The importance of domestic travel

Michelline NawatisesThe property connoisseurs and award-winning travel bloggers, Lisette and Liselle So-Oabes, share their knowledge in a question-and-answer about travelling.The travel bug bit the two influencers after visiting the Etosha National Park many moons ago. They say Namibia is like nowhere else in the world, or at least compared to the places they have been. “It is impeccably clean, overflowing with unrivalled natural beauty which varies from incredibly vast deserts to beautiful mountain ranges,” they say. They have been to all 14 regions of Namibia and stayed at 33 lodges. Q: What is your favourite destination?A: The most favourite destination is the Desert Whisper from the Gondwana Collection, a unique, intimate, luxurious desert hideaway, perfectly designed as a retreat for two, which is situated in the heart of the Sossusvlei, offering calming, vast, open views to the surroundings. Q: If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be?A: Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean Sea. This is the place to go if you’re looking to escape. The combination of beautiful tranquil beaches, lush rainforests and vertical cliffs (basically all in one). Q: What’s the biggest/best adventure you’ve been on and why?A: Having a swing ride of your life with panoramic views of the Aying River Bali, which is technically hanging between coconut trees – Simply because it offers unparallel experience and you can take the most amazing pictures. Q: Do you have any upcoming adventures planned?A: Festive season – We are planning on going for a 16-day resort hopping experience in Etosha, Namibia. Q: What is the most enlightening thing your travels have taught you?A: To make memories for your senses, as travelling inspires a sense of wonder and discovery.Q: What are your travel essentials when packing your suitcase?A: Gimble, sunscreen, sunglasses, wet wipes, Allergex and diarrhoea tablets - because cuisines. Q: What do you love the most and the least about travelling?A: Most – definitely meeting different cultures.Least – odd hours to catch flights and not to mention waiting in lines. Lines at security. Lines at boarding gate. Lines at baggage claim. Lines at attractions. As well as the end, when we have to leave.Q: Is it better to plan out a trip or just leave everything open-ended?A: We plan our trips way in advance – in fact that’s how we prolong our trip, by experiencing the thrill long before we are actually there. Q: What is your travel style? A: Travelling isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. And that’s the way it should be. Whether you are a luxury or budget traveller all depends on financial circumstances. Q: How do you get over a fear of travelling to an unknown place? A: We most definitely read up more about the destination and try by all means to acquaint ourselves with the place by visualising it. This helps us to learn what to expect and plan our routes. We also do a lot of resting prior to the day we are traveling because hodophobia (fear of travelling) is a real thing. Q: How do you afford to travel? A: We are big on SAVING! Always on the lookout for some special local and international deals for our flights, accommodation and activities. As lifestyle influencers, local establishments and businesses reach out to us for content curation to foster brand alignment and awareness, which bears a lot of fruit due to reports received from different lodges and businesses. Q: How do you think tourism in Namibia can be revived? A: It can definitely be revived when different rates are introduced for Namibian visitors, SADC visitors and international visitors at all travel destinations and by simplifying it even more that rooms be charged per room (PR) and not per person sharing (PPS). Q: What is the gap in the Namibian industry? A: Digital footprint or digital shadow. Most of these local travel destinations lack a unique set of traceable digital activities, actions and communications on the internet that are easily accessible and available to local people.Q: What are your top five tips on taking aesthetically pleasing photos?A: First of all, make sure your camera is clean and there is some light (preferably natural light).Add symmetry – look for features around you that will make your shot eye-catchy. Create depth – Take it from a higher or lower angle. Focus on the focal item and then capture. Bam, you’ve got a winning photo.

The importance of domestic travel

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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The importance of domestic travel

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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