Choosing the Right Hospitality Course in South Africa

Deciding what to do after you leave high school can be really tough. Some people are lucky and know exactly where they want to go and what they want to do. Others are faced with sleepless nights, tossing and turning over which course they want to take and whether or not this is the right plan for them. Below are a few tips that will prove useful to anyone who finds themself in such a position.

• What?

It is of utmost importance to make sure that the course of study chosen is one that you will enjoy. This will help to keep your levels of motivation up throughout the course, as the idea of the final outcome is something to look forward to, whether it’s a career in surgery or hotel management.

• Where?

Choosing an institution that you think you will be happy in is just as important as choosing one with a good reputation. Considering the department, lecturers and programmes are all important factors in making the decision regarding which environment suits you best. For example, if you want to get your international hospitality management degree, you need to consider which institutions provide practical experience and are recognised overseas.

• How?

One of the most difficult aspects of furthering one’s education is figuring out how to fund it. The cost of tertiary education has shot up drastically in the past few years, with the average undergraduate degree now costing roughly R80 000. Student loans, bank loans and part-time jobs are most definitely options that need to be considered.

• When?

One of the biggest mistakes that school-leavers make is thinking that they have to go and study straight away. Some people need to take a year or two’s gap between Grade 12 and 1^st year. This allows them to gain some perspective and decide whether or not they are going into the right field of study. Furthermore, it gives them time to earn some money in a part or full-time job, helping them to reduce the financial pressures that first year can bring.

Too many people leave too much riding on the fact that they will figure out which career path they are best suited to on their first attempt. What is important to remember is that universities and colleges can generally be very flexible and accommodating with students who wish to change direction at a later stage (with a few exceptions, depending on how big the change is.). Stressing about the initial decision will only lead to panic and irrational thought, causing many people to choose a path that they are simply unhappy with.

Original Source: How 2

A world of hospitality opportunities

At the time of a global economic recession, hotel management courses became one of the most popular electives at tertiary education institutions the world over. The speculation about why this is so centred around the fact that careers in the hospitality industry, such as hotel management or working as a chef in the hotel’s restaurant, open up doors to so many opportunities. The possibilities of where a young graduate could go with a qualification in hospitality are endless.

Source: http://www.smaak-hospitality.co.za/a-world-of-hospitality-opportunities/

Winter Road Tripping

Road tripping through South Africa during winter can be amazing. While the rain doesn’t always make for favourable conditions, the scenery is breathtaking as mountainsides are filled with waterfalls and grass plains are deep green and filled with life. However, while it may make for optimal sightseeing, driving in winter can be a difficult task and it’s important to consider a few things before embarking in your South Africa car rental with unlimited mileage.

It’s important to remember the rules of the road in unfavourable weather – something that should be done all year round. Pay special attention to speed limits and following distance. Often it may be difficult to see on a typical winter day and it’s important to drive with your headlights on and be on the constant look out for brake lights ahead of you. Ensure that you’re break lights are working before hitting the road – just one of the many checks you should carry out before leaving.

Ensure you can see optimally at all times. Replace your windscreen wipers before you leave if need be and top up the wiper fluid to make sure your vision really is crystal clear. Concentrate on the road ahead of you at all times and if you find yourself getting tired or your vision blurry then ask someone else to drive for a while.

It’s important to keep stimulated during a road trip, especially during winter. However, often the line between stimulated and distracted can be blurred when making use of long term car hire in Cape Town and surrounds. Ensure that there is a constant flow of music or a radio channel that you like – it’s especially useful to tune into a channel that provides up to date traffic reports.

Traffic during winter is particularly hectic and this is when having music in the background is useful. Avoid the traffic all together and pull over in a safe and preferably dry spot to enjoy the contents of that flask or to study the map for the duration of the journey. If you do plan to stop off on the side of the road then don’t stop on a shoulder, especially in bad weather. Ensure that your car is completely off the road and remember that a yellow line should only be used for emergencies.

When it’s cold we expend more energy and so do our cars which is why you need to keep supplies for both people and the car itself in the event of an emergency or just to hold both over on a long trip. At least if you make use of reputable car hire in South Africa you can rest assured that your car will be in good condition from the moment you embark on your winter road trip.

Original Source: I Need A Car

Disability insurance policy

Many people don’t comprehend how costly becoming permanently disabled can be. Not only could you be rendered unable to work in your current job, but you could also be saddled with extra medical bills. On top of this, you still have to be able to afford your regular bills and expenses. If you don’t have reliable Disability Cover to back you up in these unfortunate circumstances, you run the risk of plunging yourself and your loved ones into financial hardship. Researching and implementing an effective Disability Cover scheme is wise, especially if you’re the primary breadwinner in your family. Equally important is researching life insurance.

Some reputable insurance providers will pay out a cash lump sum of up to R5 000 000 if you’re disabled and unable to work in your current job or any job for which you are trained, qualified or educated. You can use this money to pay debts, adjust your lifestyle or use it to supplement your future income.

Why Disability Cover is a good idea

To best explain the advantages of having disability cover, you should look at the consequences of becoming disabled and being unable to earn a living (without having an effective cover scheme in place) could entail:

• Lack of employer coverage – Some businesses don’t offer their employees any kind of disability cover. While some may continue to pay your salary in the hopes that you will recover and return to work, a permanent disability could leave you completely unable to work in your current position. How long would your employer continue to pay you if you’re unable to work? If your employer decides to hire a replacement while you’re out of commission, you should be prepared for the possibility that they won’t be able to keep your position indefinitely.

• Wasted savings – Hypothetically, if you’ve saved 10% of your income each year, one year of disability could eradicate 10 years’ worth of savings. If you can’t afford to lose that much, then a disability policy is a good option.

• Burden on spouse or partner – It’s a large burden for your significant other to be expected to support you financially, be a parent, and help you to adjust at the same time. This can put unnecessary strain on the relationships that are the most valuable to you. This financial burden can be compared to that of a household losing a breadwinner and missing out on the financial aid of life cover.

• Selling investments – Although selling off assets or liquidating investments is an option, it may not be the best time to do so. As a result, you may not realise their true value. Relying on the hopes that your investments will be enough to cover you if you’re disabled is a risk best avoided with Disability Cover.

Looking at the consequences of becoming permanently disabled, you can see that Disability Cover is in both your and your family’s best interests.

Source: http://www.saindustries.co.za/the-benefits-of-a-direct-disability-insurance-policy/

Car hire in Cape Town

My family and I were planning a holiday in South Africa. We were flying from abroad so we needed a car for the three months that we would be staying there. I came across many car rental businesses, but what caught my attention was that Drive Africa offered 4x4 rentals as well as long term car hire in Cape Town which is exactly what I was looking for.

The highlight about the whole package is that you get unlimited mileage, as my family and I will be travelling a lot in South Africa as it is our first time visiting the country so there is lots on our to do list. For any tourists this really is the best most convenient option.

I was very impressed with Drive Africa’s service, they were efficient and our long term car hire in Cape Town is now booked and awaiting our arrival. For anyone looking for car rental companies I highly recommend this company as there prices are very good as well as their service is outstanding.

What does your car's colour say about you?

Cars are all generally manufactured in a wide range of colours. The colour that the buyer of a car, or a client at a Johannesburg car hire chooses can say a lot about them, according to experts from around the world. Below is a list of the most commonly chosen colours for cars, as well as a short description on what those colours say about the drivers. 

White:

It is thought that the colour white attracts the neatest and tidiest of people. Because white cars are the most difficult to keep clean, experts are inclined to agree that anyone who chooses to drive a white car excels in keeping things fresh, sparkling and hygienic in their day to day activities. Interestingly, white cars are cheaper to buy, easiest to sell and make up the majority of stocks at car hiring services around the world – everywhere from Cape Town airport car hire to services running in London.

Black:

Experts say that the black cars suggest that powerful individuals are behind the wheel. The colour is associated with a sense of establishment, empowerment and success. The shine and sparkle of a black car immediately sets the tone for class, sophistication and superiority, making this colour one favoured by high-powered business people.

Blue:

Experts believe that blue is a calming colour, associated with people who are able to stay grounded in stressful situations. Psychologists argue that, subconsciously, most of us trust the drivers of blue cars and we feel safe and guarded when sitting in the passenger seat.

Red:

This colour is one associated with sensuality, energy and boldness. The more vibrant the colour, the more bold the driver. It is generally agreed that drivers attracted to red cars are outgoing, outspoken people.

Silver:

Because of the richness of this colour, it is argued that drivers of silver cars are ambitious and flashy in their approach to life. They strive for excellence and set goals for themselves. Silver cars are said to reveal that their drivers are bold and determined in their approach to achieving everyday tasks.

Original Source: Capital Car Hire

PR in Cpe Town

At present, with the state of the economy and many large companies having no choice except to retrench employees; people have turned to establishing their own businesses.

Even established companies have turned to PR agencies to guide them through modern ways through which they can market their product.

For someone starting out a business in the Mother City, it is even more essential to acquire the services of a reputable PR company that offers a diverse range of services that can be tailored to suit your product.

Companies that provide PR in Cape Town are regarded as some of the best.

Source: WHY PR IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUNG COMPANIES