When we dream of the perfect beach holiday we think of palm trees, white sand, bright water, and an atmosphere of luxury. We imagine lounging on a deck chair tanning with a refreshing drink in hand whilst reading a good book. Camps Bay beach offers guests and locals a taste of paradise, allowing one to take a dip in the cool waters of the Atlantic, and enjoy the lazy and cosmopolitan lifestyle of the Cape’s number one seaside suburb.

Religious or not, it’s difficult not to be moved by St George’s Cathedral in the centre of Cape Town. It’s a place of sanctuary and tranquility with extraordinary beauty found in its stained glass windows and sandstone structure. Regardless of whether you find yourself inspired by its reverence or magnificence, a visit to this cathedral promises to be worthwhile.

There can be few better tourist attractions to represent the South African experience than the topless red buses of the City Sightseeing Company. Cape Town, as a microcosm of South Africa, is a rich tapestry of South African cultures, languages and history.

Yet another great trip on a City Sightseeing Cape Town bus, this time on the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour. I simply cannot compare the two bus tours, as the variety of sights and information is so different on each. My friend, Simone, joined me for the day, and being as photo crazy as I am, it turned out to be a day of laughs and silliness as we enjoyed the view. It was nice to find the same, very helpful tour usher on the bus again.

I’ve been on many a City Sightseeing bus tour around the world, but for some reason always put off going on one in my own city. I finally got that chance, and much more, after entering and winning the “Ready to Welcome the World” competition. I took my mom and sister along for the day, and the weather played along perfectly.