Wanderlust Reads: Top Travel Books to add to your reading list
There’s nothing like a good book to transport you to amazing new places. For those looking for travel inspiration, books offer a magical passport to distant lands, unique cultures, and extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re an armchair explorer or a seasoned traveller, here are some captivating travel books we love that will ignite your wanderlust.
How Harvey World Travel helps SMEs beat business challenges in South Africa
In 1951, Harvey World Travel (HWT) was founded in Australia. As the company grew internationally, its South African operation played a major role in its global reach. While over time, the iconic blue and yellow logo was acquired by other companies in South Africa, the name has stood the test of time.
Romantic destinations you will fall for
Just like that special someone gives you butterflies, the perfect romantic getaway for two can sweep you off your feet. For some, that may be a loved-up weekend away, while for others, it could be a dream holiday overseas.
Trending Travel Destination Guide 2025
Not only do we want to see amazing places when we travel, but we also want to feel connected to the destination and feel a part of that world. More than ever, tourism is embracing slower, longer trips that leave places better than before.
Business Travel Trends for 2025: What Corporates Need to Know
The needle on business travel trends for 2025 has not moved too much since last year. Corporate travel resurgence in 2024 caught up with pre-Covid levels and Oxford Economics predicts that the global travel growth in 2025 will be as low as 2.85%.
Luxury Travel Trends – where to indulge and unwind
“Luxury is in the detail”, said famous fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. For many, the word “luxury” conjures up an indulgent sense of great comfort and convenience made possible by incurring significant expense to achieve it.
Travel Insurance – head for cover
A well-managed travel portfolio will always include comprehensive travel insurance coverage for your people and the business.
Flying with a baby – tips to a smooth trip
Handling infant children is already a medal-worthy challenge, but travelling away from home on airlines with tiny people certainly adds to this stress of the trip. Simply pack up and go just got much more complicated!
The bottom line about travel Management Reporting
According to a 2023 Harvard Business survey, 84% of travel managers agree that business travel offers tangible benefits when travelling to personally meet with customers and prospects. But to calculate that return on investment, you have to track what you’re spending.
Take a gap year – travel the world on a budget
Pressing “pause” after the school years have come to an end is a great way to reset and recalibrate before plunging into the tedium and responsibility that often comes with a new adult chapter.
How to achieve Travel Policy Compliance
Implementing a business travel policy is a practical and proven way to manage travel expenses, ensure traveller well-being and achieve overall business objectives in a positive way.
Packing Guide 101 – how to do it right
Your tickets are booked and exciting plans have been made. You can’t wait and you think you’ve thought of everything. But our advice is to take some time now, in the days and weeks prior to travel, to make sure you’ve given adequate thought about not just what to pack but how.
The professional approach to Follow-Up
You’ve just planned, organised and executed a great event and finally, it’s over. So, what’s next? Now is the time to build on the constructive momentum you’ve created.
Surviving airports – how to come out smiling!
Unless you are a very well-seasoned traveller, airports can often seem overwhelming, especially large international airports in unfamiliar countries. Our top tips will help you navigate them like a pro.
Travel Managers Guide to Productive Travellers
Help your travellers to meet more than just flight deadlines! Business travel disrupts regular routines and schedules. Staying ahead of expectations, both business and personal can be a challenge when away from home.
Your guide to off-season travel spots in Europe
Dreams of sunny European weather and the confines of school vacation dates often determine when families can travel. So, it’s no surprise that Summer is the most popular time to head out, especially in Europe.
Optimise your travel policy: A guide to modern best practice
What is a travel policy? A travel policy prescribes a set of rules to outline procedures related to business travel expenses. The policy usually covers everything related to organising and undertaking business trips, from pre-trip approval (both to manage costs and keep travellers safe) to booking, payment and expense management.
Let’s Decode the Future Traveller
Successfully managing travel for Millennials and Gen Z travellers means understanding their travel preferences and recognising just how different they are to traditional travellers of generations past.
Cape Town five ways – your perfect weekend escape
If you’re craving a weekend packed with adventure, natural beauty and a dose of vibrant culture – look no further than Cape Town. This cosmopolitan city offers something for everyone and a long weekend is the ideal amount of time to get a taste of the magic.
Unique Stays in South Africa: Glamping for Every Adventurer
Glamping means embracing nature’s beauty while still indulging in your creature comforts. Just imagine spacious tents with plush beds, crisp linens and en-suite bathrooms. Think private decks overlooking breathtaking scenery, complete with comfy furniture and maybe even a hot tub.
Mind your manners – your travel guide to Cultural Etiquette
The world is a wonderful mix of cultures, customs and unique traditions. Social norms are diverse and include ways to eat, greet, dress and interact with one another. As travellers, venturing beyond your comfort zone and into new spaces requires more than just a nod to cultural sensitivity.
Where to Next with HWT ?
Welcome to the world of HWT podcasts! In this series, we plan to ignite your curiosity, broaden your perspectives, and leave you feeling inspired to travel after every episode. For us, “Next” means what else, what’s new, what’s happening, where can travel and HWT take you? And this is where you’ll find the answers to all things travel.
Navigating travel in 2024 – tips for HWT Franchisee
In the turbulent years following the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has clawed its way back to a brand-new normal. It’s safe to say that nobody was prepared for the unprecedented and dramatic drop in air travel, completely decimated supply chains, borders closing, global wide travel bans and travel and tourism job losses extending into the millions around the world.
Duty of Care for Business Travel
What is duty of care for business travellers?
So, what does Duty of Care mean, and why is it so important in travel? Duty of Care is a reference to “a company’s moral and legal obligation to strive for the well-being, health, and safety of its employees whilst they perform their duties.”
Easter holidays – an EGGciting travel adventure
Easter transcends borders and unfolds in unique ways around the world. Fill your next holiday with cultural richness, captivating celebrations and some quirky fun as you delve into customs and traditions that mark this holiday across the globe. Hop on board for some fascinating easter rituals to tease your travel taste buds:
Getting the most from your hired wheels
From chariot rental in ancient Rome – to the humble beginnings of car rental in Germany over 100 years ago, man’s need for hired wheels is thousands of years old. For the modern traveller, car hire options are endless, and there is a vehicle to suit every need, whether it be for business or pleasure.
Our new website is live – it’s up and away!
Our website has had an exciting makeover, and it’s about to make your travel journey a whole lot smoother. Think sleek lines, vibrant imagery and an intuitive interface that delivers a user experience that flows like a perfect itinerary!
Bidvest Group Leader Takes the World by Storm!
Mpumi Madisa Makes Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women
“Who run the world? Girls!” Beyonce declared – and in 2023, Forbes agrees. Their prestigious list of the 100 Most Powerful Women features our very own group CEO, Mpumi Madisa, a visionary leader shaping the group and beyond. This recognition isn’t just a personal win; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere.
Top Ten cost savings travel tips
The allure of travel is its ability to whisk us away to new worlds, broaden our horizons, and create unforgettable memories. However, the financial aspects of travel planning can often diminish our enthusiasm!
Culinary travel journeys to tickle your tastebuds
Food connects people through flavours and traditions and is a universal language that transcends borders! If you love travel and food, then going on a cooking holiday is a delectable way to experience a new destination.
8 Top tips to keep business travellers happy
Successful corporate wellness programs encourage all employees to make healthy choices and, in turn, reduce the negative impact of illness on the business
Meditation retreats – holidays to soothe the soul
We all know that finding moments of tranquillity and calm can be extremely challenging in a fast-paced world. Time is scarce, work is overwhelming, and family demands take priority.
TRAVEL BY TRAIN – Top 5 scenic train journeys to tantalise your travel buds
There is something undeniably romantic and captivating about train journeys. Perhaps it’s the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks, the changing landscapes outside your window, or a sense of bygone glamour that makes it memorable.
Minimise travel disruption – a Traveller checklist
So, you’ve refreshed your travel policy and made sure your travellers understand what’s expected of them. Now it’s time to make sure they think of everything your travel policy doesn’t touch on!
How to be a conscious traveller – top tips to go green
Choosing How you travel is just as important as where you plan to go. While convenience and cost will always be top of mind, it’s just as essential to be mindful of how our travel impacts the world.
Top Romantic Getaways In South Africa
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, rekindling your love, or just want to escape the everyday with your significant other, South Africa offers stunning destinations that promise to rekindle a bit of romance.
Family-Friendly Spring Staycations in SA
Like Spring, South Africa is simply bursting with an array of experiences to rejuvenate your soul! The upcoming vacation breaks are perfect for planning a Spring staycation.
Family-Friendly Spring Staycations in SA
Like Spring, South Africa is simply bursting with an array of experiences to rejuvenate your soul!
The upcoming vacation breaks are perfect for planning a Spring staycation.
Elevate your travel business – Partner with HWT
You know the travel business. You expend endless energy into providing exceptional customer service while balancing the need for financial stability alongside the best travel rates and deals you can find.
Women travelling solo – Top 3 travel tips
No woman has walked on the moon! But that’s about to change. In 2025 The US Space Agency will send Christina Koch to the moon as part of the Artemis Space Programme. She will have prepared for five long years since this was first announced. Let’s be honest – her destination is a very cool travel bucket-list item!
Women travelling solo – Top 3 travel tips
No woman has walked on the moon! But that’s about to change. In 2025 The US Space Agency will send Christina Koch to the moon as part of the Artemis Space Programme. She will have prepared for five long years since this was first announced. Let’s be honest – her destination is a very cool travel bucket-list item!
How to choose accommodation that won’t give you sleepless nights
Finding the right accommodation when travelling can be verwhelming! Fortunately, South Africa boasts an extensive range of options for any traveller – whether it’s for business or pleasure, or perhaps a bit of both….
Wild luxury – Glamping in South Africa
Luxury, refined, boutique or just Glamping – call it what you like, but it’s tenting in absolute style! South Africa is a diverse country bursting with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes, making it the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Pristine coastlines, rugged mountains, bushveld, forests and undulating plains – the choice of settings is all yours. Regardless of your preferences and the size of your pocket, there is something for everyone when it comes to tented glamour.
Mauritius – the ultimate all-inclusive escape
Planning a holiday can be time-consuming and stressful. One of the biggest advantages of choosing an all-inclusive holiday is the convenience. Everything is taken care of, from accommodation and meals to activities and entertainment – leaving you free to relax and enjoy every moment of your holiday.
Go while you can – travel for the young and adventurous
Travelling is a great way to broaden your horizons, embrace new experiences, and create unforgettable memories. What better time to do it than NOW? While flying solo has advantages, we unpack some of the benefits of travelling with other young, free-spirited adventurers.
Supporting start-up businesses in Tourism
The South African travel and tourism industry holds immense economic growth and development potential.
After this critical sector was almost decimated in 2020, supporting entrepreneurs in tourism now will breathe life into the tourism sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.
