The Thrifty Traveler: Cape Town

1.  Tjing Tjing                                   
Did someone say free wine tastings? Stop by Tjing Tjing on Wednesdays starting at 5pm, and try some of the finest blends in South Africa. Chill on top of this historical building which has been transformed into a rooftop bar. Cheers! Want to learn more?

2.  Diamond Tour: Shimansky
Ever wonder how diamonds are sculpted to perfection? Join the Shimansky experts, and see first-hand what goes into this process. Walk through the halls of the sparkling showroom and see how the precious stone is cut and polished in a workshop. This tour is open to all ages, and is entirely free. Check out more at the  Shimansky tour.

3.  Table Mountain National Park        
This park is filled with a plethora of natural wonders, and encompasses over 100 miles of trails for both hiking and biking! Dare to explore Devil's Peak, or take a stroll across Table Mountain. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can stay at one of the many campsites available. For more information go to the National Park's Website.

4.  Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 
With over 1,000 acres to wander, this is one of the largest Botanical Gardens in the entire world. Enjoy the wide diversity of vegetation native to South Africa; while meditating amidst the picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain. Read further here.

The Inside Scoop

What can you do to get the best tips when traveling? Just ask a local, and get the inside scoop!

We decided to do some work for you and here is what we came up with:

We share with you some great tips from Soma Dutt. Soma is from Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta) and is an MBA student concentrating in Finance at University of Massachusetts, Boston. Today, Soma brings you some great advice for all you travelers out there interested in visiting New Delhi. Check out some of her fun suggestions, as well as things to watch out for!

TTI: Where should a tourist look to stay in New Delhi when money doesn't matter?

Soma: The Oberoi Hotels, New Delhi


TTI: What are some of the local's favorite hotspots?

Soma: The Lodhi Garden, Cafe Morrison, and Paranthe Wali Gali are places you won't want to miss!
 Check out more here!

TTI: What is one recommendation you would give to a friend traveling India for the first time?

Soma: Do not eat Street Food, Stay Healthy and Be Safe!


TTI: What is one thing most tourists aren’t prepared for when they visit New Delhi?

Soma: Driving there is an extreme sport. It is also very crowded, there are a lot of people!


TTI: Is there a food specific to New Delhi that is a must try?

Soma: 
* Spicy Snacks known as chaats (mixture of potato pieces, crispy fried bread, gram and tangy-salty spices-- garnished with sour home-made Indian chilly and dried ginger and tamarind sauce, fresh green coriander leaves and yoghurt), yummy!
* Chholey Bhature
* Paranthas: Flatbreads sometimes with a stuffing of your choice – potatoes, cauliflower, radish, eggs, keema(minced meat)
* Kebabs: grilled chunks of meat or fish marinated in aromatic Indian spices


TTI: What is one thing that makes India different from other countries?

Soma: Diversity in every aspect of life in India. Modern India presents a picture of unity in diversity to which history provides no parallel India's vibrant democracy, its dynamism, its youth, its religions, its nature, its languages, its origins, its culture, its unparalleled growth, its people, cuisine, makes it very unique.


TTI: If you had 1 day in New Delhi what would you do?

 Soma:
* The Rashtrapati Bhavan.
* National Museum - the largest museum in India
* Lunch and shop at Connaught Place
* Rashtrapati Bhavan
* Jantar Mantar: one of the oldest astronomical observatories
* Visit Chandni Chowk – city’s famous shopping street