Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
Though it may stretch your student loan slightly, it may be worth asking for that early birthday present and start saving up. Failing that, be extra nice to your parents and make it that much needed family holiday.
Getting there
I was able to travel for free as my dad decided to take me on his expenses paid business trip (not really as glamorous as it sounds), but a free holiday no-one can turn down, even if it is with your dad. For those without this privilege, it is possible to get reasonably priced flights online, a few good deals being: £475 return from British Airways, prices from £195 with KLM and £345 when booked with Iberia.
Where to stay
Having the luxury of staying at the famous Keerweder Estate, student accommodation was not something I had to look into. However Cape Town has a wealth of accommodation ranging from reasonably priced hotels to youth hostels. The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre Hostel in Cape Town is perfect for students with attractive rates at about £8.71 per person per night, when sharing a dorm with eight others, or £18.08 for a twin private room with a shared bathroom. Other room types and prices are available. This was voted one of the best hostels by Lonely Planet in 2005 and 2006.
What to do
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities and guarantees something for everybody. With its Mediterranean climate, outstanding views and beautiful beaches, Cape Town’s lively nightlife promises all night entertainment for the party animal. From the vast amount there is to do in Cape Town, I’ll try and narrow it down to my recommendations.
Going up Table Mountain is highly recommended to any visitor and was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. The mountain takes its name from the distinctive plateau shape of its silhouette, and is 1086 metres high at its peak. It is home to 1470 species of flora and exotic wildlife unique to South Africa. Tourists have the option of either hiking up the mountain or taking the cable car to the top.
Unsurprisingly I chose the latter, and it was of the most breathtaking views I saw. Going up the mountain in the rotating cable car gives a 360 degree view of Cape Town, and the mountain overlooks the city, Cape Peninsula and the ocean. A return ride on the cable car costs R130 (about £8.50) for an adult fare.
The Clifton beaches are famously picturesque with the fourth beach known for its glamorous reputation. The pristine white sands are enhanced by Table Mountain, which serves as the perfect backdrop to the beach. This is coupled with the stunning sunsets and sightings of dolphins and whales make it one of the top ten destinations in the world. Its proximity to bars and restaurants in Camps Bay makes it quieter as many people head there in the evenings which is ideal for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. This is an absolute must-do in Cape Town and a cheap minibus taxi ensures no hassle in getting there.
The Boulders Beach is home to 3000 African Penguins and is one of the few places in the world where you can watch penguins up close on the land and as they swim in the sea. This is an opportunity not to be missed - and honestly, who wouldn’t want to see cute penguins waddling around on beaches? Boulders Beach is located near Cape Point.
Nightlife
Cape Town, like many major cities, is one that never sleeps. There are extensive bars ranging from cosy beer taverns to more sophisticated and busier bars - so something to suit everyone’s taste. In terms of nightclubs the dedicated clubber will be spoilt for choice. The one of the newest additions to the nightlife scene is “Pulse”, a sports bar which attracts the younger crowd.
The Bottom Line
All in all, Cape Town offers an ideal holiday destination for families and proves to be a romantic destination for couples. Admittedly you may have to save up, but the experience will be worth every penny.
Cape Town is my second favourite city in the world... I absolutely adored my time there and it was blooming fanastic. I would definitely recommend making sure that everyone visits Table Mountain at least once in their lifetime to see the dassies (cape hyraxes or something) as well as the incredible view - and then the Jackass penguins on the coast (interestingly the most northern habitat for penguins on the planet)... which unfortunately weren't mentioned in enough detail. They actually sound like donkeys... and it's absolutely awesome.
My brother got stung by a jellyfish on the beach though and couldn't walk for a week XD
Jason, you just didn't go to South Africa, did you 
comment deleted by a moderator I flew to Johannesburg, went through Pretoria, around Kruger national park, stopped in Swaziland, went down the coast via a Zulu village and Durban, stopped at an Ostrich farm outside of Cape Town and then had a week in a B&B on Cape Town's coast before flying home via Johannesburg. The private game reserve Honeyguide on the edge of Kruger was the best bit of the holiday but Cape Town was easily the nicest city that I've visited this side of the Atlantic!
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