By Itu Motuba
We have baecations. We have staycations. We have the girls’ trip, the boys’ trip and the family holiday where somebody inevitably asks, “Are we there yet?”But what if you simply went by yourself?
Welcome to the moi-cation. As in more of me, for me.
We’ve all been part of that WhatsApp group where a trip has been discussed for three years and nothing has happened. Or, if it does, you spend the whole time worrying about everyone. Don’t get me wrong, the worrying is part of the fun, but only in hindsight.
I love travelling with my crazy family, but sometimes you just need an Eat, Pray, Love moment. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Go at your own pace
There is something wonderfully liberating about a holiday where the only person you have to consult is yourself. No negotiating restaurants, compromising on departure times or pretending to enjoy an activity because somebody else wants to do it. And absolutely no hearing, “But I thought we agreed…”
Want to wake up at 5am for a sunrise drive? Go for it. Sleep until 10am? Perfectly acceptable. Spend three hours somewhere beautiful, drinking coffee and doing nothing? Congratulations, you’ve planned the perfect morning.
When you’re juggling work, family, friends and everyday responsibilities, it can be difficult to hear yourself think. Getting away alone creates breathing room. Read, xplore, sleep or stare dramatically into the distance like the main character in a travel advertisement.
Find your kind of escape
Southern Africa gives us plenty of places to practise our newfound independence.For nature lovers, a game-drive getaway is an obvious choice. There’s something special about sitting quietly while the bush wakes up around you. The elephants aren’t interested in your small talk either.
For a mountain escape, the Drakensberg offers fresh air, spectacular views and enough walking to remind you that your legs exist. Or find a cosy lodge, pack a book and call it hiking if you take one short walk to the viewpoint.
Everyone knows hiking and I are not friends, but I love nature, and regular walks count too. You can even glamp. Yes, glamping, for us soft-life girlies.
Then there are coastal road trips. Drive through the Garden Route at your own pace, explore the Wild Coast or find a seaside town where you can park and let somebody else worry about the ocean.
One of the coolest drives I’ve ever done was from Durban to Ulundi. Now that is what I call a scenic route.
TWine lovers can turn a moi-cation into a Winelands escape, with delicious food and scenery that belongs on a postcard.
If you don’t fancy driving for hours, book a hotel or boutique guesthouse closer to home. Take the scenic route, order room service and enjoy the rare luxury of not sharing the television remote.
A little planning goes a long way
Tell someone where you’re going, share your itinerary and check in along the way. Make sure your car is road-trip ready, keep emergency numbers handy and don’t tell the entire internet your house is empty while you’re sipping cocktails 800 kilometres away.
Travelling alone doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Book a guided hike or game drive. Take a cooking class. Chat to other travellers. Eat at the communal table.
You get to choose when you want company, without the responsibility of taking care of everyone.
That is the beauty of the moi-cation.
Sometimes you need a holiday with your favourite people. Sometimes your favourite person is the one behind the wheel, choosing the playlist and deciding where to stop for coffee.
You love your family and friends, but a few days to yourself?
Sounds like heaven. So fill the tank, pack the sunglasses and choose a destination.Your holiday. Your rules. Your playlist. Now that’s a vacation I can get behind.
