Be Whole

Is it just me or are more people leaning towards self-help holidays these days?

Not that I’d deny an all-inclusive vacation, every once in a while, but with access to the internet and more companies adding convenience features to their products, self-planned trips have become quite popular, and are way more affordable.

One particular holiday that I’ve just added to my bucket list is a self-drive boating holiday.

Firstly, when yacht life came to mind, I thought expensive, overpriced, I can’t afford it… That was before a sweet travel-loving PR lady, working for the Moorings, invited me to hop aboard a luxury catamaran, and informed me of the range of boating options available for family holidays, girls’ trips, and honeymoon adventures. It’s called Le Boat.

Imagine sailing through Europe, from about R12 000 per person. I know, it sounds bizarre – really affordable and totally doable with this self-drive boating service that’s been in existence for over 50 years.

Watch me hop aboard one of the pricier boats, fully equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, showers, double beds, oven, and a deck area, here.

Why a self-drive boating holiday is a good idea:

1. You get an authentic local experience while travelling through local towns along your journey and this also works out to be budget-friendly as you aren’t having to spend big city prices on food, sights and entertainment.
2. You’ll have easy access to destinations such as France, Italy and Holland with incredible natural beauty and lip-smacking food.
3. You don’t need a driving licence for your boating holiday on nearly all of Le Boat’s cruises.
4. You also don’t need to have any boating experience. When you arrive at the base, you’ll receive an in-depth briefing on the boat, from which knots to use to how the oven works.
5. The boats can accommodate up to 12 people to suit your budget and group size.
6. You’ll have to budget for fuel, service fees, water and travelling to the base; but once you’re on board, the boat is basically your home – accommodation and transport sorted!
7. It’s an interesting and different way to experience a country. Imagine passing vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region, stopping along the way for wine tasting, and sightseeing medieval villages and ancient fortress cities.
8. Have I mentioned that it’s more affordable than catching a flight and booking a hotel?

If you’re ready to cross boating-holiday off your bucket list, head to the Le Boat website to view their early bird specials for 2020 😉

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