In 1957, when overseas travel was strictly for the champagne set, Frommer wrote “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day.” It was a declaration that travel shouldn’t just be for those with private jets and trust funds.

The best thing about Frommer wasn’t his budget tips (though they were handy). It was his unwavering belief that the best travel happens when you get out of your comfort zone and into the real life of a place. He basically gave us permission to ditch the tour buses and fancy hotel lobbies.

These days, we think nothing of booking a family-run pension in Greece or hunting down the best street food in Bangkok. We’ve got the confidence to explore Istanbul’s back streets or find that perfect local wine bar in Rome. That’s Frommer’s influence right there – this idea that authentic travel beats packaged experiences every time.

Mind you, he’d probably have a good laugh at today’s ‘influencers’ posed in identical spots at infinity pools around the world. He was more interested in the story you’d tell over dinner than the one you’d post on Instagram.

What makes his passing worth noting is how much we need his philosophy right now. In an age where travel often feels like a competitive sport, his message is refreshing: the point isn’t to tick off sites or snap perfect photos – it’s to understand a place and its people.

The $5 a day is long gone (wouldn’t that be nice?), but his core belief stands: whether you’re booking a luxury hotel or a backpackers’, real travel is about getting under the skin of a place. No one ever came home with their best travel story starting with “So I never left the resort…”

Next time you’re planning a trip, pour a glass for old Arthur. He’s the reason we know that the best travel memories often happen when we step off the well-worn trail, and just see where the day takes us.

Cheers, Mr Frommer. You made us all better travellers.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

This AI grandma is making scammers regret ever picking up the phone

Meet Daisy, Britain’s sweetest AI grandmother who’s secretly making phone scammers lose their minds. This charming digital trickster might just be the most entertaining weapon against fraud you’ve never heard of. Read more

Cape Town just shocked everyone by becoming the world’s favourite food city

South Africa’s favourite city just beat out Milan, Tokyo, and Rome in Condé Nast Traveller’s rankings for best food destinations. Who saw that coming? Read more

How photographers captured National Geographic’s best shots of 2024

From waiting motionless in freezing water to hiking 20 kg of gear up a volcano, discover the extraordinary lengths photographers went to capture these stunning moments. Read more

Memes comparing her moves to a hopping kangaroo and Homer Simpson rolling on the floor quickly went viral. Critics lambasted everything from her technical skills to her choice of wearing the official green-and-gold Australian uniform instead of typical breaker streetwear.

But Raygun didn’t miss a beat. She fired back at detractors with grace and humour. “I was never going to beat these B-Girls at what they do,” she said, “so I did what I do best and I went out and I showed myself, my creativity, my style, a little bit of Australian character.”

Raygun’s Olympic journey mirrors breaking’s global evolution – from underground movement to mainstream spectacle. But to truly appreciate this dance form’s power to overcome adversity and break barriers, we need to moonwalk back in time to the 1980s in South Africa. Breaking sneaked into the country via bootleg VHS tapes during this dark period of institutionalised racial segregation. In a society designed to keep people apart, breaking brought them together.

These dancers didn’t just replicate what they saw on those grainy tapes – they infused their routines with local culture, incorporating movements inspired by traditional African dances and even San rock art.  Breaking battles often took place in contested spaces, like the “whites only” sections of train stations.

The risks were real. Police could interrupt gatherings at any moment. But for many young South Africans, breaking offered a way to build community, express identity, and resist oppression through creative means.

Raygun’s Olympic journey echoes that spirit. Her unique style and willingness to stand out reflect breaking’s roots in individual expression and cultural pride.

So, what can we learn from Raygun’s kangaroo-inspired odyssey? A few things:

• Stay true to yourself. Raygun proudly wore her national colours despite pressure to conform. In our work lives, it’s easy to feel we need to fit a certain mould to succeed. But often, it’s our unique perspectives and approaches that lead to real breakthroughs.
• Focus on your strengths. Rather than trying to out-dance her competitors at their own game, Raygun leaned into her creativity and cultural flair. Similarly, in our careers, we’ll go further by honing our distinct talents than by trying to be carbon copies of others.
• Take risks. Breaking into the Olympics (pun intended) was a bold move. Raygun, at 36 and with a PhD in cultural studies, defied expectations of what an Olympic athlete should look like. Innovation often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Remember the bigger picture. As a pioneer in Olympic breaking, Raygun represented more than just herself – she showcased an entire art form to the world. In our daily lives, considering how our actions impact our teams, companies, or communities can provide valuable perspective.

So, dance like everyone’s watching – because they are, and in the age of social media, they’re probably recording too. But remember, whether you’re in a stuffy boardroom or on an Olympic stage, it’s not about being the best. It’s about being unmistakably, unapologetically you.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Cape Town bar creates meal you can wrestle with

What do you get when you cross a drunken dare, a South African culinary icon, and enough meat to make a butcher blush? A 3-metre Gatsby. Cape Town’s Annies Ladies Bar has supersized the beloved local staple into a 65-kilogram monster, complete with 10 layers of everything but the kitchen sink. And the best part? It all started with a bar bet.

“The Ick” is now official as dictionary adds Gen Z slang

Are you ready to “boop” your way through the dictionary? The Cambridge Dictionary just got a Gen Z makeover, adding over 3,200 new words, including “the ick,” “IYKYK,” and “chef’s kiss.” From reality TV catchphrases to gaming lingo, these additions are giving language lovers a “face journey.”

Saffa fans score selfie jackpot at Adele concert

Two South African fans got more than they bargained for at Adele’s Munich concert. Radio host Clement Manyathela and friend Basani were invited on stage to chat and snap a selfie with the star herself. This is what hitting the fan lottery looks like.

The challenge? Unleash the cringiest dad joke to make even the most seasoned eye-rollers groan in defeat. It’s the Dad Joke Championship, and may the worst pun win. In honour of Father’s Day, it’s only fitting we pay tribute to this sacred tradition of fatherly humour.

A dad joke is a joke, typically a pun, often presented as a one-liner or a question-and-answer. The term was first published by Jim Kalbaugh, who wrote an impassioned defence of the genre in The Gettysburg Times in June 1987 under the headline “Don’t ban the ‘Dad’ jokes; preserve and revere them”. The genre began to thrive on social media platforms; in 2017, #dadjokes was one of the most popular hashtags on Twitter. In September 2019, Merriam-Webster added the phrase “dad joke” to the dictionary, cementing its place in the comedy hall of fame (or shame).

Dad jokes? I’d argue they are an art form. It turns out they’re not just good because they make us laugh (sometimes grudgingly); they make us better humans. A study published by the British Psychological Society took a deep dive into dad jokes and found that even though they’re cringey, dad jokes have the capacity to make us better humans. 

Humour researcher Marc Hye-Knudson wrote that dad jokes are often derided as dumb, but it’s actually the opposite. Part of what makes them funny is simply that they’re unfunny.

This has two benefits researchers saw in kids. One was that it shows them a father figure’s willingness to embarrass himself repeatedly. The second was that it subconsciously teaches kids to be alright with awkwardness and how to respond to it. According to the researcher, kids continually exposed to eye-rolling humour build up a natural immunity to judgement and embarrassment and become adults who feel empowered to be themselves.

Dad jokes are comfortable jokes for comfortable situations among friends and family. They might elicit a disapproving glare but ultimately bring people closer together. They represent a dad at his most annoying but also at his best: warm, silly and loving. Awww.

In a sea of mediocre dad jokes, there is one considered the baddest dad joke of them all? According to this poll, we have a winner: “This graveyard looks crowded – people must be dying to get in” was voted the most amusing dad joke of all time. (Cue drum roll).

And yes, we have an in-house reigning champ – (you know who you are). Keep those Dad jokes coming Big Ambitions. But let’s keep it in the family. The world’s not ready for our kind of humour that’s so bad, it’s good.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Hollywood Thin Drug Now Targeting Chubby Pets

Move over, Hollywood stars—your pets are next in line for the slim-down! With 60% of American cats and dogs carrying extra fluff, drugs like Ozempic are making moves to help Fido and Whiskers trade in their love handles for a sleek new look.

How to Keep an Endangered Rhino Warm in Winter

Chester Zoo has discovered a game-changing way to keep their endangered eastern black rhinos cosy during the chilly English winters. This cutting-edge approach not only ensures the rhinos’ comfort but also significantly reduces the zoo’s carbon footprint.

Brazilian lawmaker’s bathroom blunder

In a week of believe-it-or-not politics in South Africa, we can be thankful that none of our elected officials have sunk to the depths of this Brazilian politician. This lawmaker shamelessly joined a virtual parliamentary session while situated in a highly questionable location.

The Search for the Cheapest Cup of Coffee in SA

If your daily caffeine habit is starting to drain your bank account faster than a French press, consider some cheaper options. The South African has rounded up some of the most wallet-friendly spots to get your coffee fix in South Africa. This breakdown of the cheapest cups of joe around might surprise you.

But the real magic of ATW happened when I stepped into the educational sessions, where I had the chance to hear from some of the industry’s most inspiring leaders. The programming covered all the hot-button issues affecting the travel trade, from cutting-edge discussions on the latest tourism marketing tactics to panels exploring how to better cater to LGBTQ+ travellers. 

What I didn’t expect, though, was the wisdom these speakers shared that went beyond travel industry tips. They imparted advice that I found surprisingly applicable to my own career – and frankly, just life in general. Here are some nuggets that stuck with me:  

• Kill ‘em with kindness: Bullies. There’s no avoiding them. I loved this advice. When dealing with difficult people, channel your inner Mary Poppins and respond with the patience of a saint. Treating bullies like cranky toddlers is often more effective than stooping to their level. 
• Hire for heart, not just skills: When building your team, look beyond skills and experience. Seek out candidates who’ll be the right fit for your company culture – their attitude and values matter just as much as their credentials. The takeaway mantra? Hire a person for who they are and build the job around them.  
• Ask, don’t assume: When interacting with people with disabilities or special needs, don’t try to guess what they need. Simply ask them directly what accommodations or assistance would be most helpful. It’s a small gesture that shows real respect. 
• Automate one task, see what happens: Identify one repetitive, time-consuming process in your work and explore how AI could streamline it. Even a little experimentation can uncover major efficiency gains. 
• Baby steps for becoming a social butterfly: If networking and mingling make you anxious, set an achievable goal, like collecting three new business cards at an event. It’s a low-pressure way to push yourself outside your comfort zone. 

The common thread? These tips are all about bringing more empathy, experimentation, and self-compassion into your professional and personal life. Small tweaks can make a big difference! 

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Houston, Loch Ness has a problem

The Loch Ness Centre is begging NASA to help hunt for Nessie on her 90th birthday. With over 1,150 sightings since 1934, the monster’s legend lives on – can rocket scientists crack the case? 

Wanted: Good homes for 600 hungry goats

The tiny Italian island of Alicudi is overrun by goats – outnumbering the human residents 6 to 1. Faced with these caprine interlopers “destroying” their island, officials have decided to give the goats away for free.

SA blockbuster conquers Netflix worldwide

South Africans are positively beaming with pride over the global success of their Netflix film “Heart of The Hunter.” The movie has hit a huge milestone, ranking #1 worldwide in 75 countries and racking up over 11 million views.

Will the name of your town be changing in 2024?

The word on the street is out: the big name change is on its way! Looks like Aberdeen is getting ready to become the new Camdeboo. But that’s just the beginning – find out which other South African towns are about to get a new moniker.

The beauty biz is having an identity crisis – Generation Alpha is taking over. The tween wave seems obsessed with “bougie” skincare. And it’s not only the parents freaking out over the credit card bills. Those oases of calm at Sephora are being overrun by gaggles of girls swooping on employees for samples to create “skincare smoothies”. The fallout is darker than yesterday’s mascara – many products loved by Gen Alphas contain actives like retinol and niacinamide meant for adult skin. Not ideal for still-developing tweens.

But we can’t blame the kids – the blame lies with the influencers. Mini social media stars as young as seven share intricate routines, while experts say skincare is now a daily essential, not a luxury. Born between 2010 and 2024, Gen Alpha is glued to social media. They’re taking notes from pint-sized influencers like North West and lapping up skincare advice from their millions of followers. 

So how are the legacy beauty brands (also referred to as mom brands by my tween) reacting? To be generous, you could say “adapting”. More cynically? Cashing in on a highly lucrative new market. Estée Lauder recently launched a Gen Z and Alpha collection called Nutritious on TikTok featuring only three products. Cha-ching!  Silver lining? We can take notes from the OG of this phenomenon, Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson. With smart hashtags, varied content and consistent posting, her social media playbook is legendary. And the creamy, dreamy products? Even this Gen Xer has been dipping into her daughter’s Drunk Elephant stash… Ssh!

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Laugh so you don’t cry: Nando’s has Bafana’s back

Sob. Bafana Bafana’s luck ran out and South Africa won’t be going through to the Africa Cup of Nations final. While SA licks its wounds, we can count on Nando’s to mark the moment with yet another iconic ad.

Africa Travel Week Responsible Tourism Awards now open

Want recognition for your sustainable travel efforts in Africa? The ATW Responsible Tourism Awards are seeking entries by March 22nd. Check out why and how to enter.

Scientists rally to rescue France’s smelly cheese

Alert the Brie brigade! Funky cheese fungi are fading fast, threatening classics like Camembert and Roquefort. Researchers across France are rallying to preserve unique cheese bacteria before it’s too late.

British Vogue’s iconic cover packs A-listers galore

How do you get 40 of the world’s most famous women in the same room? You offer them a spot on the cover of Vogue, of course.

The creative ads provided a mental palate cleanser between plot twists, while also giving us those catchy jingles that stick in our heads. While we can blast through episodes ad-free today, I miss those amusing interludes that allowed us to process what we had just watched. The podcast reminded me that exceptional ads can be an artform themselves. But what can we learn from them?

First up – Apple and their customer-centric iPhone campaign. Their strategy here was to make the customer the star of the story by showing how the new iPhone makes their lives easier – including those who are blind and deaf. Marketing 101 right there: make your peeps feel special and they’ll keep coming back for more!

Next, Coca-Cola brought some artful storytelling into the mix with their “Masterpiece” ad. By blending art and a bottle of Coke in a museum, they found a super creative way to weave their product into the narrative.

Then we’ve got Popcorners who stirred things up with their bold Super Bowl ad, “Breaking Bad”. They took a risk with an unexpected drug dealer comparison but went all-in on the edgy idea. They weren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Now cue the tears with Alzheimer’s Research and their animated ad. It starts sweet but hits you right in the feels as the harsh reality unfolds. Their strategic emotional buildup makes the message really hit home.

And finally, Dove kept it real with their empowering take on filtered selfies. They aligned the “Reverse Selfie” campaign perfectly with their brand promise of promoting real beauty and body positivity. Way to spark a movement, Dove!

My fave? The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 for adidas. Taking stars off the pitch and putting them in a brightly coloured, high-energy spot (a supermarket), was a smart way to pique the interest of younger, football-lite fans.

Who knew we could actually learn something from ads? The best ads out there don’t just sell stuff – they pull you into a story that hits you in the feels and stays true to the brand. Creative ads also take risks to craft compelling stories that get audiences hooked. Might be time for me to plop down in front of the TV again for a masterclass in marketing storytelling!

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over the past week

Our global ambassador of giggles

South Africa’s Tourism Campaign with Trevor Noah has landed! Is that (alleged) R33 million ad worth the hype? Let Trevor’s humour be your guide as he tackles travel questions about SA. (Warning: if you’re easily offended by rhinos being romantic, don’t watch it).

Seeing is believing in the era of AI art

The winners of the inaugural AI Art Awards have been revealed, with top honours going to a vintage-style, black-and-white portrait depicting two sisters affectionately embracing an octopus. The image provokes an intriguing question – can art created by artificial intelligence truly be considered art?

Shopping on the edge

Nicknamed China’s most “inconvenient convenience store,” a tiny cliffside shop supplies refreshments to climbers. Defying gravity, the aptly-named curiosity literally hangs off the rockface. The improbable shop shows how the most needed niches can be filled in the most unlikely places.

A creepy discovery under floorboards

An Australian woman battling damp floorboards had them lifted. What lay underneath was worthy of a horror movie. Would you still want to live in this house?

If you think I’m overstating, consider the fact that it has even consumed the attention of one of the most respected institutions of our time – The Oxford Dictionary. The 2023 Word of the Year is “Goblin Mode”. This term describes unabashedly self-indulgent, lazy, or greedy behaviour that defies societal norms, all stemming from a Twitter hashtag.

The Oxford Word of the Year is an annually debated term or phrase that captures the spirit of the year and has lasting cultural significance. “Selfie”, another social media brewed term, got the trophy in 2013. In 2021, “vax” won.

Have the wise ones behind the annual award inadvertently created a litmus test of society to rival the Gallup World poll?

So, when I came across the term ‘sad fishing’ (a tendency of social media users to publish exaggerations of their emotional states to generate sympathy), I took note. We know the pandemic left many feeling sad and bad – and here we are.

Will ‘sad fishing’ catch the eye of the cats at Oxford? Digging around, I found some other gems that shed some light on just how well we’re faring as a planet so far in 2023.

FOMOnomics: The economic theory that ties consumer spending to the fear of missing out on trends or experiences.

Memeology: The study or belief in the mystical power of memes to shape popular culture.

Nomophobia: The fear or anxiety of being without one’s smartphone or mobile device, often leading to compulsive checking and engagement with social media.

Retweetopia: A state of excitement and joy when someone’s tweet gets widely shared and praised.

Are we doomed? Not if South Africans have anything to do with it. For years, the last word in the book was “zynthum”, a beer made in ancient Egypt. But in 2017, zynthum was usurped by “zyzzyva”, a South African weevil. (Trust South Africans to always have the last word). The word ‘bokke’ (South African. An antelope) was added in 1812. Maybe it’ll be word of the year in 2024 – here’s hoping.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over the past week

Who wore it best?

“Don’t look at it when hungover”. This was the verdict on SA’s alternative kit for the Rugby World Cup as rated by The Telegraph. Their ranking of Every 2023 Rugby World Cup shirt will help you identify who’s who – but is also a great read.

New York’s Airbnb apocalypse

Good news for hoteliers, the Big Apple lost 15,000 short-term lettings thanks to a new law that came into effect. The goal? Free up apartments to tackle rising rentals and homelessness in the city.

Is Trevor Noah for sale, or not?

Rumours swirled that one of our greatest exports, Trevor Noah, was being paid R33 million to front an ad selling us the world. Finally, the funnyman had his say on the matter.

World’s loneliest lion returns to Africa

Welcome home, Ruben! Dubbed the world’s loneliest lion, Ruben found the chance at a new life in South Africa after five years of solitary confinement in a concrete cell in Armenia. Watch this old guy taking is first steps on home soil.

And boy, did we laugh. From the adorable dad who used his golf clubs to ‘fake ski’ to our hilarious attempts at making snowmen and celebs dancing in the snow, the regular news cycle came to a halt. The words on everyone’s lips were stuck on repeat, “It’s snowing in Joburg!” It united us like nothing else since winning the Rugby World Cup.

It was a welcome break from the sad and bad news we’re bombarded with daily – and a reminder that it’s always good to take time to connect with our fellow Safricans and to smell the roses. Or make a snowman when your day turns upside down, thanks to a once-in-a-generation snow event. US-based writer and speaker Candy Arrington is no stranger to snow (it’s an annual event in her hood). Her view is that we can learn some life lessons from it.

• Snow teaches us to slow down. Don’t always rush and try to do too much. Instead, relax and enjoy life.
• Be ready to change plans, just like when it snows, and we have to adjust our day. Life is full of surprises, so it’s good to be flexible.
• Snow can make everything look beautiful, even if it’s messy underneath. This reminds us to think positively and focus on the good things in life.
• When it’s snowing, it’s a good time to think deeply about our lives. Instead of worrying about things we must do, we should appreciate what we have and listen to our inner thoughts.
• Snow makes everything quiet and peaceful. This is a reminder that we need to rest and reflect, not just keep running around doing things.

Sadly the weather experts tell us we’re unlikely to expect snowfall for another decade. But you don’t need a random weather event to approach each day with a ‘snowy day’ perspective.

Mindful Musings

Marketing Musings

by Gabie Stewart

It’s time to think pink!

When multiple organisations work together to create a campaign that mutually benefits all parties involved you often see magic happen. It’s called brand collaboration and it has great marketing power.

A perfect example of brand collaboration can be found in the buzz and anticipation surrounding the release of the long-awaited Barbie movie on the 21st July.

The devil works hard, but the Barbie movie marketing team works harder. The marketing team behind the upcoming movie is ensuring that it is impossible to miss the release with new stunts and collaborations released almost on a weekly basis.

Fashion lovers have been praising Margot Robbie, who portrays the main character, and her team of stylists. They have delved into the archives to find Barbie-inspired pink garments from Chanel, Prada, and Valentino, as the renowned actress embarks on her promotional tour for the movie.

What would Barbie be without her clothing style? Many fashion brands have launched clothing items that feature the Barbie logo and pay homage to the hot pink that everyone now associates with Barbie! One of these brands is Aldo, which has released a line of shoes and bags in pink and silver tones, with each piece coming in Barbie-themed packaging.

Earlier this month, a particularly large stunt was announced— a listing for, you guessed it, Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse! The DreamHouse is, to date, the largest of the marketing team’s stunts to create awareness around the movie. However, there are various other brand collaborations currently in the marketing space.

The luggage company Béis has jumped on the bandwagon, offering hot pink suitcases and travel bags emblazoned with Barbie’s iconic phrase “today is the best day ever!”

If interior design and décor are more your vibe, then why not get inspired by Architectural Digest’s tour with Margot Robbie in a full Barbie look as she takes viewers around the actual DreamHouse from the movie?

Gamers are not left out either! Xbox has released a DreamHouse console with custom faceplates. Forza Horizon 5, the racing game, has announced that it is possible to ‘drive’ versions of both Barbie’s 1956 Chevrolet Corvette EV and Ken’s 2022 GMC HUMMER EV, virtually of course!

Overall, it seems as if the world is on the brink of turning Barbie pink—and I can’t wait to see what the marketing team has up their (pink) sleeves next!

What the world’s musing over

A nude awakening

After its premiere on Mzansi Magic, Shaka iLembe has set a record as the best-ever performance for a MultiChoice drama series. But not everyone is happy about that, and things got heated at the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

Back to Brazil!

The skies above South Africa just got a bit more spicy! South African Airways has announced it will launch two routes from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Brazil’s São Paulo. This will be the return of South African Airways to South America since 2020. Viva!

Elon launches AI alternative

Elon Musk is clearly one competitive guy. He’s taken on space, the car industry, and social media. Now, the maverick billionaire has launched his long-teased artificial intelligence startup xAI in his bid to build an alternative to ChatGPT – and help us find aliens. Put out the popcorn…