — and possibly a mango addiction. Bonus Round: The Hotel Pool Synchronised Swimming Attempt It’s all fun and games until someone inhales pool water mid–underwater heart pose. Still, your half-failed attempt at aquatic romance will make you both laugh so hard, the lifeguard will start filming. Viral fame, incoming. Final Thoughts Thailand isn’t just a destination — it’s a hilarious couples’ experiment disguised as a holiday. You’ll leave with inside jokes, sand in strange places, and a shared understanding that the real souvenir was the laughter (and maybe the sunburn). So pack your patience, your sense of humor, and a backup pair of sunglasses — because in Thailand, love isn’t just in the air. It’s probably on a boat, singing karaoke, holding a mango. www.toerinjoutaal.com

Ah, Thailand — the land of temples, tuk-tuks, and tropical romance. It’s where couples go to rediscover their spark, take adorable photos on swing chairs over turquoise water… and occasionally argue about who forgot the sunscreen. 1. The Airport Test of True Love If you can survive a 13-hour flight, three gate changes, and your partner asking, “Did you pack the passports?” for the fifth time , congratulations — your relationship can survive anything. Bonus points if you share a single neck pillow and don’t file for emotional separation mid-flight. 2. The Great Tuk-Tuk Negotiation Every couple has that one moment  where one of you says, “Let’s walk, it’s only ten minutes,” and forty sweaty minutes later you’re in the middle of Bangkok questioning your life choices.Enter the tuk-tuk: a tiny, colourful chariot of chaos. You’ll cling to each other (and your luggage) while your driver takes corners like he’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: Bangkok Drift . It’s terrifyingly romantic. 3. Street Food — and Digestive Trust Trying street food together is an act of faith. One of you will go, “This looks fine,” while the other whispers, “That octopus still moved.” You’ll both eat it anyway because, well, Instagram. By the end of the trip, you’ll bond over shared moments of spicy regret — nothing says love like passing each other the Imodium. 4. The Beach Phase (a.k.a. The SPF Olympics) Thai beaches are made for romance: sunsets, cocktails, and the illusion of being in a sunscreen commercial. Until someone forgets to reapply. Suddenly, you’re nursing matching lobster tans and taking turns peeling each other’s shoulders like sun-burnt bananas. Cute. 5. Couples Yoga: Bending Over Backwards (Literally) You sign up for a couples’ yoga class in Chiang Mai thinking, How hard can it be?  Two minutes later, you’re both tangled like pretzels, the instructor is clapping politely, and you’ve discovered that your partner’s flexibility is 80% optimism. At least you’ll laugh — and fall over together. 6. The Floating Market Relationship Test Floating markets are magical: boats piled high with fruit, smiling vendors, and total sensory overload. You’ll both try to look cool haggling over mangoes, but someone (you know who) will buy a random inflatable elephant you now have to carry for the rest of the trip. 7. The “We Need a Photo” Olympics Every scenic view turns into a mini photo shoot. “Take one more — my hair wasn’t ready.” “Wait, your eyes were closed.” By the 47th photo, the smile is gone, the humidity has won, and both of you are silently wondering if single travel might be easier.But later that night, when you scroll through the chaos and find one perfect shot — it’s worth every argument. 8. The Massage That Wasn’t Relaxing You book a “couples Thai massage,” expecting gentle music and relaxation. Instead, a tiny woman with supernatural strength folds you in half like a lawn chair while your partner giggles next to you. By the end, you both can’t decide if you’re healed or slightly traumatized. 9. The Final Test: Airport Souvenirs No matter how strong your relationship is, the airport souvenir section will challenge it. Do you really need another  elephant keychain? Absolutely. Will you fit it in your luggage? Absolutely not. But you’ll buy it anyway — because love is compromise… and baggage fees. Final Thoughts Travelling to Thailand as a couple isn’t just about beaches and temples — it’s about shared chaos, inside jokes, and discovering how patient you really  are when your partner takes 25 minutes to choose a smoothie. You’ll come home with memories, mosquito bites, and maybe one questionable tattoo — but also with a stronger bond (and a serious craving for Pad Thai). www.toerinjoutaal.com

The Presidents, the Tourists, and the Tortoises of Zanzibar When most people say they’ve lived a long life, they mean 80 or 90 years. Respectable, sure. But the giant tortoises of Prison Island, Zanzibar, just chuckle (well, as much as a tortoise can chuckle). Some of these shelled superstars are over 150 years old. That’s so old they’ve seen more presidents come and go than most Zanzibaris have seen election posters. Wise Old Giants… or Just Really Good at Napping? Let’s be honest: giant tortoises don’t exactly do much. Their main hobbies are: Eating leaves like it’s a full-time buffet. Napping in the sun like professional retirees. Casually outliving entire generations of humans. You might expect creatures that old to have deep wisdom, but if you lean in close, they’ll probably just burp lettuce in your face. The Ultimate “Slow Life” Influencers Forget self-help books and yoga retreats—the tortoises of Prison Island are the true life coaches. Their message? “Relax. Move slowly. Snack often.”While the rest of us hustle for promotions and panic over Wi-Fi passwords, these tortoises remind us that life can be enjoyed at 0.0003 km/h. From Seychelles With Love Here’s the fun backstory: in the late 1800s, the British governor of Seychelles gifted a few Aldabra giant tortoises to Zanzibar. Instead of fading into history, they turned Prison Island into a reptilian retirement home. Fast forward more than a century, and now they’re basically the Kardashians of the tortoise world—posing for photos, adored by tourists, and living a scandal-free, salad-filled lifestyle. A Day With the Tortoises So what’s it like to hang out with them? Imagine meeting your great-great-great-grandparent… if that grandparent weighed 200 kg, moved slower than your Monday morning brain, and couldn’t stop drooling over leaves. Tourists feed them, take selfies with them, and try not to laugh when the tortoises step on each other’s toes. Final Thought Prison Island’s tortoises are living proof that you don’t need to be fast, flashy, or tech-savvy to be a legend. Just live long enough, eat your greens, and ignore the political drama around you. Who knows—maybe in 2125, they’ll still be there, looking at new tourists and thinking:“Another president already? Slow down, humans.” www.toerinjoutaal.com

Imagine this: you’re in Dubai, your taxi meter is ticking, and you suddenly realize you’re out of cash. Do you panic? No. You calmly stroll over to an ATM, swipe your card, and—voilà—out pops a shiny little gold bar. Welcome to Dubai, where even the vending machines make you feel underdressed. When “Withdrawing” Takes on a Whole New Meaning In most parts of the world, an ATM spits out paper bills. In Dubai, it spits out treasure. It’s like the universe finally answered the question: “What if Willy Wonka ran a bank?” And let’s be honest—there’s no cool way to explain to a taxi driver why you’re handing him a solid gold ingot instead of a few notes. “Sorry boss, I only had the 10-gram bar today. Can you break it?” Convenience or Complication? Think about it. You head out planning to grab a snack, but instead of chips and a soda, you come back with a 24-carat bar. Suddenly your “quick errand” turns into: A call to your insurance company. Googling “how to smelt gold safely in your kitchen.” An awkward WhatsApp message to your friend: “Hey, can you spot me 20 dirhams? I’ll pay you back in bullion.” The Real Flex The Gold ATM isn’t really about convenience—it’s about bragging rights . Forget posting your avocado toast on Instagram. True Dubai flexing is snapping a selfie while withdrawing gold and captioning it:“ATM said ‘insufficient funds,’ so I had to settle for the small bar.” Final Thoughts Gold ATMs perfectly sum up Dubai: bigger, shinier, and a little bit extra. It’s a place where the phrase “just grabbing some cash” might literally mean walking away with pirate treasure. So, if you ever visit, bring your debit card, a wheelbarrow, and a really patient taxi driver. www.toerinjoutaal.com

When you think of Dubai, what comes to mind? Blazing sunshine, golden sand dunes, and sunglasses so reflective they could redirect aircraft. You don’t picture snow — unless it’s the kind falling from your ice-cold mocktail in a rooftop bar. But Dubai never got the memo about “sticking to the script.” Why settle for being a desert metropolis when you can also be a winter wonderland ? That’s exactly what Ski Dubai is: a massive indoor ski resort sitting smack in the middle of the Mall of the Emirates. Yes, you read that right. While the outside world sizzles at a solid 45°C, people inside are shuffling around in ski boots, building snowmen, and sipping hot chocolate like it’s the Alps. The Desert Logic We Didn’t Know We Needed Dubai’s motto might as well be: If you can dream it, we can air-condition it.  Why climb dunes when you can ride a chairlift? Why sweat through your shirt when you could freeze your toes off? It’s the only place on Earth where you can bargain for a Louis Vuitton handbag and, five minutes later, crash into a snowbank while trying to snowboard. Penguins. Yes, Penguins. Just when you think it can’t get stranger, Ski Dubai casually introduces penguins. Real, live penguins. In the desert. They waddle around while you wonder if you accidentally stepped into a David Attenborough documentary sponsored by an oil company. The Chairlift Paradox Here’s the surreal part: you sit on the chairlift inside Ski Dubai, gliding above the snowy slopes, and you know deep down that just outside the mall doors is a climate so intense it could fry an egg on your rental skis. It’s basically Mother Nature’s version of “choose your own adventure.” Final Thoughts: Only in Dubai Indoor skiing in the desert isn’t just an attraction; it’s a statement. A flex. A reminder that in Dubai, the impossible is just another Tuesday. So if you ever find yourself melting on Sheikh Zayed Road, just remember: there’s a place nearby where you can strap on some skis, drink hot cocoa, and pretend you’re in Switzerland — until your Uber driver reminds you it’s 11 pm and still 38°C outside. www.toerinjoutaal.com

Let’s talk about Mauritius – an island paradise known for its stunning beaches, stunning sunsets, and, of course, coconuts. But here’s the twist: locals aren’t just drinking coconuts; they’re having full-blown conversations with them . Yes, you heard that right – coconuts aren’t just for sipping, they’re for chatting. Forget weather apps, Mauritians have a secret weapon that’s far more reliable: the coconut. And honestly, who needs a smartphone when you have nature’s original weather app? The Coconut: A Modern-Day Psychic On the island of Mauritius, the coconut is not just a tropical fruit ; it’s practically a fortune teller. Locals believe that coconuts have the power to predict the weather, and they’re pretty serious about it. You know how you check the weather app on your phone? Well, Mauritians have a more "hands-on" approach. They check their coconuts. And let me tell you, these coconuts are more accurate than most weather reports you’ve ever seen. Here’s how it works: when you shake a coconut, you’re not just giving it a little jiggle to get the water inside. No, no. You’re consulting a mystical oracle . If the coconut rattles nicely, clear skies are ahead. If it’s quiet and suspiciously still, prepare for a rainstorm. But if it sounds like it’s been shaken by a nervous person on their third coffee of the day, well… get ready for a monsoon. It’s all about reading the signs, my friend. Move over, radar – there’s a new forecaster in town. "Coconut Communication": More Than Just Weather In Mauritius, coconuts are the unsung heroes  of island life. From roadside stands  where you can get a fresh coconut to drink (no need for a fancy coconut water company to do the hard work) to locals using them in rituals, coconuts are more than just a tasty treat – they’re like the Swiss Army knife  of the tropics. Need something to drink? Grab a coconut. Need a makeshift bowl? Grab a coconut. Want to predict the weather? You guessed it – grab a coconut and have a little chat with it. In fact, Mauritius’ relationship with coconuts is so deep that it’s almost like they have their own Coconut Whisperer . Picture this: a local sitting on a beach with their coconut in hand, gently speaking to it. "Oh wise coconut," they say, "Will I need sunscreen today, or will I be hiding under a beach umbrella?" The coconut rattles once. Clear skies. A thumbs-up. And just like that, no need for an expensive sunscreen ad – the coconut has spoken. Coconut Talk: What Are They Saying? You’d think that coconuts, being the quiet, introverted fruit they are, wouldn’t have much to say. But in Mauritius, coconuts are practically chatty Cathy . Locals can apparently hear all sorts of things if they listen carefully enough. Some say the coconut gives off subtle vibes about the weather. If the coconut feels heavy, a storm’s coming. If it’s light and bouncy, prepare for blue skies and sunshine . It’s like they’re saying, “You better pack that umbrella, pal,” or “Go ahead, rock that sunscreen, it’s going to be a beach day!” "The Coconut Festival": A Celebration of All Things Nutty Let’s be real – if Mauritians are chatting with coconuts to predict the weather, they definitely throw a festival to celebrate them. The Coconut Festival  is an event where all things coconut are revered. It’s where you’ll find coconut-inspired food , coconut-based products , and even some coconut-forecasting competitions . Want to know if the weather will stay sunny for your beach outing? There’s probably someone in a coconut costume shaking it for a living. Mauritians even have a tradition of using coconuts as a good luck charm , so if you're heading to a local festival, you might be handed a coconut as a token of good fortune. It’s like a tropical lottery . Maybe you’ll get a coconut that will bring you luck for the year, or maybe you’ll just be using it to make a smoothie – either way, it’s a win-win. How to Test Your Own Coconut Now, here’s the fun part. Next time you find yourself on a beach in Mauritius (lucky you), grab a coconut and try your hand at becoming a Coconut Whisperer  yourself. Follow these simple steps: Pick a Coconut : Not just any coconut, but one that feels “right.” Don’t rush it. This is a serious decision. Shake It Gently : If it’s a loud rattle, congratulations – clear skies ahead! If it’s dead quiet, cancel that picnic; it’s going to rain. If it sounds like a coconut getting a bad haircut, brace yourself for a storm. Talk to It : This part is optional, but highly recommended. The coconut can’t predict the weather unless you form a bond of trust . Wait for the Forecast : Once you’ve communicated with the coconut, respect its wisdom. If it says rain, find a café. If it says sun, grab your sunscreen and a beach towel. Final Thoughts Mauritius may be known for its idyllic beaches, luxury resorts , and delicious food , but it’s the coconut  that holds the key to true island wisdom. Forget the fancy weather apps or the satellite forecasts – next time you're on the island, grab a coconut and let it predict your day . It might be the most fun you’ve ever had with a fruit. And honestly, who needs to check the weather app when you have a coconut with better vibes than most apps could ever provide? www.toerinjoutaal.com

If you think Mauritius is only about beaches, rum, and pretending you’re in a shampoo commercial while flipping your hair in the lagoon… think again. Once a year, the island explodes into a spectacular show of colors, devotion, and (let’s be honest) a little bit of “ouch” — it’s Thaipoosam Cavadee  time. The Festival of “Wow” (and Needles) Thaipoosam Cavadee is a Tamil Hindu festival that looks like Mardi Gras met a yoga retreat and then invited a piercing studio along for the ride. Devotees carry cavadees  (beautifully decorated bamboo arches covered in flowers, fruits, and feathers) on their shoulders as offerings. Sounds simple, right? Well, some take it up a notch by piercing their skin, cheeks, and even tongues with needles and spears. Yes, you read that correctly. While most of us can’t even handle a mosquito bite without crying for aloe vera, these devotees march for kilometers with what looks like a cross between a fruit basket and a peacock strapped to their backs… and smile while doing it. The Color Explosion Imagine a carnival where pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows all had a competition to see which one could blind you first. Streets are flooded with parades of color, music, incense smoke, and chanting. It’s Instagram heaven, except you’ll spend most of your time explaining that no, this isn’t Coachella — it’s a sacred ritual, and no, you shouldn’t try it at home. The Food (Because Mauritius = Food) No Mauritian festival is complete without food, and Cavadee is no exception. After all the devotion and discipline (many participants fast before the big day), there’s a vegetarian feast waiting at the end. It’s like the ultimate “cheat day,” except instead of a burger, you get seven curries and enough sweets to feed your entire WhatsApp contact list. The Takeaway (Besides Curry) Thaipoosam Cavadee isn’t just about the spectacle — it’s about faith, endurance, and community. But let’s be real: it’s also about looking at someone with a spear through their cheek and thinking, “Wow, and I complained about getting my ears pierced at Claire’s.” So, if you ever find yourself in Mauritius in January or February, don’t just stick to the beaches. Go find a Cavadee procession. Bring your camera, bring your appetite, and maybe leave your squeamish friend at home. Mauritius: where even spirituality comes with style, color, and a side of samosas. CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR MAURITIUS TRIPS! www.toerinjoutaal.com

When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? Pizza, pasta, Ferraris, Gucci… maybe even a passionate hand gesture or two. But here’s a quirky fact you probably didn’t know: Italians invented eyeglasses back in the 13th century. That’s right — long before Prada made sunglasses glamorous, Italian glassmakers were crafting lenses to help monks and scholars read manuscripts by candlelight. It was practical, visionary, and (naturally) just the beginning of Italy’s obsession with turning everyday objects into works of art. A Visionary Beginning The first eyeglasses appeared in Pisa and Venice around the 1200s. Picture it: scholars huddled over thick manuscripts, suddenly able to read with clarity thanks to riveted lenses balanced on their noses. They weren’t chic just yet, but they were revolutionary — changing the way people saw the world, literally. From Function to Fashion Fast forward to Renaissance Italy, where style met science. Glasses became more than a tool — they became a statement. Worn by thinkers, artists, and philosophers, spectacles hinted not only at intelligence but also sophistication. And because this is Italy we’re talking about, it didn’t take long before they were infused with flair. Today, that legacy lives on. Italy is home to iconic eyewear brands like Ray-Ban, Persol, and Prada. In other words: the country that gave us the first eyeglasses also gave us the world’s most stylish ones. See Italy For Yourself Now here’s the real beauty: you don’t need a pair of spectacles to see Italy in all its glory — but it sure helps if you’re there in person. Imagine standing in Venice, where those first lenses were crafted. Or exploring Florence, where Renaissance artists turned science into beauty. Or sipping espresso in Milan, surrounded by fashion that makes even eyeglasses look like runway accessories. Italy is more than a destination. It’s a country that has always seen the world differently — and invites you to do the same. Ready to Pack Your Bags? From historic streets to stylish boutiques, Italy is a feast for the eyes (with or without glasses). Let us help you see it clearly — and in true Italian style. Book your Italian adventure with TOER IN JOU TAAL / JABULANI GETAWAYS today  — because some sights deserve to be seen up close.

( The culinary plot twist no one saw coming… except Italians ) Ah, spaghetti and meatballs. The classic, comforting dish you’ve seen in every rom-com dinner scene, from Lady and the Tramp ’s romantic noodle moment to every family Sunday in an Italian-American movie. It’s rich, saucy, and comes with enough carbs and protein to keep you full until next Tuesday. The only problem? It’s about as Italian as deep-fried Oreos. How This Meatball Mayhem Happened Once upon a time, Italian immigrants moved to the United States, bringing their beloved pasta and meatball recipes… separately. Somewhere between Ellis Island and the corner Italian deli, someone decided to put them together on one plate. Cue dramatic gasp. Italians back home were blissfully unaware, still enjoying their pasta first , and their meatballs ( polpette ) later , as a separate dish, like civilized people who understand the laws of the food universe. Order It in Naples and Prepare for “The Look” If you walk into a Neapolitan trattoria and ask for spaghetti and meatballs, you won’t just get a “no.”You’ll get The Look . You know the one — a mix of disappointment, confusion, and nonna  silently whispering a prayer for your culinary soul. They might politely explain: “In Italy, meatballs are for the second course. Pasta has its own destiny.” Or they might just bring you something else entirely and hope you learn your lesson. It’s the Pineapple Pizza of Pasta Think about it — pineapple on pizza is infamous for dividing friendships and possibly causing international incidents. In Italy, spaghetti and meatballs are often grouped together. Delicious? Sure. Authentic? Not even close. The Moral of the Story If you’re in the US, enjoy your spaghetti and meatballs with pride — it’s part of Italian-American culture, which is a beautiful thing in its own right. But if you’re in Italy, maybe stick to the local menu… unless you want to be the star of a viral “tourists in Italy” TikTok. www.toerinjoutaal.com